When moving homes or businesses in the past, people relied on one of two things: a moving truck or a caravan of helpful friends and family with their cars packed to the brim. But now there’s a new kid in town: the portable storage container.
If you’re still on the fence about which is the more convenient or affordable option, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help you make an informed decision by comparing moving trucks and portable moving containers in terms of cost, convenience, security, and features.
We’ll also cover how SelStorage.com can help you find the moving company services you need, including portable moving containers and truck rentals.
Portable Storage Containers vs Moving Rental Trucks
Portable storage containers help make moves smoother. Moving containers are large containers delivered right to your doorstep, allowing you to pack at your own pace, streamlining the entire process.
Once everything is loaded up, you can store the container in a secure storage facility or transport it to your new home or business.
On the flip side, renting a moving truck requires you to pick up the vehicle from a truck rental agency, load it yourself (unless you’ve decided to hire professional movers), and drive it to your new destination.
Let’s take a look at some specifics.
| Features | Portable Storage Container | Moving Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | While container availability is a factor, once you’ve finished the booking process, your container will arrive via hassle-free delivery straight to your location with a delivery date guarantee (some weekend restrictions may apply). | You pick up the truck, and the delivery date/time is up to you. The delivery date guarantee depends on how many trucks are available and whether or not the moving trucks in your area suffer from limited availability. |
| Driving | The rental company does the drop-off and pick-up/ delivery. | You pick up the truck from the truck rental agency and do all the driving yourself. |
| Sizing | Container sizes vary by portable container company. Sizes of containers include 8-foot containers, 10-foot shipping containers, 12-foot containers, and 16-foot containers. | Multiple moving truck sizes – U-Haul, for instance, has pick-up trucks and vans along with 10, 15, 20, and 26-foot trucks. |
| Storage | Thirty days is usually the base time length, but you’ll have the option of longer rentals. | No options available. |
| Parking | You’ll need to check with your local area to see if dropping a moving container in your front yard or driveway is permitted. | Not an issue, as moving trucks are usually street legal. |
Using a portable moving container allows you to embark on the packing process at your own pace. And once you get where you’re going, you can conduct the unpacking process without being rushed.
Plus, they provide the option of temporary storage, keeping your items safe until you need them again.
On the downside, the size options are limited, and you may have to apply for a permit to park on the street. In contrast, moving trucks offer more size options, allowing you to adjust the rental to suit the volume of items you’re transporting. Moving trucks can be parked almost anywhere.
Portable Moving Container Costs vs Truck Rental Costs
When it comes to planning a move and making rental decisions, cost plays a crucial role for many individuals. To help you find the most cost-effective solutions that fit your needs, let’s break down what you can expect regarding expenses when renting a portable storage container versus a moving truck.
Moving Truck Rental Costs:
The rental trucks cost depends on the distance of the move and the truck rental company. For local moves, a rental suitable for a 1-bedroom home falls within the range of $20 to $200 from your average company.
Long-distance relocations can range from $800 to $1,900. It’s important to note that additional fuel charges may apply. Moving trucks also come in different sizes–a pickup truck rental will be cheaper than a huge truck. Box trucks range from 10-foot trucks to 26-foot moving trucks.
Portable Moving Container Costs:
Like moving trucks, the cost factors involved in moving a portable storage container vary depending on distance and the materials used to construct the container.
Additionally, the average cost of a 16-foot all-steel size unit will be higher than a less durable container that’s only 8 feet long.
A pod that holds a 1-bedroom home can be shipped locally for $150-$600, and a long-distance move will cost between $1,200 and $4,000 plus fuel. And container insurance isn’t always included.
Determining an average monthly rental cost for a storage container is challenging due to the numerous factors influencing pricing. To obtain an accurate estimate, reach out to your local storage company, as they can provide you with a personalized and free estimate based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Tips On Cutting Cost Factors:
You can save yourself some money by implementing the following cost-effective solutions:
- Looking for deals and discounts. Even if you don’t see anything advertised, always ask.
- Comparing companies. Shop around and make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
- Sharing your Military status. Many companies offer discounts for Military personnel and veterans.
- Reading the fine print. Some deals seem too good to be true because they are. Read the rental agreement carefully before you sign.
- Claiming your moving expenses. You can deduct moving expenses depending on the expenses you have and how you file them.
Ease of Moving: Portable Moving Containers vs Traditional Truck Rentals for Convenience
Moving can be an incredibly stressful experience. The more streamlined and hassle-free the process, the better. In the moving world, convenience truly is king.
Moving trucks shorten the time frame and average costs by allowing you to pack your moving truck and transport all your belongings with ease in a single day, eliminating the need for storage fees, minimum rental periods, or delivery time constraints.
Furthermore, moving trucks offer the added benefit of transporting your car alongside your other household items.
On the other hand, portable storage containers offer the convenience of conducting the packing and unpacking process at your own pace. Whether you prefer to complete the packing process all at once or take several weeks to prepare, the flexibility is yours.
As Brian Hoel, president of Braine Trust Storage LLC, states, “Portable self-storage units offer unmatched convenience compared to traditional storage facilities.
These units are delivered directly to your location, eliminating the need to transport your belongings with ease to a remote storage site. Whether you’re renovating your home, relocating, or decluttering, the ability to have a storage unit delivered to your doorstep saves you valuable time and effort.”
Security: Storage PODS Containers vs Moving Truck Rentals
Whether moving across town or the country, you want to know that your possessions are safe and secure. Both storage pods and rental truck companies offer moving solutions to ease your mind.
Portable Storage Container Safety and Security:
- Made of sturdy materials to ensure a secure and weather-resistant environment.
- Equipped with a robust locking mechanism.
- Ground-level loading eases the loading and unloading process, helping to prevent drops and injuries.
Moving Truck Rental Safety and Security:
- Equipped with safety features like padding, security straps, and padded compartments.
- Professional moving staff will follow safety protocols and secure loading procedures.
- Professional drivers who are trained in road and truck safety (if you are driving, check the vehicle regularly and drive with extreme caution).
- Regular maintenance checks on trucks ensure a smooth move.
Whichever one you choose, you can rest easy knowing both pods and moving trucks offer reliable safety and secure moving solutions.
Make An Informed Moving Decision
Now that you have a better understanding of the distinctions between portable storage containers and moving trucks, you may still be uncertain about which moving solution best fits your specific needs. To assist you further in making an informed decision, here are some final things to consider:
A Moving Truck Is the Best Moving Option When:
- You’re moving long-distance.
- You need to transport a vehicle.
- You have no space to park a storage pod.
- You’re on a tight timeline.
- You have a budget.
- You’re moving the contents of a large home and need the extra space provided by a 26-foot truck.
A Storage Pod is the Best Moving Option When:
- You have a larger budget.
- You need to store your belongings before unpacking at your new home/business.
- You have no desire to drive a large truck.
- You have a longer timeline with your move.
Moving Container Company Recommendations
To ensure a successful move, it is crucial to research and select a reputable moving company that aligns with your budget and specific requirements. Here are a few container companies to consider.
PODS Containers:
Short for Portable On Demand Storage, this well-established container company offers weather-resistant containers and promises a convenient and flexible moving experience for commercial and residential professional movers. PODS takes great pride in its excellent customer service.
1-800-Pack-Rat Portable Storage Container:
Their distinctive red containers signify the flexibility, reliability, and security they pride themselves on. 1-800-Pack-Rat offers comprehensive services, including short-term and long-term storage and moving services for residential and commercial moves.
UNITS Portable Container Company:
Offering flexible delivery and pickup options, UNITS supplies spacious units designed with safety and security in mind. They cater to residential and commercial customers and strive to give their customers a simple, convenient moving experience.
Deciding which rental truck or portable storage company is best depends on your personal needs, location, and whether you have long-distance moving or long-term storage needs, or both.
The first big step for any potential customer in the moving and storage services industry is getting an online quote.
You can visit their company websites, and we suggest reading customer reviews of the specific local branch you’ll be working with.
When it comes to deciding whether you’re going with a truck rental company or a moving container company. We suggest you make a list of your options in each category and compare them across these criteria:
- Most competitive pricing
- Most company services offered
- Easiest online quotes/over the phone quote process
- Most positive customer reviews
- Least limited availability/most flexibility
But what about after you narrow down your list of moving and storage services?
SelfStorage.com offers the largest marketplace of storage spaces. Many of the secure storage facilities on our list offer flexible storage solutions that make it easy to move and store your stuff.
Our signature SelfStorage Search Tool lets you compare facility storage options nationwide and pick the best solution for your short- and long-term storage needs. Storage solutions can include traditional storage units, storage units with climate control, storage services like 24/7 access, short- or long-term storage, moving supplies, or vehicle storage.
Just punch your zip code, and [SelfStorage.com](http://selfstorage.com/) will filter your search results based on practical parameters you customize.
Plus, with our convenient online move-ins, you can reserve and pay for your storage without ever leaving home. It saves you extra time and the hassle of setting everything up with a facility manager on moving day.
![Survey: Nearly Half of Movers Take Months To Finish Unpacking [+ 10 Unpacking Tips]](https://moving.selfstorage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-unpack-after-moving-hero.jpg)
