Which Portable Moving Container Company Is Right for You?

Looking for the most cost-efficient way to move to a new home? Look no further than a portable moving container. These nifty storage boxes are perfect for those embarking on a complicated cross-country move. All you have to do is load the moving container with your belongings, and the moving container company will do the rest. Portable moving containers are also perfect for movers who need to temporarily store their things during the relocation process.

So which moving container company is the right fit for your relocation? There are numerous moving container companies available to suit all budgets and needs. To help you choose the best moving container company for you, we’ve listed several container needs (below) – and matched them with the appropriate moving container company. Best of luck!

Need a weather-resistant moving container?

A few of the best weather-resistant moving containers out there include: ABF’s U-Pack ReloCubes, United Mayflower’s container, Door-to-Door storage containers and U-Haul’s U-Boxes.

Most weatherproof options:

PODS – PODS moving containers are both steel-framed and weather-resistant. They arrive with tie-downs, steel latches, and a key – all for extra security and stability.
ABF’s U-Pack Relocubes – These moving containers are made out of metal, and are a heavy, secure and weatherproof way to move all of your precious things.
United Mayflower’s containers – All sizes of this moving container brand are made of steel, and include aluminum side panels. The containers are completely waterproof, and will effectively prevent any kind of potential water damage.
1-800-PACK-RAT – These moving containers are made from steel, which prevent water absorption, mold and mildew from forming. The containers also feature embedded metal skids to keep your things off the ground and away from a potential water damage.
COWs – COWs (short for “containers on wheels”) offers moving containers made of steel that are completely weatherproof.

Semi-weatherproof options not made of steel:

Door-to-Door Storage containers – These single size containers are made of wood, but are raised several inches above the ground to keep everything dry. Additionally, each container is covered by a weatherproof cover to add an extra layer of protection to the container.
U-Haul’s U-Boxes – These portable moving and storage containers are made of heavy-duty plywood and are covered by a protective, weatherproof cover when sitting outdoors.

Need a portable moving container for city moving?

No driveway, no problem! Both moving container companies Zippy Shell and COWs, provide a moving container on wheels – perfect for city living.

Zippy Shell – Those who need a moving container sent to their city apartment, condo or home – but have to deal with street parking – will find that Zippy Shell’s trailer is the perfect choice for them. Zippy Shell trailers have license plates and wheels, and therefore can easily be parked in places that other companies simply cant. The company points out that if you opt for street parking, Zippy Shell will need the length of two car spaces and the appropriate parking pass.

COWs – COWs offers moving containers with wheels. Granted they are smaller wheels, not actual trailer wheels, they will still allow renters to move the container a short distance, such as a parking space or driveway. Additionally, it’s steel storage, so your belongings will be protected from bad weather.

Need a moving container with a flexible time frame?

Many moving container companies require customers to pack and unpack their moving container within a 3-day period on each side of the move. However, there are several moving container companies out there that allow the customer to pack and unpack the moving container on their schedule. Here’s a look at a few such companies:

SMARTBOX – This portable moving container provides unlimited time to pack, as well as up to 30 days of storage included in the quote.

U-Haul’s U-boxes – When renting a U-Box container, customers can spend their time packing the box for as long as they need. Once finished, the U-Haul team will pick up the box containers and ship it to their destination.

1-800-PACK-RAT – This popular moving container company allows customers to pack and load their containers for up to 30 days. That means you’ll have an entire month to get everything packed up and ready to go.

Need payment flexibility?

ABF’ U-Pack ReloCubes – These U-Pack ReloCubes offer a particularly flexible way to pay for your moving container. Customers are allowed to reserve as many ReloCubes as they wish, but can pay just for the ones they actually end up using. That way, if you think you need three ReloCubes but only end up using two, you won’t have to pay for all three ReloCubes. This company also doesn’t require a down payment or deposit.

Need multiple size containers?

Pods – PODS offers three different container sizes to fit all moves. The 7 ft. POD holds one full room of furniture; The 12 ft. POD holds two to three rooms of furniture; The 16 ft. POD holds three to four rooms of furniture.

Zippy Shell – Zippy Shell’s portable moving containers come in two container sizes. The smaller size is a 10 ft. container (7 ft. high, 7 ft. wide and 10 ft. long) and can hold one to two rooms. The larger size is a 15 ft. container (7 ft. high, 7 ft. wide and 15 ft long) and can hold two to three rooms.

1-800-Pack-Rat – 1-800-PACK-RAT’s storage containers are available in three different sizes. Pack Rat’s 8 ft. container holds one to 1.5 rooms of furniture and up to 4,000 lbs; the 12 ft. container holds two to three rooms of furniture and holds up to 6,000 lbs; the 16 ft. container holds three to four rooms of furniture and up to 6,000 lbs. Pack Rat’s 16 ft. container is typically the most popular of the three.

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.