If you’ve ever moved before, then you know what a stressful ordeal it can be. And this is true whether you’re moving to a different home in your neighborhood, or scheduling an out-of-state move.
Many people are torn between whether to pay for the convenience of hiring full-service movers, or trying to save some money and manage the entire move themselves. Hiring a full-service moving company is expensive, but doing everything on your own is a lot of work.
Fortunately, there’s an alternative for anyone who wants to save money, but outsource at least part of the move. Moving and storage container companies let you rent a moving container and pack up your belongings on your own timeline. Once your container is packed up, the company will store your belongings for you and move them to your new home once you’re ready.
8 Best Moving Container Companies
Here are the eight best moving container companies that you should consider hiring.
1. U-Pack
U-Pack is an out-of-state moving service, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants an affordable way to move long distances. The company doesn’t require an upfront deposit to schedule the move, and you only pay for the space you use.
2. PODS
Portable On Demand Storage, or PODS, provides portable storage containers to help you transport your belongings. It’s an excellent choice for flexible local and long-distance moves.
3. U-Box by U-Haul
U-Box by U-Haul is a household moving company that provides affordable moving and storage containers. It’s well-known for its low prices and small container sizes for small moves.
4. 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT provides service to customers across the United States and Canada. The company offers 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot storage containers, making them especially useful for long-distance moves.
5. SmartBox
SmartBox is one of the most affordable options on this list, and it’s great for local moves, long-distance moves, storage, and corporate moves. This moving container company offers a price-matching guarantee to ensure that you always get the best deal.
6. ZippyShell
ZippyShell offers flexible moving and storage options for customers. It’s an ideal choice for people living or planning to move to an urban setting.
7. Go Mini’s
Go Mini’s offers one of the most flexible rental policies of anyone on this list. You can rent the moving containers weekly and store your belongings at your home, at an outdoor facility, or an indoor Go Mini’s facility.
8. Moving Place
Moving Place is another excellent moving container company that provides a good mix of affordability, convenience, and quality.
How to Choose a Moving Container Company
When it comes to choosing a moving container company, there are several factors you should consider to get the best service and value for your money. These include:
Availability and Convenience
A company’s availability and convenience can greatly impact the overall moving experience. Look for a company that offers flexible pickup and delivery dates, and that can accommodate your specific needs.
Furthermore, make sure that the company has a pickup and delivery location near you, and check if they have storage options and extra services. The more flexible and convenient a company’s service is, the less stress you will likely have in your moving experience.
Price and Value
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a moving container company. Make sure to get quotes from different companies and compare prices. However, keep in mind that the cheapest option may not necessarily be the best value. Make sure the company includes all necessary services and fees in their quote, and to read the fine print to avoid hidden costs.
Quality of Containers
The quality and durability of the containers provided by a moving container company is an essential factor to consider when choosing a company. The containers should be well-constructed, weatherproof, and secure to protect your belongings during transport. Make sure that the company uses containers that comply with safety regulations.
Customer Service and Support
A moving container company’s customer service and support can greatly impact the overall experience of using their service. Choose a company that is responsive and helpful when answering your questions, and that can provide assistance throughout the entire moving process.
You should check for reviews or testimonials from previous customers to understand their experience, or check for contact information like phone number or chat support.
Reputation and Reviews
Before choosing any company, it’s important to check their reputation and reviews. To know their reliability and how customers rate them, you can check online platforms like Yelp, Trustpilot, or Google Reviews. It can give you an idea of the service you can expect from them.
Insurance and Liability
Consider the insurance options offered by the company and read the fine print to understand the level of protection provided for your belongings in case of damage or loss. Make sure to know what type of coverage you are paying for, if any. This can make a big difference in the long run, should something unexpected happen during the moving process.
Permits and Zoning
If you plan to have the container delivered to your property, check with your local authorities to ensure that you are in compliance with any permits or zoning requirements. Some cities or states will have strict rules regarding container storage or require a certain kind of permit before allowing a container to be placed on a property.
What is the best moving container company?
All eight of the moving container companies outlined in this article would make a good choice for your next move. The one you pick will really depend on your situation and the features you’re looking for.
It’s important to consider the flexibility of the moving container company you’re considering choosing. Do they make you pay an upfront deposit, and do they require you to call them to receive a service quote?
You also want to think about the quality and size of the moving containers. If you’re just packing up an apartment and moving 10 minutes away, then this may not be a huge consideration for you. But if you’re packing up a five-bedroom home and moving across the country, this should be a significant factor in your decision.
Container Moving Tips
Moving is tedious and time-consuming. Preparing in advance will make the process less stressful and smoother. Here are moving tips to help you prepare for your move:
Create a Checklist
While making a checklist seems tedious, writing your to-do list ensures you commit to it and avoid missing critical moving steps. Some things you can include on your checklist include:
- Contact the moving company to schedule the drop-off and pick-up times
- Order packing materials
- Itemized list of items you need to pack
Set a Budget
Relocating is one of the most expensive things you can do. And without a proper budget, you may end up spending much more than expected. If you establish and stick to a budget, you will choose an affordable moving company and save money over the long term.
Compare Quotes
Moving prices are different from one company to another. By comparing quotes from various moving container companies, you will guarantee that you will get the best price. You may even find a moving company willing to lower their prices, thereby reducing your overall moving costs.
Declutter
There is no better time to declutter than when you are moving. If you don’t need something, you can toss, sell, donate, or recycle it instead of paying to move it. Items you no longer need will be expensive to drag along, since more containers will have to be rented to carry them.
Acquire Packing Supplies
A lot of money can be spent on packing supplies. Look around to see which company can offer you the best price on moving supplies. You may even find local businesses that regularly dispose of boxes.
Bottom Line
Moving container companies are a great way to save money on your next move. These companies are less expensive than full-service movers but save you from having to do everything on your own. Make sure you consider all your options and choose the company that is the best fit for your situation.
For more information on finding reliable and affordable services for your moving and transportation needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a moving container?
A moving container is a portable storage unit that can be delivered to your home, filled at your leisure, and then transported to your new location. It’s typically used as an alternative to hiring traditional moving companies, where the user can pack and load their own belongings into the container and have it shipped to their destination.
How much do moving containers cost?
The cost of renting a moving container can vary depending on several factors. These include the size of the container, the length of time you need to use it, and the company you rent it from.
Furthermore, there may be additional costs for things like delivery and pickup of the container, insurance, and taxes. Some companies also charge an additional fee for long-distance moves or if you need to keep the container longer than the initial rental period.
Do I have to pack my own moving container?
With a moving container, the customer is typically responsible for packing and loading their own belongings into the container. This is the main difference between moving container companies and traditional moving companies, where the latter typically sends movers to pack, load, and transport your belongings.
Some companies may offer additional service such as professional packing or loading. However, it would be different from company to company and may have additional cost.
How long can I use a moving container?
The time frame for using a moving container can vary depending on the company. Some companies offer rental periods as short as a few days, while others may offer monthly rentals.
Most moving container companies most moving container companies will let you keep the container on your property for an extended period of time. However, there are additional fees for storing the container for a longer period, so you will need to check with the specific company and their terms of use. You should confirm the timeline before signing the contract, to avoid extra costs.
What are some other companies that are similar to PODS?
There are various companies, like PODS and U-Pack, that offer portable storage options for individuals. Additional companies include 1-800-PACK-RAT, SmartBox, and Zippy Shell.
How do I know what size container I need?
The best way to determine the right size container for your move is to make an inventory of your belongings and estimate the amount of space they will take. Most companies offer containers in different sizes to suit different needs.
Can I store my container in a storage facility before my move?
Yes, some container companies allow you to store your container in a storage facility before your move. It’s best to check with the company for details and availability.
How do I load my belongings into the container?
Loading a moving container is similar to loading a truck for a move. It’s best to start by packing heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Many companies will provide basic guidelines for loading, best practices, and also some with videos.
