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We analyzed more than 300 quotes and 16,000 reviews over 3 years to pick 1-800-PACK-RAT as one of the best moving container companies.
Bottom line: 1-800-PACK-RAT is one of our favorite moving container companies. It has the industry’s strongest containers and boasts prices lower than the industry average. On the downside, it's not available nationwide.
1-800-PACK-RAT is our pick for the second-best moving container company. It has low rates (after price matching) and features the industry’s only all-steel moving containers. Quotes from 1-800-PACK-RAT are some of the lowest we collected, beaten only by Zippy Shell. On the other hand, it falls short in availability (only 37 states).
Company Least expensive quote Median quote Most expensive quote# of states Container sizes Container construction Details1-800-PACK-RAT$1170$2887$6572 37 3 Steel doors, walls, and framesUNITS$973$4349$8708 37 2 Steel frame and wallsU-Pack$1151$3065$7876 50 1 Unspecified metalZippy Shell$1111$2743$6243 37 1 Steel frames$962$5033$14,712 46 3 Steel frames, aluminum walls
_Data as of 3/2025. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing moving costs for four home sizes across six distances._
Description 1-800-PACK-RAT information Average price* $3850 At-home storage Yes Facility storage Yes Container materials All steel # of containers 3 # of states 37
*Average price is calculated for a long-distance move.
1-800-PACK-RAT offers the following:Archival storageEmergency storageFurniture storageHome renovation storageHome staging storageLocal movesLong-distance movesMilitary movingPortable moving containersReal estate storageStudent storageTransitional storage
1-800-PACK-RAT partners with third-party vendors to help customers get related services, such as:Car shippingMoving suppliesProfessional laborPacking and loading help
1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers stand out compared to what else is on the market. Most containers keep your belongings safe, no matter the materials. But 1-800-PACK-RAT gives you extra peace of mind. The durable, all-steel containers provide additional protection against bad weather, mold, and mildew.
Plus, 1-800-PACK-RAT has three sizes. That means you can pick a container that matches the size of your home. The end result is that you don’t pay for unused space or extra containers. It’s a big deal when considering that many companies charge a delivery fee for each container. Having an 8, 12, and 16-foot container to choose from can save you money.
Note: 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 12-foot container is available for local moves only.
We say that 1-800-PACK-RAT has “surprisingly” low prices because your initial quote isn’t always what it seems. For example, some of 1-800-PACK-RAT quotes are fairly close to the industry average. There’s nothing super sexy about that. But when you talk to its customer service representatives, they offer to match prices with PODS. And that takes the price from “meh” to “wow!”
Plus, 1-800-PACK-RAT is Zippy Shell’s sister company. That’s important because Zippy Shell is our pick for this year’s cheapest moving container company. You can technically find this information online, but representatives from both companies keep it hush-hush when you call.
Pro tip:There’s a trick you can use to lower your price. Tell either company (1-800-PACK-RAT or Zippy Shell) that you already have a quote from the other. Then, the customer service reps will acknowledge the partnership and provide quotes for both companies. More often than not, it will be the cheapest rate on the market.
Price-matching with 1-800-PACK-RAT can save big bucks
1-800-PACK-RAT has some of the industry’s best storage features. That capitalizes on the “portable storage” nature of moving containers. In other words, moving containers aren’t just for moving. You can also use them to store household belongings if your home floods, if you're renovating your home, or if you rent out your college student’s room for the semester. But not all container companies have the same storage services.
For example, some companies limit your storage time to three days. That’s helpful for moving, but not much else. Other companies allow you to keep the storage containers at a company facility, but not your home. And others provide storage facilities and at-home options but don’t allow you to visit the company warehouses.
1-800-PACK-RAT has all of those storage features:Monthly storage options. Use your moving container as a portable storage unit for a monthly fee.At-home storage. 1-800-PACK-RAT can deliver storage containers to your home. That means you can access your household belongings whenever you want.Storage facility options. You can ask 1-800-PACK-RAT to keep your storage container in one of its company warehouses. That’s especially helpful if you need long-term storage or don’t have room in your driveway to accommodate one of its 8, 12, or 16-foot containers.Storage facility access. 1-800-PACK-RAT will move your container from storage into a staging area so that you can drop off or pick up belongings. Just call the warehouse 24 to 48 hours in advance.Storage perks. There are so many extra bells and whistles that it’s tempting to confuse 1-800-PACK-RAT with one of our best storage unit companies. It has 24/7 surveillance, climate-controlled storage, and easy on-site access. For an extra fee, it will even bring the container to your home so you can get what you need.
The average cost to move with 1-800-PACK-RAT is approximately $3,080for a long -distance move. The container company provides services for local moves and long-distance moves and can handle all home sizes. Prices range from about $1,500 to move a one-bedroom apartment 100 miles to more than $6,000 to transport your belongings across the country.
Offer current as of 1/27/2026. Read the full disclaimerfor all the details.
Distance 100 miles 1,000 miles 2,000 miles Learn more1 room$1560$3200$28402 rooms$1690$4000$35403 rooms$1690$4000$35405 rooms$2830$6670$6290
_Data as of March 2025. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing moving costs for four home sizes across six distances._
1-800-PACK-RAT makes it easy to understand your final price. While some companies have scores of confusing line items, 1-800-PACK-RAT breaks down your invoice into three easy-to-understand categories:Monthly rental. 1-800-PACK-RAT charges a monthly rental fee for your container. Our analysis of 24 company quotes found a $300 average container charge. However, the monthly fee varies depending on your location, container size, and time of year.“Everything else.” We love the way 1-800-PACK-RAT representatives simplify the shopping process. They laid out the monthly rental costs and then gave us a total for “everything else.” It includes things like transportation costs, delivery charges, and discounts.Total. Your monthly rental plus everything else. It usually takes about 30 seconds to walk through your entire quote. We’ve spoken with a container moving company that sometimes takes 30 minutes to walk through nearly a dozen charges, so we appreciate 1-800-PACK-RAT's convenient process.
1-800-PACK-RAT sells coverage for its moving containers (basic plan) and your belongings (silver plan). Monthly costs for the Contents Protection Plan range from $9.95 to $149.95, depending on the coverage amount. The typical 1-800-PACK-RAT deductible is $100.
Declared value Plan type Coverage Monthly costNA (Container only)Basic Damage waiver$9.99$5,000Silver Damage waiver plus $5K Contents Protection$34.95$10,000Silver Damage waiver plus $10K Contents Protection$49.95$15,000Silver Damage waiver plus $15K Contents Protection$59.95$25,000Silver Damage waiver plus $25K Contents Protection$79.95$50,000Silver Damage waiver plus $50K Contents Protection$119.95$75,000Silver Damage waiver plus $75K Contents Protection$149.95
_Data as of March 2025. Pricing may vary by location and are subject to change. Individuals should review their rental contract—including addendums—for a complete description of the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions._
Here's what you can expect when booking with 1-800-PACK-RAT:Enter basic details online:1-800-PACK-RAT's online form asks for the start zip code, destination zip code, container drop-off date, and your email address.Choose your container size:Pick from 8-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot containers and see pricing information for each size. You must call to mix-and-match container sizes.Share information about delivery site:1-800-PACK-RAT wants to know if the container will be in a driveway or road, a curved or straight driveway, on a slope, or around any obstacles. You can also specify whether you want the container opening to face the home or the street.Choose insurance coverage:There's no way to opt out. It costs $9.99 for a container damage waiver and $34.95–$149.95 to cover the container's contents.Pay for a specific delivery time:This is optional, but 1-800-PACK-RAT allows you to request AM or PM delivery for an extra $50.Accept agreements:Read the Contents Protection Agreement, Rental Agreement, lien information, and active military service information and check that you accept the terms.View quote and book:You won't be charged until the container is delivered, but you do need to enter your payment information upfront. You don't need to enter delivery information yet.Receive the container:Your 1-800-PACK-RAT container is delivered on a truck and hoisted to the ground with a special integrated crane that works in narrow areas. It takes about 10 minutes to unload from start to finish.Pack the container:You have at least 30 days to load the container, which is a long time in this industry. If you need more time, 1-800-PACK-RAT is happy to extend your container rental for another monthly payment.Schedule pick-up:1-800-PACK-RAT will come get the container whenever you're ready. The crane lifts the container without tilting it, so all of your belongings stay put. The company can take it to your new home or bring it to a facility for temporary or long-term storage.Schedule delivery:Delivery can take up to 10 days, depending on how far the container must travel.Unload the container:Once the container has been delivered to your new home, you have another 30 days to unload it.Schedule final pick-up:When the container is empty, call 1-800-PACK-RAT one more time to have it hauled away.
The 1-800-PACK-RAT delivery crane in action outside our tester's home. Image: Move.org
Move.org values candid feedback about their moving experiences. See what some real-life customers said about moving with 1-800-PACK-RAT:Mike’s Move: In 2020, Mike moved 1,350 miles cross-country with 1-800-PACK-RAT and got them to price match another company's quote after a little back-and-forth with customer service.Scott’s Move: In 2021, Scott moved from the west coast to the east coast and chose 1-800-PACK-RAT after vetting seven other companies. He got a discount after a delivery delay.
Both Mike and Scott experienced some hiccups, but that's just part of the story. 1-800-PACK-RAT seems to have taken customer feedback to heart and prioritized improving the customer experience. Positive customer reviews have dramatically outnumbered negative reviews ever since April 2024. This wasn't just about mouth service—the company's average customer service rating (from Facebook, Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp) has improved by 58% over the past year.
Delivery was on time and container placed in small area perfectly. All our items were delivered safely with no breakage.
The average cost to move with 1-800-PACK-RAT is approximately $3,080. The total amount varies depending on the size of your belongings and the distance to your new home.
Depending on size, you can fit between 76 and 235boxesin a 1-800-PACK-RAT container. For example, a 16-foot container holds about 235 medium moving boxes.
1-800-PACK-RAT container size No. of medium boxes No. of large boxes8-foot108 7612-foot172 11516-foot235 153
_Data as of April 2022 based on 1-800-PACK-RAT estimates._
1-800-PACK-RAT is cheaper than PODS forlarge home sizes. For example, 1-800-PACK-RAT costs approximately $5,880 to move a five-bedroom home—or around $270 less than PODS.
1-800-PACK-RAT containers range in size from 8 to 16-feet long. You can fit 108 medium boxes in an 8-foot container, 172 boxes in a 12-foot container, and 235 boxes in a 16-foot container.
The average cost of 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 16-foot container is around $3,200. Prices vary depending on your trip distance and home size, and you can also get discounts for ordering more than one 16-foot container.
1-800-PACK-RAT containers are weatherproof, meaning that they protect against moisture damage like mold and mildew. While no container is fully waterproof, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s steel containers offer more protection than any other company.
It depends on how far your long-distance move is. For example, the average cost to move 1,000 miles with 1-800-PACK-RAT is about $4,470, while the price to go 1,850 miles is around $5,510.
1-800-PACK-RAT offers moving discounts for military members. Service personnel can also save extra money on do-it-yourself relocations (DIY moves) thanks to the affordable nature of moving containers.
1-800-PACK-RAT is available in 37 states and Washington, DC. While it doesn’t have as many locations as some companies, 1-800-PACK-RAT is worth considering if you can find one in your area.
1-800-PACK-RAT delivers a moving container for you to load at your convenience. When you finish, it will pick up the container and transport it to your new home.
1-800-PACK-RAT storage costs an average of $380 per month. Costs vary depending on home size, storage availability, and contract length.
Lowe's doesn’t own 1-800-PACK-RAT. However, the two companies have a business partnership, so you may receive a referral if one company doesn’t have the moving service you need.
U-Haul's U-Box is made of plywood with a vinyl cover, whereas 1-800-PACK-RAT containers are made completely of steel. U-Boxes only come in one size, and it's on the small side at 8 feet. Larger families or people with more belongings may prefer 1-800-PACK-RAT's 12- or 16-foot containers.
Illegal items, living things, critical documents like birth certificates, and dangerous items shouldn't be kept in 1-800-PACK-RAT containers.
Dangerous items include chemicals like gasoline or fertilizer, anything in an aerosol can, fireworks, car batteries, and fire extinguishers. High heat can damage these items and cause them to leak or explode.
Move.org follows a six-step process to identify the nation’s best moving container companies:Compare quotes. We obtained and analyzed nearly 300 quotes from 7 of the nation’s largest moving container companies over 3 years.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.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.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.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.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.
1-800-PACK-RAT is worth considering if:You're worried about traffic accidents or water leaks damaging your belongings and want an all-steel container for the best protection.You need long-term storage at an accessible storage facility.You need short-term storage either on your property or in a facility.You want to pick and choose between three container sizes to keep your bill as low as possible.You don't want to rush to fill the container before pickup.You don't mind loading and unloading the container yourself or hiring a third-party to do it for you.You plan to shop around and want to work with a company that price matches.You're looking for convenient and affordable insurance coverage for the container's contents.
You might want to avoid 1-800-PACK-RAT if:The company doesn't serve your area.You don't live near a storage facility and anticipate needing access to your items while they're in storage.You want a white-glove packing service where employees help pack your items and load and unload the container.
Thanks to its all-steel containers and price-matching feature, it's our second-best container company. Our analysis of 300-plus quotes shows that you can save hundreds of dollars on the average move. 1-800-PACK-RAT also has three different container sizes and provides 24/7 surveillance at its company storage facilities. The biggest drawback is availability: 1-800-PACK-RAT is available in only 37 states.
Looking for low prices and high quality?
*Limited-time offer. The offer must be mentioned at the time the order is placed and can only be used on new orders. Not available in all locations. The customer will receive a percentage off their container rental for the first month. The offer is valid for most moving and storage services and can be applied to orders booked online using the promo code ‘SAVE50’. 1-800-PACK-RAT is not currently available in these states: AK, DE, HI, ME, MS, MT, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, WY, but IS available in D.C.
Written byRebecca has been a journalist and blogger for over 30 years, with a focus on home services and tech for the past decade. Rebecca has moved over 15 times across towns, states, and the country. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, NPR, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of radio, podcast, and TV clips. She’s also the lead reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.
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