You can book your trailer or 8-by-8-foot shipping container quickly and easily online. No deposits are required, and with no labor fees unless you request moving help, it is one of the most affordable moving and storage options. Once you get a free quote from U-Pack, you won’t have to worry about paying until your moving date. It offers three-day loading and unloading windows on either end of your move, which makes it easy to move at your own pace. This means that, regardless of whether you need a U-Pack ReloCube or trailer, you’ll only pay for the space that you ultimately use. U-Pack offers a “pay-for-what-you-use” service model. Specialty services: Yes (via a third party)Īlthough U-Pack offers fewer size options than other moving container companies and doesn’t service local moves, it may be the most affordable moving option on our list for large, long-distance moves.Service model: Container and trailer provider.

For a less hands-on experience, 1-800-PACK-RAT also provides resources for booking moving labor. With 8-, 12-, and 16-foot container options for residential and commercial use, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes long-term storage and long-distance moving accessible with lower average costs than van lines offer. You won’t have to pay the full price immediately, as you are free to cancel up to 48 hours before your containers are delivered. Simply list your current and destination ZIP codes, portable storage container needs, or your desired rental term, and you’ll get a fairly accurate pricing figure. When you start the booking process with 1-800-PACK-RAT, you’ll receive a free moving quote. And no payment is due until 48 hours before delivery. Offering flexible pickup and delivery dates that work with your schedule, 1-800-PACK-RAT will send you a preview of your storage and moving costs through an online quote. Our pick for the best overall self-service moving provider, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers three all-steel weatherproof container sizes that are available for long-distance and local moves plus storage at a secure facility.

Get a quick quote: Visit 1-800-PACK-RAT’s site.

State availability: 30, plus Washington, D.C.

Specialty services: Yes (through a third party).

Best Appliance Movers: North American Van Linesīest Overall Container Mover: 1-800-PACK-RAT.

Best for Condos and HOAs: Safeway Moving Inc.

Best for Major Cities: Interstate Moving & Relocation Group.

Best Overall Mover: International Van Lines.

If you’re still considering a full-service move, then the following providers are the best options for a range of moving needs.

Best Overall Container Provider: 1-800-PACK-RAT.

If you like our tips on how to pack your 1-800-PACK-RAT container, download our helpful Packing Your 1-800-PACK-RAT how-to PDF or check out our other Moving How-To Guides.The most affordable moving containers include the following: The spray can also be useful once you move in to protect the furniture from spills and stains. Make sure to read the instructions carefully to ensure you apply the product correctly. A better option is cloth padding.Ĭonsider buying a spray-on fabric protector to protect your upholstery. You will get condensation between the leather and the shrink wrap, creating mold. Part 3: Protecting Your FurnitureĬover your mattress with a fitted sheet before packing it to keep it clean and protected.ĭo not shrink wrap leather or suede. Use a knife to cut hand holders on both sides of your heavy boxes to make picking and lifting them up easy. Be sure that the blanket does not interfere with the wheels. Use a blanket to pad the dolly, so it will not damage any of your furniture or other valuable items. Pack stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets into trash bags to use as padding in any irregular empty spaces within the moving container.

Lay them down and then flip them up against the back of the container, filling the space from the floor to the ceiling. You can place fragile boxes under desks or between table legs to help keep them safe and protected. Use large and heavy items, like furniture, as a base to stack lighter items on top. So you've booked your storage container from 1-800-PACK-RAT, now what should you expect? Once one of our professional drivers drops off your container at your door, you can take as long as you need to pack your belongings! But what is the best way to pack your 1-800-PACK-RAT container? Take a look through our guide on how to pack your container for great tips and tricks to get the most out of your storage space.

Pack rat 8 foot container