1-800-PACK-RAT stands out among moving container companies for its heavy-duty steel containers, price-match guarantee, and dependable long-distance coverage. Their flexible storage options and straightforward pricing make them one of the most customer-friendly on the market.
Key Takeaways
- All-steel containers: Built for maximum durability and weather resistance
- Three container sizes: Choose eight-, 12-, or 16-foot units based on your home size
- Flexible storage options: Keep your container at home or in a secure facility
- Price-match guarantee: Matches competitor quotes to help you save
- Limited coverage area: Available in 35 states, mainly in the eastern and southern U.S.
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1-800-PACK-RAT: Pros & Cons
Pros
- All-steel weatherproof containers
- Three container sizes
- Price-match guarantee
- Military and student discounts
- Optional third-party moving labor
Cons
- Limited availability: not in AK, HI, ID, ME, MT, ND, NE, NV, OR, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, or WY
- No real-time shipment tracking
- Quotes typically require a call
How Much Does 1-800-PACK-RAT Cost?
On average, PACK-RAT costs between $350 and $800 for local moves and $1,800-$5,500 for long-distance moves. Prices depend on container size, distance, and how long you keep the unit. The company bills month-to-month, giving you flexibility to pack and unpack at your own pace.
Packing and storage are included in your base rate, with options to extend your rental if needed. Customers also benefit from price-matching, which makes PACK-RAT one of the more competitive moving container options in the U.S.
| Move Type/Storage | Average PACK-RAT Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local | $350–$800 |
| Long distance | $1,800–$5,500 |
| Monthly storage extension | $150–$250 per month |
Here’s what’s included with a typical PACK-RAT rental:
- Delivery of an empty container to your location
- Pickup of your packed container
- Transportation to your new home or a PACK-RAT storage facility
- 30 days of container use
Factors That Affect PACK-RAT Pricing
- Distance: Longer moves increase transportation costs
- Container size: 16-foot containers cost more than eight- or 12-foot options
- Storage duration: PACK-RAT’s monthly rental model adds cost if you keep the unit longer
- Season: Summer and early fall are peak demand months with higher rates
- Delivery location: Remote areas may require additional mileage or handling fees
- Promotions: Military, student, and referral discounts can lower overall cost
1-800-PACK-RAT Services
- Local and long-distance moving
- Commercial and jobsite moving
- Short- and long-term storage
- Three container sizes
- Loading and unloading labor assistance
- Moving and packing supplies
- Online account management
Policies and Fine Print
- Payment and deposits: You’ll typically need a phone consultation to get a quote. Payment terms may include a reservation or delivery fee. Any remaining charges will be based on container size, distance, and monthly rental period. Your final pricing will be confirmed before delivery.
- Discounts: Military and student discounts, plus a price-match guarantee against qualifying competitor quotes. Promotional offers may vary by season and availability.
- Cancellation: Reservations can generally be canceled up to 24 hours before scheduled delivery without penalty. Late cancellations or rescheduling may trigger a fee. Always confirm terms at booking.
1-800-PACK-RAT Customer Reviews
| Review Site | Rating | Positive Reviews | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Professionalism, smooth deliveries, helpful reps | Damage claims, scheduling, customer service responses |
| Trustpilot | 1.6 / 5 | Timely delivery, helpful drivers | Poor communication, scheduling issues, service frustrations |
| ConsumerAffairs | 1.8 / 5 | Great experiences with pricing, moves going smoothly | Billing problems, delays, service handling |
Review scores and counts change over time.
What Customers Are Saying
★★★★★ “The process was smooth”
Rating: 5/5 (BBB)
“I used Packrat twice. Sales representatives have been great on the phone, explaining fees and process. The drivers have been all great and professionals. Our stuff were exactly the way we left them in the container, nothing broken … we knew exactly how each step will go and were satisfied with everything.”
– Amaria A.
★★★★★ “Overall, it was a positive experience”
Rating: 5/5 (ConsumerReviews)
“Our move with 1-800-PACK-RAT went off without a hitch. They were a few dollars more than PODS, but we chose Pack Rat because their phone reps spoke English much more proficiently. The container was dropped off on time, picked up on time, and delivered to our new home on time. Our stuff shifted around inside the container more than we anticipated, but that was my fault for not tying the load down more securely … I would not hesitate to use them again.”
– John
★★★☆☆ “Customer service was great setting it up.”
Rating: 3/5 (Trustpilot)
“We utilized 1-800-Pack-Rat for our long distance move. For the initial delivery of our empty trailer we were contacted in advance by the driver letting us know when he would be by. The same drive was great picking it up. That’s where everything good stopped. … I have wasted my entire weekend over this and now have to take time off work to unload a trailer … No part of this is acceptable.”
– Jo
1-800-PACK-RAT vs. the Competition
1-800-PACK-RAT goes head-to-head with big names like PODS, U-Pack, and MovingYourself. PODS is known for flexibility, U-Pack for budget-friendly pricing, MovingYourself for simplicity, and PACK-RAT stands out for its tough all-steel containers and built-in storage options.
Here’s how they stack up side by side.
| Company | Best For | Nationwide Coverage | Storage | Labor Help | Avg. Cost (500 Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | Container strength | 35 states | ✔️ | HireAHelper partnership | $1,000–$2,500 |
| PODS | Overall flexibility | 46 states | ✔️ | HireAHelper partnership | $2,000–$3,200 |
| U-Pack | Pay-for-space pricing | 48 states | ❌ | Customer-arranged | $1,500–$2,500 |
| MovingYourself | Budget freight model | 48 states | ❌ | Customer-arranged | Varies by load size |
1-800-PACK-RAT vs. PODS
PODS is the better-known brand with wider coverage and a seamless online booking process. Their biggest advantage is convenience. PODS containers are available in more locations, and scheduling tends to be faster.
Both PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT work with HireAHelper for loading assistance, but PACK-RAT’s price-match guarantee can make it the more affordable option if you’re moving long-distance or want built-in storage between homes.
Bottom line: Choose PODS for availability and quick booking, or go with 1-800-PACK-RAT if container strength and cost savings matter most.
1-800-PACK-RAT vs. U-Pack
U-Pack stands out for transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing, making it a great pick for smaller or budget-conscious moves. However, they don’t provide storage options, and their ReloCubes are smaller than PACK-RAT’s containers.
While U-Pack wins for simplicity, PACK-RAT is the better fit if you want a more traditional container model with month-to-month storage and optional labor assistance.
Bottom line: Pick U-Pack if you want clear, pay-for-space pricing with minimal extras. Go with 1-800-PACK-RAT for larger moves that need flexible storage or stronger container protection.
1-800-PACK-RAT vs. MovingYourself
MovingYourself uses a freight-style model where you only pay for the space you use on a truck. It’s a low-cost, hands-on option, but it lacks flexibility, as there’s no on-site storage or weatherproof container protection.
For anyone who values convenience and secure storage over absolute lowest price, PACK-RAT is the clear winner.
Bottom line: Choose MovingYourself for the lowest possible price. Pick 1-800-PACK-RAT if you want better protection, more options, and a stress-free moving experience.
Is 1-800-PACK-RAT Right for You?
Choose 1-800-PACK-RAT if:
- You want secure, all-steel moving containers
- You prefer month-to-month flexibility for storage and delivery
- You need a hybrid moving solution where you load and they drive
- You want to save money with price-matching or military discounts
- You’re planning a long-distance or multi-stage move
Look elsewhere if:
- You live in a state without 1-800-PACK-RAT coverage
- You want fully hands-off, full-service moving
- You prefer instant online quotes and real-time shipment tracking
FAQ
How long can I keep a 1-800-PACK-RAT container?
You can keep your container for as long as you need since PACK-RAT uses a flexible month-to-month rental model. Each rental period includes 30 days of container use.
This setup is ideal if you’re remodeling, waiting on a closing date, or need temporary storage between homes.
Are 1-800-PACK-RAT containers weatherproof?
Yes. PACK-RAT containers are made of solid steel with reinforced doors and sealed edges to protect your belongings from rain, snow, and debris. The design is one of the most durable in the industry.
While they aren’t climate-controlled, these containers handle extreme weather conditions better than most mixed-material options, making them suitable for long-distance and seasonal moves.
Does PACK-RAT offer insurance or protection coverage?
Yes. 1-800-PACK-RAT provides Contents Protection Plans that cover damage or theft while your container is in transit or storage. Coverage amounts range from $5,000 to $75,000, depending on your shipment size and value.
If you already have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, check to see whether your policy covers goods during moving or storage.
How early should I book a PACK-RAT container?
Booking at least two to four weeks ahead is recommended, especially during busy summer months.
For local moves or off-peak dates, same-week delivery is sometimes possible.
What happens if I need to cancel my PACK-RAT order?
You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before scheduled delivery without penalty. After that point, a small cancellation or rescheduling fee may apply.
If your plans change, you can also adjust your delivery date instead of canceling entirely.
What size containers does 1-800-PACK-RAT offer, and what fits inside?
1-800-PACK-RAT offers three container sizes, 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot units.
8-foot container: Ideal for a studio or small one-bedroom apartment
12-foot container: Best for a 1–2 bedroom home or small office
16-foot container: Suitable for a 2–3 bedroom home or larger household move
If you’re unsure, a representative can help estimate the right size based on your home’s square footage and inventory.
Do I need a permit to keep a PACK-RAT container on my property?
In many cases, you can keep a container in your driveway without a permit. However, some cities, HOAs, or municipalities require permits if the container is placed on a public street.
Permit requirements vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local city office or homeowners association before delivery to avoid fines or delays.
How long does long-distance delivery take?
Long-distance transit times typically range from a few days to about two weeks, depending on distance, route availability, and seasonal demand.
Because PACK-RAT transports containers separately from local deliveries, scheduling may take slightly longer during peak moving season.
