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Things You Should Know About Moving Containers

February 14, 2025


Are you thinking of using a moving container for your relocations? Do you want to know details about them? Then you are in the right place.

 

Before you reserve the moving container a few things you should know. For example, their costs, container size, packing rules, and more. 

 

Therefore, we have discussed the reason for choosing moving container companies to which company is best. So, jump straight to the section below–

Why Choose Moving Containers?

The reasons for choosing moving containers to move. The most common options are moving containers, which are cost-effective, convenient, flexible, and more. Also, they allow for easy loading and unloading at your own pace. Therefore, you can reduce stress during the moving process. Also, they provide secure storage solutions, protecting your belongings from damage while in transit or during temporary storage.

Pros Cons 
  • Lower costs than a full-service move
  • No driving involved
  • Storage options available
  • Weatherproof containers
  • No help with loading and unloading

How Do Moving Containers Work?

Moving containers is a convenient solution for relocation. They are large, portable storage units delivered to your location by your reserve moving company. Then, you start to load your belongings at your own pace.

 

Once packed, the company picks up the container and transports it to your new address or stores it in a secure facility if needed. Also, many companies offer tracking services, ensuring you know where your container is throughout the journey.

 

Is A Container Move Suitable For You?

Whether moving containers is suitable for you depends on many factors–

Don’t You Wanna Drive?

As DIY moving allows self-driving services, ask yourself first if you want to drive the large moving truck at all. While driving, you have to handle the truck in the traffic. So, if you want to skip this part while moving, moving the container is for you. 

How Much Can You Afford?

If you use full-service moving containers, then it will be expensive, while renting a truck for DIY moving is cheaper. And the balance between the two is moving containers. This offers a medium-range price with some additional benefits.

Do You Have A Place To Park Your Moving Container?

As the moving container is sent to your home for loads, you have enough space for this parking. If you have no space for parking, then the containers can’t be stored. So before reserving the container, ensure your parking place is available. 

How Do You Like Loading Your Own Boxes?

So, ask yourself if you are ready to load and unload by yourself. As the moving container does not offer people for this purpose, you have to do that on your own. Also, if you want to spend some extra money, you can hire third-party movers as well. They will help you with loading. 

How Much Does A Moving Container Cost?

The cost of moving containers starts from a hundred dollars for a short-distance move to over $3,000 for a long-distance move. However, the overall cost is based on many things. For example–

How Far Is Your Destination?

Moving container cost depends mostly on the distance of your destination. The farther you move, the more you have to pay.

How Large Is Your Container?

Now, the container size also affects the total costs of moving the container. You can move into a small apartment or five-room home; therefore, you need more containers to store the stuff. And it will enhance the cost of the containers.

Do You Need Storage Facilities?

If you need the storage opportunity, you can count on some additional fees. Many moving companies offer storage facilities onsite or on your home side. This is a very flexible feature you can take as much time as needed to load and unload your belongings.

Do You Want Insurance?

If you want to ensure your moving and the safety of your valuable things inside the containers, you have to take insurance. This will add some overall costs. 

What Size Container Do You Need?

To determine the size of the container, you have to check how much you have. If you have the amount of 2 to 3-room apartments, then you need only one small size container. However, for 4-5 bedrooms, you have to use a large container. 

 

Many companies offer small, medium, and big container sizes, but not all companies have these three options. Also, the dimensions of the container vary from company to company. So, while selecting the company, ensure the right measurements with the help of a company representative. 

 

We will here mention a container size can hold how much stuff–

Compare Moving Container Sizes

 

Container size Rooms Dimensions
Large 3–4 2,100
Medium 2–3 1,750
Small 1–2 980

How Should You Pack A Moving Container?

Like other packing, moving container packing is super simple. All you have to do is load items as much as possible without breaking anything–

1. Pack before your container arrives

After your reservation and before your container arrives, you can pack furniture and other large things. This way, you will get more time and stress-free packing. While packing, try to organize the way, like putting the same size boxes together, this will save you space. 

 

Helpful labeling hint

Labeling is a very important factor you can follow while packing your household items. You can label plate items this saves breakage. Also, putting labels using markers over each box can help you identify the items inside and make your loading and unloading easy.

2. Use Your Tetris Skills

Planning can help you make the most of your container space. You can start at the floor of the container near the back and work your way forward, stacking items up to the ceiling. Use boxes to section off areas or secure awkward items.

3. Take Time To Load

As moving is stressful, we all want to finish it quickly. However, rushing might lead to costly mistakes. You could damage fragile heirlooms or pack poorly, requiring an extra container.

 

Instead, take your time. Packing carefully ensures everything fits securely. Most moving container companies offer several days to load before pickup. 

Which Moving Container Company Should You Choose?

When choosing the best moving container company, you have to consider a few things. 

Wow Movers Top Moving Companies

Moving company Best for Website
PODS Best bet for most moves Get A Quote
U-Pack  Best for long-distance moves Get A Quote
U-Haul Best for nationwide availability Get A Quote
1-800-PACK-RAT Best for storage Get A Quote
SMARTBOX Best for tighter budgets Get A Quote

Do Moving Container Companies Provide Storage?

Besides moving the goods, these companies offer storage services. You can either store the container at your home or take it to company storage facilities. For storing more days, you have to count some extra penny, though.

Are Moving Containers Expensive?

Moving containers is not expensive like complete professional moving services. And their costs depend on many things like the stuff, distance, and more.

Are My Belongings Safe In Moving Containers?

Moving company’s biggest challenge is to ensure the safety of the items. For this reason, these companies launch retain containers made from metal. Also, they can store the container to their office, where the security team is available 24 hours.

Can I Pack Anything And Everything Inside Of A Moving Container?

No you can’t pack anything and everything to the moving container. For instance, it is banned to pack flammable things like lighter fluid, gasoline, etc. Also, guns, poisons, and fertilizers are not allowed. Sometimes, plants are forbidden to pack in the moving containers. 

Besides, valuable items, perishable food, and money, are not permitted to be packed. Again, you have to avoid electronic items to pack for the moving containers.