If you’re not opposed to getting your hands a little dirty, renting and shipping moving containers is the most affordable relocation method.
We rated U-Pack and U-Haul as the best options for cheap moving containers. Each offered us the lowest quotes for service, with three-bedroom moves between Philadelphia and Boston costing between $1,405 and $1,787. Both of these providers offer coverage across all 50 states and resources for hiring moving labor if you don’t want a fully DIY move.
Booking a moving container is a great way to cut costs and assume more control over your moving process. Even cheap full-service moving companies cost far more, with quotes we received for 2,880-mile, three-bedroom moves ranging from $9,000 to $12,000. We’ve listed the cheapest moving container options below; each offers low rates and different container sizes, which can suit most moving needs.
All of the container companies we’ve reviewed here received high marks on our rating scale. We graded each company for coverage area, customer review scores, quote processes and more.
Popular container movers
We chose the following moving container providers for their container size options, state availability and customer review scores:
Our top choices for container moving companies
If you’re still weighing the convenience of a full-service move against the affordability of hiring a moving container company, the providers below offer comprehensive service to most locations in the country.
We listed the following container providers in order of cost, beginning with the most affordable option.
How do you choose a container mover?
When you choose a container provider for your upcoming move, go through your selection process just as methodically as you would if you were hiring a full-service moving company — this will ensure you’ll have the best possible moving experience. As you research your options, keep in mind the following factors.
Determine the space and services you need
Most container companies have a storage space calculator on their websites to help you determine how many containers and which sizes you’ll need. Most companies’ 16-foot mobile storage units can fit a one-bedroom apartment or small two-bedroom home. Additionally, if you plan on using a container provider, you’ll have to ensure that you’ll have enough parking space near your home when your units are delivered.
You may also require add-ons such as moving labor or packing supplies. While you can hire movers from any moving company and purchase packing supplies from numerous different retailers, some container companies provide these services in-house. These companies offer further convenience and flexibility than a basic container move.
Consider the cost and get multiple quotes
Requesting moving quotes from container companies is far easier than contacting full-service movers or van lines for pricing. Most providers offer full online booking and quotes that can give you all-inclusive pricing in minutes. Be sure to get different quotes to determine which provider offers the best price and delivery date guarantees that match your move parameters.
Based on quotes we gathered, the average cost for a three-bedroom move between Boston and Philadelphia is $2,145, with a low of $1,405 and a high of $3,243. This shows how widely pricing can vary and the importance of getting multiple quotes.
Read customer reviews
The companies listed above have locations throughout the country, which means your experience will depend on the quality of the specific branch that handles your DIY moving needs. Google, Yelp, BBB, Trustpilot and social media are excellent customer feedback sources. Look for reviews that mention adherence to quoted rates and timely deliveries as you consider your container rental options.
Decide whether you need additional insurance
Most container services provide insurance options for the protection of your goods while in transit. Most protection plans will charge per portable moving container and will set a total dollar amount of coverage per unit. If you’re moving fragile items or any goods you’re worried about packing into a unit, you should look into container providers offering such coverage.
Final take: Book with a well-reviewed container provider to ensure the best possible moving experience
Customer reviews are the most important resource for clients booking moving container services. Your first step in any DIY moving process should be to review a storage company’s customer feedback. Narrow down your search to providers whose reviews mention honest pricing and timely deliveries. Then, get quotes from at least a few providers to determine your lowest possible price.
Our quote-gathering process determined that U-Pack and U-Haul are the cheapest options available for long-distance moves. However, your exact moving needs might make another company a better fit for you.
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 Trustpilot reviews are accurate as of February 2024.
Top local moving companies in your city
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.
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