What 1-800-PACK-RAT Does

1-800-PACK-RAT is a portable storage company that delivers a storage container to your home, lets you load it at your own pace, then picks it up and stores it in a warehouse or keeps it at your location. You rent the container by the month, and you can access your items whenever you need them. The company handles the transportation and climate-controlled storage — you just pack and unpack on your schedule.

The service works best if you need storage for a few months to a few years, or if you're moving and need a place to keep furniture and boxes while you transition. Unlike a traditional self-storage unit where you drive to a facility, the container sits where you want it (your driveway, yard, or a storage lot), so you don't have to make trips to pack or retrieve things.

Key Takeaways

  • 1-800-PACK-RAT delivers a container to your location, you load it yourself, and they store it or keep it on-site depending on your choice.
  • You pay a monthly rental fee for the container, and pricing depends on container size, how long you rent, and your location.
  • The company offers both short-term and long-term storage, and you can request your container back whenever you need to retrieve items.
  • Climate-controlled warehouse storage protects items from heat, cold, and moisture, though on-site storage costs less.
  • You'll need to measure your space and decide what you're storing before requesting a quote, since container sizes and pricing vary.

Container Sizes and What Fits

1-800-PACK-RAT offers containers in different sizes, typically ranging from about 8 feet long to 16 feet long, with standard widths and heights. The smallest containers hold roughly what fits in a one-bedroom apartment, while the largest can accommodate a three-bedroom home's worth of furniture and boxes. The company's website lets you estimate what size you need based on room contents — for example, a bedroom set, a sofa, and several boxes of household items.

Before you contact the company, think about what you're storing. A container that holds a bedroom set and some boxes is different from one that needs to hold an entire kitchen's worth of appliances and cabinets. If you're unsure, the company can help you choose the right size during the quote process, and you can always request a larger container if your first estimate was too small.

How Pricing Works

1-800-PACK-RAT charges a monthly rental fee that covers the container, delivery, and either warehouse storage or on-site storage. The cost depends on three main factors: the size of the container you choose, how many months you rent it, and your location. Longer rental periods usually lower the monthly cost, and on-site storage (where the container stays in your driveway or yard) typically costs less than warehouse storage.

The company does not charge hidden fees for delivery or pickup in most cases — those are included in the monthly rate. However, if you need the container moved or accessed outside normal business hours, or if you request delivery to a location far from their service area, additional charges may explore. You should ask about the total cost for your specific timeframe and location before committing, since rates vary significantly by region.

On-Site Storage vs. Warehouse Storage

With on-site storage, the container stays at your home, driveway, or property. You can access your items anytime without calling ahead, which is useful if you need to grab something quickly. The trade-off is that the container is exposed to weather — temperature swings, humidity, and sun — so items inside can be affected by moisture or heat over time. On-site storage costs less per month because the company doesn't need to transport the container to a facility.

Warehouse storage means the company picks up your loaded container and stores it in a climate-controlled facility. Your items stay at a consistent temperature and humidity level, which protects furniture, electronics, documents, and other sensitive goods. If you need something, you call the company and they can deliver the container back to you or retrieve specific items. Warehouse storage costs more, but it's the better choice if you're storing for a year or longer, or if your items are valuable or sensitive to temperature changes.

The Process: From Delivery to Retrieval

The process starts with a phone call or online quote request. You tell 1-800-PACK-RAT what size container you need, how long you want to rent it, and whether you want on-site or warehouse storage. The company gives you a price and a delivery date. On delivery day, the container arrives at your location, and you have several days to load it at your own pace — you're not rushed, and you don't need to be there the whole time.

Once you've finished loading and closed the container, you call the company to pick it up. If you chose warehouse storage, they transport it to their facility. If you chose on-site storage, it stays where it is and you can access it by calling ahead. When you need your items back, you request a delivery, and the container comes back to you. You unload it, and the company picks it up again. There's no fixed end date — you can keep renting month to month until you no longer need the storage.

What to Know Before You Rent

1-800-PACK-RAT operates in most U.S. states, but not all areas are served equally. Before you contact them, check whether your zip code is in their service area — you can do this on their website. If you're in a rural area or far from a major city, delivery fees may be higher or the service may not be available.

You should also understand what you're allowed to store. Like most storage companies, 1-800-PACK-RAT does not store hazardous materials, perishables, plants, or animals. Firearms and ammunition have restrictions depending on your state. If you're storing items for a business rather than personal use, ask about commercial storage rates, which may differ from residential pricing. Finally, read the rental agreement carefully — it will spell out your responsibility if items are damaged, what happens if you miss a payment, and how much notice you need to give if you want to cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access my container if it's in warehouse storage?

You cannot walk into the warehouse yourself, but you can call the company and request that they deliver the container back to you, or you can ask them to retrieve specific items and deliver just those to you. Turnaround time is usually a few days to a week, depending on the company's schedule and your location.

What happens if I need to keep my container longer than I planned?

1-800-PACK-RAT operates on month-to-month rental, so you can extend your rental as long as you need. You'll continue paying the monthly fee until you request pickup. There's no penalty for extending — you just keep paying the rate you agreed to.

Is my stuff insured while it's in storage?

1-800-PACK-RAT's standard rental does not include insurance. The company is responsible for damage caused by their negligence, but they are not responsible for damage from weather, pests, or normal wear. You can purchase additional insurance through the company or through your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, which may already cover stored items.

Can I store a container at my business instead of my home?

Yes, 1-800-PACK-RAT serves both residential and commercial customers. Commercial storage may have different pricing and terms, so mention your business use when you request a quote. Some businesses use the service for seasonal inventory, equipment storage, or office overflow.

What if the container gets damaged during delivery or pickup?

Report any damage to the container itself to the company when ready — they are responsible for damage that happens during their handling. Damage to items inside the container is covered only if the company caused it through negligence. Document any damage with photos and report it in writing as soon as you notice it.