How to Use a Moving Container for a Long-Distance Move

What Is a Moving Container, and How Does It Work?

Moving containers come in a range of sizes — typically 8 feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet. Small containers are perfect for packing up a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, and if you have multiple bedrooms, a16′ provides about 1,200 square feet of storage space.

Most moving containers are made of steel or durable composite materials, which can withstand heavy rain, snow, and high winds to keep your belongings safe from the elements. While they aren’t fully waterproof, they’re highly water-resistant, helping to prevent moisture-related damage.

These containers are also lockable, giving you peace of mind that your items are secure. You control the lock and key (or combination), so you decide who has access, whether it’s your moving helpers or no one at all.

Here's the process you can expect when you rent a moving container:

1. The rental company drops off the container at your home.
2. You load the container at your own pace.
3. The rental company picks up the container and transports it to your new home. If your home isn't quite ready, you can also have them take the container to a storage facility for safekeeping.
4. You unload the container at your own pace.
5. The rental company picks up the empty container.

Benefits of Using a Moving Container for a Long-Distance Move

Long-distance moves include tight schedules, higher costs, and complex logistics, adding extra stress to an already major life change. In this situation, moving containers really shine, as they offer the perfect balance of convenience and affordability.

Moving pods eliminate the need to drive a large rental truck. Instead of getting behind the wheel, you load your container and someone else transports it. This option is cheaper than hiring a full-service mover, and it's more convenient than having to rent a truck and drive it down unfamiliar roads and highways.

Beyond avoiding a stressful drive, a moving container also gives you flexibility. You can load and unload at your own pace, and in the meantime, your belongings stay protected inside a weather-resistant container.

Another big advantage is that moving containers double as storage. If your new place isn’t ready right away, you can keep the container at a secure facility until you’re ready to unload for an added fee.

Moving Containers vs. Moving Companies for Long-Distance Moves

When you're planning a long-distance move, you have two DIY options. The first is to rent a moving truck and drive it long-distance to your destination. This gives you complete control over timing, but it requires you to drive an oversized vehicle hundreds or even thousands of miles. You also have to think about tolls, fuel costs, permits, and traffic.

The second option is to rent a moving container. You don’t have to drive at all, and instead, the rental company handles pickup and delivery. This option is more expensive than renting a moving truck, but it gives you far more flexibility with loading, unloading, and even storage.

Moving truck vs. moving container: A quick comparison

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use a Moving Container for a Long-Distance Move

Because moving containers are a different process than renting a truck, which more people might be familiar with, we broke down how to use moving containers into an easy-to-follow plan. Follow these steps for a stress-free move.

1. Choose a Moving Container Company

Using the right container company sets the tone for your entire move. When you're ready to commit, read reviews to help determine which companies have solid reputations and provide the services and perks you need. PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT are popular options.

Once you have a list of potential providers, you’ll need to contact each one. Ask about their service area, container sizes, and availability. Make sure that the company you choose operates in both your origin and destination areas.

Finally, compare equipment options and pricing. Be sure to ask if there are fuel charges, permit fees, rescheduling charges, or other costs you should know about.

2. Order the Right Container Size

Choosing the right container size can help you avoid major headaches during the loading process. To estimate your needs, take a quick inventory of your belongings. Start with large items, such as furniture and appliances. Then estimate how many boxes you're likely to have for each room. Many container companies also have their own online estimation tools.

If you’re worried that your belongings won't fit in the container, go up one size. It's okay if you end up with a little extra space, as it prevents overpacking, protects fragile items from being crushed, and spares you the stress of realizing on moving day that everything doesn’t fit.

3. Schedule Delivery

You can have the container delivered anywhere from 3 to 30 days before moving day, which gives you plenty of time to organize and load your belongings. When you book, let the rental company know if you need the container dropped in your driveway, on a concrete pad, or in a reserved space.

If you live in an apartment building or condo, double-check the length, width, and overhead maximums. The last thing you need is for your moving container to get stuck under a pedestrian bridge or wedged in a narrow alley. You may also need a municipal permit or permission from your HOA to have the container delivered to your home.

4. Load the Container Safely

Before you start moving items, set up a loading zone. Have bubble wrap, stretch wrap, moving blankets, ratchet straps, and furniture pads at the ready. Ratchet straps are essential for securing heavy cargo.

Now you're ready to fill the container. Follow these tips for a seamless loading process:

• Start by placing heavy items at the bottom of the moving container. This includes furniture, appliances, and boxes filled with books. Heavy items serve as a foundation for lighter belongings. You should also distribute weight evenly so the container doesn’t tilt or your belongings shift.
• Prevent furniture damage by removing drawers, taping doors shut, and wrapping each piece with bubble wrap or a moving blanket. If you're loading a mattress, wrap it or place it in a mattress bag. Stand the mattress on its side instead of placing it flat on the floor.
• Fill in any empty space with things like couch cushions, pillows, and blankets. Soft items provide extra cushioning and can prevent your belongings from tipping over during transit.

5. Lock and Secure the Container

For extra peace of mind, use your own lock to secure the container. You can use a padlock, but a disc lock is way more secure. Disc locks have an enclosed, round shackle, so it's more difficult to remove them with bolt cutters or other tools. Unlike padlocks, disc locks also have a circular mechanism, making them harder to pick.

Some rental companies offer tamper seals or GPS tracking for an additional fee. Tamper seals provide visible proof if someone has tried to access your container, while GPS lets you monitor its location throughout the trip.

6. Pick-Up and Transportation

On pickup day, keep the area around the moving container clear, and make sure there are no objects blocking pathways. If necessary, clear overhead obstructions such as branches, and keep the gate open to your property.

After pickup, the container company handles transport. You don't have to navigate busy streets, worry about traffic congestion, or drive a huge truck under an overpass.

To ease any concerns you have about safety and security, ask the rental company how to track your container across the state or across the country. You may have access to calls, text alerts, or tracking links. If you paid for GPS tracking, you’ll likely be able to track your moving container via an online platform.

If your plans change, give the rental company a heads-up as soon as possible. Rescheduling is a lot easier if you do it before your moving container is loaded on a flatbed.

7. Unload at Destination

Once you arrive, here's what we recommend to make the unloading process as simple as possible.

• Open the container doors slowly. This protects you in the event that items have shifted during transit, and something is leaning against the doors
• Maintain correct lifting posture. Keep items close to your body instead of holding them away from you. Bend at the knees and tighten your abdominal muscles to keep your back straight. Maintaining good posture can help you avoid injuries while unloading your moving container.
• Unload in order. Rather than stepping to the back of the container, unload items in the order you see them when you open the doors. This reduces the risk that you'll bump into furniture or other heavy items while carrying your belongings.
• Keep the container balanced while unloading. Start at the front of the container and move from side to side. This keeps the weight distributed evenly, preventing items from shifting during the unloading process.

The Best Moving Container Companies for Long-Distance Moves

Looking for even more ways to avoid moving-day hassles? Choose a company with strong reviews and a great reputation. Don't forget to verify that your preferred provider handles long-distance moves.

These are four of the best moving container companies with a widespread footprint.

U-Pack

U-Pack operates the ReloCube long-distance moving service. With ReloCube, you only get 3 days to load your trailer, move it, and unload. However, U-Pack is substantially cheaper than other options, so you can save some serious cash if you don't mind a tight timeline.

• Availability: Nationwide
• Materials: Steel and aluminum
• Container sizes: 6 feet, 3 inches x 7 feet x 8 feet, 4 inches
• Additional services: Equipment rental, storage for an extra fee
• Ratings and reviews: A+ BBB rating with an average review score of 4.65

PODS

Portable On-Demand Self-Storage, better known as PODS, hasstorage facilities in 46 states, and is one of the best companies for long-distance moving. They give you plenty of time to load your moving container, with 30 days included with the rental, and then you can pay monthly if you need more time.

• Availability: Serves 46 states
• Materials: Steel
• Container sizes: 8 feet, 12 feet, 16 feet
• Additional services: Storage, packing assistance, loading assistance
• Ratings and reviews: A+ BBB rating with an average review score of 3.64

1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT offers all-steel containers for long-distance moves. When you book with this company, you get a no-cut lock and $10,000 in contents protection at no extra charge. 1-800-PACK-RAT also allows you to keep your moving container for up to 30 days, maximizing flexibility.

• Availability: Nationwide
• Materials: Steel
• Container sizes: 8 feet, 12 feet, 16 feet
• Additional services: Storage, packing help, vehicle transportation
• Ratings and reviews: A+ BBB rating with an average review score of 2.85

U-Box Move & Store

U-Box is a division of U-Haul, so you get access to U-Haul's network of 24,000 locations. When you request a quote, the estimated price includes shipping, delivery, transit time, storage, and pickup. There's also no strict time limit, which makes unloading less stressful.

• Availability: Nationwide
• Materials: Pressure-treated plywood
• Container sizes: 5 x 8 x 7.5 feet
• Additional services: Storage, packing supplies, moving labor, packing assistance, insurance, equipment rental
• Ratings and reviews: A+ BBB rating with an average review score of 1.11

Disclaimer: BBB ratings and reviews tend to skew more negative since many customers use the site to file complaints. For a more balanced picture, check TrustPilot or Google Maps for reviews on these companies' local offices in your area.

Tips for the Best Moving Container Experience

Getting the most out of a moving container isn't just about loading it efficiently. Here are some practical tips that go beyond the usual advice.

1. Take photos. Documenting your container load makes it easier to remember where items are placed. If you have to file an insurance claim, having photos on hand also makes it easier to prove that they were in good condition when you loaded them.
2. Protect your items from the elements. Be aware that some insurance policies don’t cover avoidable damage to items kept in storage. Protect your belongings by using moisture absorbers, wrapping your items in plastic, and sealing every box with high-quality packing tape.
3. Secure heavy loads in sections. After you load heavy items, place lighter items on top. Then use tie-down ropes or ratchet straps to secure each tier.
4. Review access rules at your destination. If you're moving to an apartment or a condo, your building may have some moving-related restrictions. Check with the property manager to determine if you need to obtain a permit or have your container delivered within a specific timeframe. Some communities have strict limits on how long containers can be on the property, so we recommend calling the property manager in advance of renting a shipping pod.
5. Make sure the ground is prepped for your container. To use a moving container, you need a flat, sturdy area. Make sure your new home has one. If it doesn't, look for alternatives, such as a public street or a nearby parking lot. Don't forget to check local permitting requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Moving Containers

It's common to underestimate how much space you'll need. A too-small container can leave you scrambling to reserve a second unit. Avoid this mistake by taking time to inventory your belongings. If you're right on the line between one size and the next, go with the bigger container. It costs a little more, but you won't have to worry about fitting everything you want to keep.

Not reserving the container early enough is another common error. Moving containers are in short supply during periods of peak demand, such as weekends and summers. Reserve early to lock in your preferred delivery date, and so you get the right container for your needs.

Finally, don't let sloppy packing undo all your hard work. If you don't take time to wrap items, use ratchet straps, or distribute weight evenly, you might arrive at your new destination to discover that a drawer handle snapped off your dresser or your favorite porcelain figurine is in shards. A little preparation goes a long way toward making sure your container move is smooth and damage-free.