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Compare Portable Storage Options in Richmond, VA
Richmond has several portable moving and storage options, but container size, pricing, delivery and storage choices vary considerably. Compare SmartBox RVA with PODS, U-Haul U-Box, 1-800-PACK-RAT and Richmond E-Z Box before choosing the right option for your project.
Storage Starting at $89/Month + Delivery
Portable Storage Companies Serving Richmond
All of these providers offer portable storage in the Richmond market, but they use different container sizes, pricing models and service networks. Monthly price alone doesn't tell you which option will have the lowest total project cost.
COMPARE FEATURES & BENEFITS
Monthly rental
Richmond quote required
Richmond quote required; national rates can start at $74.95
Richmond quote required
$129 / $159
Container sizes
8', 12', 16'
Approx. 5' × 8' × 7.5'
8', 12', 16'
8' × 8' × 8'; 8' × 16' × 8'
Delivery/pickup Cost
Quote-based; official average roughly $75–$80 each way
Typically $79–$129 for “We Deliver” delivery/pickup option
Quote required
Quote-based; official average roughly $75–$80 each way
Multiple containers per delivery
No
Up to 9
No
No
On-site storage
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Facility indoor storage
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Published local monthly price
Quote Based
Yes
Yes
Yes
Long-distance network
Yes
Yes
Yes
Local focus
$89/container
5' × 8' × 7'
$109, up to 7 SmartBoxes
Up to 7
Yes
Yes
Yes
Local/regional focus
PODS®
U-Haul U Box
1-800-PACK-RAT
Richmond E-Z Box
Why Monthly Rental Price Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
Portable-storage containers are different sizes. A lower monthly rate doesn't necessarily mean a lower total project cost, and a larger container isn't automatically the better value. Compare the number of containers you need along with delivery, pickup, transportation and storage charges.
MONTHLY RENTAL
What does each container cost?
DELIVERY & PICKUP
What does getting the container to and from your property cost?
TRANSPORTATION
What does moving a loaded container to another location cost?
SPACE REQUIRED
How many containers will your belongings actually require?
Portable Storage Container Sizes Compared
SMARTBOX
5' W × 8' L × 7' H
2,000-lb maximum loaded weight
Smaller modular container
PODS
8' × 7' × 8'
12' × 8' × 8'
16' × 8' × 8'
Multiple larger options
U-BOX
Approx. 5' × 8' × 7.5' exterior
257 cu. ft.
2,000 lbs.
Closest in size to SmartBox
PACK-RAT
8', 12', 16'
Multiple larger steel-container options
E-Z BOX
8' × 8' × 8'
8' × 16' × 8'
Two larger container sizes
**Container requirements depend on the amount and type of belongings being stored, not simply the number of bedrooms in a home.
How SmartBox Compares With Other Richmond Options
Each portable storage company serves a slightly different type of project. Here’s a quick look at how SmartBox compares before you dig deeper into pricing, container size, and storage options.
SmartBox vs PODS
SmartBox offers a smaller modular container and published starting pricing, while PODS offers three larger container sizes through a broad national network. If you want a more compact storage option for a local Richmond move, renovation, or short-term storage project, SmartBox may be a strong fit. If you need a larger single-container option or broader long-distance coverage, PODS may be worth comparing more closely
SmartBox vs U-Haul U-Box
This is the closest physical comparison because SmartBox and U-Box are both smaller modular container options. The main differences are in service structure, delivery, storage handling, and transportation networks. If you want to compare similarly sized containers for local storage or a smaller move, this is often one of the most relevant side-by-side comparisons.
SmartBox vs 1-800-PACK-RAT
SmartBox uses a smaller modular container, while 1-800-PACK-RAT offers larger 8', 12', and 16' all-steel containers. SmartBox may make more sense for smaller, flexible projects where multiple compact containers work well, while PACK-RAT may appeal to customers looking for larger single-container options and a wider long-distance network.
SmartBox vs Richmond E-Z Box
This is a local Richmond-area comparison between two providers with different container sizes and pricing structures. SmartBox emphasizes smaller modular storage with published starting pricing and warehouse storage options, while Richmond E-Z Box offers larger container formats and published monthly rental rates with separate transportation pricing. This comparison is especially useful for Richmond customers deciding between flexibility and larger container capacity.
The best portable storage option depends on your project size, how much flexibility you need, where the container will be stored, and what the total delivered cost looks like.
Portable Storage vs Traditional Self-Storage
Portable storage
Step 1: SmartBox is delivered to your home or business
Step 2: Load your belongings at your own pace
Step 3: Keep it on-site or have it stored at our warehouse
Step 4: Schedule redelivery or transport when you're ready
Step 5: Unload at the final location
Traditional self-storage
Step 1: Rent a storage unit
Step 2: Load your belongings into a car, trailer, or truck
Step 3: Drive everything to the storage facility
Step 4: Unload into the storage unit
Step 5: Return later and load everything again
Step 6: Drive it back to your home or next location
Step 7: Unload again
Best if you want fewer trips, easier loading, and more flexibility.
Best if you don't mind transporting items yourself.
Load once and move on your timeline.
Expect more trips and more handling.
The main difference is how many times you have to handle your belongings.
Which Portable Storage Option Fits Your Project?
Different portable storage setups make sense for different needs. Use this quick guide to narrow down which type of option may fit your project best.
SMALLER STORAGE OR RENOVATION PROJECT
A smaller modular container like SmartBox or U-Box can be a practical choice for home renovations, decluttering, staging a home for sale, or storing a limited amount of furniture and boxes. These options are often easier to fit on residential properties and can work well when you do not need a large single container.
LARGE SINGLE-CONTAINER PROJECT
If you are looking to store or move a larger amount of furniture in one unit, companies like PODS, PACK-RAT, or E-Z Box may be worth comparing because they offer larger container sizes. A larger container may reduce the total number of units needed, which can affect delivery, loading, and total project cost.
RICHMOND LOCAL STORAGE OR MOVE
For local Richmond-area storage or moving projects, compare delivery costs, monthly rental rates, local customer support, and whether the company offers on-site and warehouse storage. A provider with transparent pricing and local service can be especially helpful if your project is centered around Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, or nearby communities.
LONG-DISTANCE OR INTERNATIONAL MOVE
If your project involves long-distance transportation or a broader relocation network, national brands such as PODS, U-Haul, and PACK-RAT may offer capabilities beyond SmartBox RVA’s local and regional focus. These options may be more relevant when the project requires a wider geographic network rather than local Richmond-area service.
The right choice depends on how much space you need, where the container will be stored, how far it needs to travel, and how simple you want the loading process to be.
Comparison information: Competitor information was reviewed from publicly available provider websites in August 2026. Pricing, specifications, service areas, promotions and availability can change. Confirm current information directly with each provider. SmartBox RVA is not affiliated with PODS, U-Haul, 1-800-PACK-RAT or Richmond E-Z Box.