You can expect to spend around $400–$1,200 for a local move and $2,200–$7,000 for a long-distance relocation with 1-800-PACK-RAT. Their durable, all-steel containers offer weatherproof protection and flexible storage. We break down PACK-RAT pricing, what impacts cost, and how to save on your move.
Key Takeaways
- 1-800-PACK-RAT offers 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, giving you options for small apartments, multi-room homes, or large office moves.
- A container is dropped off at your home, you load at your own pace, and PACK-RAT handles pickup, transport, and delivery or storage.
- 1-800-PACK-RAT’s all-steel containers offer superior durability and security compared to other moving container brands.
- Service is currently offered in 46 states (not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, or Montana).
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PACK-RAT Cost Overview
| Move Type | Typical Cost Range (2–3 Bedrooms) | Good To Know |
|---|---|---|
| Local (≤50 miles) | $400–$1,200 | Includes delivery, pickup, and one month of rental |
| Long-distance (500–1,000 miles) | $2,200–$5,000 | Distance and container count raise total costs |
| Cross-country (1,000+ miles) | $3,000–$7,000+ | Multi-container moves or large homes exceed this range |
Pricing varies by location, distance, and container size.
Factors That Affect PACK-RAT Costs
- Distance: The farther your container travels, the higher your cost will be. Longer routes mean more fuel, driver time, and logistics on the road.
- Container size and quantity: Bigger moves need bigger containers, or sometimes more than one. Since each container has its own rental and delivery cost, using multiple units quickly adds up.
- Storage time: Every quote includes a base rental period (usually 30 days), but extra months come with additional storage fees. Costs can vary depending on your city and the container size.
- Seasonality: Summer is the busiest moving season, so prices tend to spike from May through September. Fall or winter moves can mean better availability and lower rates.
- Location logistics: Hard-to-reach spots like narrow driveways, steep hills, or gated communities may require special delivery equipment or extra time, which can add surcharges to your total bill.
- Insurance and protection plans: PACK-RAT offers several coverage tiers ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 in protection for your belongings. Higher-value coverage usually costs 1%-2% of the total declared value of your belongings. If you have $30,000 in declared value, for example, full value protection would cost you an additional $300-$600.
Pro tip: 1-800-PACK-RAT quotes are flexible, meaning you only pay for what you use. Always ask about current promotions or bundled pricing if you’re storing between moves.
How PACK-RAT Works
1-800-PACK-RAT is a nationwide moving and storage company offering secure, all-steel portable containers for both residential and commercial moves. The brand has built a reputation on combining flexibility with protection. It’s ideal for customers who want an affordable, reliable alternative to full-service movers.
Here’s how it works: 1-800-PACK-RAT drops off a sturdy, weatherproof container right at your doorstep. You can take your time packing and loading it, then their team handles the heavy lifting, picking it up, transporting it, and dropping it off at your new home or a nearby storage facility. If your plans change, you can extend your rental on a month-to-month basis.
- Container sizes: 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot
- Availability: 46 states (not in AK, HI, OK, or MT)
- Storage: Onsite or at a PACK-RAT facility
- Discounts: 10% off long-distance moves • First responders • Healthcare workers • Military • Senior • Student
Average Prices by Distance & Container Size
| Container Size | ≤50 miles | 250–500 miles | 1,000+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-foot | $400–$800 | $1,000–$2,200 | $2,800–$3,800 |
| 12-foot | $600–$950 | $1,500–$2,800 | $3,500–$4,800 |
| 16-foot | $700–$1,200 | $1,800–$3,200 | $4,500–$7,000+ |
Example scenarios:
- Local move: One 12-foot container for a short 30-mile move might cost $650–$800 total
- Cross-country move: Two 16-foot containers for a 1,200-mile relocation could cost $6,000–$7,000
Add-Ons & Extra Fees
Popular Add-Ons
- Moving labor: Hire A Helper partners can load or unload your container for around $200–$400 per crew, per location, depending on your area and move size
- Extended storage: Keep your container at a PACK-RAT facility for about $250–$320 per month, with rates varying by container size and city
- Locks and supplies: Buy weather-resistant disc locks (about $20–$25 each), moving boxes, and protective blankets directly from 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Insurance: Standard coverage is free, or you can upgrade to full-value protection for roughly 1%–2% of your total declared item value
- Priority delivery: Get guaranteed or expedited pickup and delivery windows for an added $75–$150 per trip, depending on your location and schedule
Potential Fees
- Additional rental months: $150–$350 per month per container
- Permit fees: Some cities require temporary street-placement permits that typically cost $25–$100, depending on local regulations and the length of your container stay
- Overweight charges: Containers that exceed the 4,700-pound weight limit may be subject to extra fees of about $50–$150, depending on severity and location
- Cancellation or reschedule fees: If your container has already been dispatched, expect to pay a $50–$150 fee to cancel or reschedule your delivery
1-800-PACK-RAT vs. Other Moving Options
| Service Type | Who Packs & Loads? | Avg. Long-Distance Cost* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | DIY | $2,200–$7,000+ | Secure hybrid moves & long-term storage |
| PODS | DIY | $2,000–$7,500+ | Flexible moving & storage convenience |
| Full-service movers | Professional crew | $3,000–$9,500+ | Hands-off relocations |
| Truck rental | DIY | $1,000–$3,500 + fuel | Budget local or short-distance moves |
*National averages for 2–3 bedroom homes (2025 estimates)
How To Save on 1-800-PACK-RAT Costs
- Book early. Reserve four to six weeks in advance to lock in lower rates before summer demand peaks.
- Leverage discounts. Take advantage of 10% long-distance promotions. PACK-RAT offers a 10% discount for certain groups, like seniors, military members, students, and medical professionals.
- Skip add-ons you don’t need. Loading labor, locks, and supplies can add up fast. Bring your own when possible.
- Compare quotes. Always get quotes from at least three top-rated moving container companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your route.
Pro Tip: Before you book, check out our cheapest moving containers guide. It breaks down the most affordable options from reputable container providers so you can lock in the best deal without sacrificing reliability.
Our Take
1-800-PACK-RAT delivers solid value for anyone who wants extra protection and flexible storage during a move. Their all-steel containers, nationwide reach, and competitive long-distance pricing make them one of the strongest DIY hybrid options.
While not always the cheapest, the added security and optional 10% discount for long-distance moves and other groups make them an excellent choice for movers who prioritize reliability and peace of mind.
FAQ
What’s included in a 1-800-PACK-RAT quote?
Most quotes include delivery, pickup, one month of container rental, and transportation between locations. Additional storage time, protection coverage, or multiple containers will increase your total price.
Does 1-800-PACK-RAT pricing vary by location?
Yes. Rates vary depending on your pickup region and local demand. Metro areas with higher fuel and labor costs generally have higher delivery fees than rural or suburban locations.
Does PACK-RAT charge more for rural or hard-to-reach areas?
Yes, rural deliveries or areas with limited truck access can include additional delivery or pickup fees. These typically range from $50–$200, depending on how far your location is from the nearest PACK-RAT service center.
Can I share a PACK-RAT container to split costs?
Technically, yes, but only if both parties’ items are delivered to the same address. PACK-RAT allows shared use of a single container as long as one person is listed as the account holder and responsible for all charges and insurance coverage.
Is insurance required when using 1-800-PACK-RAT?
While basic coverage is included, full-value protection is optional. Still, PACK-RAT recommends it for long-distance moves or high-value items. Expect to pay around 1%–2% of your declared value for this coverage.
Does 1-800-PACK-RAT offer refunds if I finish early?
If you return your container before your 30-day rental period ends, PACK-RAT generally doesn’t offer partial refunds. However, if you cancel unused months of prepaid storage, you may receive a prorated refund depending on your location and plan type.
Does PACK-RAT pricing vary by location?
Yes, pricing can vary slightly by region or franchise. PACK-RAT corporate sets baseline rates, but local franchisees can adjust fees for fuel, labor, or storage demand. It’s always worth confirming your quote directly with your local branch before booking.
Is 1-800-PACK-RAT cheaper than PODS?
It can be. Pricing depends heavily on your zip codes, container size, and timing, but PACK-RAT often comes in lower for long-distance moves because it offers a price-match guarantee.
How much is PACK-RAT per month, including storage?
Most moves include an initial 30-day rental period. After that, ongoing month-to-month storage extensions commonly run about $150–$250 per month, depending on your market and container size.
If you store the container at a facility (rather than at your home), average monthly storage pricing tends to land in the mid-$200s in many markets, but your exact rate will vary by location and unit size.
What’s 1-800-PACK-RAT’s deposit/cancellation policy?
Deposit requirements vary by move type.
For cancellations, you can typically cancel up to 24 hours before scheduled delivery without penalty. Fees are more likely if you cancel closer to delivery or after dispatch.
How much fits in a 16-foot container?
A 16-foot 1-800-PACK-RAT container typically fits about 3–4 rooms of furniture and is roughly equivalent to a 10-foot x 15-foot storage unit.
