Table of contents
How portable container moves work
- You book online with a pickup and delivery address and a pickup window
- The company drops an empty steel container at your curb or driveway
- You load it over several days (typical load window is 7–30 days)
- You call for pickup; they transport to the new address or a warehouse
- You unload — or pay for unload labor through a marketplace (Unpakt, HireAHelper)
Container sizes and capacity
| Container | Length | Rough capacity | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (8 ft) | 8 ft × 7 ft × 8 ft | ~450 cu ft | Studio / 1 BR |
| Medium (12 ft) | 12 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft | ~690 cu ft | 2-bed apartment |
| Large (16 ft) | 16 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft | ~835 cu ft | 3-bed home |
| Extra-large (20 ft) | 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft | ~1,100 cu ft | Large 3–4 bed |
Cost comparison against other options
| Option | Typical cost | Your time | Damage risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY truck rental | $1,900 – $3,400 | 25–35 hours + driving | All yours |
| Portable container | $2,600 – $4,600 | 15–25 hours | Shared — they drive, you pack |
| Full-service mover | $4,800 – $7,200 | 4–6 hours | Carrier's, with valuation |
When a portable container wins
- Your move dates don't line up (need 1–90 days of storage in between)
- You want to load on your own schedule over several evenings or a weekend
- You don't want to drive a large truck cross-country
- You have strong help or can afford labor-only unloaders
- The new home isn't ready for keys on the arrival date
When a full-service mover still wins
- Your driveway or street can't accommodate a 16–20 ft container
- HOA or condo rules forbid containers (common in many Florida associations)
- You're moving fragile items (art, pianos, antiques) that need mover-packing
- Your timeline is tight — full-service crews can pack + load + transport in 24–48 hours
- You value the carrier's liability over your own
Packing a container that survives the drive
- Load heaviest items on the floor, against the walls
- Use every square inch vertically — containers are rated by volume, not weight
- Put heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes (same rule as any move)
- Strap a tight tier every 3–4 feet of container depth (ratchet straps across floor anchors)
- Upright furniture (sofas) goes on edge against the long wall and is strapped in place
- Disassemble beds and large tables — less volume, less damage risk
- Fill voids with soft goods (bedding, towels) to reduce shifting
Storage-in-transit vs. portable container storage
If your dates don't line up, you have two clean options: a full-service mover's storage-in-transit (they pack, load, hold at a warehouse, deliver when ready) or a container company's warehouse hold. SIT is typically $0.50–$1.00 per cwt per day and includes labor; container warehouse storage is usually a flat $150–$260 per month per unit with self-load labor. Under 30 days, SIT usually wins; over 30 days, the container math flips.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I keep a portable container at my house?
The company won't object as long as you're paying the monthly rate (most companies pro-rate after the first 30 days). Your city or HOA may set a 3–14 day limit on street placement — check before booking.
Are portable containers weatherproof?
Yes. Steel containers with rubber-gasket doors keep out rain. The company won't, however, cover water damage from improperly sealed doors you closed.
Do I need to load the container myself?
You can hire labor-only crews through HireAHelper, Unpakt, or the container company's marketplace. Expect $75–$150 per hour for a 2-person crew.
Can a portable container be moved between states?
Yes — most providers operate nationwide. Cross-country delivery windows are typically 7–14 days, so you'll need housing arrangements during transit.
What happens if my container is delayed?
Read the service agreement carefully. Most companies offer a partial refund only after a specified delay window (often 3–5 business days). For tight timelines, a binding full-service delivery spread is more predictable.
Are my belongings insured inside a container?
The company's base coverage is usually $5,000 with significant exclusions. Most homeowners and renters policies extend coverage in transit — call your insurer the week you book. Full-value in-transit insurance is available for purchase separately.
Sources & further reading
- Consumer Reports — choosing a moving company ↗
Consumer Reports
