Planning a move in 2025 and thinking about using moving containers instead of hiring full-service movers or driving a rental truck yourself? You’re not alone.
Moving container companies have become one of the most popular ways to relocate because they offer flexibility, affordability, and control. You can pack at your own pace, store your belongings if needed, and only pay for the container space you actually use.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 7 best moving container companies of 2025, what makes each one stand out, and how to choose the best option for your budget, distance, and schedule. You can also compare these options with a customized quote from My Fast Movers.
Why Moving Containers Are So Popular in 2025
Moving containers give you the freedom to pack on your own schedule, avoid driving a large rental truck, and add short-term or long-term storage whenever needed. They’re a great fit for people who want more control than full-service movers but less stress than a completely DIY move.
If you’re considering a container move but also want professional moving help, you can get a custom plan from My Fast Movers based on your route, budget, and timeline.
Best Long-Distance & Budget-Friendly Container Options
1. PODS – Best Overall for Flexibility
PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) is one of the most well-known container brands. It combines moving and storage in a single solution, which is ideal if your new home isn’t ready yet or you’re doing renovation work.
Why PODS Stands Out
- Multiple container sizes: Commonly offers 8-ft, 12-ft, and 16-ft containers.
- Flexible duration: Keep the container for days, weeks, or months.
- Local & long-distance moves: Works for both short and long relocations.
Best for: Homeowners who need both moving and storage or want extra time on each end of the move. If you want to compare PODS-style container pricing with a different moving option, you can also get an estimate from My Fast Movers.
2. U-Pack – Best for Long-Distance, Pay-for-Space Pricing
U-Pack is very popular for long-distance moves. Their model is simple: you pay only for the space you use instead of renting an entire truck or fixed-size container.
Why U-Pack Stands Out
- Pay-for-space model: Use ReloCube® containers or trailer space and pay by the space you actually fill.
- No driving required: You handle the loading and unloading; U-Pack handles the transport.
- Great for interstate moves: Especially useful for cross-country relocations.
Best for: Long-distance moves where you don’t want to drive a truck but still need to control costs. To compare U-Pack–style pricing with a blended or full-service option, you can request a custom quote from My Fast Movers.
3. U-Haul U-Box – Best for Budget and DIY Movers
U-Haul U-Box containers are a strong option for people on a tight budget who are comfortable with a more DIY-style move. Because U-Haul has so many locations, U-Box is widely available across the country.
Why U-Box Stands Out
- Wide availability: Many local branches and drop-off points.
- Affordable pricing: Often one of the cheapest options for small and medium moves.
- Flexible usage: You can order multiple boxes if you have more belongings.
Best for: Budget-conscious movers, students, and small apartment moves. If you think U-Box might not be enough or you want help with loading and unloading, you can combine container use with professional moving help through My Fast Movers.
Best for Durability, City Moves & On-Site Storage
4. 1-800-PACK-RAT – Best for Durable, Weather-Resistant Containers
1-800-PACK-RAT is known for its all-steel, weather-resistant containers. If your container will sit outside for several days or weeks, that extra durability can make a big difference.
Why 1-800-PACK-RAT Stands Out
- Steel construction: Strong protection against harsh weather and potential theft.
- Multiple sizes: Options that fit both small homes and larger households.
- Moving + storage: You can combine transport and storage in one plan.
Best for: Moves involving valuable or delicate items, or areas with challenging weather. If you’re considering premium containers plus a moving crew, My Fast Movers can help you build a plan around that.
5. Zippy Shell – Best for Urban and Tight-Space Moves
Zippy Shell is especially useful for city moves where parking and space are limited. Their containers often sit inside licensed trailers, which can make them easier to park on busy streets and comply with local rules.
Why Zippy Shell Stands Out
- City-friendly design: Great for narrow streets, apartment complexes, and condos.
- Moving + storage combo: You can store your belongings before or after the move.
- Ideal for urban apartments: Works well where driveways and private parking are limited.
Best for: Downtown or urban moves where standard trucks and containers are hard to park. You can also pair a container solution with on-the-ground moving help through My Fast Movers.
6. SMARTBOX & Go Mini’s – Best for Small Moves and Local Storage
SMARTBOX – Great for Students and Small Moves
SMARTBOX is designed for smaller moves, such as dorm rooms, studios, and 1-bedroom apartments. Its pricing is usually simple and straightforward, which is helpful for students and first-time movers.
- Compact containers: Perfect size for small households and partial moves.
- Simple, transparent pricing: Easier to understand and budget for.
- Student-friendly: Often features seasonal or student-focused promotions.
Best for: Students, young professionals, and anyone moving a smaller amount of belongings. If you want to combine SMARTBOX-style container use with professional loading and unloading, you can build a smart package through My Fast Movers.
Go Mini’s – Great for Local Moves and On-Site Storage
Go Mini’s is a strong option for local moves and on-site storage. Their containers sit level on your property, which makes loading and unloading easier and safer.
- Spacious sizes: Suitable for larger families and full homes.
- On-site storage: Ideal for renovations, remodeling projects, or temporary storage.
- Local focus: Works particularly well for local and regional moves.
Best for: Local moves, home renovations, and situations where you want a container on your property for several weeks or months. You can also consult My Fast Movers to design a professional moving plan around on-site containers.
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Container Company
With so many companies available, it’s important to compare the basics before you book:
- Distance: Is your move local, regional, or long-distance? Not every company serves every route.
- Container size & count: How many containers will you realistically need for your home size?
- Price & fees: Make sure delivery, pickup, transport, storage, fuel, and taxes are clearly listed.
- Storage needs: Do you need storage between homes? At your property or at a facility?
- Insurance & protection: Understand coverage limits and exclusions, especially for high-value items.
A simple way to make a confident choice is to get written quotes from 3–4 providers and compare them side by side. To make that easier, you can also request a central, customized quote from My Fast Movers.
Money-Saving Tips, Quick Recap & Final Thoughts
Money-Saving Tips for Container Moves in 2025
- Get multiple quotes: Don’t rely on just one company.
- Stay flexible on dates: Midweek and mid-month moves are often cheaper than weekends or month-end.
- Declutter first: Sell, donate, or recycle items you don’t need so you pay to move only what matters.
- Pack efficiently: Use every inch of container space with smart, tight packing.
- Avoid last-minute changes: Rescheduling and extra days can quickly increase your total cost.
If you want help estimating whether containers or traditional movers will be cheaper for your situation, you can get a quick estimate from My Fast Movers.
Quick Recap: Which Company Fits Your Needs?
There is no single “best” moving container company for everyone. The right choice depends on your distance, home size, storage needs, and budget.
- Best overall flexibility: PODS
- Best long-distance value: U-Pack
- Best budget DIY option: U-Haul U-Box
- Best container durability: 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Best for city moves: Zippy Shell
- Best for students/small moves: SMARTBOX
- Best local/on-site storage: Go Mini’s
If you’d like an expert to look at your situation and suggest the best fit, My Fast Movers can help you design a moving plan tailored to your route, timing, and budget.
Final Thoughts
Moving containers offer a powerful mix of control, convenience, and cost savings. Choosing the right company helps you avoid surprise fees, delays, and unnecessary stress.
- Confirm distance and service areas.
- Ask for detailed written quotes.
- Use flexibility on dates to lower costs.
- Plan your packing and moving timeline in advance.
If you’re ready to plan your next move, start by comparing container options with a customized moving quote from My Fast Movers and see whether containers, traditional movers, or a hybrid plan gives you the best value.
