1-800-PACK-RAT review: the toughest containers in the business, with all-steel construction, barn doors and a price-match guarantee. The catch is a smaller service area than PODS.
PACK-RAT works much like PODS: it drops off a container, you load at your own pace, and it stores the container or ships it to your new home. Here’s how it compares on size, cost, coverage and protection.
Get a PACK-RAT QuoteAt a Glance
| Container sizes | 8′, 12′ and 16′ |
| Construction | All-steel, weather-sealed, with barn-style doors |
| Coverage | Major metro areas in about 37 states and Washington, D.C. |
| Services | Local and long-distance moves, storage at home or at PACK-RAT facilities |
| Perks | Price-match guarantee and discounts for groups such as military customers |
| Best for | Protecting belongings during long-distance moves and storage |
Our Verdict
PACK-RAT’s all-steel containers are the most durable in the portable container industry, and its barn-style doors make loading easy. Its price-match guarantee means you can often get PODS-level pricing with sturdier containers. The trade-off is coverage: PACK-RAT serves fewer areas than PODS or U-Pack, so it may not be available for your route. If it is, it’s well worth a quote.
- All-steel, highly weather-resistant containers
- Barn doors open wide for easy loading
- Price-match guarantee
- Three sizes, local and long distance
- Storage at home or at a facility
- Limited service area
- Often slightly pricier before price matching
- Fewer storage facilities than PODS
How PACK-RAT Compares
| PACK-RAT | PODS | U-Pack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 8′, 12′, 16′ | 8′, 12′, 16′ | ReloCube or trailer space |
| Avg. local move | About $620 | About $580 | Not offered |
| Avg. ~500-mile move | About $2,080 | About $1,960 | About $1,900 |
| Avg. ~1,200-mile move | About $2,890 | About $2,720 | About $2,630 |
| Storage at home | Yes | Yes | No |
| Coverage | Major metros, ~37 states + D.C. | Most of the U.S. | Nationwide |
Average costs for a medium-size move based on 2026 quote data from independent moving-cost sources.
Which Size Do You Need?
| Container | Best for |
|---|---|
| 8-foot | A studio, dorm or one room |
| 12-foot | A one- to two-bedroom apartment |
| 16-foot | A two- to three-bedroom home; add a second container for larger homes |
FAQs
Is 1-800-PACK-RAT better than PODS?
PACK-RAT’s all-steel containers are sturdier and it offers price matching, but PODS serves more areas and has more storage locations. If both serve your route, get quotes from each.
Where does PACK-RAT operate?
PACK-RAT serves major metro areas in about 37 states and Washington, D.C. Check its website to confirm your origin and destination are covered.
How much does PACK-RAT cost?
For a medium-size move, PACK-RAT averages roughly $620 locally, $2,080 for about 500 miles and $2,890 for about 1,200 miles, based on 2026 quote data. Monthly storage typically runs about $150 to $250.
Does PACK-RAT price match?
Yes. PACK-RAT offers a price-match guarantee against qualifying competitor quotes. Ask for details when you book.
PACK RAT IS A SCAM, RIP-OFF COMPANY. This is a well written article and the author has done his research. My friend used Rack Pack and got ripped off. First, she paid for insurance coverage. Because the move was made during a time of duress, she did not notice that they did not give her a contract for the insurance. At delivery, the pod had holes made by a fork lift. Apparently, this was to right the pod back up because they had rolled it, damaging furniture and destroying computers and other electronic equipment. She lost half of her property due to damage. She tried making a claim on the insurance. They wouldn’t let her and she couldn’t make a claim because she had no idea who the insurance company was as they did not give a contract. They advertise as “100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.” False advertising. If you look at their Yelp ratings, they are either way high or 1 or 2 stars only. Seems like a good experience with this company is on pure chance. STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
Getting the pod was an OK experience. Drivers are nice. The delivery went well.
However, I called a week prior to my pod delivery to get a pick up for my pod so it would not sit in the driveway. I called 3x and they said they will leave messages for the specific center I am using to pick them up and that they would “let me know”
They never “let me know”. I called but they said they are at a busy season so I cannot expect to get a quick pick up. Thus, I store 2 pods in front of my garage for almost 2 weeks. My new neighbors are upset before they get to know us…..Great.
Still waiting.