5 Best Moving Container Companies [Updated: November 2024 ]

Compare the Best Moving
Container Companies of 2023

Are you planning to move to a new place? Moving can be exciting for most people, but it can also be a stressful experience. This is why it’s essential to consider the available moving options and select one that caters to your needs. You want to choose a method that can save you stress, money, and time. Should you hire full-service movers or consider moving containers? This complete guide has everything you need to make an informed decision. Read on!

Company Name	Local and Long Distance	Offers Auto Shipping	Rating	Details
Allied Van Lines	Yes	Yes	4.8	Get a Quote
North American Van Lines	Yes	Yes	4.7	Get a Quote
Smartbox Moving & Storage	Yes	No	4.6	Get a Quote
PODS	Yes	No	4.3	Get a Quote
1-800-PACK-RAT	Yes	No	4.1	Get a Quote

Author: Helen McKenzie

January 16, 2023

Writer & Researcher

8 Min Read

Are Moving Containers Better than Hiring Full-Service Movers?

Professional full-service moving companies handle everything, including packing and unpacking. Typically, this service is best for an individual with a busy schedule. Moving your belongings from one place to another can be time-consuming. If you work daily and don’t have the time to handle some moving activities, a full-service mover might be what you need.

Moving isn’t only limited to hiring a full-service mover. Moving containers are a popular option, depending on your needs. It involves using an aluminum or steel container to relocate your goods to your destination. A moving company will deliver the container and you do the packing. They will then transport it to your new place, and it’s your job to unpack your belongings.

Pros of Using Full-Service Movers

Does moving to a different household seem like a strenuous and daunting task? You don’t need to worry because professional full-service movers can help. Is hiring an expert moving company worth the investment? Here are the pros you can expect:

Professionals Take on the Hard Work

When working with a full-service mover, you won’t need to worry about the tiresome process. Professionals understand the job and will take on the hard work, giving you peace of mind.

For example, they will pack and unpack your valuables safely because they have the skills to do this seamlessly. An expert will make sure none of your belongings are damaged throughout the process.

Full-Service Movers Will Relieve Your Stress

If you have ever relocated across the country or town, you probably know how this can be demanding. There’s a lot to get done, and the experience can seem challenging, especially for an inexperienced individual. Fortunately, a full-service mover can handle everything, and you can rest assured your possessions are in safe hands.

Protects Your Belongings

One of the biggest worries for anyone moving their belongings is the possibility of damage. Who wants their favorite gadgets to get broken during relocation? Most professional movers are insured to ensure your belongings are protected in case of unexpected damages.

Avoid Unnecessary Injuries

The last thing you want to deal with during moving is an unexpected injury. If you’re new to packing, it’s best to work with a full-service mover to handle the entire process. While packing might seem simple, it requires experience to avoid possible injuries and damage. Qualified experts have handled similar work and will pack everything with minimal pitfalls.

Save on Costs

Like most people, you probably think that doing it yourself can save money. However, the opposite can also be true. A full-service mover has everything in place to get the work done. You won’t need to worry about boxes, markers, packing tape, or bubble wraps.

Cons of Full-Service Movers

While full-service movers can be an excellent choice for some people, it may not work for others depending on their situations. Here are the cons of using a full-service mover:

Less Control: Full-service movers will handle most aspects of your moving. Do you want to tackle most activities? A full-service mover may not be the best option.
Need to vet the company: Your valuables are essential to your life, and you don’t want any to get into the wrong hands. While most full-service movers claim to be the best, you’ll need to do your due diligence and hire the right people.
Costs associated with full-service movers: When choosing a company, prices are critical in the process. According to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), the average pay is $200/hour. If you’re thinking of hiring an expert mover, evaluate your financial situation before signing any legal contract.

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Pros of Using Moving Containers

Convenience

If you’re looking for convenience, moving containers might work for you. The company will deliver the container to your doorstep, and all you need is to pack your belongings at your convenience and then contact the storage company to move your possessions.

Gain Control of Your Moving

Do you want to be in control of the moving process? If so, there’s no better way than using a moving container. The company will deliver your container to a convenient location near your property, making loading a breeze.

Temporary Storage

Are you moving immediately? If not, temporary storage can be a great option. They provide flexible storage as you wait to relocate. It means you won’t need to worry about the security of your possessions.

Cons of Moving Containers

Possible Restrictions by Homeowners Associations (HOA)

While moving containers can be a convenient option for many people, many HOAs may restrict them. If you don’t want unnecessary inconveniences, it makes sense to check whether your HOA allows moving containers. Is your apartment or condo shared? It can be challenging to find a spot to store the container for packing.

Limited Availability

When moving with a container, you might be subjected to nearby storage capacity and availability. This can be inconvenient, especially if you don’t have the time to shop around for a container that can handle your needs.

Estimating the Container Size Can Be Difficult

While many people are likely to overlook this, it’s an essential factor to consider. How much space do you require to pack everything you need? If you’re not a professional, you will likely underestimate or overestimate your requirements. This can be problematic, especially if you discover your possessions can’t fit in the container you used during packing.

What to Look for When Choosing a Moving Container Company

Choosing a moving container company may not be as straightforward as it sounds. Many factors come into play, and you want to get everything right. If you’re looking for a stress-free moving process, don’t forget to keep these factors in mind when searching for a company:

A Proven Track Record

Trying a new business may not be a bad idea, but the experience is something you shouldn’t ignore. A container moving company has a lot of information about the services offered and how the owners treat customers.

You can check online to find appropriate information about a particular company. This will give you an idea of the company you want to work with. Do they maintain client possessions? Do they provide fair rates? Asking yourself relevant questions like these can help you hire a company that can satisfy your needs.

Ask Around for Recommendations

While Google can help you land a reliable container moving company, this isn’t the only way around it. One of the best ways to find a reputable business is by consulting your family and friends. For example, if you know of someone who used the service recently, ask them about their experiences and whether they recommend it. It’s not uncommon to find a company without a strong web presence providing exceptional services locally. Why not ask around before you search on the internet?

Good Reviews

Word of mouth can give you an idea of what a particular company can provide. However, it makes sense to perform due diligence before hiring. Many customers leave reviews about service providers, and learning about their experiences can get you started.

Check Insurance and License

Anyone can purchase containers and start offering moving services, but not all companies are created equal. The sure-fire way to ensure your possessions are secure is to work with licensed and insured professionals.

Interstate movers will need registration with the U.S. Department of Transportation to acquire a specific USDOT number. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers a relevant database to help you get started with your search. While many states have no licensing requirements, you need to research before working with a container moving company.

Transparent Costs

A reliable container moving company should not have hidden costs. Most movers will charge you depending on different factors. Remember that what you may find online is a base rate and may not be the total transportation costs. Different factors will influence your moving costs. These may include incidental add-ons and heavy objects.

Before signing any binding document, consult with the moving company. They will evaluate your needs and give you a reliable quote. Confirm with them the possibility of additional charges to avoid unnecessary altercations.

Good Fit for Your Individualized Needs

Everyone’s moving needs are unique. Whether moving from a studio apartment or a 4-bedroom, you need a company that can cater to your requirements. Think about what you need and ask appropriate questions during the initial consultation, including:

Does the company offer additional packing materials if needed?

Is the company available to provide containers when you require them?

Can the company provide appropriate containers to suit your packing needs?

Dependable and Trustworthy

When working with a container moving company, you want to make sure they are dependable and trustworthy. While they may charge affordable rates or have exceptional storage containers, you also want to consider how they handle clients.

Service Beyond Expectations

Container moving may involve dealing with delicate goods. This is why you want to work with a company that can beat the market competition and customer expectations. A reputable container moving company will go the extra mile to satisfy customers. Here are some of the things you should watch out for:

Provides durable and reliable storage containers for the safety of a client’s possessions
Offers reasonable prices based on the market range
Allows customers to control unit storage
Provides multiple sizes of moving containers to serve a broad range of clients
Can offer insulated units

Frequently asked questions

How Much Do Moving Containers Cost?

The moving container cost can vary depending on its construction material. The most expensive ones like steel are sturdy and reliable. Wooden containers can be less costly but aren’t as robust as aluminum or steel ones. Factors influencing the moving container cost may include:

Moving company: Not all companies charge the same fee. Understand pricing before signing an agreement.
Storage time: If you need to store your belongings for some time before moving, expect charges to increase based on the number of storage days.
Container construction material: Containers constructed with sturdy materials like steel are priced higher than wooden containers.
Your moving distance: A longer distance will cost more.
The container size: These come in different sizes, and charges will depend on your choice. If you have a lot of possessions, you will need a bigger unit.
Insurance: Are you moving expensive items like paintings, jewelry, and antiques? This means you purchase insurance to safeguard your stuff.

The average cost of a moving container is approximately $3,000. However, everyone’s needs differ, and prices vary based on the above factors. If you want to know the exact cost, consult with the company. They will evaluate your personalized needs and give you a quote.

How Big of a Container Do I Need for Moving?

You can use the size of your house to determine the container size you need for your move. Are you moving belongings from one to two rooms? A small container can get you sorted. You’ll need a large container if you want to move from a 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom house.

Moving containers come in three sizes; large, medium, and small. While flexible sizing is what you may want to look for, not all companies can provide it.