Moving Container Value Guide: PODS, U-Pack and PACK-RAT

Planning your next move? Choosing the right moving container company can save you significant money and stress. This comprehensive comparison of the three industry leaders—PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT — examines which company might best suit your specific moving and storage needs. We’ve analyzed pricing, container quality, availability, storage options, and customer experiences to help you make an informed decision.

1. Key Findings at a Glance

Related article

15 Essential Steps for Moving to a New City

If you’re moving to a new city, though, the process is even more complicated. Without the ability to make a quick trip here and there, you’ll need a detailed plan to keep everything running smoothly. This guide to relocation will help you make a plan and check all the boxes so your move will be as painless as possible…

2. Company Backgrounds and Service Overview

PODS (Portable On Demand Storage)
PODS pioneered the portable storage industry in 1998, becoming a well-recognized name in moving containers. With over 25 years of experience and more than 6 million deliveries across 14,000+ cities, PODS focuses on flexibility, allowing customers to load at their own pace with containers delivered directly to their property. Their business model centers around convenience, with containers that can be kept on-site or stored at PODS facilities during transition periods.

U-Pack
U-Pack specializes exclusively in long-distance moving (over 50 miles) with a unique “pay for what you use” model. This approach, particularly with their trailer option, makes them especially cost-effective for customers who can accurately estimate their space requirements. U-Pack’s streamlined service focuses specifically on efficient transportation rather than storage, making them particularly suitable for direct moves from one location to another.

1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT positions itself as a quality container option with all-steel construction. While serving fewer states than competitors, they offer price matching and generously include insurance coverage. Their distinctive barn-style doors provide easier loading for large items, and the company has focused on building a reputation for sturdy, weather-resistant containers that protect belongings during transit and storage.

Related article

30 Best Packing Tips for Moving to a New City

How do you get everything safely from Point A to Point B on a tight schedule? With a lot of planning. Here are our best tips to make the process of moving to a new city as smooth as possible…

3. Pricing Comparison

Prices vary significantly based on distance, home size, and timing. Our analysis reveals these patterns:

Long-Distance Moving Costs (250+ miles)

For cross-country moves (2,000+ miles), U-Pack often offers competitive rates for smaller homes, while PODS provides additional value through included storage time and flexible scheduling. For larger homes, PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer comparable pricing structures.

Medium-Distance Moves (50-250 miles)
For medium-distance moves, PODS offers a balanced pricing structure. While 1-800-PACK-RAT averages about 8.8% cheaper than competitors and PODS averages 3.4% higher than the industry standard, PODS includes 30 days of storage in their base price, which adds value for many customers.

Local Moving Costs (Under 50 miles)

U-Pack focuses exclusively on long-distance moves and doesn’t offer local moving services. For in-town relocations, PODS provides cost-effective service with flexible scheduling options.

Price-Matching Policies
Each company approaches pricing differently, creating opportunities for savvy customers to find the best deal. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers an advertised price-matching policy and is often willing to match or beat competitors’ quotes, making them worth contacting even if their initial quote is higher. PODS may adjust pricing when customers mention competitive offers, though this isn’t officially advertised—many customers report success simply by asking about potential discounts or mentioning other quotes they’ve received. U-Pack focuses on transparent pricing with their pay-for-what-you-use model rather than matching competitors directly, but their straightforward approach often results in competitive rates without negotiation for long-distance moves.

4. Container Options and Quality

The physical containers represent a significant factor in your moving experience, affecting everything from ease of loading to weather protection for your belongings. Each company offers distinctly different options that may better suit certain types of moves.

PODS provides three container sizes to accommodate different needs: a small 8′ × 7′ × 8′ unit ideal for studio apartments, a medium 12′ × 8′ × 8′ container suitable for 2-3 room moves, and a large 16′ × 8′ × 8′ container that can handle 3-4 bedroom homes. Their containers feature steel frames with weather-resistant paneling and roll-up doors that provide convenient access while saving space during loading.

U-Pack takes a different approach with just two options: the ReloCube (6’3″ × 7′ × 8’4″), which holds approximately one room’s contents up to 2,500 pounds, and their moving trailer measuring 27′ × 8′ × 9′. The trailer option offers particular flexibility since you only pay for the linear feet you actually use, potentially saving money for those who can accurately estimate their space needs.

1-800-PACK-RAT distinguishes itself with all-steel construction across its three container sizes (8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot). Their signature barn-style doors swing open rather than rolling up, which some customers find more convenient for loading large furniture pieces and providing additional weather protection during storage periods.

Related article

An Ultimate Guide to Moving for Home Buyers and Sellers

Buying and selling a home doesn’t make you an expert in moving. Buying and selling are much more different when you’re actually moving. Carefully go through the tips listed below and uses these as your ultimate guide whenever moving…

5. Storage Options and Availability

The ability to store your belongings during a move can be crucial, particularly when dealing with complicated closing dates or temporary housing. PODS includes 30 days of storage with their standard quotes and maintains an extensive network of secure storage facilities across their service area. This flexibility allows customers to keep items safely stored while managing the logistics of their move without rushing.

1-800-PACK-RAT similarly includes 30 days of storage with initial quotes, though their coverage area is more limited at 33-37 states. After the included period, their storage rates tend to be slightly higher, averaging around $199 per month per container.

While available in all 50 states, U-Pack offers more limited storage options at an additional cost starting at approximately $150 per container monthly. Their service is primarily designed for direct transport rather than extended storage periods. For those needing significant storage time, this difference in service model is worth considering when selecting.

6. Service Availability Comparison

Related article

15 Things People Usually Forget When Moving

Whether or not you decide to hire a professional moving company, this guide includes everything you need for completing your move. It’s always best to have this list handy so you can check off each task and know that you’re on top of everything…

7. Customer Experience Insights

Customer reviews provide valuable real-world perspectives on each company’s performance beyond marketing claims. PODS ranks highly on moving-specific review sites where industry experts share their experiences, with scores of 4.48-4.58/5 on HireAHelper. These specialized platforms often provide more relevant assessments than general consumer review sites.

U-Pack maintains solid ratings with the Better Business Bureau, carrying a 4.05/5 rating. Customers frequently mention their appreciation for the transparent pricing model and reliable delivery times, which align well with their streamlined service approach. The predictability of their service seems to resonate with customers who prefer a straightforward moving experience.

1-800-PACK-RAT shows more variability in customer feedback, with lower ratings on some consumer platforms like Yelp (1.9/5). However, customers consistently appreciate the quality of their containers and the convenience of their barn-style doors for loading larger items. All three companies demonstrate the typical pattern of mixed reviews across general consumer platforms, common throughout the moving industry, where experiences can vary significantly by location and specific circumstances.

Related article

27 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Moving Company

Hiring a moving company can be pretty daunting. You’re entrusting strangers with all your precious belongings, and you want to make sure they’re adequately insured, experienced, and licensed. In this blog post, we’ll cover some essential questions to ask when hiring a moving company and help you avoid moving mishaps…

8. Moving Scenario Analysis

Different moving situations call for different solutions, and each company excels in particular scenarios. Understanding the strengths of each provider can help you make the most appropriate choice for your specific circumstances.

For local moves under 50 miles, PODS stands out as the clear option among these three companies since U-Pack doesn’t offer service for shorter distances. PODS provides competitive local moving rates (averaging $691, about 3.3% lower than industry standards) and flexible scheduling that works well for in-town relocations. 1-800-PACK-RAT also serves this market but tends to be slightly more expensive for local moves, with average costs around $759.

Long-distance relocations present a more complex decision. PODS offers a balance of reliability, container quality, and service with its standardized approach. Their pricing includes longer loading/unloading windows and 30 days of storage, which adds value for complex moves. U-Pack provides potentially lower costs through their pay-for-what-you-use model, making them particularly attractive for budget-conscious movers who can pack efficiently. Their nationwide availability in all 50 states also gives them an edge for moves to remote locations.

For those with significant storage needs during their move, PODS offers particular advantages with its extensive facility network and included 30-day storage period. Their flexible timeline for loading and unloading accommodates complicated real estate transactions or renovation projects where exact dates may shift. 1-800-PACK-RAT similarly includes 30 days of storage, though with a more limited service area.

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Value

After analyzing all three companies, clear patterns emerge to guide your decision. PODS delivers the most comprehensive solution with balanced reliability, flexibility, and service quality that is suitable for various scenarios. Their three container sizes, including storage period and availability for local and long-distance moves, offer versatility that often justifies their pricing, especially for complex moves requiring storage.

U-Pack excels in budget-friendly long-distance transportation with their pay-for-what-you-use model and nationwide availability, though they don’t serve local moves under 50 miles.

1-800-PACK-RAT offers premium all-steel containers and convenient barn-style doors with a price-matching policy that creates negotiation opportunities despite limited service areas.

For the most accurate comparison, request quotes from all companies for your specific move, evaluating both price and included services based on your priorities—whether storage flexibility, budget constraints, or container quality.

FAQs: Common Questions About Moving Containers

1. Is it cheaper to move with PODS or hire movers?

A: PODS and similar container services typically cost significantly less than full-service movers. While full-service moving companies handle everything from packing to transportation, container services like PODS provide the middle ground between DIY truck rentals and comprehensive moving services. PODS averages $225-$850 for local moves and $450-$7,600 for long-distance relocations, representing substantial savings compared to full-service options.

2. How does PODS pricing work?

A: PODS uses a comprehensive pricing structure based on several factors: container size, move distance, rental duration, and seasonal demand. Their standard quotes typically include one month of storage, container delivery, pickup, and transportation to your destination. This bundled approach helps with accurate budgeting, though additional services like extended storage or insurance coverage will add to the base price.

3. Can you negotiate PODS prices?

A: While not officially advertised, many customers successfully negotiate with PODS. The most effective approach is obtaining quotes from multiple companies and asking if PODS can offer competitive pricing. Additionally, look for promotional discounts, especially for first-time customers, which can reduce overall costs. The moving container industry is competitive, giving consumers leverage to seek better rates.

Related article

For High-End Relocations, Luxury Moving Companies Deliver

Luxury moving experts offer personalized service and innovative solutions for transporting anything that requires extra care. Here are a few of the features a high-end moving company may be able to offer…

4. How does U-Pack’s pricing differ from PODS?

A: U-Pack’s distinctive “pay for what you use” model represents their primary pricing difference. With their trailer option, you’re only charged for the linear feet you actually fill, potentially saving money if you pack efficiently. PODS charges by container size regardless of how full you pack it, but it includes longer loading/unloading periods and storage time at their standard pricing. Each approach offers advantages depending on your specific moving needs and timeline flexibility.

5. What are the main container quality differences?

A: Each company offers distinct container construction that may better suit different priorities. PODS provides weather-resistant containers with steel frames and roll-up doors for convenient access. U-Pack’s ReloCubes are all-metal construction designed primarily for efficient transport. 1-800-PACK-RAT distinguishes itself with fully steel containers featuring barn-style doors that swing outward, which some customers find more convenient for loading larger furniture pieces.

6. Are there hidden fees with moving container companies?

A: While most companies provide relatively transparent pricing, always request a detailed quote breakdown to identify potential extra charges. Additional costs across all providers include extended storage beyond the included period, premium insurance coverage, special padlocks, or delivery fees for remote locations. Understanding your quote thoroughly helps avoid unexpected expenses when your final bill arrives.

7. Can you use moving containers for storage as well as moving?

A: Yes, all three companies offer storage options with different approaches and limitations. PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT include 30 days of storage in their standard quotes, with containers available either on your property or at their secure facilities for extended periods. U-Pack focuses more on direct transportation but offers storage at its service centers for additional fees, although it has different policies regarding on-property storage duration.

Related article

10 Important Things You Should Prepare for Long-Distance Moving

Moving long distances can be exciting, like an adventure of a lifetime. There is nothing as interesting and energizing as trying out new things and having the opportunity for a fresh start. But let’s be honest: moving is more complex than getting into a car or a bus and leaving for a new place…