5 Quality Moving Containers to Use for Your Next Move

It’s no secret that hiring a professional moving company costs big bucks. In fact, according to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), the average cost of a simple local move is $2,300 for 4 movers at $200 per hour. And if you’re moving to a different state, it’s going to cost you even more – upwards of $4,300, according to AMSA. Yikes!

So what’s a budget-minded person to do? One of the best solutions is to rent a portable moving container. Portable moving containers are one of the most cost-efficient ways to move to a new home. These moving containers are delivered right to your doorstep. All you have to do is load all of your belongings into the storage box. The moving container company will then pick up the container and deliver it to your new home. The cost of moving with a moving container often depends on the size of the container rented, the length of time, as well as the cost of labor (driver) and the fuel cost – among other possible other expenses.

In general, portable moving containers are ideal for smaller moves (apartments and small homes). They are also ideal for those looking to temporarily store their belongings during the moving process. If this sounds like the solution to your move, we recommend comparing and considering these 5 fantastic moving container companies below. Best of luck!

PODS

PODS is a popular choice for those moving and/or looking for storage. The containers are steel-framed and weather-resistant. Each PODS container offers ramp-free loading, and is equipped with tie-downs, steel locking latches, and a lock and key.

Container Sizes: PODS containers are available in three different sizes to accommodate a wide variety of moves:

• The company’s 16-foot container is PODS’ largest moving container and can easily fit a three to four room home. It measures 16’× 8’× 8′ and offers roughly 857 cubic feet of interior packing space.
• PODS’ 12-foot container is available for in-town moving and storage. It has the capacity to hold a two to three room home. It measures 12’× 8’× 8′ and offers approximately 689 cubic feet of interior packing space.
• The smallest container offered by PODS is their 7-foot moving container. This size is perfect for small-volume moving and storage, and is a popular choice for apartment moves. The container measures 7’× 7′ × 8′ and offers approximately 385 cubic feet of interior packing space.

Storage Details: Customers have the option to store a PODS container on their property or at a PODS storage location. Storing a PODS container on your property starts at $110 per month for a 12-foot container and $12 for a 16-foot container. However, monthly rental rates vary and are dependent on availability, duration and location.

ABF U-PACK Relocubes

U-Pack’s ReloCube is a metal, weatherproof moving container. U-Pack allows customers to use their own padlocks on the ReloCube for added security. The moving container company is a popular choice for those moving and/or looking for storage because customers can reserve as many ReloCubes as they think they will need, and they only have to pay for the ones they use. According to the website, U-Pack doesn’t require a down payment or deposit. After you’ve finished loading up the container, you can pay by credit card for the number of ReloCubes you ended up utilizing.

Container Sizes: U-Pack’s ReloCube comes in one size. The inside measures 70” x 82” x 93”. Each cube can hold a maximum of 2,500 pounds. That’s roughly, one room of furniture and boxes. To see how many ReloCubes you’ll need, use U-Pack’s Moving Space Estimator tool.

Storage Details:  Once U-Pack drops the ReloCube at your doorstep, you’ll have three days to load it up with your belongings. U-Pack will then pick up the ReloCube and return it to a secure service center for storage. According to U-Pack, the company’s self storage option is designed for customers who are moving but won’t be ready to move into their new home right away. Pricing for storage is on a per container/per 30-day period basis.

1-800-PACK-RAT

With its heavy emphasis on durability and security, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable containers are a popular choice for those looking to move and/or store their belongings. The weatherproof containers are outfitted in steel frames, walls and barn-style doors.

Container Sizes: 1-800-PACK-RAT portable moving containers come in three different sizes:

• The company’s 16-foot container is roughly the size of a 10’ x 15’ storage room and is 830 cubic feet. This large container can hold up to 6,000 pounds of furnishings – or roughly three to four rooms. According to the website, this is the most popular choice for both local and long distance moves.
• 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 12-foot container is the size of a 10’ x 10’ storage room and is 620 cubic feet. The container can hold up to 6,000 pounds – or roughly two to three rooms of furniture.
• The 8-foot container offered by 1-800-PACK-RAT measures 8’ x 8’ and is 404 cubic feet. The container can hold up to 4,000 pounds of contents – or roughly one to 1.5 rooms of furniture.

Storage Details: 1-800-PACK-RAT will bring the portable moving container right to your doorstep. Customers have the option to either store the container on their property or have 1-800-PACK-RAT pick it up and store it in their secure storage facility. 1-800-PACK-RAT’s storage facilities are climate controlled and equipped with video surveillance.

U-Haul’s U-Box Containers

Many choose to opt for U-Haul’s U-Boxes because of the company’s multiple delivery and storage options. These include:

• “The Superior Convenience Option” – U-Haul will drop the U-Box container off at your doorstep. Customers can keep the U-Box as long as they need and arrange for pickup when they’re ready.
• “The Low-Cost, Do-it-Yourself Option” – Customers can pick up their moving container with a U-Haul trailer. Once they’ve finished packing, they can bring it back to the U-Haul location themselves. This affordable option allows customers to do everything on their own schedule.
• “The Most Cost Effective Option” – Customers can bring all belongings to a U-Haul location and pack them into a U-Box container at the site. Then, they can choose to either store the container or ship it.

Container Sizes: U-Haul’s U-Box containers come in one size. The U-Box measures 96″ x 60″ x 90″ (257 cubic feet) and has the capacity to hold up to 2,000 pounds. According to the website, U-Boxes can fit about a room and a half of household items. You can use U-Haul’s estimation tool to determine how many U-Boxes you’ll need to fully pack up your home.

Storage Details: U-Haul’s storage facilities are secure, climate controlled and offer 24-hour access to its customers. Also, there are no long-term contracts. So customers can rent U-Boxes on a convenient month-to-month basis.

United Mayflower’s Containers

United Mayflower containers are safe, secure and sturdy. The containers are made of smooth interior walls, galvanized steel framing and waterproof materials to keep your belongings properly protected. They’re equipped with flush-mounted tie-down rings to prevent items from shifting while on the road, as well as a translucent roof that allows light into the container, so that customers can see what’s inside more easily.

Container Sizes: United Mayflower offers one moving container size. The container is 16’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ high, and can hold the contents of a 1,500 square-foot home. However, the company notes that customers may need to rent more than one moving container to hold the contents of their entire household. These moving containers also feature a roll up door that allows multiple locks to be used.

Storage: Those who choose to utilize United Mayflower’s storage can pack and unpack at their own pace. According to the company, the moving container can stay on-site as long as needed. Customers can also choose to store their moving container on their property, at a United Mayflower warehouse or at another location altogether.