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We reviewed 75+ movers to compare prices, service, and reviews. PODS is the best moving container company for 2026.
4.6$$3 container sizes46-state availabilityLocal and long-distance movesđ„ **25% off + 10% Move.org discount***4.5$$3 container sizes37-state availabilityLocal and long-distance movesđ„ **Save up to 50%**â 4.1$$2 container sizes37-state availabilityLocal and long-distance movesđ„ **Up to 50% discount**â 4$$$1 container size50-state availabilityLong-distance moves only*Add 10% Move.org reader discount to PODS 25% off sale! Promo code: EPIC (Must visit PODS from Move.org for extra discount.) Expires 3/2/2026.
â Limited time offer. The offer must be mentioned at the time the order is placed and can only be used on new orders. Use promo code SAVE50 online for 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell discount. Offers current as of 1.27.26. See full disclaimers.
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Dec 04, 2025
13 min readWith 20+ years in home services and tech, Alina shares insights from her 15+ moves. She writes for CBSNews, MSN, and more while renovating her country house.
Last Updated: 2 weeks ago
Updated deals.
Updated: 2 weeks ago
Added exclusive, limited time deal for Colonial Van Lines.
View all updatesMoving containers have quickly become one of the most popular ways to move, and itâs easy to see why. They combine the **affordability of a DIY move** with the **convenience of professional delivery and pickup**. Instead of renting a truck and rushing through a move in one day with one of the best moving companies, you can load a container at your own pace, have it transported to your new home, and even keep it in storage if needed. For many people, that mix of **cost savings, flexibility, and convenience** is a game-changer.
If youâre new to the concept, a moving container is essentially a large, portable storage unit thatâs delivered to your driveway. You fill it with your belongings, and when youâre ready, the company picks it up and delivers it either to your new address or a secure storage facility. For budget-friendly short- or long-distance moves, moving containers can be a great option.
This guide is designed for anyone looking for a smoother, more flexible move â whether youâre a family relocating to a new city, a college student moving into a dorm, a DIY mover who wants to save money, or someone planning a long-distance relocation. We reviewed the top providers based on **cost, service options, availability, and customer satisfaction** to help you find the best fit.
On this page: The best moving container companies
Best moving container companies: At-a-glance comparison
PODS and U-Pack have more locations than their competitors, but UNITS and 1-800-PACK-RAT have lower prices. Of course, lower prices doesn't mean much if the company doesn't serve your area.
Company Best for Least expensive quote Most expensive quote# of states Deals & discounts Details
Move.org pick$848$13,040 46 10% Move.org reader discount (often stacks with PODS sales)Strongest container$1170$6572 37 Up to 50% off select moves with promo code SAVE50 (limited-time)Best customizable storage$973$8708 34 Location-based discounts and insurance often includedBest prices$1111$6243 37 Up to 50% off select moves with promo code SAVE50 (limited-time)Best reviews$1151$7876 50$25 online booking discountInformation current as of 11/24/2025. *Add 10% Move.org reader discount to PODS 30% off sale! (Must visit PODS from Move.org for extra discount.)
â Limited time offer. The offer must be mentioned at the time the order is placed and can only be used on new orders. Use promo code SAVE50 online. See full disclaimer.
Not sure which company is best? Use our one-stop quote tool to compare prices and availability in your area in minutes.
**Find out which mover is best for you or read more about each of our favorite moving container companies.**
Reviews of the best moving container companies**PODS** is our pick for the best moving container company. It boasts better customer reviews than its competitors, **a 10% Move.org discount**, strong moving containers, and multiple storage options. We also like **1-800-PACK-RAT** for its great selection of strong, multi-sized moving containers and its price matching policy.For great customer service and customized moving solutions, we think **UNITS** is one of the best moving container companies. This company stands out for its 24/7 available customer service that ensures you reach a real person whenever you need help (that means after midnight and on the weekends, too!).
PODS: Move.org pick for best moving container companyOur team of moving experts thinks**PODS** is the best moving container company in the nation thanks to its steel-framed containers, excellent customer service, and three sizes to ensure you don't overpay for a container that's too big.
The company has done so well that the term "storage pods" has become almost as popular as "storage containers" among online searchers. Over the past 26 years, PODS has completed around six million moves, with around 1.8 million being long-distance moves.
PODS deal for Move.org readers!
Get exclusive PODS discount as a Move.org reader
25% sale + an additional **[10% off](https://go.move.org/aff_c?offer_id=690&aff_id=1005&aff_sub2=direct&cl_system=mapi&source=https://www.move.org/best-moving-container-companies/&aff_unique1=491f3379-3c92-4949-ad2c-f757aad75932&cl_system_id=491f3379-3c92-4949-ad2c-f757aad75932&clreqid=491f3379-3c92-4949-ad2c-f757aad75932)** transportation for Move.org users!
Promo code: EPIC
PODS costs about $5,709 for the average move. PODS's prices range from approximately $848 to move a one-room apartment less than 100 miles to $11,144 to transport a five-bedroom home across the country.
Here's another price example. The average price for a 16ft container is $4,128, based on moving three bedrooms between 1,300 and 1,800 miles.
PODS, or Portable on Demand Storage, gives you the flexibility you need to complete your move on your timeline. PODS also offers a robust list of other offerings, including packing and loading assistance, moving boxes and supplies, and even car shipping.
One Move.org team member used PODS to ship items across the country. Here's their story:
"We used PODS to move my brother's furniture and belongings from Nevada to Kentucky after he suddenly passed away. PODS was available on short notice and sent a few people to help us load the containers. They were extremely thoughtful in how they packed everything in so that weight was evenly distributed, nothing would fall, and there was no unused space. (We've previously used U-Haul containers for local moves, and their movers weren't nearly as careful.)
Back home, the storage containers were delivered on time and nothing had fallen or shifted inside. We hustled to unpack the containers to avoid having to pay for another month of service, and that was a bit stressful because it was just us at that point. My advice is to give yourself plenty of time to unpack.
Overall, I recommend PODS."
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 starsâ**about 0.2 stars higher than average**. That might sound like splitting hairs, but this industry is known for terrible reviews.
These are some of the positive customer review trends we noticed in PODS reviews:
**Save upwards of $400 with PODS.**
Who is better than PODS?
If you look at availability, U-Pack is better than PODS because they are available in all 50 states, whereas PODS is only available in 46. However, U-Pack only has one container size and specializes in long-distance moves, whereas PODS has three container sizes and can do either local or long-distance moves.
1-800-PACK-RAT: Strong moving containers**1-800-PACK-RAT** barely missed out on our top spot. 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, itâs available in only 37 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 moving storage containers: PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT. But while PODS has steel frames, 1-800-PACK-RAT has**all-steel moving containers**. This means they're less likely to be damaged in transit or by potential thieves, keeping your stuff safe.
Offer current as of 1/27/2026. Read the full disclaimerfor all the details.
Weâve never talked with a moving container company thatâs 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 theyâd try to lower our price if we already had a quote from another company. Whatâs remarkable is that we never asked 1-800-PACK-RAT reps if they would price match.
Shopping for a mover can be complicated. Itâs 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**. Weâve made hundreds of these calls, and no company leaves us feeling as stress-free as 1-800-PACK-RAT.
1-800-PACK-RAT has had 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.
Video: Move.org tests out 1-800-PACK-RATWe tested 1-800-PACK-RAT's moving services 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.
Adam was impressed with how easy it was to request a 1-800-PACK-RAT container and estimate his storage sizing needs online, the helpful instructions his driver shared, and the hassle-free drop-off and delivery of the container.
UNITS: Best customizable moving container storageUNITS has several great qualities as a container moving company, but its most notable services include customizable storage services and 24/7 customer service.
Although PODS is our pick for the number one moving container company, it's clear that UNITS is an obvious customer favorite: the company has 4.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from over 270 reviews.
And despite the fact that UNITS is only available in 34 states at the moment, customers consistently rave about the company for several reasons:
Each UNITS location is independently owned and operated, so youâll find your service even more personalized. You donât 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 are unavailable 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 currently offers service in 34 states, it is diligently working to expand its service area to the entire nation. Additionally, UNITS uses its proprietary âROBO-UNIT Delivery Systemâ to place your container in even the tightest spaces while always ensuring that it is placed on a level surface. This system also significantly reduces the likelihood of container contents shifting during transit.
Finally, we should mention that customers have access to their moving storage containers at any time within any one of UNITSâ climate-controlled storage centersâthey 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: Most affordable moving container companyOur cost analysis shows 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 has the industryâs lowest moving container prices. 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.
Offer available as of 1/27/2026. Read the full disclaimerfor all the details.
Zippy Shell makes it easy to use your moving container for portable storage. The company offers two standout storage features:
Zippy Shell would score higher in our rankings if it were more widely available. The company has **locations in 37 statesâ**covering 75% of the country. Its low prices are only helpful if thereâs 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 easily pack, load, and access your container. 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 seenâa 2.4 out of 5. The biggest complaints we've seen are centered around communication failures and delivery delays.
**Looking for the lowest moving container prices?**
U-Pack: Best reviews**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.
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**.Customers often praise U-Pack for fast service and professional movers.
You can find U-Pack**everywhere in the United States**. By comparison, the average storage container company is available in only 35 states. That means thereâs a 30% chance that other companies canât even get you where you need to go.
U-Packâs only real competition here is U-Haulâs U-Box container. However, while U-Haul offers similar services, itâs 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.
Key factors to consider when choosing a moving container companyWhen choosing a storage and moving container company, consider the following:
Moving containers vs movers: Is it cheaper to use a container or a moving truck?
A moving truck is typically cheaper than a moving container, but it depends on how many items youâre moving, gas prices, and how many miles you travel. If you only have a few large items, you can get a smaller container for just those items and then move everything else on your own or with a rental truck to try and save some money.
Other moving container companies we consideredCheck out our reviews of some other companies that can we looked at during our evaluation, but didn't make the final cut:
Usually, yes â but it depends on your move.
Moving containers generally sit in the middle of the price spectrum: theyâre **more expensive than renting a moving truck but often cheaper than hiring full-service movers**. With a container, you do the packing and loading yourself, but the company handles the driving and (if you want) storage.
In general, containers tend to **be a good value** if:
Full-service movers usually cost more because they handle everything for you: packing, loading, driving, unloading, and sometimes even unpacking. If your budget is tight and youâre willing to put in some elbow grease, a container is often the **sweet spot between price and convenience**.
If youâre trying to keep costs as low as possible, you can also **mix and match**: use a container for the big, heavy items and DIY the rest with your own vehicle or a small rental truck.
We recommend booking your moving container at least 2â4 weeks in advance, and earlier if youâre moving during the busy season (summer, weekends, or the end of the month).
Hereâs a quick rule of thumb:
Most moving container companies can sometimes accommodate last-minute moves, but youâll have fewer date and size optionsâand prices may be higher when availability is tight. Booking early gives you more flexibility if your plans change and more time to compare quotes from multiple companies.
The best moving company depends on your move type, home size, and distance. Colonial Van Lines is the best full-service, long-distance moving company, while PODS is the best moving container company overall.
Moving containers costapproximately $3,870 for the average move. Prices vary depending on home size and distance. For example, it costs more to move a three-bedroom home across the country than to ship a studio apartment from one side of San Diego to the other.
Several companies like PODS sell portable storage containers, including U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell, and SMARTBOX. You can often store the containers at your home or a company storage facility.
It depends on your needs.PODS is betterthan a company likeInternational Van Linesfrom a cost perspective. However, the lower price tag means that you have to do loading and unloading work in place of professional movers.
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.
Yes â many people use moving containers specifically for **short-term and long-term storage**.
Most container companies let you:
Using a moving container for storage can be especially helpful if:
Just be sure to check:
If you need storage for several months or longer, itâs worth asking about l**ong-term discounts**â some companies lower your monthly rate once you hit a certain number of months.
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 your home size.
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.
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 shouldnât 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:
We pick PODS as the best moving container company overall. 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.
How we reviewed the best storage and moving container companiesMove.org uses a thorough six-step process to rank the best moving container companies in the U.S. It starts by comparing nearly 300 quotes from seven major companies over three years. Through mystery shopping, we dive deep into company websites and call as customers to understand what real-life experiences are like. We also analyze dozens of reviews, conducting a meta-analysis of over 16,000 to calculate an industry-wide average.
To ensure authenticity, we pay real customers for honest feedback through $500 moving grants. Industry experts and executives are invited to our Salt Lake City headquarters, where we ask tough questions about pricing, customer reviews, and industry trends. This process is repeated annually to keep our recommendations up to date, which means our top picks and industry prices may change each year.
*Limited time offer. The offer for 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell must be mentioned at the time the order is placed and can only be used on new orders. The offer is 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 âSAVE50â. Local restrictions may apply. Offers are void where prohibited and cannot be combined. 1-800-Pack-Rat and Zippy Shell are not currently available in these states: AK, DE, HI, ME, MS, MT, ND, RI, SD, VT, WV, WY, but ARE available in D.C.
*Limited time offer. Must visit PODS from Move.org for extra discount. PODS is currently not available in AK, ND, SD, or WY, but IS available in D.C.
Written by
For more than twenty years, Alina has been a meaningful contributor to numerous publications and outlets, including CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, Consumer Affairs, SafeWise, and many others. Her hobbies include fixing up her house in the country, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.
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