Best Moving Container Company
Whether you're moving from the West Coast to the East Coast or simply trying to free up space in a cluttered garage, portable storage containers can solve all kinds of tricky moving problems. We've put together a list of the best moving container companies that can help you relocate your vintage Ferrari, keep your college kid's stuff contained until next semester or smooth out the bumpy transition between your old house and your new one.
These 10 moving container companies were selected by our featured panelist and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. U-Pack
For a weatherproof container that can fit in a parking space, U-Pack ReloCubes could be your go-to option for small storage needs. And if you order too many units, that's okay; you only pay for the ones you load. Then your ReloCubes will be shipped to your place or stored until you're ready. Need help loading or unloading? Schedule U-Pack movers to do the heavy lifting.
2. UNITS
Choose between a 12-foot and 16-foot storage container, and then enjoy the friendly customer service, competitive pricing and local touch from UNITS. Just fill up your units and have them picked up and delivered to your new destination—including tight spaces like downtown areas—or to our climate-controlled warehouses for safekeeping. Or you can keep the container at your home or office for flexible on-site storage.
3. U-Haul U-Box
You may think that U-Haul is only for, well, hauling. But the company's U-Box portable storage containers let you pack them up, schedule a pick-up and then have them either delivered to your new address (anywhere in the world!) or kept in storage. If you want to tow your own containers to keep your stuff close, you can; each unit is designed to fit on a specially built U-Haul trailer.
4. American Portable Mini Storage
No one likes driving a giant moving truck, so let American Portable Mini Storage drop off a storage unit—one that's either 12 feet or 16 feet long—that you can pack at your leisure before scheduling a pick-up. No driving, no maneuvering a truck; just sit back and watch your storage unit appear in your new driveway. And the company offers climate-controlled units, perfect for keeping out the heat and humidity.
5. Two Men and a Truck
More than just an award-winning moving company, Two Men and a Truck also offers crate shipping, ideal for a few large items that just won't fit on the truck for your long-distance move. Prefer a portable container? The company has those too; you can request an eight-foot or 16-foot weatherproof unit to pack yourself or have movers pack. Then the units can be stored or shipped to your new location.
6. MovingYourself
For the convenience of a full-service moving company without the cost, MovingYourself could be the option you're looking for. The company's unique method of moving works like this: an empty truck is brought to your house, you load it, and then a driver takes the truck to your new home for you to unload. It's an affordable and stress-free way to move your belongings across the country—including your car.
7. PODS
PODS is one of the most recognizable names in storage for a reason: it created the first portable containers back in 1998, and it's been growing its moving and storage services ever since. So whether you need to pack up for a long-distance move—including to Canada—or just need to clear space, PODS can deliver the right-size unit to you, pick it up and keep it safe until you need it.
8. Boxwell
Need a custom storage solution for your Jet Skis, a large piece of farm equipment or your company's extra inventory? Boxwell might be the right fit. Built on site to your specifications, the units are movable, weather resistant and can hold up to 10,000 pounds. Boxwell can even place your company's name and logo on each unit to add a professional touch to your on-site storage.
9. ZippyShell
From pull-behind trailers and box trucks to portable containers, Zippy Shell offers a variety of ways to get your stuff from point A to point B. Whichever type of storage unit you choose, the company will pick it up once it's packed and take it to your new home. If your place isn't ready yet, Zippy Shell can store your containers for as long as you need.
10. COWS
A storage unit from COWS (Containers On Wheels) can help you move (or should that be mooove?) without the hassle of renting a truck or unloading on a tight schedule. The wheels on the bottom are great for packing and unpacking in the garage before wheeling the unit out to the driveway for pick-up. If you're in between houses, don't worry; the company can keep your COWS until you're home.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelist
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.