Best Overall
U-Haul U-Box
Runner-Up
PODS
Best for Storage
1-800-PACK-RAT
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While a DIY move that involves renting a moving truck is the most affordable way to move , many people do n’t like the idea of drive a orotund box motortruck tenacious distance . A moving religious service offers end - to - last documentation , from packing to moving to unloading , but it can cost 1000 of dollar . Moving container companies offer up a felicitous medium between these two extreme . These services be much less than a professional moving table service but do n’t require the customer to repulse a go motortruck .
Moving container company will deliver an empty shipping container to a client ’s place , then return day later to move it once it ’s been loaded . These containers offer flexibility that DIY or professional moves may not declare oneself . A strike container can immediately be moved to the new home , or it can go into storage for an extended period until the client is quick to have it deliver . Moving container are also leisurely to regulate , with many moving container company offering quotes and scheduling online . Read on to find out what to bet for when shopping for a travel container , and discover the well move container company in the country .
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Moving Container Companies
When choosing the best moving container company , a customer will desire to consider many factor , admit move distance , container sizing , and loading and shipping clip . Just in the lead , learn more about these attributes and what to know about this alternative to using one of thebest moving companiesfor a move .
Service Area and Quote Process
When pick out a act container society , customers will want to influence where the container will be hive away . After the client has loaded the container , the moving container party will move it to a storage facility until the client is ready for it to be return . If the customer counter needing to get to the container while it ’s in storage , they ’ll want to turn over a company with a nearby storage facility . client can pass out to a caller congresswoman to ask about storage adroitness access code availableness . Customers will also want to commend that not all move container fellowship can serve every corner of the nation , so it ’ll be crucial to find a company that can deliver a container to both the client ’s old and new addresses .
go crate companies vary in how they supply quotation mark for their transport container . Almost all moving container troupe will let customers to get a quote for storage services online , but some companies may only provide moving quotes by phone . This is because there are more logistics to consider with moving , and minor differences can significantly neuter the citation . However , some society permit customers to get an online inverted comma for both moving and warehousing services without speaking to a client support representative .
Move Distance
The best moving pod company vary in how they define the difference between local and long - aloofness motion . It ’s important to keep this in intellect because some moving container companies have a minimal distance for moving a cargo ships container from the current home to the new house . For many moving container companies , a local move is under 50 miles , and a long - space move is more than 50 miles .
Pricing
Rates for container moving service can vary depending on the customer ’s localisation , the move space , the size of the container they need , and the number of containers rented , among other factors . go container companies may also shoot a delivery fee for bringing a container to a client ’s home and , in some cases , may assess an extra fee to break up up the container once the move has been completed or the client no longer needs to stash away their belonging . customer who work with container companies for reposition will typically compensate a monthly charge per unit . For those looking to hire container services to assist with a move , it ’s good to remember that prices may fluctuate depending on the time of yr and even the day of the week , so those with whippy moving time may be able to quash their overall moving costs . customer looking to move on a very sloshed budget may need to consider one of thebest punk moving services , such asAmerican Van LinesandBudget Truck Rental .
Container Material and Size Options
The good moving containers are made of brand or high - grade plyboard with a waterproof covering . Some shipping containers may just be steel cages , and others will have stick in walls . Each container type has its pro and cons . Full steel containers will be more inviolable , but there ’s less zephyr circulation , which could advance mould or mildew growth if there is wet in the container . If a client find powerfully that one material character is preferable to another , they will desire to search out a run pod company that offers that type of container .
Customers will want to pay attending to the size options provided by moving companies with storage containers . Some companies offer a range of container size of it , and customers will be capable to opt for one large container to accommodate all their belongings . Other companies only offer one smaller container sizing , and customers may need multiple container to adjudge all their belongings . With that in nous , it ’s worthwhile for customers to make an inventorying of their belongings forrader of prison term so they can determine the good storage options for moving .
Loading and Shipping Time
It ’s all-important for customers to be aware of the load and shipping times when they select the well moving pod company for them . While some companies command their client to fill in shipment in just a few days , others provide their customers to keep the shipping container at their place indefinitely ( though the customer will still give for the container ) . Customers will also want to enquire how long the container necessitate to arrive at the new home . screw this information will help customers plan their move consequently . Although some companies will allow for an estimated delivery time , others will warrant a delivery date .
Packing and Loading Assistance
One of the downsides of using a moving container is that customers still have to load the container themselves . However , most moving container companies allow customer to hire third - company services to helppack for a moveand load the moving container . These services can take some of the effect off the customer , and the entire move will likely be more low-cost than it would be if hiring a full - overhaul professional mover .
Storage Availability and Facility Climate Control
Customers will want to consider their moving container options when selecting the best container moving company . All move container company will have facility to stack away containers for customers who are not move their belongings immediately . customer who are hive away ticklish item , like art or heirloom , may require to identify a warehousing facility that ’s temperature or climate controlled .
Some storehouse companies allow customers to stash away the container on their dimension for an indefinite amount of prison term , which is idealistic for customer who are using the container to store belongings or supplies during a renovation or remodel .
Insurance
When using one of the best moving pods party , client will want to contact their homeowners or renters insurance company to determine whether the insurance will pass over their belonging while they ’re in entrepot . If not , the customer will desire to count adding additional coverage to protect these items . Some actuate container companies also offer insurance insurance coverage for customer property for an additional monthly fee .
Cancellation Policy
The cancellation policies of moving container companies are all different . While some company allow cancellation up to the day of saving , others require as many as 7 days ’ observation before the delivery day of the month to void fee . Since cancellation fees can be as eminent as $ 300 , it ’s essential that customers familiarise themselves with a moving container ’s cancellation insurance before lease .
Our Top Picks
The moving container companies below are widely usable throughout the United States , proffer diaphanous pricing , and are capable of conducting both local and long - distance moves . Keep reading to notice out more about the good options .
Why It Made the foreshorten : U - Haul U - Box offer competitive rate , countrywide availability , no cancellation or delivery fee , and a flowing , transparent quote cognitive operation .
One of thebest strike truck rental companiesis also one of the best when it come in to lease a be active container . U - Haul ’s U - Box is affordably price with relatively humble monthly repositing charge per unit and a transparent and quick on-line quote physical process that lets customers know just what they ’re yield before they commit . U - Haul also provides guaranteed container bringing date , yield customers public security of creative thinker that their belongings will make it when they ’re expected .
There ’s only one U - Box size of it , and some customers may believe the plyboard expression is less strong than sword move container . However , U - Haul claims that the U - Box is tough , and the long-wearing weatherproof plastic cover keeps belongings safe from the elements . Other standout qualities of U - Haul ’s U - Box let in other standout qualities include no cancellation or container delivery fees , induce the already low-priced cost even more attractive . In addition , move container services are available across the entire country so client can rend a container for a move or to stash away their holding no matter where they be in the U.S. The company even extend move and storage services for international move , with full - service , threshold - to - door alternative usable .
Why It Made the cutting :
PODS is a popular name in the go container industry for good cause — the society put up multiple container size pick and flexible content tribute program , and it has a low impairment pace .
PODS is one of the original moving container companies , and its offer still make it a great alternative . The company has an first-class track record for handling customer belongings with a less than 2 percent terms pace — well below the 20 percent industry average . The company ’s whippy trade protection programme range from $ 5,000 to $ 300,000 in time value to ensure adequate protection for the client ’s belongings . PODS offer up three container size options to beseem different - size moves . The troupe also offers inexhaustible loading time , and it can do by both local and farseeing - space moves , as well as international motility to a few select countries . client may desire to remark that moving services may not be available in all ZIP computer code within the caller ’s service arena .
PODS price vary depending on the location , meter of class , and container sizing , among other factors , but legal transfer fee for PODS container can be comparatively high-pitched . With that in thinker , it ’s a good idea for customers to ascertain all applicable fees before selecting a memory board or locomote armed service . The company also offers specialised services for those make a motion in urban area . PODS works with city dwellers by procuring all the permits necessary to deliver the container . The PODS number one wood will then stay with the seedcase while the customer debase it to protect against thief and parking enforcement officers .
Photo: istockphoto.com
With multiple container size options , temperature - controlled storage facilities , and 24/7 surveillance , 1 - 800 - PACK - RAT is an excellent pick for long - term reposition as well as be active .
1 - 800 - PACK - RAT offers amenities that may appeal to those who project to leave behind their belongings in storage for an prolonged geological period . There are three sizes of containers available ( 8- , 12- , and 16 - foot containers ) giving customer multiple options to moot depending on how much they have to store or move . While these amenities do make the container idealistic for long - term storage , 1 - 800 - PACK - RAT may have more or less high monthly warehousing rates . Those who schedule a farseeing - distance move with the company will also need to make a $ 500 sediment . However , client may be able-bodied to get better charge per unit for weekday or off - time of year moves , so 1 - 800 - PACK - RAT is still a slap-up pick to consider .
In gain , the company ’s storage readiness are temperature controlled , making them worthy for storing particular that can be ruined by extreme temperatures . And with its 24/7 surveillance , 1 - 800 - PACK - RAT is also one of the most secure moving container storage companies in the stage business .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Best Bang for the Buck
Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell offers relatively blue rates for its moving container , as well as temperature - controlled storage facilities for customers to use .
Those looking for an affordably priced move container choice may desire to take Zippy Shell . The companionship boasts relatively abject monthly rate to rive its 10- and 15 - foot containers , which could be very appealing to those move on a mean budget . And once loaded , the storage container is shipped to one of Zippy Shell ’s temperature - master facilities , do it a suitable choice for storing particular that are sensitive to extreme temperatures .
The company ’s website does not provide any selective information about its cancellation policy , so customers will need to check with the company to see if they may want to compensate a fee for call off military service . client are also special to a 3 - 24-hour interval loading period , which may necessitate additional planning before the container is delivered . Zippy Shell ’s containers have a metallic element cage innovation without in full enclose walls , which some client might feel less unafraid than fully walled containers . However , Zippy Shell take that this characteristic is a positive , as it reserve air to circulate and minimizes any potential mold or mould increment .
Photo: uhaul.com
Zippy Shell also offers a robust contentedness aegis plan for stored belongings that include replacement value coverage . This means that if cover up items stash away in a container are damage or stolen , the company will calculate their economic value ground on the cost to replace those belongings with standardised item at current prices . Because this insurance coverage does not factor out in depreciation , client could receive more recompense if any belongings order into a container are damaged , lost , or stolen .
Also Consider
U-Pack
A nationwide footprint , brusk delivery time frame , and easy online quote physical process make U - take a moving container fellowship worth consideration .
With its simple quote process and fast delivery time , U - Pack is a great option for those using a storage container for a retentive - distance move . customer can nail the quotation process online , eradicate the need to go through a drawn-out over - the - speech sound quote mental process . U - Pack also has a relatively scant passage clip of as little as 4 business twenty-four hours , which is comparatively quick for a tenacious - distance move .
It ’s worth noting that U - Pack does not offer local move services , and there are no weekend container drop - offs available . In addition , the company ’s cancellation policy can be reasonably unbending , with customers being charge a fee depending on how far in advance they cancel . Customers also wo n’t be capable to get at their container once they ’re at the storage facility . However , as long as a client can design around these factor , U - Pack is an selection deserving checking out no matter where they endure in the U.S. U - Pack avail are available in all 50 states and Washington , D.C. , so client across the country can hire the company for their act needs .
Photo: pods.com
Our Verdict
U - Haul U - Boxis our pickax for Best Overall thanks to its free-enterprise rates , minimal fee , liberal reportage sphere , and easy quote appendage . Those looking for more options regarding container size or plan an urban move would do well to consider our Runner - Up , PODS , which offer three container size option and a service that caters to metropolis inhabitant .
How We Chose the Best Moving Container Companies
We looked at a change of criteria when vetting our inclination of the top moving container companies . We consider the sizing of the company ’s service area , be given toward those with all-embracing national coverage . When comparing1 - 800 - multitude - RAT versus PODS , for illustration , we looked at each party ’s step to assess overhaul availableness . Also a consideration was how much loading time the container companionship provides its customers and the estimated obstetrical delivery time for the memory social unit to the new location . We also preferred companies that propose their client a broader range of container sizes . Customers will need to know how much the service will cost up front , so we selected companies with a straightforward quote process and transparent pricing . Other ingredient we considered admit cancellation policies , surety , and storage quickness comforts .
Before You Use One of the Best Moving Container Companies
Before hiring a move container company , customers will require to consider alternative . While the best moving depot container are more low-cost and pop the question more flexibleness than hiring a move company , customers must load the container themselves . The customer will also take to park the container in a suited arena while loading and unloading . This necessitates having a driveway , reserve parking spot , or another open space where the container can be dropped off and picked up . Homeowners association may have restrictions on using run container , even if the container fits in the resident ’s parking distance or driveway .
When pack a container , customer will want to take care not to load any moist items that could cause mold ontogeny since the container may remain closed for days , weeks , or even months . They may also want to take steps to prevent infestation when moving . Storage containers could become breeding ground for pests if corner are not properly sealed or if customer fail to mark the house of plague when carry their holding . And those who live in gypsy moth or tell apart lanternfly quarantine areas and are moving to non - quarantine orbit should also take redundant care to assure they do n’t terminate up packing and moving any of these pests in their moving containers . Customers moving out of quarantine areas may have to signalize additional forms when scheduling their move container delivery .
Cost of Using One of the Best Moving Container Companies
Three chief factors act upon the monetary value of a moving container : season , aloofness , and size of it . bear to pay up between $ 1,200 and $ 7,500 for a moving container . For instance , PODS moving costsaverage around $ 3,000 , but the accurate cost will reckon on how far the move is , what size container a client selects , and when the move is scheduled . Local moves with pocket-sized containers will be on the broken conclusion of that kitchen range , while large container that must go longsighted distances will be on the upper terminal . Most storage containers loosely cost more to rent on weekend and during the superlative moving time of year , which is between April and September .
client may also need to budget for packing military service if they plan to rent a third party to take care of that aspect of their move . box and packing material materials are additional expenses to view , and some municipality may require residents to pay permit fee to set computer memory containers on public streets . All of these factors are worth weighing when client are calculatinghow much it costs to move .
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Moving Container Companies
There are many good reasons to employ the best storage pod fellowship . Whereas a stock storage unit necessitate one to move their belongings to and from the social unit , a motivate container can move anywhere , minimizing work and eliminating the pauperization to rent a moving motortruck . Since portable entrepot containers take a breather unconditional on the undercoat , they ’re well-heeled to load up than a moving truck elevated off the solid ground . And provided the client does n’t beware charge the container themselves , moving container offer significant price saving over a full - service move company .
FAQs
If you ’re wondering what the tacky manner to move crisscross - country is or how to determine what size container you call for , then keep say for those answers and more .
Q. What are other companies like PODS?
While PODS is one of the top moving container companies , there are other good move repositing options , too . In summation to moving truck renting , U - Haul also rents moving container , and it may be worthwhile for customers to like a shot comparePODS versus U - Haulto see which option makes the most signified for them . Other storage container companies include 1 - 800 - PACK - RAT , Zippy Shell , and U - Pack .
Q. What is the cheapest way to move long-distance?
The most affordable fashion to move a long aloofness is to rent a moving motortruck that you stretch , drive , and unload yourself . While renting a go container is more expensive , it ’s much more affordable than hiring a locomote service and may be a well-chosen medium between DIY and full - servicing moving . Those weighing theirmoving container versus truck rentaloptions may also require to consider how well-off they sense about driving a moving motortruck across the country . Hiring a shipping container moving military service could be much more convenient in that regard and facilitate the emphasis of a farseeing - aloofness move .
Q. Where can I find small moving storage containers?
U - Haul U - Box , PODS , and 1 - 800 - large number - RAT have small move container option .
Q. How do you determine what size moving container you’ll need?
The best way to determine what size moving container you require is by looking at the sizing of the home . An 8 - ft container is big enough for a lowly flat , while a 16 - understructure container is typically large enough to do by a 2- or 3 - bedroom house . Larger homes may ask multiple storage containers .
Q. Are moving containers waterproof, weatherproof, and secure?
Many companies propose weatherproof storage containers ; however , you will want to check with the case-by-case storage company to square off how watertight the container is . Customers can also check over with the company to fix what certificate step it uses to protect customers ’ belongings when they are put in container at one of the company ’s storage facilities .
Q. Is there anything you should not put in a moving container?
Certain items should never be store in a go container . Most society proscribe storing wild materials such as fertilizer , paints , aerosols , motor vegetable oil , and clean dissolving agent . You should also never put plants or other living thing in a container . Finally , it ’s a good idea to avoid stack away valuables such as Johnny Cash , kinfolk heirloom , financial documents , jewelry , and electronics in a moving container .
Sources : Move.org
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