PODS vs. PACK-RAT vs. U-Pack: U-Pack is usually cheapest for long-distance moves, PACK-RAT has the toughest containers, and PODS is the most flexible all-rounder for local moves, long-distance moves and storage.
All three drop off a container, let you load it yourself and ship it to your new home or a storage facility. They differ on price, container sizes, where they operate and how long you can keep the container. Here’s how to pick the right one for your move.
Get a PODS QuoteQuick Verdict
PODS: best all-rounder
Three container sizes, local and long-distance moves, and storage at home or at a PODS Storage Center. The best fit if your timeline is uncertain or you need storage between homes.
U-Pack: best for long-distance value
Pay only for the trailer space you use. Often the lowest quote for cross-country moves, but no local moves and only a few days to load.
PACK-RAT: best containers
All-steel containers with barn-style doors and a price-match guarantee. A strong choice if you live in its service area and want maximum protection.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| PODS | 1-800-PACK-RAT | U-Pack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container options | 8-ft, 12-ft, 16-ft | 8-ft, 12-ft, 16-ft | ReloCube (about 6′ × 7′ × 8′) or space on a 28-ft trailer |
| Construction | Steel frame, weather-resistant panels, roll-up door | All-steel, barn-style doors | Steel ReloCubes; freight trailers |
| Local moves | Yes | Yes | No (long-distance only) |
| Avg. local move | About $580 | About $620 | Not offered |
| Avg. ~500-mile move | About $1,960 | About $2,080 | About $1,900 |
| Avg. ~1,200-mile move | About $2,720 | About $2,890 | About $2,630 |
| Time to load | Monthly rental; load at your pace | Monthly rental; load at your pace | About 3 business days for ReloCubes |
| Storage | On your property or at a PODS Storage Center | On your property or at a PACK-RAT facility | At a U-Pack service center, billed monthly; no on-site storage |
| Coverage | Most of the U.S., plus Canada | Major metros in roughly 37 states and D.C. | Nationwide, plus Canada and Puerto Rico |
| Standout perk | Flexibility and storage options | Price matching, strongest containers | Pay only for the trailer space you use |
Average costs are for a medium-size move based on 2026 quote data from independent moving-cost sources. Your quote depends on route, dates, home size and storage needs.
Cost: Closer Than You’d Think
For a typical medium-size move, the three companies are often within a few hundred dollars of each other. U-Pack tends to quote lowest on long-distance routes, especially for larger homes, because its trailer option charges only for the linear feet you fill. PODS usually lands in the middle, and PACK-RAT tends to run slightly higher, though its price-match guarantee can close that gap if you’re in its service area.
For a local move, U-Pack is out of the running, so the choice is between PODS and PACK-RAT. For PODS prices by container size and distance, see our PODS cost guide.
Container Sizes: How Many Do You Need?
| Home size | PODS | PACK-RAT | U-Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio or dorm | One 8-ft | One 8-ft | 1 ReloCube |
| 1–2 bedrooms | One 12-ft (local) or 16-ft | One 12-ft | 2–3 ReloCubes or ~10 ft of trailer |
| 3 bedrooms | One 16-ft plus an 8-ft | One 16-ft plus an 8-ft or 12-ft | 3–4 ReloCubes or ~15 ft of trailer |
| 4+ bedrooms | Two 16-ft or more | Two 16-ft or more | 20+ ft of trailer |
PODS’ 12-foot container is available for local moves and storage only. Estimates assume you declutter and pack tightly. For PODS, try our PODS storage space calculator.
PODS
PODS invented the portable moving container in 1998 and remains the most recognized name. You can keep a container in your driveway for as long as you need, have it stored at a PODS Storage Center, or ship it locally or across the country. Its PODZILLA lift sets containers down level so loads don’t shift, and roll-up doors take less room to open than swing doors.
- Three sizes, including a 12-ft for local moves
- Most flexible storage options
- Local and long-distance in one service
- Wide availability and a 10% promo code
- Rarely the cheapest for cross-country moves
- Needs a large, flat delivery area
- Popular summer dates sell out
Read our full PODS review.
1-800-PACK-RAT
PACK-RAT’s model is nearly identical to PODS, with one big difference: its containers are all steel, with barn-style doors that seal tightly against weather and are easy to load. It also offers a price-match guarantee against qualifying competitor quotes and discounts for groups such as military customers. The catch is coverage: PACK-RAT serves major metro areas in about 37 states, so it may not be an option for your route.
- All-steel, highly weather-resistant containers
- Barn doors make loading easy
- Price-match guarantee
- On-site or facility storage
- Limited service area
- Often slightly pricier than PODS
- Fewer locations for storage access
Read our 1-800-PACK-RAT review.
U-Pack
U-Pack, part of freight carrier ABF, is built for long-distance moves. You can rent ReloCubes, or load a 28-foot freight trailer and pay only for the linear feet you use, with the rest of the trailer used for commercial freight. That model makes it hard to beat on price for bigger cross-country moves. The trade-offs: no moves under about 100 miles, a short loading window and no on-site storage. U-Pack can store your shipment at a service center if needed.
- Often the lowest long-distance quote
- Pay only for the space you use
- Nationwide coverage, plus Canada and Puerto Rico
- Fast freight-network transit
- No local moves
- Only a few days to load
- No storage at your home
Get a U-Pack quote or read our U-Pack ReloCube review.
Which Should You Choose?
| Your situation | Best pick |
|---|---|
| Local move (under 100 miles) | PODS, or PACK-RAT if it serves your area |
| Need storage before or after the move | PODS |
| Long-distance, large home, tight budget | U-Pack (compare with PODS plus a promo code) |
| Long-distance, need time to pack | PODS or PACK-RAT |
| Want the sturdiest container | PACK-RAT |
| Small driveway or tight street | U-Pack ReloCubes or PACK-RAT’s smaller footprint |
The surest way to save is to get quotes from two or three companies for your exact dates and ZIP codes. Prefer not to load anything yourself? Compare long-distance mover quotes as a baseline. You can also see all seven major companies in our best portable storage container companies guide.
FAQs
Which is cheapest: PODS, PACK-RAT or U-Pack?
For long-distance moves, U-Pack usually quotes lowest, especially for larger homes. For local moves, U-Pack isn’t available, and PODS usually comes in slightly below PACK-RAT. A 10% PODS promo code can make PODS the cheapest option on many routes.
Does U-Pack do local moves?
No. U-Pack handles long-distance moves, generally 100 miles or more. For local moves, use PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT.
Is PACK-RAT better than PODS?
PACK-RAT’s all-steel containers are tougher and it offers price matching, but it serves fewer areas. PODS has wider coverage and more storage flexibility. If both serve your route, get quotes from each.
Can I keep the container at my house?
With PODS and PACK-RAT, yes, for as long as you pay the monthly rental. U-Pack gives you only a few days to load and doesn’t offer on-site storage.
Which company has the biggest containers?
PODS and PACK-RAT both top out at 16 feet. U-Pack’s 28-foot trailer holds the most, but you share it with commercial freight and pay by the foot.
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