If you are looking to save money and time on your move, it’s worth considering renting a PODS container. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about what moving with PODS entails and why they are so popular amongst movers. Including if PODS are worth it, how much it costs to move with pods, expert tips, and alternative options. We will review the different options PODS offers, such as their self-storage or facility storage. Along with the different options for moving, including transporting your items locally or long distance.
We will also look into the estimated costs and how they vary depending on several factors. Some of these factors are location, mileage, duration, and container size. Because of these factors, set prices are not available. We have included estimated costs based on pricing found on the PODS website and their previous quotes. Please keep in mind these are estimated costs and for an exact cost you will need to request a quote directly from PODS. Thankfully PODS makes this super easy, just quickly fill in your information for a personalized quote!
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About PODS
Let’s review moving with PODS containers and help you decide if they are worth it for your move!
PODS, or Portable on Demand Storage, is one of the companies you can rent a moving container from. Moving containers are great because they offer the ability to store and transport your items securely and safely.
Hate driving giant trucks? No worries because with PODS, you will do zero driving as the company handles all transport. PODS will deliver your container, pick it up after you pack it, and transfer it to your new location.
Moving with PODS? Are They Worth It?
PODS containers are large steel crates that secure your belongings safely with a lock and key. They can be used just for storage or to transport your items during your move. PODS containers are DIY friendly. You pack the container yourself and on your own time, the company handles all the transport!
No matter where you are moving or storing, PODS containers can help because they offer both local and long-distance transportation. Additionally, you have the option to store the container either at your house or at one of the nearby PODS facilities.
Popular Features
Weather Resistant
The steel containers, lined with aluminum panels, are designed with mild weather in mind. They are built to protect your items from rain and snow. Additionally, when fully loaded, the container can withstand wind velocities of up to 110mph.
If plan on storing for a long time, PODS recommends storing at their climate-controlled nearby facility as an extra layer of production. You can pack your items at home and then PODS will pick up and transport your container to the facility.
No Ramp Needed
Moving trucks and vans require you to use a ramp to load your items into the truck. With PODS, ground-level loading offers a less strenuous process for customers.
Storage unit facilities often have two or three floors. If you get put on the second floor you will have to unload your truck using the ramp and also take an elevator up to your unit. Not fun! PODS eliminates this problem by offering ground-level containers and full-coverage transportation.
Natural Lighting
People moving with PODS containers, often work day jobs and might only have time to pack later in the evening. PODS containers offer ambient lighting inside each container to improve visibility when moving at night. These lights are also especially helpful on overcast or gloomy days.
Moving in the dark can be difficult, but also dangerous. Always take extra precautions when moving at night, including parking in a secure and safe area.
Looking to move soon?
Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
Commitment Free
PODS offers pay-as-you-go pricing, so you do not commit to or pay for any service until that service is needed. For example, only pay the monthly storage rate when packing the container and then later on pay the container’s transportation cost.
Paying for your whole move up front can hurt your budget. With PODS, you are not required to commit to a certain time frame as the rentals are only charged monthly.
Deposit Free and Easy Cancellations
A lot of moving services require a deposit upon booking, which again can hurt your budget. With PODS, reserve your container with a credit card instead of a deposit. Your first payment will be due seven days before the scheduled delivery.
With no long-term commitments and pay-as-you-go monthly rentals, you can cancel with no hassle. We recommend reading the PODS cancellation policy for more information.
The Renting Process
First, decide if you want to use the PODS container for moving, storage, or both. You will also want an idea of how long you will be using their services. All of these factors will affect the price you receive on your quote, so it’s important to have it ready.
Next, go to the PODS website to fill out your information and receive a quote. You will be asked for your current and future ZIP code, the start date, and an estimated timeframe. You can choose a timeframe anywhere between 1-12 months.
The duration of your rental is important because PODS will normally waive the delivery and pickup fee for rentals of 3 months or longer.
Once the PODS container is delivered, it’s time to pack up all your belongings. Hiring a labor-only moving service, like UniMovers, is a great option if you don’t want to do the heavy lifting yourself. You can pack yourself and then we will load your items into the container OR we can help you pack and do the loading too!
We also highly recommend reading the UniMovers guide for DIY Moves, which will help you pack strategically and efficiently. Significantly reducing the amount of time spent packing and unpacking your items.
Finally, PODS will pick up your fully loaded container and transport it to your preferred location or one of their nearby facilities for a delivery fee. Their nearby facilities are indoor and climate-controlled offering an extra layer of protection for your items.
Remember, if you are renting for 3 months or longer ask about waiving the delivery fee!
On-Site Self-Storage
If you are not moving and only storing, you have the option to keep your container at your location or the PODS facility. The facility option is great for young renters who might not have a place to keep the container in their driveway.
If you do store at the PODS facility, they will bring back your items whenever you want for a delivery fee. All you have to do is unload. PODS does note that as of 2023 their average delivery fee is $74.99 each way.
Costs
You might be wondering if PODS are expensive to move with. The costs will vary depending on various factors. You first need to choose whether you are going to use both their moving and storage services or just one or the other.
PODS bases its container prices on the Self-Storage Almanac’s average national rental rate for self-storage. However, these prices do fluctuate depending on your location and the duration of the rental.
Other factors like mileage and gas prices will also fluctuate depending on your location. Requesting a quote from PODS is the best way to get an estimated cost specific to your moving needs.
Remember, with PODS there are no deposits and easy cancellations. It is, however, important to note that the first payment is due seven days before your delivery date.
Moving and Storage Cost
The cost of moving, not just storing, with PODS varies since it depends on how far you are traveling and how long you will be keeping the container.
If you are also storing your container, you will pay an additional monthly rental cost. These prices are highlighted below and again based on the Self-Storage Almanac’s average national rental rate for self-storage.
Monthly storage costs vary depending on the size of the container and whether you are storing it with you or at a PODS facility. The transportation costs will vary depending on mileage and your location.
Moving Only Cost
Moving costs vary depending on various factors like location and mileage. For a realistic idea of your cost, request a personalized quote directly from PODS.
You will need to know what size container you plan to use. Use the graphic below to help determine what size container will work for you depending on the size of your home.
Storage Only Cost
The cost of storage depends on the size of the container you rent. The rental periods are charged monthly.
If you plan to keep the container at your home this is considered an on-site self-storage container and this is the cheapest option since it requires little transport.
If you are storing at their facility, the cost of moving with PODS does include an additional fee for pickup and delivery. As of 2023, their average delivery fee is $74.99 each way.
The costs for each container size are listed below. These prices are current as of June 2023 from the PODS website.
Container Sizes
Next, you need to decide what size PODS container you need and find out how much that container will cost you for the amount of time you need it for. Remember the containers are rented monthly!
Large Container 16-Foot
This is the largest option available and is about the same length as a parking spot. The large container is the optimal size for a home around 1,200 sq. ft.
Monthly Cost
- On-site: $227 / month
- At Facility: $294 / month
Medium Container 12-Foot
The medium container size option is great for packing up a few rooms or a one-bedroom home. It is the optimal size for a home around 500-800 sq. ft.
Monthly Cost
- On-site: $207 / month
- At Facility: $266 / month
Small Container 8-Foot
The best option for college students and studio apartments! The small container is the optimal size for a home, or room, less than 500 sq. ft.
Monthly Cost
- On-site: $187 / month
- At Facility: $254 / month
Expert Tips
Discounts and Promotions
The PODS website has a section specifically for promotions. Check it out before booking, they often have a good amount of different promotional offers. Alternatively, you can always call PODS directly and ask about any available discounts or promotions.
The cost of moving with PODS can be expensive, so don’t forget to ask about waiving the delivery fee if you plan on storing for longer than 3 months!
Online Reviews
A good majority of the general public is online, making reviews more common and frequent. Reviews can be very beneficial when researching a company. It allows you to see what their services were like for a customer similar to you.
We highly recommend reading recent reviews on platforms like Google Reviews or Yelp before booking with any moving company.
Planning
Moving can be tough for many different reasons and we are here to help. The best way to make sure your move goes smoothly is to make a well-made, detailed plan for all aspects of your move. Below are links to guides and tips that will help make your move much easier.
- Getting Started with Packing
- Packing Moving Boxes
- Moving Insurance Information
- Moving Supplies
- State-to-State Moves
- Tips for Moving Long-Distance
- Labor-Only Movers
Labor-Only Moving Help
UniMovers labor-only team can be hired specifically to load and unload PODS containers.
Labor-only moving services can help you pack and unpack. They can load and unload from PODS, trucks, or storage units. All you have to do is provide transportation.
Alternative Options
After reviewing, you might be wondering is it worth it to move with PODS? What other options are there? Perhaps the cost of moving with PODS is too expensive, or maybe you are just curious about other similar companies. Either way, we have you covered.
A great way to determine if it’s worth it to move with PODS is to compare its services to its competitors. If PODS doesn’t seem worth it, here are a few other companies you can consider renting a moving container from.
- Long-distance moves only
- Only one size container – 8 ft
- Local and long-distance moves
- Three container sizes – 8 ft, 12 ft, and 16 ft
- Local and long-distance moves
- Two container sizes – 8 ft and 16 ft
Final Note
Congrats, you are now an expert on moving with PODS!
Whether you believe moving with PODS is worth it, you know how much moving with PODS costs, the different services they offer, the rental process, the container’s features, and much more.
Moving can be hard, but you are not alone! Almost everyone struggles with the moving process. We hope to make your move easier by offering our knowledge and expertise on the various stages of moving.
I am a senior at The University of Colorado Boulder, studying public relations and business. I am first generation Irish-American from Boston, MA. I have four years of experience moving myself in and out of different states.
