1-800-PACK-RAT Review [2022]
Best Long Distance Moving Container

Local
Interstate
Long-Distance
- Established Date 2001
- Is Active Active
- USDOT Licence# 1534531
1-800-PACK-RAT Overview
1-800-PACK-RAT is one of the best moving container services in the US. Much like its rival, PODS, and its partner U-Pack, Pack Rat allows clients to choose from a few container sizes and customize their pick-up and drop-off windows. Save money and enjoy incredible flexibility when you move with Pack Rat.
Review Category |
1-800-PACK-RAT Rating | Industry Average Rating | In-Depth Review |
Transparency | 90% | 80% | |
Cost |
95% | 85% | PACK RAT Cost Review |
Services | 85% | 75% | |
Reputation |
95% | 80% | PACK RAT Reputation Review |
Overall | 91.2% | 80% |
Best Long Distance Moving Container
- Local & Long-Distance Moving Container Company
- Storage On Your Property or at PACK-RAT Facility
- Three Container Sizes (8', 12' & 16')

PACK RAT has limited availability compared to their competition. They do not serve MT, ID, ND, SD, or NE. That said, they do provide excellent service everywhere else in the US. As with all move types and moving companies, there are pros and cons that come with trusting your move to PACK RAT. We have done all the leg work to help you determine whether this company is the right choice for your move. In this article, you’ll find out about PACK RAT’s:
- Transparency: PACK RAT has fairly straightforward pricing, with a few hidden fees on long-distance moves that you should be aware of.
- Pricing: Price points vary from region to region, but their prices for different-sized containers are clear. Overall, they are on par with industry average pricing.
- Services: As with many moving container providers, your service options are fairly plain, with no frills. That said, the company does offer solutions for labor assistance should you need it as well as storage options.
- Reputation: In any customer service-oriented field, the customer is always right. We’ll walk you through common praises and complaints for the company in their customer reviews.
1-800-PACK-RAT vs Competitors
Here’s a quick look at PODS compared to some of its biggest competitors:
PODS | U-PACK | International Van Lines | |||
Quote |
Free Quote | Free Quote | Free Quote | Free Quote | Free Quote |
Local | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Yes |
Long-Distance |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Transparency Rating | 90% | 95% | 97% | 95% |
95% |
Cost Rating |
95% | 95% | 97% | 100% | 90% |
Services Rating | 85% | 90% | 90% | 100% |
95% |
Reputation Rating |
95% | 95% | 97% | 90% | 85% |
Overall Rating | 91.2% | 93.7% | 95.2% | 96.2% |
93.7% |
1-800-PACK-RAT Transparency
Our 1-800-PACK-RAT Review: 90%
Industry Average: 80%
PACK RAT provides plenty of information on their site and is very clear about their pricing and service options. Overall, the company is highly transparent. Here’s what you should know:
- Online Quotes. You can get a free estimate online to budget your move cost. The estimate includes container delivery fees, 30-day rental fees for all units, and the cost of transporting them to your new home or to another storage facility.
- Carrier vs Broker. If you do happen to be located in one of PACK RAT’s service areas, they will handle your move—although, you may be on the hook for drive distance from their local facility. If not, they will refer you to their partner company, U-Pack.
- Price Negotiation. Unlike some moving container companies, PACK RAT is more flexible when it comes to working with its customers on pricing. When booking a move by phone, you will be able to negotiate a price, within reason.
- Discounts. Discount codes and promos are usually available to use. Customer service reps will often initiate the provision of discounts if the client does not. This company more than makes up for its limited scope by greatly improving the customer experience in this way.
- Hidden Fees. There are some hidden charges and fees that can come with using PACK RAT, like the fuel surcharge for long-distance moves. Customer reviews indicate that this is a surprise charge, which no one on the customer service team had disclosed earlier. Clients should also be wary of changing delivery times within 24 to 48 hours of a move. Doing so could incur an extra charge.
- Cancellations. Cancellations come with even steeper fees. If you cancel 48 hours or more before your move, you will not have to pay any extra fees. If you cancel on the intended delivery date, however, you may be required to pay the full cost of your unit. One client reported having to pay $250 per unit, plus a great deal more because of the distance they lived away from the PACK RAT facility.
- Insurance. The basic PACK RAT moving or storage packages do not come with insurance coverage. It will have to be purchased separately. You can insure your household goods at progressively higher costs, up to $75,000 worth of coverage. These insurance policies do not protect you in the event of normal damage, while in transit. They are for worst-case scenarios only. For instance, if the truck carrying your container were to get into an accident, resulting in major damage to your things, the policy would pay out.
Best Long Distance Moving Container
- Local & Long-Distance Moving Container Company
- Storage On Your Property or at PACK-RAT Facility
- Three Container Sizes (8', 12' & 16')

1-800-PACK-RAT Cost
Our 1-800-PACK-RAT Review: 90%
Industry Average: 85%
Moving containers can be one of the most affordable ways to move. Compared to other providers, 1-800-PACK-RAT cost is generally on-par with industry average. Here’s what you should know about PACK RAT’s pricing:
Local Moving Cost
The following factors will impact your cost with 1-800-PACK-RAT for local moves:
- Container size (8, 12, 16 ft)
- Number of containers
- Distance from a PACK RAT facility
- Move Date
Pricing includes drop off, pickup, and 30 days of storage. You can elect to have your unit picked up and taken to a storage facility during this time. If not, you can use the full allotted window to pack and unpack your container.
Here are a few sample quotes we received for local moves of different sizes:
Home Size | Container Size | Cost |
Studio | 8 ft | $150 – $450 |
1-2 BR | 12 ft | $200 – $500 |
2-3 BR | 16 ft | $250 – $600 |
4 BR | 2x 16 ft | $450 – $900 |
Request a free quote to find out exactly what your move will cost.
Long-Distance Moving Cost
While it may be more expensive than renting your own moving truck, moving long-distance with 1-800-PACK-RAT is still more affordable than a full-service mover. Plus, you will not have to assume total liability for every aspect of your move. For many, this is the perfect balance between DIY and full-service convenience.
Note: Only the 8 ft and 16 ft container sizes are available for long distance. The 12-foot container is only available for local moves.
The primary factors that will impact your cost for long-distance moves with PACK RAT include:
- Container size (8, 12, 16 ft)
- Number of containers
- Distance from a PACK RAT facility
- Move Distance
- Move Date
Here are a few sample quotes we received for long-distance moves of different sizes and distances:
Home Size | Container Size | Move Distance | Cost |
Studio | 8 ft | 250 mi | $400 – $900 |
Studio | 8 ft | 2000 mi | $1,100 – $3,700 |
1 BR | 16 ft | 250 mi | $500 – $1,500 |
1 BR | 16 ft | 2000 mi | $1,600 – $4,000 |
2-3 BR | 16 ft | 250 mi | $600 – $2,000 |
2-3 BR | 16 ft | 2000 mi | $2,000 – $4,500 |
4 BR | 2x 16 ft | 250 mi | $1,000 – $3,500 |
4 BR | 2x 16 ft | 2000 mi | $3,000 – $7,000 |
Request a free quote to find out exactly what your move will cost.
Storage Cost
If you’re simply renting units for storage, you will be charged an initial delivery fee, plus monthly storage fees. Previous customers suggest an average price of $280-$300 per month, which includes $80-$90 for delivery and around $200 per month per unit for storage.
Insurance Cost
You may want to consider purchasing insurance for your move. The minimum coverage that you can buy is a $9.99 per container, per month. This only covers you for potential damage to the container itself while in your possession. If you want to upgrade that plan to protect your possessions as well, you can purchase the tiered Silver Plan, which includes:
- $5,000 in contents protection: $34.95
- $7,500 in contents protection: $49.95
- $15,000 in contents protection: $59.95
- $25,000 in contents protection: $79.95
- $50,000 in contents protection: $119.95
- $75,000 in contents protection: $149.95
These prices include the Damage Waiver insurance for the container at $9.99
Best Long Distance Moving Container
- Local & Long-Distance Moving Container Company
- Storage On Your Property or at PACK-RAT Facility
- Three Container Sizes (8', 12' & 16')

1-800-PACK-RAT Services
Our 1-800-PACK-RAT Review: 85%
Industry Average: 75%
As with many moving container providers, your service options are fairly basic with 1-800-PACK-RAT. This helps to keep your moving cost low. That said, the company does offer solutions for labor assistance should you need it, as well as storage options.
1-800-PACK-RAT Container Sizes
1-800-PACK-RAT offers three container sizes, offering plenty of flexibility when planning your move:
Container Size | # Rooms | Availability | Weight Limit | Volume |
8 ft | 1-2 Rooms | Local & Long-Distance | 4,000 lbs | 404 cf |
12 ft | 2-3 Rooms | Local Only | 6,000 lbs | 620 cf |
16 ft | 3-4 Rooms | Local & Long-Distance | 6,000 lbs | 830 cf |
Local Moving & Storage
All local move quotes come with a month of free storage. This means that you can have your moving container dropped off at your home to load at your own pace. You will also be able to unload in a similar fashion if you time your move properly. There is no stipulation on where you are required to store your container. Whether you want it on-property for your entire move or in a secure storage facility, PACK RAT can work with you.
Long-Distance Moving
As a company that handles long-distance relocations, PACK RAT is registered with the FMCSA, just like their full-service competitors. They are slowly expanding their service areas to compete on a more even footing with those operators. A word of caution: if your move is on the fringes of PACK RAT’s service area, you may have to pay extra fees for pickup or delivery. If either end of your move is totally out of any service area, PACK RAT will refer you to their partner, U-Pack.
Moving Labor Assistance
You are free to load and unload your container yourself, which can save you money. But you don’t have to do the work if you don’t want to. You can work with PACK RAT’s partner, Hire A Helper, to source labor—or you can hire labor through a third party.
If you choose to work with Hire A Helper, you simply need to fill in your move date(s) and zip code(s) to see a side-by-side comparison of all laborers nearby. Of course, you have the option of hiring them for the load, unload, or both. This service also contracts labor help for packing and unpacking. No matter how little or how much help you may need, it is all right at your fingertips.
Moving Supplies
PACK RAT offers moving supplies for sale. Depending on your location, they can either deliver or ship your supplies to you for free. To eliminate some of the guesswork in pinpointing how many boxes you may need, there are a number of pre-made packing kits that have been tailored to fit each size of moving container that PACK RAT carries.
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1-800-PACK-RAT Reputation & Customer Reviews
Our 1-800-PACK-RAT Review: 95%
Industry Average: 80%
PACK RAT’s service record is fantastic when both ends of a client’s move are relatively close to its facilities. Customer satisfaction seems to go down as moves drift away from these centralized hubs. This is most likely due to unexplained or hidden fees for fuel and extra distance traveled.
Here’s the rundown on common praise and complaints for the company:
- Pro: Container Quality. 1-800-PACK-RAT reviews commonly praise the quality of the container construction. The solid metal outer shell is above industry standard, as many similar companies employ plywood construction under a thin metal shell in their units. Inside, the support bars are raised from the walls. This gives the extra clearance needed to use any kind of tie-down straps you deem necessary when securing your things.
- Con: Fuel Surcharges. Fuel surcharges are a common source of contention among those who move with this company, as they are not typically disclosed by service representatives during the quote process. This is typically added to moves that have end points further away from a PACK RAT facility.
- Pro: PACK RAT is a great option for small load moves and for smaller long-distance moves. Clients who can handle their own moves love the way this company structures things to keep their services as affordable and convenient as possible.
- Con: Communication. Customer service representatives are described as friendly overall during the initial booking process. But several reviews note difficulty with contacting their reps once their move has begun.
For many moves, the affordability and loading/unloading flexibility far outweigh the cons of fees and communication. If you decide to book with 1-800-PACK-RAT, you should ask your representative or booking agent about any potential hidden fees up-front. Their representatives have a reputation for working with clients, so being as communicative as possible during the hiring process is key to a smooth move.
Best Long Distance Moving Container
- Local & Long-Distance Moving Container Company
- Storage On Your Property or at PACK-RAT Facility
- Three Container Sizes (8', 12' & 16')

1-800 Pack Rat FAQs
How much can one moving container fit?
This varies with the size of the moving container. The small, 8 x 8-foot containers are ideal for students or smaller moves. A small studio or dorm room would likely fill it. The medium, 12 x 8-foot containers can fit between two and three rooms. These units are ideal for local moves or storage, as they aren’t available for long-distance shipping. The larger, 16 x 8 foot units can fit up to five rooms. Of course, this depends on how heavily furnished the rooms in question are. The smallest unit has a maximum capacity of 4,000 pounds, and the larger two can hold 6,000 pounds.
If I decide to place a container in storage, how do I access it?
If you opt to store your container at a PACK RAT facility, all that you need to do is give the storage center’s management and employees 24 to 48 hours’ notice. These containers are often kept in inventoried stacks, so giving the storage staff time to get your unit and belongings to ground level is always necessary.
What if I'm moving to a more remote area?
You can look up 1-800-PACK-RAT locations on their website. They may be a big name in the storage container moving world, but they are still in the growing stage. They don’t currently have facilities in all 50 US states. You may be charged for the convenience of having a container delivered to an out-of-the-way location. Even if that location is nominally within PACK RAT’s service area, it may be better to go with another moving container provider. PACK RAT does partner with U-Pack containers for just this reason.
Can I rent more than one unit at a time?
Yes. You can rent as many PACK RAT containers as your moving or storage needs require. You can even mix and match different sizes. As long as you have the parking space needed for all of your containers at each end of the move, PACK RAT will deliver. This is the case with nearly all container and storage companies. The only issue you may run into is container availability. You should note that charges can effectively double when adding a second unit. If you’re committed to a DIY move, you may want to consider renting a moving truck in lieu of multiple moving containers.
Is there anything that I shouldn't put into my PackRat container for moving or storage?
Yes. The list of items you shouldn’t pack into a storage container is much the same as the list of items that are banned from transportation on moving trucks. Anything flammable or toxic should be kept out of your storage unit. This is for the well-being of your items, as well as the unit itself, and its home warehouse or carrier truck. Avoid packing oil or gas cans, cleaning products, fertilizers, caustic chemicals, perishable food items, and living plants as well. These items should either be properly disposed of before your move or taken with you in your personal vehicle.