When you think of moving, you probably picture a moving truck that hauls all your stuff to your new home. But that’s not the only way to go. Moving containers are a popular option for people who want more flexibility than renting a truck but less hassle than hiring full-service movers. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, using a container lets you pack and unpack on your schedule, without the stress of driving a giant vehicle.
If you’re wondering how to use a container for your move, then follow this guide to learn what a moving container is, how it works, how much it typically costs, and when it makes the most sense to use one.
By the end, you’ll know if using a container to move is right for you and how to make the process as smooth and affordable as possible.
What Is a Moving Container?
A moving container is a portable storage unit delivered to your home that you load at your own pace. Once it’s packed, the rental company either stores it temporarily at their facilities or transports it to your new address. These containers are used for both local and long-distance moves, as well as temporary storage during home renovations or staging.
Unlike a traditional moving truck, a moving container sits on your property for a few days — or even weeks — giving you more flexibility for loading and unloading.
Common Moving Container Brands
Several companies offer moving container rentals, including:
- PODS: One of the most recognized names in container moving.
- U-Haul’s U-Box: Known for affordability and wide availability.
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Offers all-steel containers with tight security.
- Zippy Shell: Specializes in urban moves with street-legal trailers.
Each brand offers different container sizes, delivery options, and pricing structures, so it pays to do research on which ones serve your area and what they offer.
Container Sizes and Materials
Most moving containers are made from either steel or weather-resistant composite materials. They come in multiple sizes, typically ranging from 8 feet to 16 feet long. A 16-foot container generally holds about 2–3 rooms’ worth of furniture, similar to a 15-foot moving truck.
Container size examples:
| Size | Capacity | Comparable truck |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | Studio/1 bedroom | 10 ft truck |
| 12 ft | 2–3 rooms | 12–15 ft truck |
| 16 ft | 3–4 rooms | 15–20 ft truck |
Containers vs. Trucks vs. Full-Service Moves
What service you use for your move ultimately depends on your circumstances. Renting a moving truck might not be the right choice if you’re on a very tight schedule or need temporary storage. Below, you’ll see some common moving methods and how they differ on several important factors.
| Moving method | Do you drive? | Who loads/unloads? | Flexibility | Storage option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Truck | Yes | You (or hire help) | Moderate | No |
| Full-Service Movers | No | No | Low | Limited |
| Moving Containers | No | You (or hire help) | High | Yes |
Using a container gives you the flexibility of DIY packing with the benefit of professionals to transport your belongings. If needed, most moving container companies also offer optional storage, which is handy if you can’t get to your new home right away or if delivery isn’t available at your new address and you need extra time to move your things. All of this makes moving containers a practical middle-ground option.
How Does a Moving Container Work?
Moving containers are designed to make your move easier by giving you more time to load and removing the hassle of driving a rental truck. A shipping container moving service provides the container, transports it to your destination, and offers an option for storage if you need it. Here’s how the process works, from delivery to pickup.
Delivery and Placement
After booking, the company schedules a drop-off date and time. Using a flatbed truck or trailer equipped with a lift system, the container is placed on your driveway or another designated spot.
Things to consider for placement:
- Driveway vs. street: Most containers need a flat, paved area. If you don’t have a large enough driveway or need to place the unit in the street, you may need a permit from your city or HOA.
- Clearance: Ensure there’s enough overhead clearance (around 12–15 feet) and about 40 feet of length for the delivery truck.
- Timing: You can usually choose your delivery window, which helps when lining up with your move schedule.
Loading Your Container
You typically can choose from 3 to 30 days to load your container, depending on the provider and whether it’s a local or long-distance move. You can pack any time during this window, whether you want to knock it out in a weekend or load up a few boxes every other day.
Here are a few of the best practices for loading your moving container:
- Evenly distribute weight: It’s a good idea to place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top so nothing gets crushed. You should also try to spread out heavy items as much as possible, so the weight isn’t concentrated on one side.
- Use straps: Secure items and prevent shifting with straps to tie everything down.
- Wrap delicate contents: Furniture and fragile items need moving blankets or plastic wrap to cushion them against damage during shipping.
- Pack vertically: Get the most out of every container by using every inch of space, up to the ceiling.
Pro Tip: Hiring moving labor can take the heavy lifting off your shoulders. Then, use unloading help at your new address to save time and energy.
Transportation and Long-Distance Moves
Once your container is loaded, the company returns with a truck to haul it to your new location or a storage facility. The containers are typically moved via flatbed trucks or lift systems that keep them level during transport.
When packing and loading your moving container, keep these things in mind:
- Weather exposure: Most containers are water-resistant, but not all are fully weatherproof. Consider wrapping valuables or using plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes for added protection.
- Vibration and jostling: Your container may travel across highways, so cushion fragile items accordingly.
When using a moving container, you can usually track your shipment, like you would any package. If they don’t offer this option up-front, ask if this service is available. Then, create an account or download the app to trace your items as they get transported to your new home.
Unloading and Pick-Up
When the container arrives, you’ll usually have a few days to a week to unload it. To help this process go as smoothly as possible:
- Coordinate drop-off: Schedule delivery to align with your arrival or move-in date.
- Use professional labor: Avoid injuries and get your move finished faster with some professional assistance with loading and unloading your belongings.
- Schedule pickup: When finished unloading, schedule a pickup date, or arrange for more time and continue to use the container as temporary storage.
If you need more time, most providers offer daily or monthly storage rates. However, keep in mind that most companies don’t prorate your storage. For example, if you’re on a monthly rate but only need a few more days of storage, you’ll likely be charged for an entire extra month.
How Much Does a Moving Container Cost?
Moving container costs depend on distance, size, rental duration, and even the time of year. Here are some typical price ranges and budgeting tips.
Average Cost Ranges
- Local Moves: Expect to pay $300 to $800 for a single container, including drop-off, pickup, and rental period (often one month).
- Long-Distance Moves: For interstate or cross-country relocations, the price typically ranges between $1,500 to $5,000 (or higher), depending on how far you’re moving and how many containers you need.
For example, a 2-bedroom home moving from Dallas to Atlanta (about 800 miles) might require two containers and cost around $3,000 to $3,800 total.
Factors That Affect Price
Estimated costs are just that: estimates. Your final price will depend on a lot of factors, which you should consider when planning a budget. Here are some of the most common influences when it comes to price:
- Distance: Longer distances = higher transportation fees
- Container size: Larger containers or multiple units cost more
- Rental duration: Keeping the container longer = additional daily/monthly fees
- Season: Summer rates tend to be higher due to demand. You’ll also find less availability when it comes to sizes, so you may end up having to get two smaller containers rather than one large one.
- Location: High COL cities and urban areas in general may have higher delivery/pickup costs
- Storage needs: Add-on fees can crop up if you’re using the container as temporary storage
- Discounts: Promotional offers or current sales when you reserve can help lower costs
Most providers offer 8-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot containers. A 16-foot PODS container typically holds 3–4 rooms’ worth of furniture.
Sample Cost Breakdown: 1,000-Mile Move
Long-distance moves come with more than just the base rental fee. To give you a clearer picture of what goes into the final bill, here’s a breakdown of typical expenses you might see for a 1,000-mile move using a moving container.
| Expense category | Quoted cost |
|---|---|
| Base Rental (1 Container) | $2,212.87 |
| Delivery + Pickup | Included in base |
| 1-Month Rental Extension | $245.75 |
| Optional insurance | $79.95 |
| Taxes + Fees | $150 |
| Total | $2,688.57 |
Comparison: Container vs. Rental Truck vs. Full-Service Mover
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to moving. Each option has different costs, pros, and trade-offs depending on your budget, timeline, and how much work you want to handle yourself. The table below compares three common choices for a 1,000-mile move.
| Move type | Avg. cost (1,000-mile move) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving container | $2,383-$2,913 | – No driving – Flexible timing – Storage options |
Must load/unload yourself or hire help |
| Rental truck | $1,112-$1,323 | – Cheapest option – Full control of your move |
You drive and do all the labor |
| Full-service move | $5,000+ | – Loading, unloading, and transport included – Most convenient option |
Most expensive |
When to Add Labor-Only Help
If you need assistance with the heavy lifting but don’t want full-service prices, consider a hybrid move. This approach combines a moving container with loading and unloading help, so you still control the move, but with far less strain.
Experienced labor-only movers also give you peace of mind by loading your container safely and efficiently. In many cases, they can even save you money by fitting more into one container than you could on your own, potentially preventing the need to rent a second one.
Pros and Cons of Using a Moving Container
Moving containers definitely have their benefits. They offer a middle ground between renting a truck and hiring full-service movers. But before you book one, you should understand exactly what you’re getting. Below is a breakdown of the key benefits and potential drawbacks of using a moving container for your next move.
Advantages
- Flexible Scheduling: You don’t need to cram your move into one exhausting day. Most providers let you take several days or even weeks to pack, load, and unload.
- No Driving Required: One of the biggest perks is that you don’t have to drive a massive box truck across town or across the country. Your moving container company handles the transportation.
- Built-in Storage: Moving dates don’t always line up perfectly. Moving containers can double as storage for days, weeks, or even months if needed. This is especially helpful for home renovations, delayed closings, or when you need to stagger your move.
- Great for Hybrid Moves: Pairing a moving container with labor-only help creates a flexible option. You get professional help without paying for a full-service moving crew.
Disadvantages
- Limited Capacity: A single container often isn’t big enough for a large home. You may need multiple containers, which increases the total cost. Be sure to verify cubic footage and compare it to a moving truck.
- Weather Risks: Although most containers are weather-resistant, they’re not always fully climate-controlled or waterproof. Sensitive items like electronics, wooden furniture, or artwork may be vulnerable during hot, humid summers or frigid winters.
- Extra Labor Costs: While you can load a container yourself, many people end up hiring help. That means factoring in added expenses for loading and unloading, especially for heavy or bulky items.
What You Can and Can’t Put in a Moving Container
Moving containers are convenient and versatile, but not everything should be placed inside one. Most container companies have strict policies, often due to safety regulations and insurance concerns. Review those policies ahead of time to avoid surprise fees or delays. You might also consider hiring packers if you’re short on time.
Items YouCan Pack
Moving containers are ideal for transporting typical household goods. These include:
- Furniture (beds, sofas, tables, dressers)
- TVs and electronics
- Mattresses and box springs
- Appliances (washer, dryer, fridge — drained and cleaned)
- Clothing, shoes, and linens
- Books and personal items
- Non-perishable pantry goods
- Kitchen dishes, pots, and pans
- Decor and wall art
- Bicycles, tools, lawn equipment (fuel emptied)
Pro Tip: Use moving blankets, mattress bags, and protective wrap to guard against dust, moisture, and shifting during transit.
Items YouCannot Pack
Most companies prohibit the following items due to risk of damage, theft, or hazard:
- Hazardous materials: Gasoline, lighter fluid, paint, propane, fireworks, pesticides, aerosol cans, cleaning chemicals, etc.
- Perishables: Food, plants, or anything that spoils or molds.
- Valuables and irreplaceables: Fine jewelry, passports, personal documents, heirlooms, or cash. While you technically might be able to pack these into your container, it’s really, really not advised. Keep all important items and documents on your person when you move so the risk of loss or damage is lessened.
- Illegal or restricted items: Firearms, ammunition, or drugs (even if legal in your state).
- Temperature-sensitive electronics: Unless explicitly approved, avoid packing laptops, external hard drives, and TVs if you expect extreme temperatures.
If you’ll be heartbroken to lose it, you probably shouldn’t pack it in a moving container. Keep all of these items in the vehicle you’re driving.
Pro Tip: Ask your moving container company for their prohibited items list or contact customer service before packing. It’s always best to double-check!
Insurance and Security
Containers are generally locked and secured during transit or while stored, but that doesn’t make them invincible. Make sure your items are covered through your homeowners/renters insurance, a policy offered by the container provider, or another type of extra coverage.
“Once your container is loaded, the company returns with a truck to haul it to your new location or a storage facility. The containers are typically moved via flatbed trucks or lift systems that keep them level during transport.”
Not all policies cover damage from weather, shifting during transit, or theft, especially during storage. Double-check with your insurance company and ask about exceptions. Consider adding insurance through your container company as an added level of protection. If neither of these options works for you, there are other policies through insurance companies that might offer the protection you want and need.
Pro tip: Use a sturdy padlock, and avoid writing valuable item names on the outside of boxes.
Tips for a Successful Container Move
Using a moving container can make your move less stressful, but only if you plan ahead. Here are some ways to avoid common pitfalls and get the most out of using moving containers:
Plan Your Space
Containers have less space than moving trucks, so every inch counts. Use vertical space efficiently by stacking boxes and furniture smartly.
- Load heavy items first to create a stable base.
- Use soft items (like couch cushions or bedding) to fill gaps.
- Keep frequently used items near the front if you’ll need access to them during your storage period, or if you need to get them into your new home immediately.
Protect Against Weather and Transit Conditions
Moving containers are weather-resistant, not weatherproof. If your move involves long-distance travel or storage, take these extra steps to guard your belongings from the elements:
- Wrap furniture and electronics in plastic covers.
- Use mattress bags and shrink wrap for soft items.
- Place silica gel packets or moisture absorbers in boxes to fight humidity.
When you load the container, make sure you keep sensitive electronics or artwork away from the walls where temperature swings are more severe.
Time Your Delivery and Pick-Up
Give yourself a cushion of time on both ends of your move. Delays happen — whether it’s traffic, weather, or a hiccup with your new home’s closing date.
- Schedule container delivery 2–3 days before your move-out deadline.
- Book pick-up for after your unloading is complete, not the same day.
- Check if your city requires street placement permits — and request them early.
Combine Services for Convenience
A container move doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself. Many movers specialize in services like loading, unloading, and even furniture disassembly.
- Consider booking professional and licensed labor-only movers.
- If needed, add vehicle shipping or temporary storage through the same provider.
- Hybrid moves, where you mix container rentals with hired movers who load and unload for you, offer the best of both worlds.
Is a Moving Container Right for You?
Moving containers aren’t for everyone, but they do hit the sweet spot for many moves. Here are the types of moves they work best for, and when you might want to choose another option:
They’re a great option if you:
- Want to avoid driving a rental truck.
- Have a flexible schedule and can pack at your own pace.
- Want built-in storage options.
- Prefer a more DIY approach with the option of labor-only help.
However, containers may not be ideal if:
- You’re in a dense urban area with limited space for placement.
- You need to move a large household quickly in a single day.
- You’re trying to minimize effort or want more convenience (in which case, full-service movers are worth considering if your move is local).
Remember, if you don’t want to pay the full price for a traditional full-service move, but still want help with lifting all your heavy furniture and boxes, labor-only movers are available to help. Hiring them to get all your belongings into and out of your container is a great compromise, especially since it costs a lot less than a full-service move.
Moving Container FAQs
How much does a moving container cost on average?
The cost of a moving container can range from $300 to $800 for local moves and $1,500 to $5,000+ for long-distance moves. Factors like container size, distance, rental duration, and add-ons (like storage or insurance) will impact your final price. Check out this moving container cost breakdown for real-world examples.
How long can I keep a moving container?
Most companies allow you to keep your container for 30 days, which includes drop-off, loading, transport, and unloading. If you need more time, you can usually extend your rental on a weekly or monthly basis for an additional fee.
Are moving containers weatherproof?
Partially. Most moving containers are designed to be weather-resistant, with tightly sealed doors and either steel or reinforced composite walls. However, they’re not fully waterproof. You’ll want to take precautions like using plastic bins, moisture absorbers, or protective furniture covers if any of your items are sensitive to humidity or temperature changes.
Can I store my container at a facility instead of my home?
Absolutely. Many companies offer off-site storage at a secure facility, which can be useful if your new home isn’t ready yet or you’re downsizing. This can also reduce the pressure to unload everything immediately after delivery.
Is a moving container cheaper than hiring movers?
Usually, yes, especially for long-distance moves. Containers do have fees for transport and storage, but they often cost less than a full-service moving crew. Add in some hourly moving labor help, and you’ve got a hybrid move that can save money and effort.
Do moving containers work for cross-country moves?
Yes. In fact, they’re one of the most popular options for long-distance relocations. Containers are loaded once, sealed, and then shipped across the country without you ever needing to drive a truck.