The Best Moving Containers and Storage Companies

Looking for a cost-efficient way to move? Consider renting a shipping container from one of the many shipping container moving companies available. Moving containers and storage options, such as those offered by PODS, U-Haul and other companies, are quickly becoming the most popular way to move household belongings from point A to point B. The reason? For one, it’s much cheaper to rent a moving container than to hire a professional moving company. Second, these portable moving containers give customers more flexibility with their moving timeline. And three, customers automatically have a place where they can store furnishings before, after and during their move.

While we know there are numerous moving containers and storage options to choose from, we recommend considering these nine listed below. All of these shipping container moving companies offer quality services. They have also received stellar moving container company reviews. To find the best moving container company for your next move, keep reading.

  1. ABF U-Pack U-Pack’s ReloCube weatherproof containers feature durable steel framing and aluminum side panels. The advantage of choosing U-Pack over other moving container and storage companies is that U-Pack will allow you to reserve as many ReloCubes as you want but will only charge you for the ReloCubes you end up utilizing. That means if you order three containers, but end up filling just two, you’ll only be charged for the two ReloCube moving containers that were used. In addition, U-Pack does not require a deposit ahead of time. Container Sizes: U-Pack’s ReloCube container is capable of holding up to 2,500 pounds and comes in one size. The inside measures approximately 70” x 82” x 93” and can adequately hold one room’s worth of furniture and boxes. To see how many ReloCubes your move may require, use U-Pack’s Moving Space Estimator tool.
  2. COWs (Containers on Wheels) COWs moving containers are made of steel and sit atop small wheels, which make them exceptionally mobile. Most COWs locations offer customers several services including: a DIY option where customers load and unload the container themselves; a hybrid option where customers can opt for labor assistance for heavier items; and a full service option where customers can opt to have the company load and unload all belongings. Container Sizes: The majority of COWs locations offer both 8 ft. and 16 ft. moving and storage containers. COWs’ moving containers and storage are available for daily, weekly and monthly rentals.
  3. Go Mini’s
    Customers in need of flexibility will appreciate Go Mini’s customer-friendly moving container rental policy. The shipping container company allows customers to rent Go Mini’s containers on a weekly basis. Each Go Mini’s moving containers are made of steel, and come with padded wheels and multiple tie-down points. Those in need of storage have the option to store the container at their own home, at an outdoor Go Mini’s facility or at an indoor Go Mini’s facility. Container Sizes: Go Mini’s containers come in three sizes, including a 12 ft. container ideal for small apartment moves; a 16 ft. container ideal for moving three to four rooms; and a 20 ft. container ideal for moving five to six rooms.
  4. 1-800-PACK-RAT 1-800-PACK-RAT is certainly one of the best moving container companies out there. The company’s shipping containers are made of weatherproof steel. Each container also features embedded metal skids, which provide six inches of clearance off the ground to ensure that your valuable furniture and items remain dry at all times. Customers can choose to store their containers on their own property or at a nearby 1-800-PACK-RAT secure storage facility. Container Sizes: 1-800-PACK-RAT moving containers come in three sizes: an 8 ft. container capable of holding around 1.5 rooms of furniture; a 12 ft. container capable of holding two to three rooms; and a 16 ft. container capable of holding three to four rooms of furnishings.
  5. PODS
    Perhaps the most well-known of the shipping container companies, PODS offers steel-framed and weather-resistant moving containers. Each PODS shipping container offers ramp-free loading, and is equipped with tie-downs, steel locking latches, and a lock and key. Customers can either store the PODS container on their own property or at a PODS storage location. Container Sizes: PODS moving and storage containers come in three sizes: a 7 ft. moving container capable of handling a small apartment move; a 12 ft. moving container capable of handling a two to three room move; and a 16 ft. moving container capable of handling a three to four room move.
  6. SMARTBOX
    Convenient and easy to use, SMARTBOX moving containers are a popular choice for those moving and looking for storage. Each SMARTBOX moving container is constructed out of wood and covered with a waterproof canvas. This covering protects the box (and its contents) from rain, extreme temperatures and humidity. The shipping container company also allows customers to rent as many SMARTBOX containers as they need. Customers won’t be charged for any leftover, unused containers. Container Sizes: All SMARTBOX moving containers come in one size measuring 7′ x 5′ x 8′. These moving containers are capable of handling studio apartment or small, one-bedroom apartment moves. Keep in mind, you may to need to rent multiple SMARTBOX moving containers for larger moves.
  7. U-Haul U-Haul U-Boxes are made of heavy-duty plywood and come outfitted with a removable weatherproof covering. The moving container company is a popular choice because of its many delivery and storage options, including: The Superior Convenience Option, The Low-Cost, Do-It-Yourself Option, and The Most Cost-Effective Option. Those storing their U-Box at one of U-Haul’s storage facilities will also be granted 24-hour access to their unit. Container Sizes: Each U-Haul U-Box measures 96″ x 60″ x 90″ (or 257 cubic feet). The moving containers are capable of holding up to 2,000 pounds – or the contents of about a room and a half of household furnishings.
  8. United and Mayflower
    Each United and Mayflower moving container is made of weatherproof steel framing. United and Mayflower Container Services offers customers two loading options: a full-service Do-It-Yourself Plus option and a Do-It-Yourself option. Those who need extra help can opt for the full-service option where United and Mayflower services will send expert packers to help you on moving day. The company also allows customers to pack and unpack the container at their own pace. Portable storage containers can be kept at the customer’s home or at a United and Mayflower secure storage facility. Container Sizes: United and Mayflower moving containers are approximately 16 ft. long, 8 ft. wide and 8 ft. high. According to the website, each container is capable of holding the contents of a typical 1,500 square foot home.
  9. ZippyShell Zippy Shell is a particularly good choice for those living or moving to an urban environment. The moving and storage container company offers “street legal” containers with license plates and wheels, making it easy to park these containers in street parking spots. Zippy Shell gives customers three days to load and unload their container. Container Sizes: Zippy Shell containers come in two sizes. The smaller container measures 10 ft. long, 7 ft. wide and 7 ft. high, and is capable of holding one to two rooms of household items. Zippy Shell’s largest container measures 15 ft. long, 7 ft. wide and 7 ft. high, and holds two to three rooms of furniture.

Ready to order your moving container?

To figure out which moving container is right for you, read our article here. For more information on portable moving containers, check Moving.com to find moving containers. Simply enter where you’re moving from, the location of your new home, the size of your home in bedrooms, and what date you want to complete your move. We’ll send you the best quote available, and let you compare other shipping container moving companies as well.