1-800-PACK-RAT Review: Pros, Cons and Overall Performance

When you’re moving, you need a storage solution that’s convenient, secure, and affordable. That’s where 1-800-PACK-RAT comes in—they offer a wide range of services related to moving and storage.

Here’s how it works: You call 1-800-PACK-RAT, and they send a professional driver out to your home with a mobile storage container. You pack your belongings into the container yourself, and then when you’re done, the driver takes it back to their warehouse or drops it off at your new place.

It’s as simple as that! And since 1-800-PACK-RAT has dozens of locations across the country, they can help with local or long-distance moves in supported regions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about 1-800-PACK-RAT.

History and Establishment of 1-800-PACK-RAT

Starting its journey in North Carolina in 2001, 1-800-PACK-RAT was originally a playful joke among its creators. The name derived from its ingenious design — an all-steel, weatherproof, portable moving container capable of holding everything, much like its rodent namesake known for hoarding items.

What began as an innovative idea rapidly transformed into a game-changer in the moving and storage industry. Within just two years, the company expanded from three locations in North Carolina to over 50 service areas across the United States, providing consistency in customer experience through a non-franchised, corporate business model.

Today, their famous sturdy steel containers serve customers in 31 states and Washington, D.C., simplifying the process of moving and storage. Whether it’s for a local or long-distance move, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s unique model enables you to pack at your pace while a professional driver does the transport. As part of its comprehensive offering, they also facilitate packing and unloading services, ensuring a seamless moving experience.

Services Offered

1-800-PACK-RAT provides a versatile and comprehensive array of moving and storage services. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, managing a military move, or needing additional storage, they’ve got all bases covered.

Local Moving:

The stress of moving isn’t just restricted to long-distance transitions. Local moves can be equally taxing, but 1-800-PACK-RAT offers a smart solution. Instead of cramming your packing into a single, exhausting day, you have the flexibility to spread the process out over an entire month. Take your time, sort through your possessions, and pack at a pace that suits you. As soon as you’re ready, one of their professional drivers will pick up your filled container and deliver it safe and sound to your new home.

Long-Distance Moving:

The beauty of 1-800-PACK-RAT’s model is that it also lends itself nicely to long-distance moves. You don’t need to rush to pack a rented van within a short, few-hour window. Instead, you can take a month (or however long you’ve rented the container) to neatly pack your items, making long-distance moves more manageable.

Military Moving:

Understanding the unique challenges and frequent relocations military personnel and their families face, 1-800-PACK-RAT has tailored services dedicated to making these moves as smooth as possible. This includes both local and long-distance moves and comprehensive assistance with both shorter and longer-term storage requirements.

Storage:

Need a little extra storage time? Maybe your new place isn’t quite move-in ready. That’s okay — 1-800-PACK-RAT can hold onto your filled storage container at one of their secure, nationwide facilities until you’re ready to receive it.

Moving Supplies and Other Services:

Efficiency is key when it comes to relocating, and 1-800-PACK-RAT acts as your one-stop shop by offering all the essential moving supplies. You can conveniently order wardrobe boxes, regular boxes, furniture pads, bubble wrap, heavy-duty packing tape, and more. By addressing your moving and storage needs under one roof, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes your moving experience simpler.

Geographical Reach and Locations

1-800-PACK-RAT’s strength lies not only in its sturdy moving containers and competitively priced services but also in its extensive geographical coverage.

Despite being available in only 30 states, 1-800-PACK-RAT covers a significant area, offering its services within a 100-mile radius of each of its physical locations. This wide radius ensures the availability of their convenient, secure, and affordable moving and storage solutions to a large number of customers.

Their operations span many states in the country, with their network extending as far west as California and as far east as Connecticut. Southern states like Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are also on their map, as well as Midwest states such as Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio. Moreover, they have locations in diverse states like Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Plus, they have a presence in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

For those located in the United States beyond these states, the company claims it can possibly provide services even if a local branch is not at hand. It would be advisable, however, for potential customers to reach out to 1-800-PACK-RAT directly to confirm the availability of services in their area. Despite the limitations, the company’s substantial geographical reach accounts for a wide customer base, making it one of the prevalent players in the moving and storage industry.

How Much Does 1-800-Pack-Rat Cost?

Planning a move and don’t fancy a DIY job? Hiring transportation and storage solutions like 1-800-Pack-Rat could help. But how much does it cost?

Generally, you’re looking at container rental and transport fees. The cubic footage you need determines the initial outlay—$199 for an 8-foot, $249 for a 12-foot, and $279 for a 16-foot container.

Next, there’s 1-800-Pack-Rat’s delivery system, costing $297 per unit ($99 each for delivery, moving, and collecting the container). Remember, this is separate from container rental.

On average, using 1-800-Pack-Rat will set you back around $3,760. However, vital variables could nudge this up or down, including your location and diesel fuel prices.

For a more detailed estimate, 1-800-Pack-Rat offers online quote calculation or personalized quotes via customer service calls.

Is 1-800-PACK-RAT Right for You?

1-800-Pack-Rat stands out as a smart choice for moving and storage needs. They offer a unique flexibility with their various container sizes (8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot), fitting all moving sizes and budgets. The major plus is they take care of the complete transportation process – delivery, the actual move, and collection – which significantly simplifies your moving experience.

Their online quote system adds to the ease, giving you preliminary cost estimates at a click. Want a more personalized quote? Their customer service team is always ready to help with detailed consultation. With all these special features, 1-800-Pack-Rat surely presents itself as a comprehensive, customer-centric solution to beat the moving blues.

Competitors To Consider

In the world of moving services, 1-800-Pack-Rat has made a name for itself. However, it’s important to explore competing options to find the perfect solution for your relocation needs.

Here are some options to consider:

  • Allied Van Lines – A moving company that’s been around since 1928, it’s renowned for its broad assortment of full-service moving and packing services. With local, interstate and international moving assistance, they cater to all types of relocation needs.
  • North American Van Lines – Another titan in the moving industry, North American Van Lines offers end-to-end moving solutions. From personalized packing to crating, they excel in both domestic and international relocations.
  • Two Men and a Truck – Known for its local moving service, Two Men and a Truck also provides long-distance, business, and even interstate moves with packing options to ease your move.
  • U-Pack – U-Pack ranks highly for providing flexible and affordable moving services. Its “pay for the space you use” concept aligns well with budget-conscious customers moving long distances.
  • International Van Lines – Not only are they specialists in long-distance and international moves, but International Van Lines also focuses on offering customized solutions for each customer, including full packing, storage and auto shipping services.

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