Which Moving Container Gives You the Most Bang For Your Buck?

Thinking of renting a portable moving container? With numerous moving container companies available for both local and long distance moves, as well as for short-term and long-term storage, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding convenient container options. If you’re curious which one will give you the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to carefully consider your specific moving needs. The moving container that offers the best value for your money will depend on how much you’re moving, how far you’re moving and (most importantly) how much you’ve budgeted for the move. To find the best moving container for you, check out the offerings and price points of these five moving container options below.

ABF’s U-Pack Relocubes

Made of sturdy metal, U-Pack ReloCubes offer customers a weatherproof and secure moving container option. Each cube measures 70” x 82” x 93” and is capable of holding up to 2,500 pounds. Once the company drops the container at your doorstep, you’ll have three days to load it. U-Pack will then deliver the ReloCube to either a secure storage facility or your new destination. U-Pack Relocubes are intended for long distance moves – not local moves.

Pricing: According to HireAHelper’s price comparison , the average cost of a long distance move using ReloCubes is $2,231. Pricing for ReloCubes is based on a per container/per 30-day period basis.

Go Mini’s

Go Mini’s moving containers are made of steel and are available in three different sizes, including a 12 ft., 16 ft., and 20 ft option. Customers can store the Go Mini’s container on their own property, at a Go Mini’s outdoor facility or at Go Mini’s indoor storage facility. We should note, though, Go Mini’s is a smaller company and therefore, not available in every city. So, depending on where you live, you may have a harder time finding a location near you. The moving containers are available for local moves, long distance moves and storage.

Pricing: While the average cost of a long distance move isn’t available, HireAHelper reports that the average cost of a local move using Go Mini’s is $495. Unlike most storage container companies, Go Mini’s allows customers to rent a moving container on a weekly basis.

1-800-PACK-RAT

This popular moving container company provides steel-framed containers outfitted with metal skids, specifically designed to prevent water damage. With three sizes to choose from (8 ft., 12 ft. and 16 ft.), customers have a wide range of options that differ slightly from PODS. 1-800-PACK-RAT’s moving containers can be stored on the customer’s property or at their secure storage facility. The company’s storage facility provides video surveillance and a climate controlled environment. 1-800-PACK-RAT is available for local moves, long distance moves and storage.

Pricing: According to HireAHelper’s price comparison, the average cost of a long distance move using 1-800-PACK-RAT moving containers is $3,439. The moving container company lets customers rent a container on a monthly basis. Pricing also depends on move dates, container availability and distance traveled – among other factors.

PODS

Perhaps the most well-known of the moving container brands, PODS provides customers with steel-framed, weather-resistant moving containers. PODS containers also offer ramp-free loading, and are equipped with tie-downs, steel locking latches, and a lock and key. Using a PODS container for storage purposes? Customers can either store the PODS container on their property or at a PODS storage location. One major advantage of choosing PODS over other brands is that you won’t have any trouble finding a location near your home. The company also has extensive experience in handling moving container moves, so customers can rest assured their move is in qualified hands. PODS is available for local moves, long distance moves and storage.

Pricing: According to HireAHelper’s price comparison, the average cost of a long distance move using PODS containers is $3,304. PODS storage starts at $110 per month. However, monthly rates for moving and storing vary depending on availability, duration, size needed and location.

U-Haul’s U-Boxes

U-Haul’s U-Boxes come in one size ( 95″ x 56″ x 83.5″), which fits about a room and a half of belongings. They are made of heavy-duty plywood and come with a removable weatherproof cover for proper protection when sitting outdoors. Given that they are not made of steel, customers moving to an area with rain or snow are probably better off opting for a weatherproof container from another brand. Customers can rent a U-Box on a month-to-month basis. They also have 24-hour access to U-Haul’s climate controlled storage facility. U-Haul’s U-Boxes are available for local moves, long distance moves and storage.

Pricing: According to HireAHelper’s price comparison, the average cost of a long distance move using U-Hauls U-Boxes is $2,800. U-Haul offers multiple delivery and storage options, so your cost will depend on which plan you choose and how long you need the moving container. The plans include: The Superior Convenience Option, The Low-Cost, Do-it-Yourself Option and The Most Cost Effective Option.

So which one gives you the most bang for your buck?

The portable moving container that gives you the most bang for your buck will depend on your specific moving needs and budget. Take a look at our suggestions below:

Looking to save money? Many moving container companies offer several levels of service, including a DIY option, hybrid option and full-service option. If saving money is the goal (and convenience, not so much), I recommend opting for the company’s most basic DIY option. With this option you will most likely load and unload the moving container yourself. You may be responsible for part of the transportation as well. Cheaper alternatives to consider: U-Haul’s Cost Effective option and U-Pack Relocubes for long distance moving. Additionally, Go Mini’s and U-Haul containers will most likely be the least expensive container options for a local move.
Need a short-term rental? Try renting a Go Mini’s moving container. While most container companies provide month-to-month contracts, Go Mini’s container company allows customers to rent on a weekly basis.
Want to avoid putting down a deposit? If you’re looking to avoid putting down a deposit on a moving container, choose U-Pack’s ReloCubes. Unlike many other moving container companies, U-Pack doesn’t require customers to put down a deposit ahead of time.
Not sure how many moving containers you need? If you’re unsure of what size or how many containers you’re going to need for your move, I recommend choosing U-Pack’s ReloCubes. While U-Pack allows customers to reserve as many ReloCube moving containers as they think they will need, the company only charges customers for the ones they actually use. This means that if you order five ReloCubes but only end up using four, you’ll only pay for those four ReloCubes used.
Need different size containers? If you’re looking for customized moving container sizes, consider PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT. These moving container companies offer multiple sizes for rent. For instance, PODS offers customers three different container sizes, including: a 7 ft., 12 ft. and 16 ft. moving container. 1-800-PACK-RAT moving containers are available in three sizes, including: an 8 ft. container, a 12 ft. container and a 16 ft. container.
Need a flexible time frame? Look into either U-Haul’s U-Boxes, 1-800-PACK-RAT or PODS. U-Haul provides customers with an unlimited number of days to pack their moving containers. While not “unlimited,” 1-800-PACK-RAT allows customers to pack their moving container for up to 30 days (read: a full month of packing!). PODS also claims that they work around your schedule, allowing customers to pack and unpack at their own pace for as long as needed. In our opinion, each of these moving container companies offer exceptionally flexible timing and scheduling options – making them a great fit for large, complicated moves.
Need a weatherproof container? U-Pack, PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT and Go Mini’s all provide steel framed moving containers built to withstand the elements.

Ready to order your moving container?

For more information on portable moving containers, check out our website to use the ‘Get Free Quotes Now’ tool. 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 companies as well.