U-Pack tops our list of the best moving containers. Its 27-foot moving trailer is a streamlined option for clients with three- to four-bedroom homes, while its ReloCubes are convenient for small apartment or dorm room moves. If you opt for a trailer, we like U-Pack’s pay-for-what-you-use pricing structure that guarantees you only pay for the space you use.
We recommend PODS if you’re moving locally or want more container size options.
A DIY move gives you the most flexibility during the moving process but involves more planning and work before and on your move date. The moving container companies we reviewed let you pack and store your items before transporting them, so you can forgo renting and driving a moving van.
Each moving-and-storage container provider on our list offers nationwide availability and receives positive customer reviews. They also offer easy access to local moving labor so you can enjoy the convenience of a partial-service move at a reduced price point.
Our top choices for moving companies
The following container providers are our top picks for a DIY move. Our provider summaries below walk you through the details you need to plan your move.
- U-Pack
- PODS
- 1-800-PACK-RAT
- U-Haul U-Box
- Smartbox
Homeowners guide: How do you choose a container moving company?
Consider the following key factors before opting for a container or moving trailer for your upcoming DIY move.
Determine the services you need
Most container providers offer moving labor as an add-on. They can often connect you with third-party services, such as Moving Help or HireAHelper, that enlist workers from local full-service moving companies. You can book assistance for anything from loading and unloading to packing, crating and more.
Calculate your space requirements
The container companies we reviewed above offer estimated capacities for each moving trailer or mobile storage unit they provide. Consult these before renting a moving container. If you’re unsure of your capacity needs, you may want to get a quote from a full-service mover to help you determine your spacial requirements.
Consider the cost and get multiple quotes
Each of the companies above offers similar service ranges at varied price points. We recommend you fill out multiple quote forms to determine which container provider can offer you the best service at the lowest price.
Read customer reviews
Read customer feedback from multiple sources before booking a container mover. National review platforms such as BBB offer a good reference point for learning about common issues customers face. However, such sites can sometimes become a go-to place to log complaints rather than trustworthy review sources. We recommend looking at location-specific reviews from Google, Yelp and social media.
Decide whether you need additional insurance
Most container providers offer baseline coverage at no additional cost with all container rentals. Beyond this, many container companies provide tiered protection options. Usually, you will have to purchase individual coverage plans for each mobile storage unit you rent.
Final take: U-Pack containers serve long-distance movers, but PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT are best for storage and local needs
Especially if you’re planning to move during peak moving season, between May and September, you should reserve your moving container at least a month before moving day. Most container rental companies cope with the same increased demand that full-service movers experience during these months. If you get multiple quotes and book your reservation early, you can avoid any unnecessary headaches in the lead-up to your move.
We recommend getting a quote from U-Pack to start your container-moving process. Its trailer and mobile storage unit options make it a great option for long-distance moves of any size. If you’re planning a local container move, we recommend getting quotes from PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT due to their container size options and local service availability.
Our rating methodology for moving companies
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Google reviews accurate as of March 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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