PODS Canada Cost Calculator
PODS Canada costs C$250–C$450 per month for on-site storage and C$3,000–C$7,500 for long-distance moves. BigSteelBox, a Canadian-owned alternative, charges C$200–C$400/month for storage and C$2,800–C$6,500 for cross-country moves. Local delivery fees range from C$100–C$250.
Total PODS Cost = Monthly Rental + Delivery Fee + Pickup Fee + Transport Fee (if moving) + Insurance + GST/HST
Portable moving containers have become one of the most popular ways to move and store belongings in Canada. PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) and BigSteelBox are the two largest providers, offering flexible alternatives to traditional movers.
This guide compares container sizes, pricing, and availability across major Canadian cities including Calgary, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Toronto — with real 2026 rates to help you budget accurately.
What This Means
Your container estimate includes rental fees, delivery, pickup, and transport (if applicable). Insurance, packing supplies, and GST/HST are additional. Container moves are typically 30–50% cheaper than full-service movers for long-distance relocations, but you handle all packing and loading yourself.
PODS vs BigSteelBox: Canada's Top Container Movers
Two companies dominate the portable container market in Canada. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | PODS | BigSteelBox |
|---|---|---|
| Container sizes | 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft | 8 ft, 10 ft, 20 ft |
| Monthly storage rate | C$250 – C$450 | C$200 – C$400 |
| Local delivery fee | C$100 – C$200 | C$100 – C$250 |
| Long-distance (1,000 km) | C$3,000 – C$5,000 | C$2,500 – C$4,500 |
| Cross-country (4,000+ km) | C$5,000 – C$7,500 | C$4,500 – C$6,500 |
| Storage facilities | Indoor & outdoor | Outdoor (steel containers) |
| Canadian coverage | Major cities only | 30+ locations nationwide |
| Container material | Steel frame, aluminum walls | All steel (weather-proof) |
BigSteelBox is Canadian-owned and often 10–15% cheaper. Their all-steel containers are better suited for Canada's extreme weather. PODS has wider brand recognition and indoor storage options in some locations.
Container Costs by Canadian City
Pricing varies by city due to local demand, competition, and availability. Here are average 2026 rates for a standard container (12–16 ft PODS or 20 ft BigSteelBox):
| City | Monthly Storage | Local Move | To Toronto | To Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | C$220 – C$350 | C$350 – C$600 | C$3,800 – C$5,500 | C$2,200 – C$3,500 |
| Edmonton | C$200 – C$330 | C$330 – C$580 | C$4,000 – C$5,800 | C$2,500 – C$3,800 |
| Ottawa | C$250 – C$380 | C$380 – C$650 | C$800 – C$1,200 | C$5,000 – C$7,000 |
| Winnipeg | C$200 – C$320 | C$320 – C$550 | C$3,200 – C$4,800 | C$3,500 – C$5,200 |
| Toronto | C$280 – C$420 | C$400 – C$700 | — | C$5,000 – C$7,500 |
| Vancouver | C$300 – C$450 | C$400 – C$700 | C$5,000 – C$7,500 | — |
| Montreal | C$240 – C$370 | C$350 – C$620 | C$1,200 – C$1,800 | C$5,200 – C$7,200 |
| Halifax | C$220 – C$340 | C$320 – C$560 | C$2,800 – C$4,200 | C$6,000 – C$8,000 |
All prices exclude GST/HST (5–15% depending on province). Rates are for a single container; multiple containers receive discounts of 5–15%.
Choosing the Right Container Size
Selecting the right container size prevents overspending or needing multiple units:
| Container Size | Capacity | Best For | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft (PODS/BigSteelBox) | 1–2 rooms | Studio, dorm room, seasonal storage | C$180 – C$280 |
| 10 ft (BigSteelBox) | 2–3 rooms | 1-bedroom apartment, small storage | C$200 – C$320 |
| 12 ft (PODS) | 2–3 rooms | 1–2 bedroom apartment | C$230 – C$370 |
| 16 ft (PODS) | 3–4 rooms | 2–3 bedroom house | C$280 – C$420 |
| 20 ft (BigSteelBox) | 4–5 rooms | 3–4 bedroom house | C$300 – C$450 |
Tip: When in doubt, size up. A half-empty container costs the same as a full one, but a second container doubles your cost. Most 3-bedroom homes need one 16 ft PODS or 20 ft BigSteelBox.
How Container Moving Works in Canada
The portable container process is straightforward:
- Order online or by phone: Choose your container size and delivery date. Both PODS and BigSteelBox offer online quotes.
- Container delivered: The provider drops the container in your driveway or parking area. You typically need a space at least 12 ft wide × 40 ft long for delivery.
- You pack and load: Take as long as you need (daily rate applies). Most people take 2–5 days.
- Schedule pickup: Call when you're ready. For storage, the container goes to a secure facility. For moving, it's transported to your new city.
- Delivery at destination: The container is dropped at your new address. You unload at your pace.
- Empty container picked up: Call for pickup when you're finished unloading.
Important: Check your municipality's bylaws before ordering. Some cities (like parts of Toronto and Vancouver) have restrictions on how long containers can sit on the street or in driveways. You may need a permit (C$50–C$150).
Other Container Moving Options in Canada
Beyond PODS and BigSteelBox, several other companies offer portable container services in Canada:
| Company | Availability | Container Type | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zippy Shell | GTA, Ottawa, select cities | Proprietary shells | C$250 – C$400/month |
| GoBox | Atlantic Canada | 16 ft & 20 ft steel | C$200 – C$350/month |
| Mobile Mini | Alberta, BC, Ontario | 20 ft & 40 ft steel | C$250 – C$450/month |
| Frogbox (1-800-GOT-JUNK?) | Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto | Reusable moving boxes only | C$99 – C$250/week (box rental) |
For the best deal, get quotes from at least two or three providers. Pricing can vary significantly based on season, route, and availability.