THE 10 BEST Container Moving Services in PORTLAND, OR

Business Name	Key Services	Best For	Address	Hours	PS Rating
PODS	Container delivery, storage, long-distance moves, local moves	Flexible moving timelines	Multiple Portland locations	Mon-Thu: 7am-7pm, Fri: 7am-8pm, Sat: 7am-7pm, Sun: 9am-5pm	4.3/5
Oregon Trail Moving	Loading/unloading containers, labor-only services, packing	PODS and U-Haul container loading	Portland Metro Area	By appointment	4.8/5
1-800-PACK-RAT	All-steel containers, ground-level loading, storage, long-distance moves	Secure all-weather containers	Serving Portland area	Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 9am-2pm	4.2/5
U-Haul U-Box	Portable containers, flexible delivery, storage options, DIY moves	Budget-friendly container moves	4831 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206	Mon-Thu: 7am-7pm, Fri: 7am-8pm, Sat: 7am-7pm, Sun: 9am-5pm	4.1/5
SMARTBOX Moving	Portable storage, local/long-distance moves, compact containers	Space-saving container solutions	3571 NW Yeon Ave Suite A-1, Portland, OR 97210	Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm, Sat: 8am-12pm	3.9/5
PDX Movers	Container loading/unloading, packing, storage, moving labor	Full-service container support	1050 SW 6th Ave, Ste. 1100-9992, Portland, OR 97204	Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm, Sat: 9am-4pm	4.7/5
All Service Moving	Container loading, full-service moves, packing, storage	Professional container handling	66 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214	Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm, Sat: 7am-4pm, Sun: 9am-4pm	4.6/5
2 Brothers Moving & Delivery	Container loading/unloading, storage, packing services	PODS loading specialists	3571 NW Yeon Ave, Portland, OR 97210	Mon-Thu: 8am-8pm, Fri: 8am-5pm, Sat: 8am-6pm	4.5/5
Storage 2U	Portable containers, weatherproof units, custom solutions	Portland climate protection	Portland and Gresham area	Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm	4.0/5
Zippy Shell	Moving containers, storage, loading help available	Quick container turnaround	Serving Portland area	Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm	4.1/5

#1. PODS – Best for Flexible Moving Timelines

Key Highlights:

Multiple container sizes available including 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot options to fit different home sizes
Containers can be stored at your location or in secure PODS storage centers throughout Portland
Nationwide moving network allows easy cross-country relocations with delivery directly to your new home

PODS has been helping Portland residents move for years with their portable container system. You get to pack at your own speed without rushing. The company drops off a container at your house, and you can take as much time as you need to load it up.

When you are ready, PODS picks up the container. They can either store it at their secure facility or deliver it straight to your new place. This works great if you are not moving right away or need time between leaving your old home and getting into your new one.

The containers sit at ground level, so you do not have to walk up a ramp like with a moving truck. This makes loading heavy furniture much easier. PODS serves all of Portland including Beaverton, Gresham, and Lake Oswego.

Their weatherproof containers keep your stuff safe from Portland’s rainy weather. You can also connect with professional movers through PODS if you need help loading. The service gives you control over your timeline while they handle the heavy transportation work.

#2. Oregon Trail Moving – Best for PODS and U-Haul Container Loading

Key Highlights:

Specializes in loading and unloading PODS, U-Haul, and other rental containers with expert efficiency
Licensed, insured, and background-checked movers with over 1,200 five-star reviews
Provides volume assessment to help determine if everything will fit in your container

Oregon Trail Moving has been Portland’s go-to labor service since 2011. They focus only on the loading and unloading part, which means you rent the container and they do the hard work.

Their movers are trained to pack containers like pros. They know how to fit everything in tight and secure it so nothing shifts during transport. Many customers say the crew loaded way more than they thought possible into a single container.

The company brings all the tools needed for furniture disassembly and floor protection. They use neoprene runners to protect your floors and have equipment for any reassembly tasks. You can book them for just loading, just unloading, or both.

Oregon Trail Moving works with all major container companies including PODS, U-Pack, U-Haul U-Box, and more. They serve the entire Portland metro area. Their hourly rates are transparent with no surprise charges. Most jobs are completed faster than expected because the crews work efficiently without wasting time.

#3. 1-800-PACK-RAT – Best for Secure All-Weather Containers

Key Highlights:

All-steel, weatherproof containers that provide superior protection compared to fabric-covered alternatives
Ground-level loading eliminates dangerous ramps and makes packing easier and safer
Unique lift system keeps containers level during transport to prevent shifting and damage

1-800-PACK-RAT brings heavy-duty containers right to your Portland home. Their containers are made entirely of steel, which means they stand up better to Portland’s wet climate than other options.

The company delivers the container to your driveway or street. You load it yourself or hire help. When you are done, they pick it up and either store it or deliver it to your destination. The storage facilities have 24/7 security monitoring.

What makes 1-800-PACK-RAT different is their lifting technology. The containers stay completely level when being loaded onto trucks. This prevents your belongings from sliding around. You can move locally around Portland or across the country.

They offer three container sizes to match different home sizes. The 12-foot and 16-foot containers are most popular. Each container comes with $10,000 of contents protection included. You can keep the container at your home as long as you need it for loading. The company serves all Portland neighborhoods and surrounding cities like Vancouver and Hillsboro.

#4. U-Haul U-Box – Best for Budget-Friendly Container Moves

Key Highlights:

Most affordable container option with transparent pricing and no hidden fees
One U-Box fits about 1.5 rooms of household items, making it easy to calculate how many you need
Can deliver to your home or you can load at a U-Haul location using their special trailer

U-Haul U-Box containers give you a cheap way to move with containers. Multiple U-Haul locations across Portland offer U-Box services, so finding one near you is easy.

Each U-Box container is smaller than PODS or PACK-RAT containers. This actually works well because you only pay for what you need. If your stuff fits in two U-Boxes, you pay less than renting one giant container.

The containers get delivered to your house for loading. If you prefer, you can load them at a U-Haul center yourself. They offer secure storage at their facilities while you are between homes. U-Haul has the most locations nationwide, which helps if you are moving far away.

Popular Portland U-Haul locations with U-Box service include SE Powell Blvd, N Columbia Blvd, and NE Sandy Blvd. The containers can hold up to 2,000 pounds each. You get flexibility with how long you keep them, whether storing for weeks or months. U-Haul also sells back unused boxes, which saves you money on packing supplies.

#5. SMARTBOX Moving – Best for Space-Saving Container Solutions

Key Highlights:

Compact containers fit in a single parking space without special permits in most Portland neighborhoods
Local Portland team provides personalized service and knows the area well
Flexible rental terms for both short-term and long-term storage needs

SMARTBOX operates out of Northwest Portland and serves the entire metro area. Their containers are smaller than most competitors, which makes them perfect for apartment moves or homes with limited street space.

The company delivers containers right to your location. You load them at your pace. When ready, SMARTBOX picks them up for storage or delivery to your new home. Their Portland team is local, so they understand the challenges of moving in this city.

Customers appreciate that SMARTBOX containers do not require as much space as larger containers. In tight Portland neighborhoods, this matters. The containers still hold plenty of belongings but take up less room on the street.

The staff helps you figure out how many containers you need based on your home size. They offer both moving and storage services. The Portland warehouse keeps containers in a secure, climate-controlled environment. Response times are quick because the local team handles everything instead of routing through a national call center.

#6. PDX Movers – Best for Full-Service Container Support

Key Highlights:

Offers complete container support including loading, unloading, packing, and storage in one place
40,000 square foot secure warehouse with 24/7 surveillance for container storage
Family-owned Portland company with over 13 years of experience and 4.8/5 customer rating

PDX Movers does it all for container moves. They can pack your belongings, load your PODS or U-Haul container, store items in their warehouse, and unload at your destination.

The company has been serving Portland for more than 13 years. They know every neighborhood and have helped over 3,000 customers annually. Their movers are background-checked and expertly trained to handle container loading efficiently.

What sets PDX Movers apart is their huge warehouse space. If your container needs storage between moves, they have plenty of room. The facility has security monitoring around the clock. You can also store loose items that do not fit in containers.

Their crews bring all packing materials including boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. They offer full packing, partial packing, or just moving labor. Many customers use them specifically for loading PODS containers because the team knows exactly how to maximize space. PDX Movers serves the entire Portland metro area including Vancouver and surrounding cities.

#7. All Service Moving – Best for Professional Container Handling

Key Highlights:

BBB Accredited with $2 million insurance coverage for complete peace of mind
Professional crews never use day labor and all movers are thoroughly screened
94.8% positive review rate from over 770 customer reviews showing consistent quality

All Service Moving has been Portland’s trusted moving company since 2004. They specialize in loading and unloading all types of containers including PODS, U-Pack, and U-Haul U-Box.

The company only hires full-time professional movers. They never use temporary workers, which means you get experienced crews every time. All movers go through background checks and training before working with customers.

All Service Moving brings top-quality equipment to every job. They have furniture dollies, moving blankets, straps, and tools for disassembly. The crews treat your belongings carefully and wrap fragile items properly. They also protect your floors and doorways during the move.

Customers consistently praise how fast the crews work while still being careful. Most jobs finish ahead of schedule. All Service Moving has offices across the Pacific Northwest. Their Portland location at SE Morrison Street serves the entire metro area. They offer storage options too if you need to keep your container at their facility temporarily.

#8. 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery – Best for PODS Loading Specialists

Key Highlights:

Family-owned business run by two brothers who grew up in Oregon with local knowledge
18,000 square foot temperature-controlled storage facility for container storage needs
Named one of Portland’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies by Portland Business Journal

2 Brothers Moving started as a small Portland operation and has grown into one of the area’s most reliable moving companies. They excel at loading PODS containers and other portable storage units.

The crews at 2 Brothers are known for being friendly and hardworking. Many customers specifically request the same team for future moves. The movers take extra care wrapping furniture and protecting belongings even in Portland’s rainy weather.

Their warehouse facility offers secure storage if you need to keep a loaded container for weeks or months. The space is temperature controlled and has security monitoring. You can access your stored container during business hours.

2 Brothers offers mobile storage containers too, so you can rent directly through them or they can load containers from other companies. They serve the entire Portland metro area plus Salem, Hillsboro, Beaverton, and surrounding cities. The company provides free estimates and has transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Their Moving Ministries program even helps low-income families and abuse victims with reduced-cost moves.

#9. Storage 2U – Best for Portland Climate Protection

Key Highlights:

Heavy-duty weatherproof containers specifically designed to withstand Portland’s rain and moisture
Delivers containers directly to your front door for maximum convenience
Services Portland, Gresham, Beaverton and can arrange custom solutions for outlying areas

Storage 2U understands Portland’s unique climate challenges. Their containers are built to be 100% weatherproof, which is essential in a city that gets so much rain.

The company delivers clean, inspected containers right to your location. You can keep it on your property for as long as you need to pack. When ready, they transport it to their secure facility or deliver to your new address.

Storage 2U offers multiple container sizes to match different moving needs. Their containers fit typical parking spaces, so you usually do not need special permits. The company inspects every container before delivery to ensure it is kitchen-clean and fully secure.

They serve the greater Portland area including Gresham and Beaverton. For customers in outlying areas, Storage 2U works to create custom solutions. Their containers remove the hassle of renting trucks or dealing with off-site storage facilities. Everything stays in one container from start to finish, which reduces the chances of lost or damaged items.

#10. Zippy Shell – Best for Quick Container Turnaround

Key Highlights:

Street-legal containers that fit in standard parking spaces without blocking traffic
Stay-and-wait service where they remain on-site while you load for immediate pickup
Offers both full-service and DIY options to match your budget and needs

Zippy Shell brings a different approach to container moving in Portland. They deliver a container and can wait while you load it, then immediately transport it to storage or your destination.

This quick turnaround service works great for people who do not want a container sitting in front of their house for days. You schedule a time, load quickly, and they take it away. The containers are street-legal and fit in regular parking spots.

Zippy Shell offers loading and unloading assistance if you need help. Their containers come in multiple sizes to match apartment moves or full house relocations. They provide precise temperature control for climate-sensitive items.

The company serves Portland and surrounding areas. Their containers have dual access doors, which makes loading easier from different angles. Zippy Shell works well for both local moves around Portland and long-distance relocations. They offer month-to-month storage with no long-term commitments required. You can schedule pickup and delivery times that work with your schedule.

How Much Does Container Moving Cost in Portland?

Container moving costs in Portland vary based on distance and container size. For local moves within Portland, expect to pay between $480 and $830 for a single container rental. This typically includes delivery, pickup, and one month of use.

A 16-foot container for a local move usually costs around $600 to $750. Smaller 8-foot containers run cheaper at approximately $400 to $500. These prices cover just the container rental and transport. If you need loading help, labor-only movers in Portland charge $86 to $124 per hour on average.

Long-distance moves cost more because of the extra mileage. Moving a container from Portland to Seattle runs about $1,300 to $2,000. Cross-country moves from Portland to the East Coast can cost $4,000 to $7,500 depending on the container size and exact destination.

Storage adds extra monthly fees. Most companies charge $150 to $200 per month to store a loaded container at their facility. Some companies include the first month of storage in the initial price. Always ask about storage costs upfront to avoid surprises.

Additional costs to consider include insurance coverage, loading supplies, and professional packing services. Many people save money by packing themselves and only hiring help for loading the heavy items. Getting quotes from multiple companies helps you find the best deal for your specific move.

What Size Container Do I Need for My Portland Move?

Choosing the right container size depends on how much stuff you own. Most container companies offer three standard sizes to pick from.

An 8-foot container works for studio apartments or small one-bedroom homes. It holds about 1 to 1.5 rooms of furniture and boxes. This size fits nicely in tight Portland parking spaces.

A 12-foot container suits one to two-bedroom apartments or small houses. It holds roughly 2 to 3 rooms worth of belongings. Many Portland renters find this size perfect for typical apartment moves.

The 16-foot container is the most popular choice. It fits contents from a two to three-bedroom home. This size holds 3 to 4 rooms of furniture plus boxes. Most families moving houses in Portland need at least one 16-foot container.

For larger homes with four or more bedrooms, you will likely need multiple containers. Some customers use two 16-foot containers or mix sizes based on what they are moving. Container companies can help estimate what you need based on your home size.

Remember that proper packing makes a big difference. Professional loaders can fit more in a container than most people packing themselves. If you are unsure which size to choose, go one size up. Most companies charge only for containers you actually use, so ordering an extra as backup costs nothing if you return it empty.

Do I Need a Permit for a Container in Portland?

Portland requires parking permits for moving containers in certain situations. The rules depend on where you live and how long the container stays.

For residential areas, you usually need a permit if the container blocks a travel lane or parking spaces for more than a few hours. The Portland Bureau of Transportation issues these permits. You should apply at least five business days before your container arrives.

Street parking permits cost around $35 to $60 depending on how many days you need the space reserved. Some neighborhoods have stricter rules than others. Downtown Portland and busy areas like the Pearl District almost always require permits.

If you can park the container in your driveway or private property, you typically do not need a permit. The container just cannot extend into the street or block the sidewalk. Most standard driveways have enough room for smaller containers.

Apartment buildings often have their own rules about containers. Check with your building manager before scheduling delivery. Some apartments have loading zones specifically for moving trucks and containers. Others may need you to reserve the space in advance.

Container companies usually help with permit information. They know the local rules and can tell you if your specific location needs one. The delivery driver also knows where they can legally place containers. Missing a required permit can result in fines, so always check first. Planning ahead prevents problems on moving day.