Skip to main content

How 1-800-PACK-RAT Works and What to Expect

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What 1-800-PACK-RAT offers

1-800-PACK-RAT is a portable storage container service that delivers a steel container to your home, lets you load it at your own pace, then picks it up for storage at a facility or delivers it elsewhere. Unlike traditional self-storage units where you drive to a facility, the container comes to you. You pack when it's convenient, and the company handles the heavy lifting of transport and storage.

The service operates across South Carolina and most of the United States. You rent the container by the month, and you can keep it as long as you need. The company stores it in a climate-controlled facility or keeps it on your property if you prefer — that option depends on your location and the company's current offerings in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • 1-800-PACK-RAT brings a container to your location, you load it yourself, and they transport and store it for a monthly fee.
  • You can keep the container for as long as you need, and you pay only for the months you use it.
  • The company can deliver your container to a new address if you move, or pick it up when you no longer need storage.
  • Pricing varies based on container size, your location in South Carolina, and how long you rent — calling for a quote is the only way to know your actual cost.
  • The containers are weatherproof steel, designed to protect belongings from rain and temperature swings during storage and transport.

Container sizes and what fits

1-800-PACK-RAT offers containers in a few standard sizes. The most common are 8-by-5-by-8 feet and 8-by-5-by-12 feet, though availability can vary by region. The smaller container typically holds the contents of a bedroom or a garage; the larger one can accommodate furniture from multiple rooms or a full household's overflow.

The company provides an online tool where you can estimate how much will fit based on common household items — furniture, boxes, appliances — but the most reliable way to know is to call and describe what you're storing. Their staff can tell you whether one container will work or if you need two.

How the rental and delivery process works

You start by calling 1-800-PACK-RAT or visiting their website to request a quote. You'll tell them your location in South Carolina, what you're storing, and how long you think you'll need the container. They'll give you a price and a delivery window — usually within a few days to a week.

When the container arrives, you have as much time as you need to load it. There's no rush; you can take a day or a week. Once you're done, you call to schedule a pickup. The company retrieves the container and transports it to their storage facility, where it stays until you need it back or want to move it elsewhere.

If you move to a new address in South Carolina or out of state, 1-800-PACK-RAT can deliver the same container to your new location. You pay a delivery fee plus the monthly storage rate. When you no longer need the container, you schedule a final pickup and the rental ends.

Cost and payment terms

1-800-PACK-RAT charges a delivery fee (for bringing the container to you and picking it up), a monthly storage rate, and sometimes a fuel surcharge depending on gas prices and your distance from their facility. The total cost depends on your container size, your location within South Carolina, and how many months you rent.

The company typically requires payment at the time of delivery or shortly after. You can pay by credit card or other standard methods. If you need the container for only a few months, you pay for those months; there's no long-term contract required, though some promotions may offer discounts for longer rentals.

Because pricing varies significantly by location and current demand, the only way to know what you'll actually pay is to call or request a quote online. Prices in rural South Carolina differ from prices in Charleston or Columbia, and rates can shift seasonally.

Storage facility conditions and security

1-800-PACK-RAT stores containers in climate-controlled facilities designed to protect belongings from extreme heat, cold, and humidity. South Carolina's summer heat and coastal moisture can damage stored items, so climate control is a meaningful feature if you're storing electronics, wood furniture, or anything sensitive to temperature swings.

The facilities are fenced and monitored. Your container is locked, and only you and the company have access to it. If you need to retrieve something from your container while it's in storage, you can arrange for the company to deliver it to you, retrieve the item, and return it — though this service may carry an additional fee.

Alternatives to consider

Traditional self-storage units in South Carolina require you to drive to the facility to load and unload. They're often cheaper per month than portable container services, especially for long-term storage, but they demand more of your time and effort. If you have a truck or can rent one cheaply, a self-storage unit may cost less overall.

Some moving companies in South Carolina offer their own portable container services, and local storage facilities sometimes provide delivery options. If you're moving rather than storing temporarily, a full-service moving company might be more cost-effective than renting a container and hiring movers separately.

For short-term needs — a few weeks during a renovation or while waiting for a new apartment — renting a container can be simpler than signing a self-storage lease. For storage lasting a year or more, the monthly costs of a portable container can add up; comparing quotes from multiple providers is worth the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access my container while it's being stored?

You can request delivery of your container to your location so you can retrieve items, but this typically costs extra and takes a few days to arrange. Most people don't access their containers frequently; if you think you'll need regular access, a traditional self-storage unit might be more practical.

What happens if my container is damaged during transport?

1-800-PACK-RAT's containers are built to withstand transport, but damage can happen. The company carries insurance, and you should ask about coverage limits and what's included when you get your quote. Document the condition of your belongings before loading, and report any damage to the company immediately after pickup or delivery.

Can I keep the container at my house instead of having it stored at a facility?

Some locations allow you to keep the container on your property for an additional monthly fee. This option is not available everywhere in South Carolina, so ask when you call for a quote. Keeping it on-site means you have immediate access but takes up yard or driveway space.

What if I need to extend my rental past my original end date?

You can extend your rental month to month. Call the company and let them know you need to keep the container longer. You'll continue paying the monthly storage rate. There's no penalty for extending; you're simply continuing the rental.

Does 1-800-PACK-RAT operate everywhere in South Carolina?

1-800-PACK-RAT serves most of South Carolina, but availability and pricing vary by region. Rural areas may have longer delivery times or higher costs. Call or check their website with your zip code to confirm service in your area and get an accurate quote.