If you're moving in or out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you've probably heard of PODS, ABF U-Pack, and now Cratezy. Each offers a different take on portable moving containers, and the right choice depends on your move size, timeline, and budget. Here's how they stack up for typical DFW relocations.
The Three Options at a Glance
Cratezy rents stackable, reusable plastic crates that are delivered to your door in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, Irving, Garland, or Richardson. You load them yourself, we store and deliver them to your destination, then we pick them up. No cardboard waste, no dumpster fees. Pricing typically ranges from $80 to $180 per week depending on your home size.
PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) drops a steel-framed, lockable container at your house. You pack it, they haul it away, store it if needed, and deliver it on your schedule. PODS is national and well-known; costs run roughly $3,000–$5,500 for a local DFW move depending on container size and duration.
ABF U-Pack is a full-service moving company owned by ArcBest. They drop a trailer, you load it (or they can do it), they haul everything in their truck, and you unload at the other end. Typical DFW moves range from $2,500 to $6,000 depending on weight and distance.
Cost Comparison: What You'll Actually Pay
| Service | Move Type | Typical Cost Range (DFW) |
|---|---|---|
| Cratezy | 1–2 week local move (2–3 bedroom home) | $160–$360 |
| PODS | Local move + 1 month storage | $3,000–$5,500 |
| ABF U-Pack | Local move, mid-size load | $2,500–$6,000 |
Winner for budget moves: Cratezy, by a massive margin. If you're moving within DFW and don't need months of storage, Cratezy costs a fraction of the alternatives.
Setup and Logistics: Delivery, Loading, and Pickup
Cratezy
We deliver the crates to your home within 24–48 hours. You pack them yourself over a few days or a week. We return to pick them up, deliver to your destination, and drop them off. Setup is simple — crates stack neatly, and you control the pace.
PODS
PODS drops a container at a scheduled time. It sits in your driveway (check HOA rules in your Plano or Arlington neighborhood). You load it whenever. They pick it up, transport it, and hold it in their facility. They deliver on your timeline. This works great if you need storage, but the container occupies yard space.
ABF U-Pack
ABF delivers a trailer, you load it (or hire ABF's crew for an upcharge), they haul it to your destination, and you unload. The trailer departs on their schedule, not yours — no sitting around for weeks. If you need time, you pay for additional rental days.
Winner for flexibility: PODS, if you need mid-move storage; Cratezy, if you want minimal driveway footprint and just need a 1–2 week window.
Who Handles the Heavy Lifting?
- Cratezy: You pack; we deliver and pick up. No loading or unloading labor included. Ideal if you have friends helping or don't mind DIY.
- PODS: You pack unless you pay for PODS Labor ($800–$2,000+). Delivery and pickup are included.
- ABF U-Pack: You can pack it yourself or hire ABF's crew. Full-service packing and loading add $1,200–$3,000. Unloading at destination is on you.
If your back can't take it and your budget can, PODS Labor or ABF's crew option removes that burden. Cratezy works best if you've got help or are happy doing the manual work yourself.
Storage and Timeline: How Long Can Stuff Sit?
Cratezy
Crates are for rental during your move window — typically a week to 10 days. We can extend by the week (around $80–$180 more per week), but Cratezy is not a long-term storage play. We're best for quick, local moves where you load, move, and unload within 2–3 weeks.
PODS
PODS explicitly offers storage. Pay a monthly fee ($150–$300+ per month depending on container size), and your stuff stays in their climate-controlled facility as long as you want. If you're in a tight spot (selling your home before finding the next one in Irving or Garland), PODS shines.
ABF U-Pack
ABF can hold freight at their warehouse, but it's not their core business. Storage is available but costs extra ($200–$400+ per month). The trailer itself departs on a schedule; you're not renting indefinite driveway space.
Winner for storage: PODS, unquestionably. It's built for people between homes.
DFW-Specific Considerations
Weather and Parking
Dallas summers hit 100°F+. Cratezy's plastic crates are weatherproof and UV-resistant — no cardboard breakdown. PODS containers are steel and lockable but can heat up like an oven inside. ABF trailers are solid steel but block a driveway. Check your HOA rules in Frisco, Arlington, or Plano — some prohibit PODS or trailers parked long-term.
Distance Within DFW
Moving from North Plano to South Fort Worth (30+ miles)? All three work. Moving 5 miles in Richardson? Cratezy is overkill in price per mile compared to ABF. Moving to a different state? PODS and ABF go national; Cratezy is Dallas-Fort Worth only.
Highway Access
If your move involves I-30, I-35E, or the Dallas Tollway, ABF and PODS have that infrastructure locked down. Cratezy handles the local logistics quickly within the metroplex, so you're not sitting on a truck queue like you might with national carriers.
What Each Option Is Best For
Choose Cratezy if…
- You're moving locally within DFW and want the lowest cost.
- You hate cardboard waste and prefer an eco-conscious option.
- You can pack and unload yourself (or have help).
- You need the move done within 1–3 weeks, not months.
- You don't need your belongings stored; you're picking up and setting down quickly.
Choose PODS if…
- You're selling one home and haven't closed on the next yet.
- You need mid-move storage measured in weeks or months.
- You want a lockable, climate-controlled container.
- You don't mind paying premium pricing for convenience and flexibility.
- You might move to another state — PODS is national.
Choose ABF U-Pack if…
- You're moving a heavy load of furniture and boxes (ABF charges by weight).
- You want a professional crew to do the heavy lifting.
- You need a fixed pickup and delivery date (no long-term sitting).
- You're open to negotiating prices (moving companies often discount).
- You're moving out of state and want a single point of contact.
The Bottom Line
For a typical two-bedroom home move within Dallas-Fort Worth, Cratezy is hard to beat: $160–$360 for a week or two versus $2,500–$5,500 for PODS or ABF. But if you need storage, a professional crew, or national coverage, PODS or ABF make sense despite the higher cost. The best choice depends on how much help you have, how much time you have, and whether you need mid-move breathing room. Ask yourself: Am I moving fast and light, or slow and heavy? The answer points you to the right container.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does Cratezy cost compared to PODS?
- Cratezy typically costs $80–$180 per week, so a two-week DFW move runs $160–$360. PODS costs $3,000–$5,500 for a similar move, depending on container size and storage duration. Cratezy is significantly cheaper for local, short-term moves with no storage needs.
- Can I use Cratezy if I need to store my belongings for a month?
- Cratezy crate rentals are designed for active moves, typically 1–3 weeks. We can extend rental by the week, but we're not a long-term storage solution. PODS is the better choice if you need your belongings held for weeks or months while you transition between homes.
- Does ABF U-Pack offer storage like PODS does?
- ABF can hold freight in their warehouse for an additional fee ($200–$400+ per month), but storage is not their primary service. PODS is explicitly built for mid-move storage and offers climate-controlled facilities at a competitive monthly rate.
- What if my Dallas HOA doesn't allow PODS containers in the driveway?
- Check your HOA rules first. Many neighborhoods in Arlington, Plano, and Frisco restrict large containers. Cratezy crates take up less visible footprint because you pack them quickly and we pick them up within days. ABF trailers similarly occupy space. PODS is the bulkiest and sits longest, so it's most likely to trigger HOA complaints.
- Can PODS and ABF move me out of state?
- Yes, both PODS and ABF are national carriers and routinely handle interstate moves. Cratezy operates in Dallas-Fort Worth only, so we cannot service moves outside the DFW metroplex. If you're relocating to Houston, Austin, or beyond, you'll need PODS, ABF, or another national option.
- Who should I choose if I want professional movers to do the packing and loading?
- ABF U-Pack offers full-service packing and loading for an upcharge ($1,200–$3,000+). PODS offers PODS Labor for $800–$2,000+. Cratezy is a DIY rental service; we deliver crates and you pack them, though you can hire independent movers to do the work. ABF is your best bet for a truly hands-off experience.
Ready to book?
Rent reusable crates or book a single-item pickup in DFW — same-day options available.