How much does portable storage cost per month?
Most portable storage containers rent for roughly $80 to $200 a month, according to U-Haul’s cost guide. That range is for one container and depends on size. PODS says its prices start at $149 a month.
These figures come from two national consumer brands. Local companies set their own rates, and they may be lower or higher. Treat every number here as a starting point and get a quote for your address.
| Source | What it reports | Date or note |
|---|---|---|
| U-Haul cost guide | $80 to $200 a month for one container | Guide page, rates for an 8-foot unit |
| PODS storage cost page | Prices start at $149 a month | Page dated October 2026 |
| U-Haul brand comparison | About $90 (U-Haul), $127 (1-800-PACK-RAT), $270 (PODS) | One 8-foot container, San Francisco, updated 6/18/25 |
The brand comparison comes from U-Haul, a company that sells the cheapest option on its own list. Read it as one data point, not a ranking.
What fees come on top of the monthly rent?
Expect delivery, pickup and optional coverage on top of rent. Some providers add a move fee, a key or lock charge, or a late payment fee. The monthly rate alone never shows the full price.
U-Haul reports that delivery and pickup fees typically run $70 to $120 per container. Some companies charge two separate fees. Others charge one. PODS says its delivery and pickup fees average $74.99.
Here are the usual line items:
- Monthly rent. Charged for each month the container is on your property or in a storage center.
- Delivery and pickup. One charge or two. Ask which.
- Coverage. U-Haul says most companies offer base coverage for about $10 to $40 a month. It is usually optional. See contents coverage.
- Lock. PODS recommends a disc lock or an appropriately sized padlock. Ask who supplies it.
- Extra trips. A second delivery, a move across your property or a storage center visit may cost extra.
- Labor. Loading help is separate. U-Haul says moving labor typically runs $190 to $400 an hour in its guide.
- Late fees. Ask when rent is due and what a late payment costs. Rates differ by company.
Read the rental agreement before you sign. Look for the minimum rental term, the delivery fee and any security deposit.
How much does a local container delivery cost?
For a local move or a stay-at-home rental, plan for delivery and pickup plus monthly rent. U-Haul lists local shipping of a single 8-foot container (about 30 miles or less) at roughly $90 to $250 or more.
That number covers moving a container from your home to a facility or to your new address nearby. It is separate from monthly rent. If you only want a container in your driveway, you pay delivery and pickup once, then rent each month.
Many providers will move the container to a storage center for you. That can help if you cannot keep it on your property. See storage centers and on-site storage to compare the two setups. Learn the difference between on-site storage and off-site storage.
What does a long-distance move container cost?
A long-distance container move costs far more than a local one because you pay for the transport. moveBuddha reports PODS-style containers at about $1,200 to $7,600 for a cross-country move, depending on home size.
| Home size | Local | Up to 250 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $150 to $600 | $450 to $1,300 | $1,200 to $4,000 |
| 2 to 3 bedrooms | $200 to $700 | $660 to $2,000 | $2,400 to $4,900 |
| 4 to 5 bedrooms | $300 to $800 | $800 to $3,400 | $3,500 to $7,600 |
Source: moveBuddha pricing data for PODS-style containers, page updated October 2026. These are moveBuddha’s figures, not NPSA data.
U-Haul gives a different view for one 8-foot container. It lists regional shipping (375 to 1,000 miles) at about $1,000 to $2,300 or more. It lists long distance (1,800 miles or more) at about $1,200 to $3,000 or more.
The ranges are wide for a reason. Distance, season, route, and how full your home is all change the quote. If you are weighing a truck, see moving container vs moving truck. For planning details, see long-distance moves and local moves.
What does a one-month or three-month rental cost in total?
You can estimate your own total by adding rent and trip fees. Example estimate, not a quote, using U-Haul’s published ranges:
Assumptions: rent is $80 to $200 a month, and delivery plus pickup is a single $70 to $120 charge. If your provider charges the fees separately, your total will be higher.
| Rental length | Low estimate | High estimate | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $150 | $320 | $80 + $70; $200 + $120 |
| 3 months | $310 | $720 | 3 x $80 + $70; 3 x $200 + $120 |
| 6 months | $550 | $1,320 | 6 x $80 + $70; 6 x $200 + $120 |
The PODS page gives a second view. It says prices start at $149 a month and fees average $74.99. If that $74.99 applies to each of two trips, delivery plus pickup is about $150 (2 x $74.99 = $149.98, an estimate). One month would then start near $299.
Your total can sit above or below these ranges. Coverage adds roughly $10 to $40 a month, per U-Haul. A move fee adds more. PODS notes that some companies discount longer terms, so ask.
Is portable storage cheaper than a self-storage unit?
Self-storage often costs less per month, but you bear the cost of a truck, your time and extra loading. PODS cites the 2020 Self-Storage Almanac: an average national rate of $107.11 for a 10 by 10 unit and $132.97 for a 10 by 15 unit.
That almanac figure is from 2020, so current rates are probably higher. Use it only as a rough benchmark.
Here is how the two compare on what you actually do:
| Factor | Portable container | Self-storage unit |
|---|---|---|
| Who transports your items | The provider, in a container you load | You, with a truck or van |
| Loading | Once, at your pace | At least twice (into truck, then into unit) |
| Delivery and pickup fees | Yes | No |
| Monthly rate | Often higher | Often lower |
| Access | At home or at a storage center | At the facility, during its hours |
For a short stay or a move, the container often wins on effort. For a long stay with no move, a self-storage unit may cost less overall. Learn more about self-storage facilities and climate-controlled storage. Portable containers are not climate-controlled, according to PODS.
What makes the price go up or down?
Location, size, timing and service level drive the price. PODS lists geographic location, time frame and season, container size and count, and whether the unit sits on your driveway or in a facility.
- Location. Big metro areas often cost more than rural areas. A remote address can raise the delivery fee.
- Size. A larger container costs more. Sizes vary by company. See what size container you need.
- Season. Moving season is busy. Prices and availability shift.
- Term. PODS notes some companies offer discounts for rentals of three months or longer. Do not commit to a longer term than you need.
- Service. Loading labor, packing supplies and storage-center stays are extra.
Container weight also matters. PODS lists maximum weight limits of 5,200 pounds for an 8-foot unit, 4,700 pounds for 12 feet and 4,200 pounds for 16 feet. An overweight load can mean a second container, which doubles several fees.
How can I lower the cost of portable storage?
Compare itemized quotes, pick the smallest container that works, and skip services you do not need. Small choices add up over a long rental.
- Get at least three written quotes. Compare the total for your term, not the monthly rate.
- Ask about term discounts and promotions. PODS notes that some deals require a minimum rental time, so read the fine print.
- Pick the right size. Paying for space you do not use wastes money. Too small can mean a second container.
- Declutter first. PODS suggests selling, donating or tossing items before loading.
- Load efficiently. Stack to the ceiling and fill gaps so you need fewer containers.
- Ask about a pickup option. U-Haul says you can skip delivery and pickup fees on moves of 100 miles or less if you tow the container yourself. Ask whether your provider offers a similar option.
- Compare to your insurance. Check your homeowners or renters policy before you buy extra coverage.
What should a written quote show?
A good quote lists every charge and the dates. Use this checklist when you compare offers.
- Monthly rent and the billing start date
- Delivery fee and pickup fee, each shown
- Container size and count
- Coverage options and prices
- Minimum rental term and any cancellation fee
- Late fee and payment due dates
- Cost of an extra trip or a move on your property
- What happens if your delivery is delayed
Ask the provider to explain anything you do not understand. A clear answer is a good sign. A vague answer is a reason to keep looking. For more on picking a company, read how to choose a portable storage provider.
Next step
Tell us your delivery city and how long you need storage. An NPSA member company near you will contact you with a written quote. Start at Request a quote.