The Ultimate Moving Container Cost Guide [2022]
Renting a moving container is far less expensive than hiring a professional moving company. These services also give consumers greater flexibility with the loading and unloading process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you can expect to pay, the factors that influence the cost of your move, and ways you can reduce the cost of your move.
Get Free Quotes
The easiest way to find out what your container move will cost is to simply request free quotes. You can compare quotes to get the best rate. To help you start your planning, here are some of the country’s top moving container companies available today:
Most Competitive Pricing
U-Pack
- Long-Distance Moving Container Service
- Storage at Secure U-Pack Facilities Nationwide
- Two Container Sizes (8' and 27')
Most Convenient Service
PODS
- Local & Long-Distance Moving Container Service
- Can Store PODS on Property or Storage Facility
- Three Container Sizes (7', 12' & 16')
Best Long Distance Moving Container
1-800 Pack Rat
- Local & Long-Distance Moving Container Company
- Storage On Your Property or at PACK-RAT Facility
- Three Container Sizes (8', 12' & 16')
How Much Does A Moving Container Cost?
Moving container pricing can vary depending on the size, container material, and distance moved. Here is what you can expect to pay when working with top moving container companies, based on data from hundreds of real moves:
| Company | Container Sizes | Container Material | Availability | Cost |
| PODS | 7 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft | Metal | Local & Long Distance | Local: $300 – $650
250-500 mi: $700 – $2,300 1,000-2,000 mi: $1,700 – $3,200 |
| U-Pack | 8 ft, 27 ft | Metal | Long Distance Only | Local: N/A
250-500 mi: $600 – $2,200 1,000-2,000 mi: $1,600 – $3,100 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft | Metal | Local & Long Distance | Local: $350 – $750
250-500 mi: $800 – $2,400 1,000-2,000 mi: $1,800 – $3,500 |
Here’s a more detailed view of average cost by home size and distance:
PODS Pricing
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $700 – $1,700 | $1,300 – $2,300 | $1,700 – $2,700 | $2,200 – $3,200 |
| 4 BR | $900 – $1,900 | $1,900 – $2,900 | $2,900 – $3,900 | $4,200 – $5,200 |
U-Pack Pricing
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $600 – $1,600 | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,600 – $2,600 | $2,100 – $3,100 |
| 4 BR | $800 – $1,800 | $1,800 – $2,800 | $2,800 – $3,800 | $4,100 – $5,100 |
1-800-PACK-RAT Pricing
| <250 mi | 500 mi | 1,000 mi | 2,000 mi | |
| 2 BR | $800 – $2,000 | $1,400 – $2,400 | $1,800 – $3,000 | $2,300 – $3,500 |
| 4 BR | $1,000 – $2,200 | $2,200 – $3,200 | $3,200 – $4,200 | $4,500 – $5,400 |
Moving Container Cost Factors
There are several factors that can impact the cost of your moving container service, including:
- Shipment size: Larger moving containers cost more. If you need to move a larger home, you may need to rent multiple containers, which can significantly increase your cost. Most moving container services are ideal for three-bedroom homes or smaller. Some companies like U-Pack will only charge you for the space used in the container, so reducing the number of items you plan to ship can help you save.
- Distance: The further away you’re moving, the more you can expect to pay. Distance is one of the most significant influences on cost.
- Big Cities: Are you moving to or from a bigger, busier city? Quotes are likely to be higher in these areas.
- Access issues: If parking or bringing a large vehicle up to your house is difficult, your moving options may be limited. Moving companies will usually charge more in these situations.
- Time of year: The peak season in the moving industry runs from mid-May to early September. You can expect to pay 30-40% more to move during this time. Moving in the off-season can help you to reduce your cost.
- Time of Week: Weekends are typically more costly due to higher demand, so try to move during the week if you can.
Moving Container Cost vs Other Moving Methods
Moving containers offer one of the cheapest options to move locally or long-distance. Savings are especially significant when moving between states or across the country. Here’s how moving container costs compare to other moving methods:
| 2 BR 500 mi | 2 BR 2,000 mi | 4BR 500 mi | 4 BR 2,000 mi | |
| Truck Rental | $650 – $850 | $1,500 – $1,800 | $900 – $1,100 | $1,900 – $2,200 |
| Moving Container | $1,300 – $2,300 | $2,200 – $3,200 | $1,900 – $2,900 | $4,200 – $5,200 |
| Full-Service Mover | $2,400 – $5,400 | $4,400 – $7,400 | $5,700 – $8,700 | $7,500 – $11,500+ |
Are Moving Containers or Full-Service Movers Better?
One of the first and most significant considerations you’ll have to make while planning for your relocation is how you’ll move. While there are various options for transporting your belongings from point A to point B, the most common are renting a moving container or hiring full-service movers. Here are some pros and cons of both solutions:
| Pros of Moving Containers | Cons of Moving Containers | Pros of Full-Service Movers | Cons of Full-Service Movers |
| Budget-friendly | May need a permit to have on your property | Will pack, load, move and unload your belongings | Typically costs more |
| You can move at your own pace | You have to pack, load, and unload everything yourself | Can supply all the packing and moving materials | Less control over your move |
| The container can double as a storage unit when packing or unpacking | You need a place to park the moving container | Will minimize the stress and time of moving | May need to spend more time looking for a reliable company |
Top Moving Container Companies
If you are looking to move on a budget, a moving container may be the best choice for you. Now that you have a general idea of what moving containers cost, you need to be confident in the one you choose. Here are the top three moving container companies available today:
Most Competitive Pricing
- Long-Distance Moving Container Service
- Storage at Secure U-Pack Facilities Nationwide
- Two Container Sizes (8' and 27')
Most Convenient Service
- Local & Long-Distance Moving Container Service
- Can Store PODS on Property or Storage Facility
- Three Container Sizes (7', 12' & 16')
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')
Moving Container FAQs
What is the average cost of a moving container?
The typical cost to rent moving containers for long-distance moving is around $3,000. Prices depend on how far you’re moving, the size and number of containers you rent, and the season you are moving in.
Why should I choose moving containers over hiring movers?
The main difference between containers versus typical movers is the amount of work you want to perform yourself. Moving containers are less expensive than hiring a moving company, but they require homeowners to load and unload their belongings into the container on their own. A moving company will make your move easier and more convenient, but it will be more costly.