Renting a portable storage container for a local or long-distance move is a budget-friendly way to combat high moving costs. While some full-service movers come at affordable prices, you don’t get the full cost savings or flexibility that accompany a DIY move.
If you’re interested in renting a moving container for your next move, we’ve got you covered. We’ve reviewed and ranked the top five cheapest moving container companies to help you find the best option for your budget and relocation.
What Are the Cheapest Companies for Renting Moving Containers?
Below is our list of the top cheapest moving container companies. These affordable providers deliver quality moving services while eliminating the hassle of hauling, storing, and delivering your belongings. We’ve included superlatives for each company to help you parse your top choices.
Keep reading to learn:
- Our picks for the top cheapest moving container companies.
- The unit sizes, services, and price points each company offers.
- How to choose the best affordable moving container to save money.
Compare Affordable Moving Container Options
One of the best ways to pick a moving container company is to compare all the options. And cost is often the most important. To help you, we researched the price of two hypothetical moves for a two-bedroom home — one local and one of 500 miles.
Company | Our Rating | Container Sizes | Local Cost | Long-distance Cost | Locations |
4.7 | Not listed on the website | $800–$1,500 | $400–$4,500 | 50 states | |
3.6 | 8-foot | Not available for local moves (150-mile minimum) | $2,100–$3,500 | 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada | |
3.2 | 8-foot 12-foot 16-foot | $700–$1,400 | $1,450–$2,500 | 44 states, Canada | |
3.5 | 8-foot | $300–$1,100 | $1,400–$2,900 | 50 states, Canada | |
3.7 | 8-foot 12-foot 16-foot | $900–$1,500 | $1,550–$2,600 | 31 states |
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
U-Pack is the most widely available self-service moving company on our list. It has moving and storage through a network of 240 service centers throughout all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It boasts affordable prices: average costs range from $2,100 to $3,500 for long-distance relocations. Compare this price to long-distance full-service moving expenses — which sometimes exceed $8,000 — to get more context of U-Pack’s affordability.
U-Pack offers patented 8-foot ReloCubes to accommodate small-scale moves at a flat rate. It also offers 27-foot-long moving trailers for larger relocation projects, allowing customers to fill up and pay for as much or as little of the space as needed. This pricing structure works for homeowners who need to budget their move but aren’t sure how much space they’ll need.
U-Pack offers the following extra moving services:
- Long-distance container moving
- Short and long-term storage
- Door-to-door or service center delivery
- Online planning and money-saving tools like a Fuel Calculator, Space Estimator, and Moving Checklist.
Although U-Pack has limited container options, you’ll appreciate its affordable rates, which are:
Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
2 BR | $660–$1,750 | $1,300–$2,400 | $1,750–$2,850 | $2,300–$3,400 |
4 BR | $880–$2,000 | $2,000–$3,100 | $3,000–$4,100 | $4,500–$5,600 |
Two-bedroom moves usually require two U-Pack ReloCubes. Clients can book a trailer for larger relocations if they have enough parking space. U-Pack’s trailer is the most cost-effective and efficient option for three- and four-bedroom homes.
U-Pack strives to make household moves as manageable and cost-effective as possible. The company provides several deals to enhance affordability and encourage customers to tackle DIY moving.
The following promotional discounts* are listed on U-Pack’s website.
- $25 off when you book online
- $25 off with promo code BLOG25
- $50 discount for active military members
- Senior discounts and college students discounts at some locations
*Promotional discounts available as of May 2023.
PODS
3.2
Our Rating
In 1998, PODS started renting the original portable storage container. Now its brand is synonymous with the service. The company offers three container sizes for local moves, long-distance relocations, and storage.
The company’s container options and its scheduling flexibility and straightforward pricing for local moves set it apart from competitors. After calculating a free quote for your move date, location, and size, PODS gives a transparent breakdown of recurring and one-time charges. This simplifies the budgeting for customers.
Along with its selection of 8-, 12- and 15-foot containers for local and long-distance moving, PODS also offers:
- Added insurance for container contents, starting at $34.95 per unit
- Car shipping via ACERTUS and Mr. Car Shipper
- Custom payment plans and moving loans via Acorn Finance
- Packing and unpacking resources
- On-site self-storage units
- Secure, climate-controlled storage facilities
- Moving supply kit delivery
- Third-party move-in services
PODS container rentals include 30 days of storage, with pickup and delivery options. Its price points average out to:
Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
2 BR | $750–$1,900 | $1,450–$2,500 | $1,900–$3,000 | $2,400–$3,500 |
4 BR | $1,000–$2,100 | $2,100–$3,200 | $3,200–$4,300 | $4,600–$5,700 |
One 15-foot PODS unit would fit most small or medium-sized two-bedroom homes. Three and four-bedroom homes require renting two or more of its biggest containers.
PODS provides affordable shipping container rental, starting as low as $318. However, each rental includes additional delivery, hauling, and pickup fees that will add to your final bill. Luckily, the company currently offers the following promotions* to make your move a breeze:
- Up to 15% off of three-plus months of storage with a free initial delivery
- Free initial delivery and redelivery with 15% off container rental and six or more months of storage
- Up to 10% off moving and storage booking for active duty service members and veterans
- $100 Amazon gift card for you and your referral when you successfully invite a friend to use PODS
*Promotional discounts available as of May 2023.
U-Haul U-Box
3.5
Our Rating
U-Haul is one of the biggest names in the moving industry. Although most people recognize it for working in the truck rental space for DIY moves, it markets a line of moving containers ideal for simplifying the small moves.
While not as large as PODS or U-Pack ReloCubes, U-Box containers are a widely available alternative for certain moves and storage. U-Haul has locations in all 50 states, and the company is a favorite among college students for summer breaks.
U-Haul’s handy storage containers are only part of the company’s service suite. It also offers the following to take the stress out of your moving experience:
- Moving labor provided through Moving Help, an online labor assistance marketplace
- Short and long-term storage at U-Haul locations
- Automobile storage and towing services
- Moving truck rentals to tow your U-Box
- Local and long-distance moving
- Packing supply resources
U-Haul charges U-Box pickup and delivery fees, which typically amount to $99. Unfortunately, many customers report that the company didn’t inform them of this extra charge during the booking process. Asking questions and reading fine print while getting estimates is a smart way to avoid surprise charges.
As with many DIY moving services, free quotes depend on how many units you book for your move. Expect to pay around $100 per month per U-Box. Reviews show that a local move requiring two U-Box containers would cost between $800 and $1,100. A long-distance move with the same spatial requirements would cost upward of $2,500.
Along with U-Haul’s lengthy product suite comes a list of deals and discounts to make your move more affordable. The company’s website lists the following promotions*:
- Get a free towing inspection when you visit a U-Haul hitch installation location
- Receive a $5 lifetime unlimited warranty with your U-Haul hitch installation
- 10% to 15% discounts at select hotels
- One month of free storage when you rent a truck or trailer
- Trucks and vans available for extended miles and special rates at select locations
*Promotional discounts available as of May 2023.
1-800-PACK-RAT
3.7
Our Rating
1-800-PACK-RAT brings more than 20 years of experience to 61 locations across the country. The company offers multiple containers sizes an various discounts to make moving more manageable.
You can read our full review of 1-800-Pack-Rat right here.
We like that 1-800-PACK-RAT provides customers with premium, all-steel containers, a major benefit for its competitive rates. With sturdy construction and barn-door-style openings, the rugged containers deliver maximum protection. Like many competitors, 1-800-PACK-RAT has three container sizes.
1-800-PACK-RAT provides the following services to simplify every aspect of your affordable self-service move:
- A free space calculator on its website
- Local and long-distance moving
- Moving supplies for online purchase
- Contents protection plans
- Short- and long-term storage services at secure facilities
- Third-party labor assistance services
- More service locations via its sister company, Zippy Shell
Your cost for 1-800-PACK-RAT depends on the container size, move distance, and length of time you need storage. All 1-800-PACK-RAT rentals come with 30 days of storage. Additional monthly costs begin at $250. You can also purchase move insurance coverage beginning at $34.95 for $5,000 in protection.
Here are some costs for moves of varying distances:
Home Size | <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi |
2 BR | $900–$2,200 | $1,550–$2,600 | $2,000–$3,300 | $2,500–$3,800 |
4 BR | $1,100–$2,300 | $2,400–$3,500 | $3,500–$4,600 | $4,900–$6,000 |
1-800-PACK-RAT’s large 16-foot container accommodates most two-bedroom homes. You’ll have to rent at least two of these units for many three or four-bedroom homes, which could lead to significant pricing increases.
1-800-PACK-RAT offers military and senior discounts — fairly standard in the industry. We like that it advertises a price-match guarantee, which helps people shop for the best services at the lowest prices.
The company lists the following promotions* on the 1-800-PACK-RAT website:
- The Best Price Guarantee will match any competitor’s price.
- Save 50% off your order when you book online
- 10% off long-distance moves
- 10% off moving and storage orders for military personnel
- 10% off for all first responders, teachers, doctors, nurses, and seniors
*Promotional discounts available as of May 2023.
SMARTBOX
3.0
Our Rating
Founded in 2002, SMARTBOX largely markets itself as a moving and storage solution for college students and studio apartment renters. For this reason, it isn’t the best self-storage option for intermediate or large moves.
With only one standard 8-foot container size, SMARTBOX is affordable for small-scale projects, though its costs increase quickly for added units. SMARTBOX only operates in major urban areas, and it’s tailored to work as a local moving and short-term solution for seasonal urban renters. It’s most affordable for single-container moves within the same city.
SMARTBOX offers a straightforward product suite that includes:
- Local and long-distance moving
- Short and long-term storage
- Third-party loading and unloading services
- Moving and packing supply products
SMARTBOX excels at pricing transparency. Although its prices are on the high end, clients shouldn’t be shocked by their final cost. A local one-room move will cost between $500 and $1,500, while a two-room, 500-mile relocation will cost between $2,400 and $2,600.
SMARTBOX offers military and college-student discounts to improve affordability for its core customer base. The company’s website lists no specific discounts, so call 1.87.SMARTBOX for updated deals.
How Can You Save Even More Money When Choosing Cheap Moving Containers?
Maybe you’ve found a portable storage container within your price range but still want to save more money on your move. Allow us to help. You can cut moving costs on rented containers by using these tips:
- Get quotes from multiple moving container companies to compare prices and services. This prevents you from accepting an offer that may not be the perfect fit for your move. Contacting multiple companies for quotes puts you in a competitive mindset and gets you asking good questions about a la carte services, insurance plans, add-on fees, and other options.
- Ask about discounts and coupons. Moving container companies often have specials to make their services more affordable, especially for storage. Many offer discounted rates for veterans, first responders, and seniors.
- Use a moving calculator (like this one from 1-800-PACK-RAT) to pick the right sized container for your move. Such tools help you determine the space you need based on your home size and other factors. This small step can save you from buying more space than you need — or reserving one that’s too small and having to add unexpected costs at the last minute.
- Ask around for free or discounted moving supplies like grocery store fruit crates or shipping boxes from local companies. These materials often get tossed out anyway, so you’ll be saving money and recycling simultaneously.
- Consolidate your load. Sell, donate, and toss unwanted items. Send clothes and linens to secondhand stores. Donate books, movies, furniture, and more to veterans’ groups and other local charities. Having fewer belongings to move lightens your load and eases your final move cost.
What Should You Look For in a Cheap Moving Container Company?
With so many options on the market, vetting moving companies can feel daunting. Here are a few basic features to consider when booking a moving or storage container:
Flexibility and Service Options
A primary benefit of using a portable moving container company is flexibility. With a full-service company, you’ll be on a tight timeline from start to finish. Renting a moving container lets you pack and load on your schedule, removing some stress from a stress-filled process.
Look for a container company that helps with your transition to a new home. Whether it provides easy-to-understand loading windows with straightforward delivery fees or complimentary services like furniture pads or basic insurance, book a company that works to provide a positive moving experience.
There are even some specialty services that will help you move your pet. So be sure to consider everything prior to making the big move.
Coverage Area and Availability
Before setting your heart on a specific moving container company, make sure it’s operable in both your current and future locations. Many providers operate in all 50 states but some don’t. Visit a company’s location or FAQ page to determine its service area.
Transparent Pricing
Transparent pricing is a key indicator of a quality moving container company. It also allows you to compare prices and budget.
Container companies usually provide transparent pricing for units to help homeowners understand the costs of different unit sizes and move lengths. Even if you can’t get explicit rates with an online quote, flat-rate storage and approximate unit rental fees should be relatively easy to find.
Contents Protection Plans and Insurance Coverage
Most container providers have protection plans to ensure the well-being of customers’ possessions. They usually offer separate policies for the container’s contents and the unit itself. You can select the right insurance coverage based on the items you need to store, as well as the conditions surrounding your unit.
The best moving container companies sell extra insurance for more valuable goods, such as high-end furniture, big-ticket electronics, and appliances. Consider buying an add-on plan if you’re renting or storing a container for an extended period. Before signing with any moving container company, pay special attention to the rental contract to determine pricing and coverage inclusions.
Customer Service and Reviews
Finding a worthwhile moving container company involves researching customer service reputations and reviews beforehand. This step is especially important when searching for cheap moving containers, as you want to ensure your customer experience won’t suffer because of a lower price.
Customer service representative availability is one sign to look for while shopping. In fact, you want to talk to an actual person when you reach out to a container provider. Many companies — especially larger nationwide providers — may fall short here because of high call volumes or lack of customer care services.
Gauge these companies by assessing customer reviews from reliable sources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Trustpilot. These platforms publish positive and negative customer reviews and company responses to help you decide.
Renting a Moving Container Vs. Hiring a Mover: Which Is Cheaper?
Pros & Cons of Moving Container Rental
Pros & Cons of Hiring Full-service Movers
Renting a moving container will almost always be cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company. You won’t pay for the packing, loading, and unloading services covered in a moving company’s price. Instead, you pay for moving container drop-off, hauling, and storage time. You’ll also incur additional expenses for packing supplies, which you’ll purchase independently.
Full-service moving companies are more expensive because they handle every step of the moving process. With pro movers, you pay for packing, loading, hauling, unloading, and unpacking. The company may supply all necessary packing and moving materials, saving you the time and trouble of buying your own. The company will also save you time and potential stress by handling the heavy lifting.
Whether you should rent a moving container or hire professional movers depends on your budget and relocation needs. Storage containers are typically best for small to mid-sized moves, although providers like U-Pack can accommodate moves for larger three- and four-bedroom homes.
Want moving container prices with the added labor benefits of a full-service mover? We recommend Allied Express by Allied Van Lines. This service combines Allied’s decades of full-service moving experience with the flexibility of portable storage containers. You’ll have the flexibility to pack and store the container on your own schedule. Come moving day, a small crew will assist with the heavy lifting. These added benefits may be well worth a higher price for some customers.
Get a quote from Allied to see if it’s the right choice for your container move. Or, read our full Allied Van Lines review to learn more.
So, Who Has the Cheapest Moving Containers?
All factors considered, U-Pack is the best container company for an affordable long-distance move. Its pricing structure lends itself to low rates, while the three-day loading and unloading period allows clients to move at their own pace.
If you have a smaller-scale moving project within your local range, we recommend PODS or U-Haul. Each offers competitively low rates for local relocations with flexible timelines.
Regardless of your needs, we suggest getting quotes from multiple moving companies before booking. Assessing several companies’ potential prices and service offerings will give you a clearer understanding of your options before committing.
Think you might need a full-service mover after all? Get estimates from some of the best moving companies below:
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
FAQs About Cheap Moving Container Companies
Will I pay more for a last-minute moving container booking?
Moving container companies are often excellent choices for last-minute moving needs. They don’t charge premiums or added fees for late bookings. However, storage unit availability may be limited if you book during a busy season. You may encounter limited container sizes or storage units if you wait too long to book.
When you book these services, the container provider does not insure the labor you get. In addition, you’ll also likely have to pay a two- to four-hour minimum charge. This means that no matter how little work you have for your movers, you’ll have to pay for a set minimum amount of labor.
Should I buy contents protection insurance for a moving container?
Buying insurance coverage for your moving container rental may be a good option for transporting expensive or highly valuable items. Moving container companies offer several types of valuation coverage to provide the peace of mind you need for your move.
PODS offers two plans: one for the container and contents and one for just the container. It has coverage levels from $5,000 to $300,000, allowing you to select the option that best represents the value of your stuff. Other companies like U-Pack offer catastrophic liability coverage or carrier negligence insurance to cover different circumstances. Coverage types, limits, and plan pricing vary by company. Read the fine print of each policy before signing.
Is labor included in the price of a moving container rental?
Labor is not usually included in moving container rentals. The low price of moving containers stems from the DIY nature of the service. Your price won’t include services like packing and loading. But many container rental companies offer add-on labor assistance or third-party resources to help with such needs. You’ll pay for each added option.
How much does a moving container cost for a cross-country move?
Renting a moving container for a cross-country move will cost anywhere from $1,400 to $5,000, depending on the distance and size of the move. Cross-country moves are undoubtedly expensive, so choosing a container company can provide much-needed cost savings for budget-conscious homeowners.
Methodology: How We Ranked Cheap Moving Containers
At Today’s Homeowner, we know that moving can be overwhelming. For this reason, we strive to bring you the most transparent reviews and accurate information to support your move. Our cheap moving container company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — reputable, affordable companies providing various worthwhile services.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current professional movers.
A company can earn 100 points across four categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of affordable moving container companies and developed the following formula:
- Transparency (30 Points): We awarded top points to companies that supplied quotes quickly and provided easy-to-read contracts. We used the availability of sample pricing and quick quote features, GPS tracking, and clear customer service hours to determine this metric. We also added points for up-front communication regarding policies, licensing, insurance options, and add-on fees.
- Basic Service Options (20 Points): While this may seem like a given for most movers, a strong basic service profile means more than just high-quality yet affordable moving containers. The best moving container providers offer local, long-distance, and international moving, while providing resources to help customers find the necessary packing and loading assistance.
- Customization Options (30 Points): Aside from basic services, a comprehensive list of added services indicates a mover’s quality. Moving supply resources, contents protection coverage, secure storage, and similar add-ons indicate that a moving container company puts customer service first.
- Reputation (20 Points): We assessed each mover’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. We weighed BBB ratings and the company’s complaint response rate to calculate this metric.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.