Everything You Need to Know about Moving Containers

Best Moving Container Companies in Canada - Find the perfect moving and storage container near me.

Whether you are moving to the other side of town or across the country, finding the right company to store and move your belongings is an important choice to make. There are so many different companies that offer these services, it can be difficult and time-consuming trying to find options that suit your needs. Here we have compiled a list of some of the best moving containers/best self-storage unit providers in Canada, so that you can easily find a safe and reputable company, making your moving and/or storage processes easier.

Our recommendations are based on factors such as company locations around the country, container specifications and range, extra features that the company offers, as well as reviews from previous customers. Making an informed choice will mean that your move is less stressful, and you can be certain that your possessions are safe. We understand that when it comes to moving, needs and preferences are always going to differ, but these selected companies are able to cater to a variety of expectations.

What are the main differences between moving container services and standard moving services?

Standard Moving Services

  • Loading and Unloading included
  • Transport in between home included
  • Adapted to all types of homes
  • More expensive option

Find a moving company near you here.

Moving Containers

  • Loading and Unloading not included (DIY)
  • Transport in between home included
  • Limited service for condo/apartment buildings*
  • More affordable option

*Unless you have space for the container for at least one month. 

 

There is no shortage of services that aim to help people move and store their belongings, and some are more involved and hands-on than others. Many people prefer to pack and move as independently as possible, choosing to hire a DIY truck rental or moving container. These rental services are extremely hands-off, simply providing the truck or container, and in most cases involving containers, transporting it to the final destination – they do not assist with packing or unpacking in any way. The moving container alternative comes with a lot a flexibility!

Alternatively, there are fully-catered moving services that help with every aspect of a move, by providing packing and unpacking services, as well as appropriate transportation. They are far more hands-on and involved in the move or storage process, meaning that customers themselves can step back, knowing it is cared for.

Neither option is better than the other, but most people will have a preference, based on factors such as budget. Most moving container/storage unit rental companies offer a range of services so that customers can find what works best for them.

MovingWaldo’s list of the 4 best container companies in Canada

What is MovingWaldo?

MovingWaldo is a technology company that specializes in simplifying the moving process for individuals and families. Our comprehensive suite of services includes booking trustworthy movers, comparing internet plans, and automating administrative tasks, which can save users hours of paperwork.

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How are moving container companies selected?

Our network of moving container companies you can trust is carefully built based on professionalism, years of experience, accreditation, awards and social proofs from customers. We care to help you through the maze of information the web provides about this unique industry. You can trust the movers listed here to guide you and your family safely into moving day!

Are you a good moving container company?

4.5/5

4.5 stars based on 636 reviews from around the web

Moving containers Canada

About

BigSteelBox is a Canadian-owned and operated container moving and storage company that makes moving and storage feel better! They can move you across town, or across Canada. Their local moving price includes the 1-month rental of a 20′ BigSteelBox, so you can pack at your pace, and all movements of the container. Plus, if you need storage in between homes that’s no problem because storage is built right into their moving service and easy to add on.

From their storage facilities near you, they’re able to provide moving services and portable storage container rentals and sales to residential and business customers in Canada. Whether you need secure storage at home or on the job site, or you’re moving to a new home, BigSteelBox can help.

Services offered

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving & Storage
  • Container Moving
  • Storage at Your Home
  • Storage at their Location
  • Boxes and Packing Supplies
  • Packing Services
  • Free Quotes

Locations

British Columbia

100 Mile House – Abbotsford – Cranbrook
Fort St. John – Kamloops – Kelowna – Nanaimo
Penticton – Port Coquitlam – Prince George
Salmon Arm – Smithers – Terrace – Vernon
Victoria – West Kelowna

Ontario

Brantford -Dundas – Hamilton – Kitchener – London – Mississauga – Ottawa – Paris – Petawawa – Simcoe

Alberta

Calgary – Edmonton
Fort McMurray – Lethbridge
Red Deer

Saskatchewan – Manitoba

Regina – Saskatoon – Winnipeg

From $484 - $834*

* Price includes the 1-month rental of a 20′ BigSteelBox, empty delivery, movement of the container to your new home, and empty pick up. Price is subject to change without notice and does not include taxes. Price is based on moves within the local service area and varies depending on the cities. Additional charges may apply to frieght for customers outside the local service area.

Type of containers

Container Dimensions

Construction Type

Capacity (Bedroom Homes)

Weight Limit

(lbs.)

Interior Space      (cu. ft.)

Clearance Area Required

20’ x 8’ x 8.6’

Steel

3 – 4 bedroom home

10,000

1,172

At least 70’

10’ x 8’ x 8.6’

Steel

1 bedroom home

10,000

564

At least 60’

8’ x 7.3’ x 7.5′

Steel

Shed-size

10,000

351

At least 60’

* BigSteelBox also has a larger 40’ container option, but this cannot be transported when full (it can only be used for stationary storage).

BBB Bureau Rating

A+

In Business Since

1999

Area Covered

Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Pros

  • Multiple locations across Canada
  • Offers storage in between homes
  • Moving containers are extremely secure
  • Take your time packing

Cons

  • Limited service for condo/apartment buildings*
  • Packing/loading service an additional cost
  • Insurance coverage is not offered during transport nor storage. Contact your insurance company for more information.

*Unless you have space for the container for at least one month. 

Why choose this moving container company?

BigSteelBox is another highly reputable container company that has been servicing the Canadian population for decades. They offer a diverse range of services that can be tailored to meet specific demands and cater to the storage and/or relocation needs for jobs of all sizes. This is a great option for those who need to move or store office furniture, or other commercial jobs that many other moving companies may struggle with.

They offer some of the best moving containers that are available for hire in Canada. All of their containers are weather-proof, and BigSteelBox ensures that you are the only one with the keys to your container, but each container is equipped with shielded padlocks, preventing bolt cutters from breaking the locks.

BigSteelBox claims on their website to have the greatest number of store locations across Canada, compared to all other moving/storage container providers. This convenience ensures that customers have a greater level of access to their services, no matter where in the country they might be. It helps to reduce the cost of moving, especially for inter-city moves, when there is a store located in the destination city as well. This also makes them one of the best self-storage facilities in Canada, by providing safe and secure locations that are easily accessible to a wider range of people.

Find your closet BigSteelBox’s location here.

Google Logo Ratings
4.5/5
4.5/5

4.5 stars based on 13,760 reviews from around the web

Review of PODS - Everything You Need to Know

MovingWaldo Exclusive Offer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Holiday Offer: Use promo code WALDO to save 25% on local delivery, redelivery/final pick-up fees, and your first month’s rental for PODS moving and storage containers.

About

An industry pioneer and leader since 1998, PODS provides residential and commercial moving and storage services – with contactless delivery and pick-up – across a vast service network that spans North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The Canadian-owned business, with its unparalleled flexibility, convenience, and control, makes for a great choice as your local or long-distance moving and storage partner. A PODS portable container is delivered to you, loaded on your schedule, and either kept in your driveway for 24/7 access, stored at one of their secure indoor facilities, or moved to your new home. Click on the link to the Website to get 25% on your move!

Services offered in Canada

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving & Storage
  • PODS Container Moving
  • Contents Protection
  • Storage Services
  • Storage On-Site
  • Store at their facilities
  • Moving Supplies
  • Packing and Loading Assistance

Locations:

Ontario

Ottawa-Toronto

Quebec

Montreal

Manitoba

Winnipeg

British Columbia

Vancouver

Nova Scotia

Halifax

Alberta

Edmonton – Calgary

Available on demand - Save 25% off retail rates through MovingWaldo!

Type of containers

Container Dimensions

Construction Type

Capacity (rooms)

Weight Limit

(lbs.)

Interior Space      (cu. ft.)

Clearance Area Required

16’ x 8’ x 8’

Metal

3 or 4

4,200

835

40’ x 12’ x 15′

*12’ x 8’ x 8’

Metal

2 or 3

4,700

689

40’ x 12’ x 15′

7’ x 7’ x 8’

Metal

1

5,200

385

40’ x 12’ x 15′

* The 12’ x 8’ x 8’ container is only available for local moving and storage, but the other two container sizes are available for long-distance moves.

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

1998

Area Covered

Canada and the United States

Pros

  • 25% discount available if booked through MovingWaldo
  • Contactless delivery and pick-up
  • They do the driving
  • You control the schedule – so you can take your time
  • 10X fewer damage claims compared to traditional movers*
  • Flexible, easy storage options – in your driveway or in their secure indoor facilities
  • Packing and loading help available

Cons

  • 12’ x 8’ x 8’ container only available for local moving and storage
  • Number of storage facilities is relatively limited

*According to AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association)

Why choose this moving container company?

Whether you are moving across town, across the country – or if you need storage – in one of their secure indoor facilities, PODS has offered a flexible, convenient way for Canadians to move and store their belongings for more than two decades.

Mix and match among a range of portable moving and storage containers to fit your needs, and unlike traditional moving companies, PODS does not require a deposit, nor are you required to pay for your entire move upfront. They offer pay-as-you-go pricing, since you rent your PODS container(s) by the month, putting you in control of your schedule, so you can take your time. Not to mention, PODS is a contactless service, so you do not need to greet their driver for delivery or pick-up.

PODS can also help make packing and loading/unloading easier by referring you to highly-rated, hourly labor in your area. These pros know their containers inside and out to help maximize your space, and they will do as much as you need them to do.

PODS also offers a discount for people who book through MovingWaldo, which may be a great cost-saving option for some.

 

TrustPilo Logo Ratings
4.2/5
4.7/5

4.7 stars based on 496 reviews from around the web

About

Cubeit is a Canadian company that is dedicated to providing locals with services that make moving and storing possessions so much easier. They work alongside customers to provide the best self-storage and moving services tailored to their exact needs, helping to make any moving process slightly less stressful. Cubeit provides services for local moves and inter-city relocations, as well as long and short-term storage options. They only offer storage boxes in a single size, which are the most beneficial with people needing to store belongings from a small-sized home or office space.

Services offered

  • Local moves
  • Long-distance moves 
  • Storage
  • Furniture assembling and dismantling service

Locations

Ontario

Brampton – Oshawa – Oakville – Toronto – Burlington – Markham – Ottawa – North Bay – Barrie – Hamilton – Mississauga – London – Sudbury

Quebec

Montreal

British Columbia

Victoria – Vancouver – Nanaimo – Surrey

Saskatchewan

Regina – Saskatoon

Alberta

Spruce Grove – Edmonton – Calgary

Available on demand

Type of containers

Container Dimensions

Construction Type

Capacity (rooms)

Weight Limit

(lbs.)

Interior Space      (cu. ft.)

Clearance Area Required

16’ x 8’ x 8’

Steel

4

4,750

Not Specified

60’ x 12’ x 15’

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

2014

Area Covered

Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta

Pros

  • Large number of different locations
  • They offer added packing supplies and services
  • They offer Property Protection insurance

Cons

  • Containers only come in one size
  • Not ideal for smaller moves/storage needs

Why choose this moving container company?

Cubeit has made it as simple as possible to order their containers, offering you extended periods of time to get it packed and ready for transportation to your new location or their storage facilities. Although Cubeit only offers containers in a single size, this may not be a problem for most people. Their containers measure 16’ x 8’ x 8’, a slightly larger than average size that should still be enough for most personal moving/storage needs. This makes it perfect for people who need to transport or store items from an entire home/small business, as opposed to a single room.

Cubeit is also one of the best self-storage options for customers who value security and privacy, with gated facilities that are monitored 24/7 with appropriate security measures.

Cubeit offers a wide range of additional moving services for those who want them. You can purchase packing supplies such as boxes, coves, and bubblewrap from them so that you know your possessions are being packed and transported as safely as possible. For many people, the added convenience of having so much of your moving process handled by a single company is definitely worth the financial cost, as it means you can focus on other things. 

Find your closet Cubeit’s location here.

Google Logo Ratings
4.7/5
4.5/5

4.5 stars based on 496 reviews from around the web

About

U-Boxes are a specific type of moving container that also doubles as a storage unit, offered by the moving company U-Haul. U-Haul is perhaps one of the most well-known, best self-storage and moving service companies, operating in many countries across the globe. U-Boxes are a relatively small container offered by the company, designed to be used by people who need to move/store smaller amounts of possessions. You can easily use these for short or long-distance moves, as well as a long-term storage facility.

 

Services offered

  • Container rental
  • Truck rental
  • Storage
  • Moving supplies
  • Plastic box rental

Locations

U-Haul has an impressive range of store locations throughout Canada, as well as all across the United States. The company operates in all provinces, ensuring that everyone can access their services. The website states that U-Box containers are not available in every location, but does not provide users with a full list of the specific businesses that do offer them. Instead, users are asked to input their starting destination (and end location if you are using the box to move), and you will be provided with a list of local options.

Available on demand

Type of containers

Container Dimensions

Construction Type

Capacity (rooms)

Weight Limit

(lbs.)

Interior Space      (cu. ft.)

Clearance Area Required

8’ x 5’ x 7.6’

Wood

1.5

2,000

257

Not specified

BBB Bureau Rating

N/A

In Business Since

1945

Area Covered

Canada and the USA

Pros

  • U-Haul offers a range of insurance coverage options
  • Self-delivery options
  • U-Boxes can be hired with a specialized trailer so that you can pack and move your possessions yourself
  • Extensive extra packing services available
  • One month of free storage is automatically offered with every quote

Cons

  • They only offer containers of one size
  • Not ideal for large-scale moves/storage

Why choose this moving container company?

U-Box containers only come in a single size, but this is perfect for those who only need to transport or store relatively small amounts of possessions (items from a single room/dorm room). This is an incredibly cost-effective option for those who do not need any extra space from larger units offered by other companies. For those that do find themselves needing extra space, U-Haul recommends hiring multiple containers, to ensure that everything is packed. They offer refunds for any units that do not get used, so you don’t have anything to lose by being overly cautious in your estimations.

One of the greatest benefits of the U-Box containers is that they are supplied by U-Haul, a widely-known and trusted brand. Customers can be sure of the quality of service they are going to get, and that their possessions will be safe while in the U-Box container. U-Haul offers a variety of services that are designed to cater to all needs, from full-service packaging to completely independent pick-up and drop-off by the customer. No matter what your preference is, U-Haul can make sure your experience with their U-Box containers is exactly what you are looking for.

Find your closet u-haul moving container location here.

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