How Much Does a Moving Container (PODS) Cost?
Last updated: June 10, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
A portable moving container (like PODS, U-Pack, or 1-800-PACK-RAT) costs $1,200 to $3,500 on average for a long-distance move, or $600 to $1,200 for a local move, depending on container size and distance. You load the container yourself on your own schedule, and the company handles transportation to your new home.
Container size and distance are the two biggest cost drivers — a single small container moved locally can cost under $700, while multiple large containers shipped cross-country can run $4,000-$5,500 or more, especially with added storage time before delivery.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $1,200 – $3,500
Low end
$600
High end
$5,500+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
a Moving Container (PODS) Cost Calculator
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Container rental (size-based) | $200 – $700 |
| Transportation to destination | $700 – $2,200 |
| Delivery & pickup fees | $100 – $250 |
| Storage-in-transit (if needed) | $100 – $300 |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 – $250 |
What Affects the Cost
Container size and number of containers
Larger homes need a bigger container or multiple units, and each additional container adds its own rental and transportation fee.
Distance between locations
Since the company trucks the container itself, cost scales with distance — a container moved across town costs far less than one shipped across several states.
How long you keep the container before pickup
Most companies include a set number of days for loading at the origin and a set number for unloading at the destination; extra time or storage before delivery adds a daily or monthly fee.
Self-load vs. hired loading help
Loading and unloading the container yourself is included in the base price, but many people hire local labor-only movers to do the heavy lifting for a few hundred dollars extra.
Seasonal demand
Container availability and pricing tighten up during peak moving season (May-September), so booking a few weeks ahead often secures a better rate.
Cost by Container Size
| Container Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio (1 small container) | $700 – $1,400 |
| 1 Bedroom (1 medium container) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 2 Bedroom (1-2 medium containers) | $1,400 – $2,800 |
| 3 Bedroom (2 large containers) | $2,000 – $3,800 |
| 4+ Bedroom (2-3 large containers) | $2,800 – $5,500 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
Loading and unloading the container entirely yourself keeps costs at the base container rental and transportation price, but it means handling all the heavy lifting on your own timeline within the loading window the company allows.
Hiring a professional
Full-service movers (or hired loading-help labor added to your container booking) handle the heavy lifting for you, which typically adds a few hundred dollars but saves significant time and physical effort.
Bottom line: A moving container is already a middle-ground option between full DIY and full-service movers — add hired loading help if you want the cost savings of a container without doing the lifting yourself.
Ways to Save
- Book your container 3-4 weeks in advance, especially for a summer move, to lock in availability and rate.
- Choose the smallest container size that fits your inventory rather than sizing up "just in case."
- Load and unload within the included time window to avoid extra per-day storage charges.
- Compare container companies against full-service movers for your specific route — for long distances with a lot of furniture, movers are sometimes competitive.
- Recruit friends or family for loading instead of hiring paid loading help if your budget is tight.
- Ask about combining a single container trip for multiple stops (e.g., a stop at a storage facility) to avoid booking separate shipments.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PODS or moving container cost?
A moving container averages about $2,200 for a long-distance move, typically ranging from $1,200 to $3,500 depending on container size and distance, or $600-$1,200 for a local move.
Is a moving container cheaper than hiring full-service movers?
Yes, moving containers are typically 30-60% cheaper than full-service movers since you load and unload the container yourself, with the company only handling transportation.
How long can I keep a moving container before it ships?
Most companies include a set loading period (often a few days to a week) in the base price, and let you keep the container in storage for an additional monthly fee if you need more time before delivery.
What size moving container do I need?
A small container (about 5x7 ft) fits a studio or small 1-bedroom, a medium container (about 8x12 ft) fits a 2-3 bedroom home, and larger homes typically need a large container or multiple units.
Do I have to load the moving container myself?
You can, but you don't have to — most container companies offer optional loading and unloading labor as an add-on service if you'd rather not do the heavy lifting yourself.