Let’s agree on one thing. Moving is terrible. And there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Even the white glove treatment with movers handling every part of the process will inevitably cause a headache.
For most of us, moving means rolling our sleeves up and putting in days, if not weeks, of back-breaking work packing boxes and stripping our homes bare. Then, when the last box is packed, and the dust settles, the stressful moving day arrives.
Ultimately, your decision on the form of transportation will set your move up for success. This guide looks at all angles of a move, helping to pinpoint attributes essential to your unique moving requirements.
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Is a Moving Container right for your move?
Driving around bustling suburban neighborhoods during the peak summer moving months means seeing driveways and streets peppered with moving containers.
A decade ago, it was an occasional white container with the name PODS emboldened in red鈥攖he original innovator and market leader. Today, containers come in various names and colors, each providing a unique pricing structure or benefit.
Do you need to store your container? Are you moving out of state? Each question narrows the playing field until you find the price and container company that best fits your scenario.
Moving Container Advantages
Moving is a logistical nightmare from every angle. Packing always takes longer, you have more things than you imagined, and there always needs to be more time.
The popularity of moving containers is because of their flexibility and convenience, spreading moving day to days.
Casual convenience
“The truck is here!” When you hear this during a move, get ready; things are about to get very hectic. The window is small, everyone is rushing, and tensions are high.
Having a moving container dropped off curbside days in advance is the number one cheat code for a smooth move鈥攁nd much more cost-effective than paying a daily rental fee on a parked truck.
Not using a spare room? Load it. Don’t need your sofa? In the container it goes. A moving container allows the ability to load your boxes and furniture casually.
Sections or pieces at a time, moving containers provide the casual convenience of moving at your pace.
Flexibility
Scenario: You’re selling your home and moving cross country. But for now, you plan to rent and get to know the area before buying a home. With moving containers, you can load a smaller container with the essentials to be delivered to your rental while the balance is stored in a nearby facility in a second container, ready to be delivered when called on.
Are you taking the scenic drive with the family dogs or visiting family along the way? Schedule the exact date to drop the container off and enjoy some time for yourself.
Moving containers are a logistical Swiss Army knife providing flexibility in scheduling, use, and storage.
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Safety
After long days of exhaustive packing, you spend a day repeatedly and carefully balancing yourself up a narrow ramp carrying heavy furniture鈥攁ll to drive a slow, uncomfortable, and stressful big truck for hours, if not days.
A 2014 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compared multiple studies to see the dangers of rental trucks. The study found 145 fatal daily truck rental accidents over 5 years. Of the accidents with a reported cause, 44% of the fatal accidents were the driver’s fault.
Driving large moving trucks is scary and dangerous if not experienced.
Moving containers is a less expensive way to avoid paying professional driver prices, providing the peace of mind all precious items arrive safely, and your household items do, too.
Plus, you can lift the door and walk directly into your unit, avoiding dangerous ramp falls.
Moving Container Disadvantages
While moving containers offer the best flexibility and convenience, it also has disadvantages, specifically in size and availability.
Movers with a lot of furniture, especially oversized pieces, can require multiple containers, outweighing the convenience versus the price.
Furthermore, using a moving container is common, and smaller suburban areas may lack availability during peak moving seasons.
Comparing Moving Container Companies
| Feature | PODS | 1-800-Pack-Rat | uPack | Zippy Shell | uHaul (U-Box) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Moves | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉂� | 鉁� | 鉁� |
| Long-Distance Moves | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉁� |
| Climate Controlled Secured Storage | 鉁� (Limited) | 鉁� | 鉂� | 鉁� (Limited) | 鉁� (Limited) |
| Sizes (Lx W x H) | 8′ x 7′ x 8′ 12′ x 8′ x 8′ 16′ x 8′ x 8′ | 8.5′ x 7.2′ x 7.8′ 12′ x 7.75′ x 7.5′ 16′ x 7.75′ x 7.5′ | 6′ x 7′ x 8′ Cube 28′ x 8′ x 9′ Trailer | 15′ x 7′ x 7′ 10′ x 7′ x 7′ 22′ x 10.5′ x 11′ | 8′ x 4.8′ x 7′ |
| Container Construction | Steel | Steel | Steel | Galvanized Steel | Wood |
| Optional White-Glove Service | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉂� | 鉁� (Limited) | 鉂� |
| Mileage & Fuel Costs | 鉂� | 鉂� | 鉂� | 鉂� | 鉂� |
| Additional Features | Flexible scheduling, nationwide coverage, insurance, packing supplies | Sturdy containers, onsite storage, long rental periods | Pay-for-what-use, eco-friendly, good customer service | Affordable, good for city moves, online booking | Delivery and pickup options, month-to-month rental |
Moving Container Recap:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 鉁� Flexible & convenient | 鉂� Space limitations |
| 鉁� Safe | 鉂� Availability issues |
| 鉁� Cost-effective for long distance | |
| 鉁� No hidden fees | |
Is a Rental Moving Truck Right For Your Move?
The classic uHaul will always have its place in the moving world. And, for those with the financial means, a large white-glove moving service will make for a more leisurely move, especially if you spring for packing. Although, finding a helping hand on sites like may be more cost-effective.
The advantages of a rental moving truck
The time and place for daily rental moving trucks dial down to three questions: How far is your move? How much do you need to move? How large is your budget?
Cost-effective for short moves
Local moves can be conquered with a small crew of friends, a budget uHaul truck, and several back-and-forth trips, shaving hundreds if not thousands off your moving budget.
Sweat equity is tangible, and the more back-breaking work you’re willing to put in, the more you can save for upgrades鈥� or spring for that new 80″ TV you’ve been eyeballing.
Variety of Sizes
At most, moving containers offer three sizes, often 7′, 12′, and 16′. The average moving truck company provides a more robust selection from vans to large trucks, easily accommodating the typical American home.
Movers with a variety of large furniture pieces can save money in one very big moving truck rather than ordering multiple containers.
Immediate Delivery
With a moving truck, you are in complete control. When finished packing, jump in the truck, drive to your new home, and start getting settled.
White glove service
Movers with the financial means can hire a turn-key moving service that includes packing, loading, and driving. Ship the vehicles, and you can fly across the country and patiently await your movers to arrive, unload, and unpack.
Disadvantages of renting a moving truck
In 2003, I drove a 30′ Penske moving truck towing a vehicle from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Lexington, Kentucky. Through Oklahoma’s Tornado Alley, we faced high winds and hail, forcing us to pull over while funnels began forming in the distance and clouds swirled above. After the storm calmed and no twisters landed, the drive continued only to destroy a trailer tire against a damaged curb’s rebar when reaching a Dallas hotel.
Driving a moving truck is uncomfortable, stressful, and even scary if inexperienced in operating large vehicles.
Plus, it can come with additional costs.
Truck Safety
A 2014 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) report compared multiple studies to find 145 fatal daily truck rental accidents over a 5-year period. 44% of the fatal accidents were the fault of the driver.
Additionally, packing a moving truck involves ramps or lift gates, increasing the risk of injury.
Additional Costs & Hidden Fees
Renting and driving a rental truck involves mileage, fuel, and possibly extra insurance, adding to the overall moving expenses.
Lack of flexibility and convenience
When the truck arrives, it’s time to get packing. Daily truck rentals don’t offer extended periods to park and pack like moving containers.
Moving Truck Recap
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 鉁� Cost-effective for short moves | 鉂� Truck safety |
| 鉁� A wide variety of sizes | 鉂� Additional costs and fees |
| 鉁� Immediate delivery | 鉂� Lack of flexibility & convenience |
| 鉁� White glove service | |
Comparing Moving Truck Rentals
| Feature | Budget Truck Rental | Enterprise Truck Rental | Hertz Truck Rental | u-Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way Rentals | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉁� |
| Local & Long-Distance Moves | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉁� | 鉁� |
| Mileage Charges | Per mile | Per mile | Per mile | Per mile + Base rate for certain distances |
| Truck Sizes | Small, Medium, Large, Cargo vans | Small, Medium, Large, Cargo vans, Pickups | Small, Medium, Large, Cargo vans, Pickups | Small, Medium, Large, Cargo vans, Pickups, Trailers |
| Fuel Options | Pre-pay or refill | Pre-pay or refill | Pre-pay or refill | You pay for gas |
| Insurance Options | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Additional Services | 鉂� | 鉂� | 鉂� | 鉂� |
| Additional Features | Packing supplies, moving assistance, roadside assistance | Packing supplies, moving assistance, roadside assistance | Packing supplies, moving assistance, roadside assistance | Packing supplies, moving assistance, roadside assistance |
| Pros | Budget-friendly, good for local moves, wide availability | Diverse truck sizes, good customer service, convenient locations | Nationwide coverage, reliable vehicles, multiple discounts | Largest selection of vehicles, flexible options, month-to-month rentals |
| Cons | Older trucks, limited customer service, fuel inefficiency | Higher prices than Budget, limited cargo space in smaller trucks | Higher prices than Budget, not as widely available as U-Haul | Requires self-loading/unloading, lower gas mileage than some competitors |
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that price is ultimately a major factor in your decision. And it should be, within reason.
What’s the value of less stress and anxiety, for peace of mind? Answer that question honestly, then add it to your budget.
With so many options available, design the perfect logistical scenario to make your transition as easy as possible for the best value. Your future self with thank you.
Good luck with your move.
