Moving containers, like those offered by companies like PODS, U-Haul, Smartbox and others, are quickly becoming the most popular way to move one’s furnishings from home to home. But in an industry that was essentially started by one company (PODS), there are now many different companies to choose from with each one offering different services, prices structures and portable storage containers. Comparing your portable moving options will help ensure that you choose the company and service that’s best suited for your needs.
PODS
PODS was established in 1998 and its moving containers come in three different sizes:
- 8' x 7' x 7', capacity 5,000 pounds (2272.73 kg)
- 8' x 8' x 12', capacity 8,000 pounds (3636.36 kg)
- 8' x 8' x 16', capacity 10,000 pounds (4545.45 kg)
If you are planning a long distance move, the 8' x 8' x 16' is the default size regardless of how much or how little you have to move.
The moving containers feature a steel frame, aluminum side panels, a lightweight roll-up door and a durable translucent polymer top which allows natural light into the container.
PODS gives you up to thirty days to fill and arrange transport for their moving pods and the company is capable of delivering to 48 states in the United States as well as Canada and Australia.
U-Haul
U-Haul's portable moving containers are called U-Boxes. The company offers one size of storage container, 7'6 x 5' x 8', which is capable of holding approximately 2,000 pounds. Sized at 300 cubic feet, one U-Box should easily accommodate a room and a half of goods. For a three to four bedroom house, U-Haul recommends five U-Boxes.
U-Haul's U-Boxes are made out of heavy-duty plywood and while the storage container is kept outside, it is covered with a protective cover to keep it safe from the elements.
U-Haul, unlike many of its competitors, allows for the end-user to transport their U-Box using a custom-designed trailer that can be towed using their own vehicle. For multi-box delivery, U-Haul has specially designed trucks capable of transporting multiple boxes at once.
ABF U-Pack
ABF U-Pack offers one size of moving container, or ReloCube, sized at 6'3 x 7' x 8'4. The storage pods are weatherproof and feature durable steel framing and aluminum side panels. Users can place their own padlocks on their storage pods for added security.
The company offers three different delivery methods – a flatbed trailer, a drop-deck trailer and a liftgate van, which is similar to a tractor trailer. Because U-Pack utilizes ABF delivery, it is capable of delivering the portable storage containers in a reliable, safe and effective manner.
1-800-Pack-Rat
1-800-Pack-Rat's portable storage units are available in two sizes – 12-foot containers and 16-foot containers. The 12-foot container is capable of holding between one and two rooms while the 16-foot container can hold between three and four rooms.
1-800-Pack-Rat's moving containers are made from all steel components, including the frame, the walls and the door. They feature embedded metal skids which provide six inches of clearance off the ground to ensure your valuable furniture and items remain dry at all times.
Door-To-Door Storage
Door-To-Door Storage offers one size of moving container, 7' x 5' x 8'. One portable storage pod is capable of holding one to one and a half rooms or 40 to 50 medium-sized boxes.
The moving containers are made of construction-grade wood. The floor is raised four inches from ground level for easy loading and for keeping your items protected from water damage. While the storage pod is located outside, it is covered by a weather-resistant cover to further protect your household goods.
United Mayflower
United Mayflower offers a single-sized storage container option. The company’s standard moving container is 16-feet long and it’s constructed of an all-steel frame with aluminum side panels and roll-up door. The container is waterproof and it comes with its own tie down rings for keeping your articles safe and secure.
Smart Move
Smart Move offers fast and flexible moving container transit guaranteed to move you anywhere in the United States in 10 days or less. The company offers one size of moving container – 6'9 x 5'11 x 6'11 and the following benefits:
- SmartVault® mobile storage technology
- $10,000 cargo protection plan per SmartVault
- 28 days of free storage
- Mobilized storage
- SmartVault tracking system
SmartBox
SmartBox portable self-storage containers are available in one size – 7' x 5' x 8', which are capable of holding about a room to a room and a half of furniture and goods and up to 2,000 pounds.
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Moving containers, like those offered by companies like PODS, U-Haul, Smartbox and others, are quickly becoming the most popular way to move one’s furnishings from home to home. But in an industry that was essentially started by one company (PODS), there are now many different companies to choose from with each one offering different services, prices structures and portable storage containers. Comparing your portable moving options will help ensure that you choose the company and service that’s best suited for your needs.
PODS
PODS was established in 1998 and its moving containers come in three different sizes:
- 8' x 7' x 7', capacity 5,000 pounds (2272.73 kg)
- 8' x 8' x 12', capacity 8,000 pounds (3636.36 kg)
- 8' x 8' x 16', capacity 10,000 pounds (4545.45 kg)
If you are planning a long distance move, the 8' x 8' x 16' is the default size regardless of how much or how little you have to move.
The moving containers feature a steel frame, aluminum side panels, a lightweight roll-up door and a durable translucent polymer top which allows natural light into the container.
PODS gives you up to thirty days to fill and arrange transport for their moving pods and the company is capable of delivering to 48 states in the United States as well as Canada and Australia.
U-Haul
U-Haul's portable moving containers are called U-Boxes. The company offers one size of storage container, 7'6 x 5' x 8', which is capable of holding approximately 2,000 pounds. Sized at 300 cubic feet, one U-Box should easily accommodate a room and a half of goods. For a three to four bedroom house, U-Haul recommends five U-Boxes.
U-Haul's U-Boxes are made out of heavy-duty plywood and while the storage container is kept outside, it is covered with a protective cover to keep it safe from the elements.
U-Haul, unlike many of its competitors, allows for the end-user to transport their U-Box using a custom-designed trailer that can be towed using their own vehicle. For multi-box delivery, U-Haul has specially designed trucks capable of transporting multiple boxes at once.
ABF U-Pack
ABF U-Pack offers one size of moving container, or ReloCube, sized at 6'3 x 7' x 8'4. The storage pods are weatherproof and feature durable steel framing and aluminum side panels. Users can place their own padlocks on their storage pods for added security.
The company offers three different delivery methods – a flatbed trailer, a drop-deck trailer and a liftgate van, which is similar to a tractor trailer. Because U-Pack utilizes ABF delivery, it is capable of delivering the portable storage containers in a reliable, safe and effective manner.
1-800-Pack-Rat
1-800-Pack-Rat's portable storage units are available in two sizes – 12-foot containers and 16-foot containers. The 12-foot container is capable of holding between one and two rooms while the 16-foot container can hold between three and four rooms.
1-800-Pack-Rat's moving containers are made from all steel components, including the frame, the walls and the door. They feature embedded metal skids which provide six inches of clearance off the ground to ensure your valuable furniture and items remain dry at all times.
Door-To-Door Storage
Door-To-Door Storage offers one size of moving container, 7' x 5' x 8'. One portable storage pod is capable of holding one to one and a half rooms or 40 to 50 medium-sized boxes.
The moving containers are made of construction-grade wood. The floor is raised four inches from ground level for easy loading and for keeping your items protected from water damage. While the storage pod is located outside, it is covered by a weather-resistant cover to further protect your household goods.
United Mayflower
United Mayflower offers a single-sized storage container option. The company’s standard moving container is 16-feet long and it’s constructed of an all-steel frame with aluminum side panels and roll-up door. The container is waterproof and it comes with its own tie down rings for keeping your articles safe and secure.
Smart Move
Smart Move offers fast and flexible moving container transit guaranteed to move you anywhere in the United States in 10 days or less. The company offers one size of moving container – 6'9 x 5'11 x 6'11 and the following benefits:
- SmartVault® mobile storage technology
- $10,000 cargo protection plan per SmartVault
- 28 days of free storage
- Mobilized storage
- SmartVault tracking system
SmartBox
SmartBox portable self-storage containers are available in one size – 7' x 5' x 8', which are capable of holding about a room to a room and a half of furniture and goods and up to 2,000 pounds.
