![Moving container used by movers who are looking for the most affordable moving container companies](https://dlczb9lfz9r73.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/29213309/0321_IF_Idea_House_Reveal_ModernBarnhouse_05042021CH__7098-scaled.jpeg)
Cheapest Moving Container Companies (2024)
Get a quote from local moving experts
When you click “Get Your Estimate,” you are submitting your data to Home Service Quotes, which will process your data in accordance with the Home Service Quotes Privacy Policy.
Advertiser Disclosure
For the cheapest moving container company, we recommend U-Pack. We found that U-Pack offers some of the cheapest prices for moving container services and has a pay-for-what-you-use policy on its moving trailers, giving you more flexibility with the cost.
Renting a moving container might be best if you’re not in a hurry to move or prefer to pack and load at your own pace. Renting a moving container is typically more affordable than hiring a full-service moving company. We received quotes from some of the most popular portable storage container companies to see how they compare. See our top picks for the cheapest moving containers below.
Key Takeaways
- We recommend U-Pack as our top choice for moving container companies because of its pay-for-what-you-use policy that ensures flexible pricing using a 27-foot moving trailer.
- Our research found that U-Pack can be up to 60% cheaper than other moving container companies
- A moving container company offers more flexibility than full-service moves and is more affordable since labor is usually not included.
Top 4 Cheap Moving Container Companies
You should know that most container providers don’t provide moving labor. That means packing and all loading and unloading is up to you. The provider will drop the container off and pick it up according to your schedule, so this option is best if you want a DIY moving experience. That said, most moving container companies provide resources for hiring independent movers and purchasing packing supplies to help with your move.
We pulled quotes from each provider for a basic two-bedroom move between Nashville, Tennessee, and Buffalo, New York, and received the pricing figures outlined in the following table.
Our choices in order of price are:
Compare Cheap Moving Container Companies
Container Company | Base Cost* | Storage Cost Per Unit** | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
U-Pack | $2,381 | $150 | 50 states |
Zippy Shell | $3,180 | $160–$220 | 34 states |
PODS | $7,201 | $149+ | 46 states |
1-800-PACK-RAT | $7,885 | $190–$280 | 33 states |
*Base cost is based on a sample quote for a two-bedroom move between Nashville, TN, and Buffalo, NY
**Storage cost listed is cost per unit per month.
Cheapest Moving Container Companies
How Do Moving Container Moves Compare to Full-Service Moves?
Moving container providers typically offer delivery and pickup windows for their containers, which makes loading and unloading easy to do on your own schedule. The price points these movers offer make moving affordable to a wide range of homeowners and renters.
A moving container company can add more affordability, flexibility, and control over your move. Though you can save money by packing and loading on your own, a moving container company will handle the transportation for you, allowing you to avoid renting your own moving truck. In short, a moving container company can be a happy medium to ease the stress of the moving experience.
Often, a moving container company can hold on to your belongings at a local storage facility until you request delivery to your new home. This allows you to prepare your new home for your belongings. You then unload the container(s) at your own pace. Many container rental companies offer a 30-day rental period in their base price. This makes flexible loading and unloading windows easy to schedule and gives you the freedom to hire moving labor or do it yourself.
A full-service moving company can handle every aspect of your move for you. This includes furniture disassembly, wrapping, packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking, and reassembly. This is a better option for those who want to be more hands-off during their move and let a trained team handle most aspects. You may not get as much flexibility with your moving timeline since more people are involved. Hiring a cross-country moving company may be worth it if you are moving long-distance, as these types of moves can be more logistically challenging.
Full-Service Moving Companies
If the full-service, hands-free approach interests you, check out some of our top suggestions for full-service movers below. For a full list of our recommended moving companies, check out our article on the highest-rated movers for small moves.
Our Conclusion
We recommend U-Pack if price is your top priority, but Zippy Shell may quote you a slightly lower price depending on your location and type of move. 1-800-PACK-RAT is our top overall choice for moving containers because of its many resources and protection plans.
The best way to see which option will be cheapest for you or provide the most value for your situation is to get a quote. Unfortunately, most moving companies require you to call to get an estimate even after you fill out an online quote form. We recommend getting a quote from at least three companies before deciding. If you are interested in hiring a full-service mover, check out our article on our top picks for the cheapest moving companies.
FAQ About Cheap Moving Containers
How much can you fit in a 16-foot moving container?
On average, a 16-foot moving container can store the belongings of three to four moderately furnished rooms.
How do they transport PODS?
PODS transports its moving containers with its patented hydraulic lift system called Podzilla. This makes it possible to drop off and pick up one of PODS’ containers anywhere with level ground and street access.
How do you pack a moving container?
We strongly advise you to discuss how the moving container company of your choice recommends you load your items into one of its containers.
However, a good place to start is to break down any furniture possible and wrap furniture and appliances in moving blankets. You will want to place heavier items around the perimeter of the container to act as anchors. You may then place boxes of more fragile and lightweight items in the center with proper padding and wrapping.
Are moving containers waterproof?
Most moving containers are advertised as being water- or weather-resistant. In most cases, your belongings will remain dry inside a moving container or pod.
Does renters or homeowners insurance cover moving?
Renters and homeowners insurance policies will not cover your goods while in transit in most cases. Before you stage a move and request quotes, contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage options. If they don’t offer coverage, you can purchase valuation coverage from your moving company of choice.
Lemonade provides renters insurance or homeowners insurance that can protect your valuable items during a move. However, Lemonade will only cover your stuff while you’re moving if you’re moving independently (i.e., packing your stuff and transporting it yourself, not hiring a moving company). If you hire a moving company, you’ll need third-party insurance.
How are moving container companies regulated?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates interstate and long-distance moving companies across the United States. Follow this FMCSA link to search for a moving container’s licensing status using its name, motor carrier (MC) number, or United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to ensure it is licensed to transport household goods.
Other Moving Resources
- Best Interstate Moving Companies
- Best Long Distance Moving Companies
- Best Moving Container Companies
- Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
- Best Moving Companies for Senior Discounts
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.