What is a Portable Storage and Moving Container?

A portable storage and moving container is a large, weather-resistant unit delivered to your home, apartment, or wherever you need it for moving or storage. If you’re thinking about using a portable storage and moving container, while it can seem confusing at first, this new, simple way to move or store is easy to understand.

Moving with a portable moving and storage container works the same way as moving with a rental truck, just load up all your belongings, but this time, you don’t have to drive them. The only difference between a portable moving and storage container and a full-service mover is that you save money by loading your own items.

These containers have become widely available thanks to advancements in delivery technology, which allow them to be loaded and unloaded from trucks while remaining level and carrying more weight than ever before. These containers will hold anywhere from 2,000 to 5,200 pounds.

While modern portable containers are a relatively recent innovation, the concept of containerized shipping has existed for centuries — evolving from wooden crates on sailing ships to today’s metal boxes transported globally.

How Portable and Moving Containers Work

1. Initial delivery
2. Loading your containers
3. Loaded containers are picked up
4. Containers are either shipped or stored
5. Containers are delivered to the new address
6. Empty containers are picked up

Some portable storage and moving containers are designed for a specific purpose, whether it is for moving or storage. The best containers can do both and get to you quickly.

Portable storage and moving containers are first ordered through a moving company like U-Haul®, PODS®, Zippy Shell®, or 1-800-PACK-RAT®. Containers are then delivered to a specific location, such as a driveway or a parking space at someone’s home or apartment. They can also be delivered for business purposes, college storage, military moves, and many other uses.

Some companies, like U-Haul, can deliver multiple containers at once, while others, like PODS, 1-800 PACK-RAT, and Zippy Shell, can only deliver one at a time.

Once delivered, these containers can be used for as long as you need with most companies. Some companies will also let you store your containers at their warehouse facilities while you're not using it.

What if you don’t have a driveway or live in an apartment? Most containers can be placed in parking spaces, and some containers, like U-Box by U-Haul, have street-legal trailer options with loading and unloading ramps. Zippy Shell does as well, although they aren’t as widely available as U-Box.

Compared to traditional storage units and moving trucks, portable containers offer greater accessibility and flexibility in both areas. Whether you need your container delivered to your home or accessed at a local storage facility, portable storage and moving containers are all about convenience.

When it comes time to ship or store your items, the company that delivered your container will ship or store it wherever you need. Some companies that are only available in certain U.S. states can deliver and ship, but if you're moving to a state where the company doesn’t operate, costs will increase substantially.

• U-Box by U-Haul – 1,500 locations - 50 states, all Canadian provinces, and international
• PODS – 240 locations - 46 states, 6 Canadian provinces, United Kingdom, Australia
• U-Pack – 240 locations - 50 states, 5 Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico
• Zippy Shell – 81 locations - 37 states
• 1-800-PACK-RAT – 83 locations - 39 states

One major benefit of a portable moving and storage container is that you can load and unload your belongings at your own pace. Once you're finished, simply schedule a pickup, and you can enjoy your new home.

The Pros and Cons

A portable moving and storage container is an amazing alternative to a traditional DIY move or a full-service moving company. But there are times when it isn't the best solution, and a moving truck is.

Pros	Cons
More affordable than a full-service move	Items take longer to ship than to drive
No driving necessary	Typically more expensive than a rental truck
Move at your own pace	Trickier to do immediate moves
Flexibility
Portable and/or long-term storage

These pros and cons do come with reasons why portable moving and storage containers are cheaper than a full-service move, but more expensive than a rental moving truck. Understanding the cost structure of using a portable storage and moving container is also key to maximizing your moving or storage budget.

Understanding the Costs

The total cost is often divided into 4 parts: the rental cost for the containers, the cost of delivery to your origin location, the cost to transport your goods to your final destination, and the cost of the final delivery and pickup of the empty containers

Some companies bundle these into one charge, while others separate them.

Shipping Distance	Estimated Cost
Local (about 30 miles or less)	~$90–$250+
Regional (375–1,000 miles)	~$1,000–$2,300+
Long Distance (1,800 miles or more)	~$1,200–$3,000+

*The table above is based on shipping fees for a single 8-foot container with prices from June 2025.

For example, a U-Box quote can include several things based on which delivery option and add-ons you choose. It will consist of the rental rate of your container for 30 days, plus guaranteed deliveries and shipping costs. First, you select the number of containers you want and the delivery date and method. If you need help with this process, U-Haul has a unique moving container calculator.

U-Box by U-Haul offers four different delivery methods:

• We Deliver - U-Haul delivers your U-Box containers to you.
• Delivery with Loading - U-Box containers are delivered and loaded or unloaded by Moving Help Service Providers.
• Self-Delivery - Tow 1 or 2 U-Box containers to your loading or unloading destination for free.
• Access at a U-Haul Location - Bring or take your belongings to or from a U-Haul location for free.

U-Haul offers some optional add-on services to U-Box, such as moving and packing supplies, moving labor, and coverage plans to protect your belongings while in transit or storage.

Payments are made in 1, 2, or 3 phases, depending on what you need your U-Box containers for. The first payment is due on the delivery date of your U-Box container, the second payment is due on the shipping date, and the last payment is due on the delivery date at your new home.

When to Go with a Portable Moving and Storage Container

Scenario	Portable Moving and Storage Container	Moving Truck
Move while needing storage	Yes	No
Unable or Unwilling to Drive a Moving Truck	Yes	No
Last-Minute Moving Need	No	Yes
Move Will Span More Than 3-5 days	Yes	No
International Moves	Yes	No

Portable Moving and Storage Containers are the best for direct and flexible moves. A container rental will last 30 days with most companies, giving you time to load, unload, and figure out all the details in between.

Moving to a new apartment where an old and new lease aren’t lining up? A portable moving and storage container allows for storage in a nearby warehouse until you're ready to move into your new home.

Don’t have a driver's license, or maybe the idea of driving a moving truck isn't appealing? A portable moving and storage container gives more accessibility than a moving truck; all you need to worry about is getting to your new home.

Using a portable moving and storage container is also a fantastic option for long-distance moves, as it removes extra hotel, food, and gas costs. Plus, it cuts down on vehicle weight and size, lessening driving time. It is also much less stressful than staying in a hotel with a moving truck full of your belongings parked outside.

Are you ready to get a portable moving and storage container?

 

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