Our top pick: PODS is the best moving container company. It boasts better customer reviews than its competitors, a 10% Move.org discount, strong moving pods, and multiple storage options.

Here are the most important things to look for when picking a moving container company:

• Availability. Most companies aren’t available nationwide. Make sure you find one with moving services in your origin and destination cities.
• Price. Low prices aren’t just good for your pocketbook. They can also indicate whether a company can keep up with the increased COVID-19 moving demand.
• Container sizes. Multiple sizes mean multiple options—and potential savings. Look for a container company that has more than one size or charges only for the space taken up by your belongings.
• Customer reviews. Few things matter more than what other customers say. Companies like U-Pack and PODS that get rave reviews mean that you’re more likely to have a positive moving experience. 
• Storage options. The best moving container companies let you store your containers either at your home or their company storage warehouses.
• Container quality. Your options range from steel to plywood. Candidly, they all keep your items pretty secure. But there’s something to be said for seeing your belongings safely tucked away inside a 1-800-PACK-RAT or PODS  heavy-duty container.

PODS is the best moving container company in the nation. PODS keeps its rates reasonable while offering top-notch containers and on-site and at-home storage. The company has done so well that the term "storage pods" has become almost as popular as "storage containers" among online searchers.

PODS also has a Move.org discount worth about $400 for the average move. The only real drawback is understanding the costs. PODS has so many separate billing charges that it’s hard to keep them straight.

PODS costs about $3,810 for the average move. PODS's prices range from approximately $850 to move a one-room apartment 100 miles to $7,790 to transport a five-bedroom home across the country.

PODS, or Portable on Demand Storage, gives you the flexibility you need to get your move done on your timeline. Whether you're looking to have moving containers delivered and pack up right away or you need time to store your household belonging on their end of your move, PODS has you covered. 

Moreover, not only can PODS help provide moving containers for your move but they also offer a robust list of other offerings including packing and loading assistance, moving boxes and supplies, and even car shipping.

PODS offers all Move.org readers a 10% discount. That’s a savings of nearly $400 based on the average moving cost. You can use that money for everything from shipping your car to hiring people to help pack. Heck, you don’t even have to be responsible. You can celebrate your move-in by eating at a fancy restaurant or getting extra fast internet. The point is, PODS gives you money to play with.

PODS moving container customers tend to give the company higher marks than its competitors. We analyzed 16,000-plus reviews and found that PODS has an average rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars—about 0.2 stars higher than average. That might sound like splitting hairs, but this industry is known for terrible reviews. Batting average is an accomplishment. Anything after that is gravy.

These are some of the positive customer review trends we noticed in PODS reviews:

• Fast service. PODS movers seem to get things done quickly. Most customers aren’t waiting around all day for moving containers to arrive.
• Friendly reps. Customers often shout out the company’s telephone reps. PODS takes an “s” or two out of the typical stressssssful moving experience review.
• Low prices. Many customers mentioned how low PODS prices were for long-distance moves. We see that proof in our pricing analysis, too. For example, PODS is about $540 cheaper than the industry average for moves over 2,000 miles.

Save upwards of $400 with PODS.

1-800-PACK-RAT barely missed out on our top spot. It boasts the most robust moving containers in the industry and lets you choose from multiple sizes. Plus, 1-800-PACK-RAT price matches with PODS. You even get free 24/7 surveillance if you use a 1-800-PACK-RAT storage facility. On the downside, it’s available in only 30 states and tends to score below average with customers.

1-800-PACK-RAT leads the pack (sorry, bad pun) for container strength. Only two companies use steel in their containers: PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT. But while PODS has steel frames, 1-800-PACK-RAT has all-steel moving containers. Both are suitable for nearly any job. But you get that “extra safe” feeling with 1-800-PACK-RAT. It has the best containers on the market, bar none.

We’ve never talked with a moving container company that’s more proactive about saving you money than 1-800-PACK-RAT. Virtually every rep we spoke to asked if we had quotes from other companies and then offered to match the price.

The discount typically applies only to PODS. However, we also spoke with 1-800-PACK-RAT reps, who said they’d try to lower our price if we already had a quote from another company. What’s remarkable is that we never asked 1-800-PACK-RAT reps if they would price match. They brought it up on their own every time.

Shopping for a mover can be complicated—but not with 1-800-PACK-RAT. When you get quotes from other container companies, you often feel like the fast-typing Kermit the Frog gif as you try to keep up with the reps. It’s much different with 1-800-PACK-RAT. You provide a few basic details, and then the rep gives you an easy-to-understand quote. The entire process often takes less than five minutes. We’ve made hundreds of these calls, and no company leaves us feeling as stress-free as 1-800-PACK-RAT.

1-800-PACK-RAT has some solid customer reviews over the past year. Most issues stem from late or absent drivers, but from what we can see, customer representatives from 1-800-PACK-RAT are proactive in following up with customers who leave negative reviews.

We put 1-800-PACK-RAT's moving services to the test when our team member Adam moved from Park City, Utah, to San Clemente, California. Adam reported back to us with his well-rounded experience with a 1-800-PACK-RAT moving container, sharing loading and parking tips along the way. 

UNITS has several great qualities as a container moving company, but its most notable services include customizable storage services and 24/7 customer service. You have two container options when choosing how to store your belongings, and you can also choose between storing the container on-site, or in one of their climate-controlled warehouses for as long as you need. Additionally, with UNITS you can call to ask questions any day, at any time...they're available on weekends too! 

Although PODS is our pick for the number one moving container company, it's clear that UNITS is an obvious customer favorite. And despite the fact that UNITS is only available in 37 states at the moment, customers consistently rave about the company for several reasons:

• Fair prices. including the fact that many locations offer specific discounts starting at 10% off, and up to $10,000 included insurance coverage in each quote, which rounds out to some extremely competitive pricing.
• Stellar service. UNITS has the highest customer review scores in the moving container industry that we’ve seen. Its customers appreciate both the affordability and helpful customer service that’s available seven days a week. We’ve even seen customers who received next-day delivery for their long-distance move.
• High-quality containers. Although UNITS only offers two different container sizes, they are of the highest quality to ensure your goods remain safe and dry across any climate. UNITS containers are made of steel and completely weather-resistant. Additionally, you even have the option of storing them in a climate-controlled facility when on-site storage isn’t an option.

Each UNITS location is independently owned and operated, which means you’ll find your service is even more personalized. You don’t have to worry about being referred to a large call center outside of your service area because the agents you talk to will be familiar with your location. Additionally, this means that each location can tailor their services to you, including providing seasonal discounts that would not necessarily be available at each location.

However, we should mention that this also means container availability and pricing can vary by location. For example, some locations will only offer one container size for long distance moves, and two for local storage.

Although the company only offers service in 37 states at this time, they are diligently working to increase their service area to the entire nation. Additionally, UNITS uses their proprietary “ROBO-UNIT Delivery System” to place your container in even the tightest of spaces, while always ensuring that the container is placed on a level surface. This system also significantly reduces the likelihood of your containers’ contents shifting during transit.

Finally, we should mention that customers have access to their storage containers at any time within any one of UNITS’ climate-controlled storage centers—they even offer online scheduling so you can go in and access your belongings at your convenience. So if you are unable to store your UNITS container on-site, you still have access to your things while in storage. This is simply not a service available with all of UNITS' competitors.

UNITS offers some of the industry's most customizable storage options.

Zippy Shell has the lowest moving container prices in the nation. It also has a sizable 15-foot steel container and lets you choose between at-home and facility storage options. Zippy Shell is available in 34 states and is continuously expanding. Even with its limited container sizes, its low prices and high-quality container are significant enough to warrant a fourth-place rank on our list of the best moving container companies. Zippy Shell is tough to beat if you can find a nearby location.

Zippy Shell has the industry’s lowest moving container prices. Frankly, that surprises us. Zippy Shell has just two container sizes and they're tough as nails (steel construction). Common sense says that it should be more expensive than smaller containers made of cheaper materials you find at other companies. But it’s cheaper.

And the numbers don’t lie. We looked at nearly 140 quotes and found that Zippy Shell can save you an average of around $390. The only exception is if you have a small living space like a one-bedroom apartment. That costs about $250 more than other companies. But every other home size highlights what Zippy Shell brings to the table: the best portable storage prices in the United States.

Zippy Shell makes it easy to use your moving container for portable storage. The company offers two standout storage features:

1. At-home storage. You can keep Zippy Shell containers on-site at your home for as long as you need. (Monthly storage fees vary by location.) The indefinite option is a big win if you have a big remodel in the works or your new home isn’t move-in ready.
2. Facility storage. Zippy Shell has company storage facilities scattered across 100 different cities. While the limited availability is a drawback (some companies serve thousands of municipalities), it’s nice to have a built-in storage unit in your back pocket. Zippy Shell charges a monthly facility storage fee that includes temperature controls to keep belongings, like paperwork and antiques, safe in extreme temperatures.

Zippy Shell would score higher in our rankings if it were more widely available. The company has locations in 34 states—the second fewest of companies on this list. Its low prices are only helpful if there’s one available in your neighborhood. .

In situations where city streets are narrow, parking is limited, or city permits are required, Zippy Shell can make difficult moves to or from a major city much easier. Its containers are street legal—including parking spaces and street curbs—so you can pack, load, and access your container easily. If that is not an option, you can arrange for a truck and professional loaders to load your container quickly, safely, and securely.

While its low prices and strong moving containers are a draw for many, Zippy Shell suffers from one of the lowest customer review scores we've seen—a 2.4 out of 5. The biggest complaints we've seen are centered around communication failures and delivery delays. Before you decide to go with Zippy Shell, read through some customer reviews to determine if these issues may impact your plans—and if it's worth the low price.

Looking for the lowest moving container prices?

U-Pack stakes its claim to fame on two important qualities: excellent reviews and nationwide availability. No other moving container company has such an impressive one-two punch. U-Pack also offers a $25 discount for online orders and has an extra insurance option if you care about damage protection. The drawbacks are significant, though. U-Pack doesn’t come cheap, can’t do long-distance moves, and isn’t an option for at-home portable storage longer than three days.

No moving container company gets better customer review scores than U-Pack. We crunched the numbers for more than 16,000 reviews across nearly a dozen sites. U-Pack leads the competition by almost a full star. That’s saying something for an industry where customers are conservative with kudos.

Customers often praise U-Pack for fast service, professional movers, and low costs. Regarding that last point, affordable rates used to be a U-Pack selling point. However, things have changed. After struggling to meet increased COVID-19 moving demand, U-Pack has gone from being 2020’s most-affordable option to this year’s most expensive. It’s a hard pill to swallow.

Still, history counts. We may not reward U-Pack for raising its rates 70% in three years. But we do factor in years of positive customer reviews. All indications are that the moving container company continues to provide a high-quality service liked by customers. It’s just more expensive than it used to be.

You can find U-Pack everywhere in the United States. By comparison, the average company not named U-Pack is available in only 35 states. That means there’s a 30% chance that other companies can’t even get you where you need to go. In other words, this is a big deal.

U-Pack’s only real competition here is U-Haul’s U-Box container. However, while U-Haul offers similar services, it’s like night and day compared to U-Pack. While U-Haul is known for bad customer service and hidden fees, U-Pack has excellent reviews and transparent pricing. Both companies are nationally available, but only one (U-Pack) provides high-quality service.

U-Pack has struggled to keep pace with all of the ups and downs associated with the global pandemic. These aren’t small hiccups, either. U-Pack dropped from first to fourth place in our rankings based on a few red flags:

• High prices. The difference between U-Pack’s 2020 and current pricing is extreme. U-Pack went from the least to most expensive moving container company during those three years. Its average price is now almost $800 more than the competition.
• Longer waits. U-Pack could deliver your ReloCubes within four to six days before COVID-19. Now, it takes nearly twice as long (8 to 10 days).
• More trailers. Technically, the company has only one container size: a U-Pack ReloCube measuring six by seven by eight feet. When we analyzed quotes in 2020, virtually all of them were for U-Pack ReloCubes. Now, two-thirds of U-Pack moves (16 of 24 quotes) use trailers instead of ReloCubes. There’s no decline in quality, and the trailers often cost less than ReloCubes. But U-Pack isn’t (or wasn’t) a trailer delivery company. Its shining star was the ReloCube, and now it’s missing in action.
• Website issues. U-Pack’s website needs a good dose of TLC. The company still advertises a “100% satisfaction guarantee” that refunds all your transportation fees if it doesn’t deliver your belongings within a two-hour window on the promised date.² The guarantee would be a huge selling point, but U-Pack no longer offers it. We’re concerned that it’s still advertised online.

U-Pack isn’t the only mover to experience growing pains during the pandemic. Every company on this list has had some stumbles. U-Pack has just struggled more than most. Impressively, U-Pack’s customer service is so incredible that the company still lands a spot on our Top 5 list.

U-Pack has the industry’s best customer reviews

PODS is our top-rated moving container company. Its low prices get even lower when applying a 10% Move.org discount. The company has flexible at-home and facility storage options. Plus, you can find PODS steel-framed containers in almost every state. No other company offers so much for so little.

Looking for low prices and high quality?

You can find small moving and storage containers or pods by contacting PODS, U-Pack, or U-Haul. Small containers often hold up to one room’s worth of belongings.

The best U-Box alternatives are U-Pack and PODS. U-Pack has similar container quality and nationwide availability, while PODS is the industry’s best all-around moving container company.

The average cost to rent a moving container is approximately $3,870. Prices vary depending on things like container size, time of year, and the distance of your move. The cheapest moving container companies (like and Zippy Shell and PODS) can often save you hundreds of dollars compared to the industry average.

The best moving cube companies are PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT. PODS has lower initial prices and double the service area, while 1-800-PACK-RAT offers price matching and has all-steel containers.

Portable storage is a moving industry term that refers to moving containers (or moving cubes). Rather than storing belongings in a storage unit, a portable storage company brings a storage container to your home.

Many companies have portable storage containers, including PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell, and U-Haul. Costs vary depending on how far you transport the storage containers and how big your home is.

The best moving truck companies are Penske Truck Rental, Budget Truck Rental, and U-Haul, according to Move.org. Penske is the best rental truck company because of its low prices, reliable rental trucks, and long-distance moving expertise.

PODS is sometimes cheaper than U-Haul. The container company can generally beat U-Box container prices for a local move, while U-Haul has lower rates for coast-to-coast moves.

PODS has three containers that range in length from approximately 6 to 15 feet. The weight limit for pods varies from about 4,200 to 5,200 pounds.

You can put most household goods in a portable moving container. Most container companies prohibit items such as hazardous materials, flammable liquids, and weapons. PODS advises you not to transport heirlooms, irreplaceable artifacts, deeds, legal notices, forms of currency and items that are not your personal property^.3

You can get a moving quote for long-distance moves by contacting a moving container company. and providing basic details about your shipment. The moving company will then give you an estimated quote. 

You shouldn’t pack anything in your moving container that is priceless, hazardous, dangerous, perishable, or alive (similar rules also apply to storage units). A sample list of prohibited items includes things like food, animals, and machinery:

• Animals
• Financial documents
• Fireworks
• Food
• Fur or clothing with fur linings
• Gas
• Lawnmowers
• Medications
• Plants
• Valuable jewelry

Moving Place is a company specializing in long-distance moves. Moving Place provides a truck, driver, fuel, and transportation, while you take care of loading and unloading.

PODS is the industry's best moving container company. Its popularity leads some people to refer to moving containers as "moving pods." 

Move.org follows a six-step process to identify the nation’s best moving container companies:

1. Compare quotes. We obtained and analyzed nearly 300 quotes from 7 of the nation’s largest moving container companies over 3 years.
2. Mystery shopping. We do a top-to-bottom analysis of each company’s website and even call posing as customers. It helps us get a feel for what real-life customers experience.
3. Analyze reviews. We read dozens of reviews for each company to see what most impresses (and turns off) customers. We also conducted a meta-analysis of more than 16,000 reviews to calculate an industry customer review average.
4. Pay real-life customers for honest feedback. Move.org routinely gives away $500 moving grants in exchange for candid feedback about using moving container companies.
5. Site visits. We invite industry experts and company executives to visit our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT. We grill them on everything from pricing and customer reviews to insurance coverage and the latest industry trends.
6. Annual review. Every year, we repeat the process to ensure that our list of the best moving container companies stays current. That means our top recommendations and industry prices may change each year.

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