What’s the Most Affordable Portable Storage Container?

When you have to move long-distance, it can be a huge production to get all your belongings from point A to point B. In situations like this, portable storage containers can be a huge lifesaver! Instead of having to trek your belongings 1,000+ miles, you can have them shipped directly to your new address.

There are plenty of companies that offer portable storage containers, and every single one is different. Wondering which company is the best fit for you? We’re here to break it down, no need to call for a quote!

Get a Quote for Affordable Portable Storage
  •  

What to Consider Before Renting a Portable Storage Container

How many rooms are in your home?

We can all expect to pack away at least the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and one bedroom. But the more rooms you have, the more space you may need.

Do you have additional or specialty furniture?

Big and bulky items like pianos, pool tables, or wardrobe more space than you may think. If you’re moving with large furniture, you may have to increase the amount of portable storage containers you’ll need.

How much are you actually taking with you?

The moving experts at U-Haul always vouch for decluttering your home before moving. If you have an old mattress, wonky bed frame, or furniture that doesn’t spark joy anymore, you could save space (and money) by selling or donating it before moving.

Where are you located?

Many portable storage container companies do not offer service in all 50 states, so make sure to do your homework and ensure that the company you want to work with will actually be able to help.

Did You Know: U-Box by U-Haul offers service in all 50 states and even Canada. In fact, we can even help you move across the world! When it comes to renting a U-Box container, you won’t have limits on where you can go.

How Much Should I Budget for a Portable Storage Container?

That’s the million-dollar question! Many portable storage companies hide their prices behind a phone call, so you won’t really know what to budget until you have a sales associate on the other line. We went ahead and called a few of our competitors to get a gauge on how much you can expect to spend on their containers, so you won’t have to.

Breaking Down the Costs

So, here’s the part you’ve been really waiting for: crunching the numbers! For the sake of fairness, we are comparing the rental of one (small) moving container that’s being shipped from Los Angeles, California, all the way to Atlantic Beach, Florida!

U-Box

At U-Haul, you can get a free U-Box quote online without having to call or even provide your email. All we need to know is where you’re from, where you’re going, and how many U-Box containers you’ll need. Don’t worry if you overestimate the number of containers you need, you only pay for the containers you use!

A U-Box container quote will include:

  • Drop off and pickup of your container
  • Gentle-ride shipping of your container
  • First month of storage for free

U-Box Quote: $2,140

PODS

PODS offers multiple sizes of steel containers. You have to call for a quote, where the sales representative will ask a few questions to get a better idea of how much space you’ll need.

A PODS container quote will include:

  • Drop off and pickup of your container
  • Transit fee
  • Lock rental

PODS Quote: $4,068.40

1-800-Pack-Rat

Pack Rat also offers multiple steel storage containers, but getting a quote is a little harder. All of the information they provide is only through phone calls.

A 1-800-Pack-Rat Quote Includes:

  • Estimated future transportation costs
  • Total due at delivery
  • Monthly rental cost

Original 1-800-Pack-Rat Quote: $4,157

After Negotiating: $3,389

The sales representatives at Pack Rat are more willing to negotiate your quote total, but the actual specifics of what you’re paying for are kind of murky. If you want to use 1-800-Pack-Rat, do your homework first and come prepared with other quotes in order to get the best deal.

Which Portable Storage Container Should I Pick?

When it comes to affordability, flexibility, and reliability, you can’t go wrong with U-Box. Not only do we offer the most competitive quote, but we go the extra mile to try and make your move as seamless as possible. From buying back your unused boxes, to giving you multiple money-saving options, U-Box by U-Haul is head-and-shoulders above the rest.

 

Back
To Top