Quality and Accessibility of Moving with PODS vs. a Truck

Quality and Accessibility of Moving with PODS vs. a Truck

To rent a moving truck or move with pods storage across the country

Are you moving across town or just a few neighborhoods away? Across the country? When figuring out the best option for transportation and storage of your belongings, there are multiple avenues to choose from, including moving with PODS. Don’t forget to look at the cost of renting a pod or a moving truck! As you get ready to move, you should factor budget, time, cost, distance, and, most of all, quality into your decision. No matter where we go, we want our things to be kept safe and sound: all in one piece.

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Moving With PODS

There is a huge range in pricing, which depends on how many containers you need and which storage facility is closest to you. It can range from under $500 for a small-scale, local move to over $5,000 for a larger-scale move moving several large PODS across the country.

With its growing popularity, moving container companies now tend to refer to their moving containers as “PODS.” PODS, or “Portable On Demand Storage,” is one of the best-known moving container companies. Protecting your possessions is essential during your move, particularly if you are traveling a long distance to your new home. Known for its high container quality and multiple container sizes, PODS offers local and long-distance services at low, affordable prices.

Pros of Moving With PODS

One major reason why people choose PODS is because of their container quality and size options. Fortified by its steel construction, it is designed with impact- and weather-resistant polymer wall paneling. The containers are guaranteed to be safe and secure as long as you have the keys to those locks! In addition, they come with built-in tie-down rings, which help you secure your belongings with ropes or straps for the drive.

With roll-up doors, these PODS don’t take up as much space when you open them. The container has ground-level access; ramp-free loading allows for level-lifting, which the PODZILLA can do. Invented by PODS, the PODZILLA is a machine that keeps containers and everything inside them level while being lifted onto or off PODS trucks. This level-lifting machine can help maneuver your moving storage unit into place.

While most other companies only offer one container size, PODS has three sizes: 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot. They currently also offer 16-foot all-steel containers to business customers. Having more size options is especially helpful because not all your belongings are the same size. Some containers are not big enough to store large furniture. Here is the company’s estimation of the number and sizes of moving containers that you may need based on the layout of your home!

Moving with pods storage calculator

As aforementioned, PODS offers local and long-distance services, such as driving and storage. PODS takes care of the driving for you, bringing your containers to you wherever you will be. With 230 storage facilities in the U.S., they deliver to more than 20,000 cities across 44 states.

You can keep your pod at a PODS location inside an indoor storage unit. Convenient, this helps to simplify the moving process. Plus, you would be able to load and unload your stuff on your own time!

Cons Of Moving With PODS

Although PODS provides instant online quotes, they do not do online quotes for moves over 50 miles. You will have to call or email them to get a quote and book a rental. Also, taxes are not included in those estimates, and it is more expensive to move PODS across the country than to rent a moving truck. This is because renting a POD also includes transportation and storage. However, until your container has arrived at your destination, you probably won’t be able to access your belongings during that travel period.

Factors That Affect Pricing For PODS

Some factors that will affect your PODS cost are the number and sizes of containers, distance, time frame, and season. You will be charged a per-container fee, and price increases with container size and miles traveled, especially if you plan to move PODS across the country. Rates may go up if you change your plans and time frame because if you move during peak season, early spring to late fall, it will likely cost more.

Although PODS’ prices tend to be about 5% higher than the industry average, these prices are still low and affordable, and they account for the high quality of the containers. You might be asking yourself: how much does it cost to move PODS across the country? Well, it depends on the distance of your move!

For a local move, renting a PODS portable container is typically $349-$549, depending on size. For a long-distance move, it is usually $999-$2,999. This rental pricing includes a month of moving PODS storage. With easy cancellation, flexible scheduling, and pay-as-you-go pricing, PODS makes moving less stressful. You can get your quotes online today!

Take a Look at Other Mobile Storage Companies

Besides PODS, there are other mobile storage companies that you can take a look at. If you plan to move PODS across the country, it is important to note where it falls in your budget. Moving PODS storage is a huge part of the process, and it is a good idea to consider and compare other reputable companies before making a decision.

Some other companies include 1-800-PACK-RAT, U-Pack, and U-Haul. If you are local to Wilmington or moving to the area, Badger Box is another great option to look at.

Moving With 1-800-PACK-RAT

Like PODS, this company also offers 3 U-Box sizes: 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot. However, it is the only portable storage company renting out all-steel containers to everyone.

With locations in 30 states, 1-800-PACK-RAT has moving and storage services available in nearly two-thirds of the country. Providing both local and long-distance delivery services, it helps customers within 50-100 miles of its warehouses. Additionally, they offer more discounts than other moving container companies. Right now, they are offering long-distance moves, military, first responder, medical personnel, teacher, and senior discounts. And if you book your local move online, they will give you $25 off!

A drawback is that the pre-discount prices are high at about 10% above the industry average due to the high quality of their all-steel containers. Cost factors include distance, move dates, and container availability. But they are willing to beat any competitor’s price that matches closely with 1-800-PACK-RAT. All you have to do is give them a call to get the best rate possible.

Looking to move soon?

Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!

Moving With U-Pack ReloCubes

People love the low costs, customer service, and on-time delivery at U-Pack. Located in all 50 states, U-Pack is easy to find! Additionally, it is one of the few companies to offer instant online quotes. That is much easier than having to call in and wait to speak to someone for a quote.

For a big move, a big question you ask yourself is: how much does it cost to move pods across the country? One of the positives of renting ReloCubes for a long-distance move is that it is nearly $600 cheaper than the industry average. These boxes are worth that price! Constructed from metal, they are less resilient than steel but more durable and solid than plywood.

However, they only provide long-distance services to move pods across the country, with no moves under 150 miles. If you are moving a short distance, you should think about another container company or a moving truck rental. ReloCubes are smaller, holding only one room of belongings, and moving pods storage is only available at off-site locations. If you want to store your containers at home on-site, then PODS would be a better choice.

Moreover, they have a pay-for-what-you-use policy. Most container companies incorporate a month of storage into their initial quotes, but U-Pack charges for storage only when you ask for it. At U-Pack, initial quotes include three days of loading and unloading. Average costs can be anywhere from $500 for one Cube delivered to a service center to $2,500 for several Cubes delivered to your door. Cost factors include home size, distance, move date, and number of ReloCubes. You only pay for the ReloCubes that you use. Confirm the number of containers you need before ordering so that you don’t end up overpaying.

Moving With U-Haul U-Boxes

U-Haul offers local and long-distance services at low prices about 5% lower than the industry average. With availability and accessibility at more than 20,000 U.S. locations, it is easy to move your U-Boxes across the country. U-Haul offers one standard U-Box size: 7′ 11″ x 4′ 8″ x 6′ 11″ with a weight limit of 2,000 lbs. and a capacity of 1.5 rooms. This is smaller than the sizes offered by other companies, so you will need to order more U-Boxes.

Even though you can get online quotes instantly, these prices are inaccurate. Their truck rentals tend to cost around 60% more than the initial estimates you are given, and the estimate does not include the $99-per-container delivery fee. In comparison to other moving companies, U-Haul also has the lowest customer ratings and reviews partly due to poorer customer service and lower construction quality. Made of plywood, U-Box containers are the least sturdy compared to other moving containers constructed from metal or steel.

Cost factors involve distance, number of containers, and time. They charge per container, and pricing includes a typical monthly fee for moving U-Box storage. Usually, you can store U-Box moving containers at home, but if you don’t have enough space, you can use one of U-Haul’s storage facilities without any extra costs. U-Haul charges you the same amount no matter where you decide to store your U-Boxes!

Moving With Badger Box in Wilmington

Looking for mobile and portable moving container rentals in Wilmington? Badger Box offers steel mobile storage that can hold 10,000 lbs., or 5 tons, and is resistant to 120-mph winds. The moving container includes 20 welded tie-down rings that are conveniently located 3 feet and 5 feet from the floor to hold your belongings in place and keep them from shifting.

Some mobile storage companies cut costs on roof installation and choose plastic because it is easier to install, but those are not durable enough to withstand the elements. Badger Box’s containers are enforced with a fully steel roof over a thick layer of gasketing, which guarantees security with no leakage. The latch-style swing door frames are reinforced with weather stripping, providing more protection.

One of the leading causes of damage in storage units is condensation build-up. These mobile storage units are built with anti-condensation coated ceilings and two vents, creating airflow between the front and rear of the unit, to prevent condensation build-up from North Carolina’s humidity. Badger Box has had zero humidity-related issues since the company first launched.

Badger Box operates a Cardinal Mule moving system to move your containers with level-lifting. Loading once and unloading once at ground level protects your belongings from potential damage during the loading process. They also drive the truck for you for delivery and pickup with a $65 delivery fee each way within 25 miles of the nearest Badger Box site. If you are over 25 miles away, you should contact Badger Box for a custom quote.

With a 30-day rental and no long-term commitment, Badger Box provides 16-foot units for $179 per month and 20-foot units for $219 per month. It is the only moving company to provide a 20-foot unit, which can hold 4-5 rooms of furniture within its 1,280 cubic feet.

Rent a Moving Truck

Another question you may be asking yourself is: how much will it cost to rent a moving truck? Driving a big rental truck can be a hassle; it can also be stressful if you are not used to driving vehicles of that size. But a truck is more accessible and gives you more flexibility in your moving options. As expected, there are both pros and cons to renting a moving truck.

Pros of Renting a Moving Truck

Availability and size are two positives that come with the process of renting a moving truck. Whether you are renting a moving truck or hiring a moving company for your move, it is easy to find a truck in many sizes. Here, you have a lot more choices. Having those choices allows you to decide whether you want to hire a professional team of movers like UniMovers or do it yourself. And even if you decide to rent a truck, you can still hire movers to help you load and unload your belongings.

The cost to rent a moving truck is cheaper, even including travel costs. If you are driving the truck, you will have access to your belongings throughout the move, which you would not have if you rented PODS.

Cons of Renting a Moving Truck

Time restriction is the main downside of the cost of renting a moving truck. You can only lease it for a short period of time before the costs start to add up. Pricing for local moves usually has a per-mile charge in addition to a daily rental fee. Long-distance moves tend to have a weekly rental period for the quote you receive. If you hire movers, schedule dates and times for loading, moving, and unloading your belongings. Make sure that you are all on the same page!

Extra costs are a drawback to renting a moving truck. If you are driving the truck over a long distance, you need to account for gas, hotel stays, and meals when you are on the road. Plus, the price for your truck varies based on supply, demand, and the date you move. If the demand for the truck is higher at your destination, then the truck will likely be cheaper to rent since they need it.

Want to know the cost of renting a moving truck? The best cheap truck rental companies to check out are Penske, Budget, and U-Haul. Average costs for Penske, Budget, and U-Haul are $1,137, $1,054, and $992, respectively. While Penske and Budget have discounts and U-Haul does not, U-Haul has the most truck sizes. While Penske tends to have the best prices on one-way moves, Budget has the best prices on local moves.

The best moving and storage option for you depends on your situation and needs. If you will be traveling a long distance with a longer time frame, a POD might be the best choice since they give you a 30-day rental. But if you want to save or want more storage space, a moving truck might be best for you.

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Nicole Ting is an engineer and a freelance writer based in Houston. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering and a Certificate in Creative Writing. You can find her writing poetry in a local coffee shop on Saturdays.