Considering Moving Containers for Your Move
Moving containers have become much more popular over the years for a number of reasons. There are so many people that are looking to move to a new place that they are trying to find simple, affordable ways in which they can make that happen while also being able to have storage for their items during that move.
That’s where moving containers can be a huge help. But, what are moving containers? And what companies are going to be able to provide you with these storage containers without too much trouble? Let’s take a look at what moving containers are and which companies may be your best options.
What Are Moving Containers?
Moving containers are a cross between storage sheds and moving vans. Companies like U-Haul, PODS, and other moving companies have started to make these an option for their customers who wish to have an easy to utilize storage option combined with their moving option.
Many of the companies that offer these as an option are self-service moving companies. They will drop the moving container(s) that you have rented to your current home, and you will set up a time for them to come and pick up those same moving containers after you’ve filled them up with all of the items and furniture that you plan on moving.
They will, then, load these containers onto trucks that are heading to the general area that you’re moving to. More often than not, these are only available when you’re moving a long distance. The truck will either drop off the item at your new home, or they will bring it to a facility where the moving container will, essentially, act as a portable storage shed. If you go with the latter option, the company will hold the container for a fee until you arrange for them to bring the container to your new residence.
What Are the Best Options for Moving Container Companies?
There are a handful of companies that provide moving storage containers, so you may be curious about the differences and what it is that they may have to offer their customers. Here is a quick look at some of the most trusted moving container companies that provide this service, among others, to their customer base.
Most Trusted Moving Container Companies:
1. 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT is a company that has, mainly, weatherproof steel options for all of the moving containers that they have available for use. They have multiple options when it comes to the sizes of their moving containers – 8 foot (studio apartment/one rooms’ worth of items), 12 foot (average apartment/two rooms’ worth of items), and 16 foot (3 or 4 rooms’ worth of items).
Website: www.1800packrat.com
2. Containers on Wheels
Often just referred to as “COWs”, this company provides moving containers of the sort that you’d imagine them to offer – on wheels! They offer both 8 foot and 16 foot containers, and they have rental periods that are daily, weekly, and monthly, if that is what you’d need for a move. The moving options available with Containers on Wheels include do it yourself (where you load and unload it on your own), full service (where it’s loaded and unloaded by moving professionals), and a mixed option where movers can come in and help you with larger items, while you take care of smaller boxes and items.
Website: www.866-get-a-cow.com
3. Go Mini’s
Go Mini is a moving company that offers moving container rentals by the week, which means that you are going to be able to put together a schedule that makes sense in relation to how your move is going to go. The company works with you to figure out what you need, and they have multiple options for storage as well. You can store your packed container at your home, or at an outdoor or indoor Go Mini facility, where it will be protected until you arrange for it to be taken to your home.
Website: www.gominis.com
4. PODS
We’ve all seen PODS, so it isn’t surprising that it’s one of the most popular options available when it comes to moving storage containers. The PODS have steel frames and are resistant to any sort of weather conditions, which means that your items will stay safe. Their sturdy containers come in 3 sizes – 7 feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet. They load without a ramp, and they can stay on your property or at a PODS location for storage until you’re ready to move into your new residence.
Website: www.pods.com
5. SMARTBOX
SMARTBOX is a smaller company that offers solid, sturdy wooden boxes that measure at 7’ x 5’ x 8’. Along with the wooden boxes, customers will also get a waterproof canvas that helps with weather protection, humidity, and temperature control as well. These boxes are easy to pack and close up, and then SMARTBOX will take the box to its destination. One of the best things about SMARTBOX is that they don’t charge if there are any boxes that you didn’t use.
Website: www.smartboxmovingandstorage.com
6. U-Haul
U-Haul is known for moving vans and trucks, but they also have options available for moving containers as well. They utilize heavy-duty plywood as the main material for their boxes, and they have a variety of different options that you can choose from when you’re deciding which sort of help that you’re going to need when it comes to dealing with moving day. These options include Do-It-Yourself, Cost-Effective, Superior Convenience, and more. Their only box size is 96″ x 60″ x 90″, but that will hold around 2,000 pounds of furnishings.
Website: www.uhaul.com
7. United and Mayflower
With United and Mayflower, you can do it yourself, or you can have them send professional packers that can assist you with everything you’re going to need help with on the big day. The containers can be taken directly to the new home or taken to a facility. The containers are all one size – 16 feet long, 8 feet high and 8 feet deep. The United and Mayflower Site claims that this can fit pretty much everything that may be found in your average 1,500 square foot home or apartment.
Websites: www.mayflower.com , www.unitedvanlines.com
8. U-Pack
The Relo Cube by U-Pack is a 70” x 82” x 93” cube that can hold about 2,500 lbs. of furnishings from your home. The cube is completely weatherproof and easy for you to fill up. Like SMARTBOX, you can request more Relo Cubes than you think you will actually use because you will only be charged for the ones that are actually moved. If you’re unsure, order an extra – there is a charge for delivery of another cube. Take advantage of their space estimator tool in order to estimate how many of their boxes you will need.
Website: www.upack.com
9. Zippy Shell
Those who live in urban areas may find that it’s easier to get a moving container from Zippy Shell. These are more like trailers, because they’re street legal and have license plates. This allows urban and suburban residents that may not have yard areas to park the Zippy Shell in an on-street parking spot or in a parking lot without getting towed or ticketed. They have two sizes – 10’ x 7’ x 7’, and 15’ x 7’ x 7’. Customers have three days to get their Zippy Shell rental packed, moved, and unpacked, so they are better for short-distance moves.
Website: www.zippyshell.com
Following table displays the list of Most Trusted Moving Container Companies:
| No. | Most Trusted Moving Container Companies | Website | Logo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1-800-PACK-RAT | www.1800packrat.com | |
| 2. | Containers on Wheels | www.866-get-a-cow.com | |
| 3. | Go Mini’s | www.gominis.com | |
| 4. | PODS | www.pods.com | |
| 5. | SMARTBOX | www.smartboxmovingandstorage.com | |
| 6. | U-Haul | www.uhaul.com | |
| 7. | United and Mayflower | www.mayflower.com , www.unitedvanlines.com | |
| 8. | U-Pack | www.upack.com | |
| 9. | Zippy Shell | www.zippyshell.com | |