
PODS offers a range of moving and storage options to suit different needs, including local and long-distance moves.
PODS containers come in three sizes: 7-foot, 8-foot, and 16-foot.
You can rent a PODS container for as little as $30 per month, depending on the size and length of your rental.
PODS containers are portable, so you can move them to different locations as needed.
What is PODS?
PODS is a portable storage container company that provides a convenient and flexible way to move or store your belongings. They offer a range of container sizes to fit your needs, from 7 to 16 feet in length.
Their containers are designed to be durable and weather-resistant, with a steel frame and a secure locking system to protect your belongings. This ensures that your belongings are safe and secure during transport or storage.
PODS was founded in 1998 by two entrepreneurs who saw a need for a more convenient and affordable moving solution. They started with a small fleet of containers and have since grown to become one of the largest moving and storage companies in the US.
PODS containers are delivered to your location, where you can pack and load them at your own pace. This allows you to take your time and pack your belongings carefully, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
PODS Services

PODS offers a range of services to suit different needs. They primarily provide driving and storage services, making them a great option for those who want to take control of their move.
PODS offers DIY services, allowing you to load and unload the container at your own pace. This can be a cost-effective and flexible option, especially for smaller moves.
Here's a breakdown of the services PODS offers compared to moving companies:
How a Process Functions
Renting a PODS container is a straightforward process that requires some decision-making upfront. You'll need to choose whether you want to store, move, or do both with your belongings.
First, you'll need to decide on the type of service you need. If you're storing your belongings, you'll need to decide whether to store the container on-site at your location or a PODS Storage Center. You'll also need to decide on the duration for which you need PODS storage.

Next, you'll need to choose a delivery location, date, and size for your container. This will ensure that your container is delivered to the right place at the right time.
Once you've made these decisions, you can reserve one or more PODS containers and the company will deliver the container right to your doorstep. From there, all you have to do is load up your belongings into the container at your own pace.
PODS will pick up the container when you're ready and deliver it to either the storage unit or your moving destination.
Company Services
PODS offers a range of services to make your move or storage needs easier. They provide moving services for both residential and commercial needs. PODS containers are weather-resistant and can withstand up to 110 mph winds.
PODS containers come with tie-downs, steel locking latches, and a lock and key for security. This ensures your belongings are safe and secure during transportation. You can store a PODS container on your property or at a PODS storage location.
The cost of renting a PODS container varies, but it's generally between $180 to $300. Monthly rental rates depend on storage duration, container availability, and location. This makes it a cost-effective option for your moving or storage needs.
PODS containers are easy to load and unload, thanks to their ramp-free design. This saves you time and effort during the moving process. You can also rent a PODS container for a short period or long-term storage.
Here's a comparison of PODS services and moving companies:
Container FAQs
PODS Services offers a variety of container sizes, including 7, 8, 12, and 16 feet.
You can use a PODS container for both moving and storing your belongings.
PODS containers are made of durable steel and have a waterproof roof to protect your items from the elements.
You can pack your PODS container at your own pace, and you'll have up to 30 days to load it.
PODS containers have a secure lock on the door, and you'll be given a unique key to access your container.
PODS Services offers a variety of container sizes to fit your specific needs, and you can choose from a range of container types, including climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled options.
PODS containers are designed to be easy to load and unload, with a wide door opening and a flat floor.
12-Foot
The 12-Foot Container is a popular choice for moving small to medium-sized spaces. It's approximately 12’ x 8’ x 8′ in size.
This container offers 689 cubic feet of packing space, making it comparable to a rental truck that's 15 feet long. You can fit a lot in there, trust me.
The 12-Foot Container is the "perfect solution for moving an apartment or house with two or three rooms", according to PODS. It's perfect for downsizing or moving to a smaller space.
It's available at most PODS locations, but keep in mind it can only be used for in-town moving and storage.
PODS Options
PODS offers a range of moving solutions to fit your needs.
The 16-ft. container is a popular choice for moving a home with three or four rooms, offering 857 cubic feet of packing space.
This size container is available for long-distance moves in the U.S. and Canada, as well as local moving and storage in most PODS locations.
Moving
Moving with PODS is a cost-effective option compared to traditional full-service moving providers. The cost of a move with a PODS container depends on the size of the container, the duration of the rental, and the distance of the move.
For a move across the country, such as from NYC to LA, the average cost is around $4,500 for a two- or three-bedroom house. A move between NYC and Orlando, Florida, will cost around $3,500. If you're moving a shorter distance, 100-500 miles, the average cost is between $1,500 and $3,000, including transport and one month of storage.
Discover more: Long Distance Moving Companies Canada

PODS offers different container sizes to fit your moving needs. The 7-foot container is perfect for small-volume moving and storage, and can hold one full room of furniture. The 16-foot container is a popular choice for moving a home with three or four rooms, and has 857 cubic feet of packing space.
You can use a PODS container for a variety of moving situations, including:
- Moving homes with two to three rooms
- Studio apartment moves
- Smaller dwelling moves
- College student moving
- Estate moving
- Moving items to a second home
- Temporary storage for small remodeling and renovation projects such as bathroom remodels
Before Ordering
Before ordering a PODS container, it's essential to plan ahead and estimate your needs. Schedule your PODS container at least one week in advance for both dropoff and pickup, especially during busier moving months.
This will give you a buffer in case anything unexpected comes up. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling at the last minute to get your container delivered.
Overestimate the amount of space you'll need. If you're on the line, go bigger and get a second PODS container. This will save you from having to order an additional container later, which can be a hassle.
To make packing and moving easier, use plastic bins to pack and stack in the PODS container instead of cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes can break or crush each other, which is a real pain to deal with.
Gather all the moving and packing supplies you'll need, including boxes, moving blankets, tape, scissors, Sharpies, a dolly, packing paper, bungee cords or ropes, etc. You don't want to be running around at the last minute trying to find these essentials.
Check for online coupon codes on PODS.com – you never know what you'll find, and your POD storage cost could go down. This is a great way to save some money on your move.
To ensure a smooth delivery and pickup, be home to meet the driver in person. This will allow you to check that the POD is placed where you want it and that the lock works, and you can ask any questions you may have.
PODS Costs
PODS costs are generally lower than moving companies, but can add up with extra services. The cost depends on distance and size of your move.
For local moves, you can expect to pay between $225-$850 with PODS, while moving companies can cost between $335-$2,800. Long-distance moves with PODS can range from $450-$7,600, and moving companies can cost $800-$14,000 or more.
PODS doesn't require a deposit, but moving companies often do.
What a Costs
PODS costs can be broken down into several components, including the initial rental fee, which starts at around $100 per month, depending on the size of the container.
The rental period can vary, but most customers rent for a minimum of 1-3 months, which affects the overall cost.
The longer you rent, the lower your cost per month will be, with a 3-month rental period costing around $90 per month.
PODS also charges for delivery and pickup, which typically costs between $100 to $200, depending on your location and the distance to the PODS facility.
Fuel surcharges may also apply, especially if you live in an area with high gas prices or if you need to transport your PODS container a long distance.
In addition to these costs, you'll also need to consider the cost of packing and loading your belongings, which can range from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the amount of items you have.
Cost of Companies
PODS costs are generally lower than moving companies, but can add up with extra services. The cost depends on the distance and size of your move.
PODS costs range from $225 to $7,600 for local and long-distance moves, respectively. Moving companies can cost anywhere from $335 to $14,000 or more for the same types of moves.
You won't need to pay a deposit when using PODS, but moving companies usually require a small deposit. PODS also offers flexible insurance coverage options, while moving companies include basic liability coverage and offer comprehensive coverage for an extra charge.
Here's a comparison of average costs for PODS and moving companies:
PODS offers ongoing discounts for new customers, including 10% off initial delivery and rental for local moves, and 10% off initial delivery, rental, and transport for long-distance moves.
PODS Advantages
PODS containers are cost-effective, making them a popular choice for those moving and/or looking for storage solutions.
Each PODS container is equipped with tie-downs, steel locking latches, and a lock and key for security, ensuring your belongings are safe and secure.
PODS containers are designed to withstand up to 110 mph winds, giving you peace of mind during the moving process.
You can take your time packing and loading your belongings, without worrying about overage fees or tight deadlines.
PODS offers flexible storage at your home or a facility, making it easy to store your belongings for as long as you need.
Here are some key benefits of renting a PODS container:
- Cost-effective
- Secure
- Adheres to your timetable/schedule without overage fees
- Easy loading and unloading
- No need to rent, drive or load a large truck to transport everything
PODS containers come in multiple sizes, allowing you to customize your move to fit your needs.
You can pack and load on your own schedule, schedule a flexible pickup time, and keep the container as long as you need with PODS.
PODS Tips and Precautions
When packing a PODS container, it's essential to distribute weight more evenly to prevent shifting during transit.
Heavy items and large furniture should be spread out rather than grouped when possible. This will help prevent damage and make the move smoother.
Packing important items towards the front of the container is a great idea, so you can access them quickly once you arrive at your new location.
Tips for Packing
Packing a PODS container is no different than packing a moving truck, except that it's easier because it's ground level, and it's more important to distribute weight more evenly.
Heavy items and large furniture should be spread out rather than grouped when possible. This will prevent damage to your belongings and make the move smoother.
Pack important items or things you'll need to use sooner rather than later toward the front of the container, for quicker and easier access once you've arrived at your new location. This way, you can grab what you need without having to dig through the entire container.
Keep important documents such as birth certificates, passports, vehicle titles, and medical records with you instead of packing them in the PODS container, in case of unexpected loss or damage.
Do Not Recommend

I've had a friend who used PODS and Pack & Load for a move, and it was a disaster. They miscalculated the load size, leaving behind many treasured items.
PODS has Pack & Load on their recommended list, but don't be fooled. They grossly miscalculated the size of PODs needed, forcing my friend to leave behind many items.
Theft is also a concern. A Pack & Load employee stole a locked metal box and a ring during packing. Fortunately, the company recovered the ring.
Damage to items is another issue. Pack & Load packed a TV in a TV box, jamming it into the POD so tightly that it got damaged when unloaded.
Insurance with PODS is virtually worthless. Reimbursement for damaged items is based on weight at 60 cents per pound, which is a big mistake. My friend's damaged TV was only worth $25 in reimbursement, despite being worth $515.
PODS and Pack & Load ignored my friend's complaint letter, leaving her with a bad experience.
Moved with Ease

PODS has made it easy for you to move. I moved from Ohio to Alabama and had to store my household items for about a year while building a house. I thought they were accommodating to my situation and made my life a lot easier.
PODS was so helpful with our move! Each employee from the customer service to our drivers from Sarasota Florida to Sneads Ferry North Carolina were amazing! We will be recommending PODS to all our friends and family.
PODS can accommodate your unique moving situation. Whether you need to store your household items for a short or long period of time, they have got you covered.
PODS Customer Experience
PODS has a proven track record of helping over 400,000 people with their moves each year.
Founded in 2015, PODS has analyzed over 3,500 moving companies to ensure they provide the best service.
PODS also offers up-to-date pricing information and industry data to help customers make informed decisions.
Their fact-checked information ensures that customers receive accurate and reliable moving recommendations.
PODS has made it easy for customers to move, as one customer from Ohio to Alabama can attest, storing their household items for a year while building a house.
PODS employees, from customer service to drivers, have been praised for their exceptional service, with customers feeling like their lives were made easier.
A customer from Sarasota, Florida to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, was amazed by the professionalism and helpfulness of every PODS employee they interacted with.
From start to finish, PODS' service was perfect, taking a huge amount of pressure off the move and leaving customers feeling stress-free.
Here are some of the key benefits of choosing PODS for your move:
- Over 400,000 people trust PODS' moving recommendations each year.
- PODS has analyzed over 3,500 moving companies to ensure the best service.
- PODS offers up-to-date pricing information and industry data.
- PODS has delivered over $50,000 in moving grants to customers.
PODS vs. Competitors
PODS offers flexible storage at your home or a facility, which is a major advantage over traditional moving companies.
Storage with traditional movers is often limited and gets expensive after a few months, making PODS a more cost-effective option.
PODS also excels in delivery, with pickups and deliveries tend to be quicker and more accurate than traditional movers.
Traditional movers often have less accurate delivery windows, which can be frustrating for customers.
One of the key differences between PODS and traditional movers is load time. With PODS, you can take your time loading and unloading over several days, whereas traditional movers require you to be fully prepared when they arrive.
Here are some key differences between PODS and traditional movers in a nutshell:
With PODS, you're in charge of packing and loading, which can be a challenge, especially if you're moving a large home.
PODS Flexibility and Affordability
PODS offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to your move. You can pack and load on your own schedule, and even schedule a flexible pickup time that fits your needs.
You can keep the container as long as you need, which is especially helpful if you're moving into a new place and need some extra time to get settled. And, by handling parts of your move yourself, you can control the price and save some money.
One of the biggest advantages of using PODS is that you can take your time loading and unloading the container over several days. This is a big plus if you're moving a lot of heavy or bulky items.
PODS also offers flexible storage options, allowing you to keep the container at your home or a facility, depending on your needs. This is a big advantage over traditional moving companies, which often have limited storage options and can get expensive after a few months.
Here are some key differences between PODS and traditional moving companies:
Overall, PODS offers a lot of flexibility and affordability when it comes to your move. By handling parts of your move yourself, you can save money and have more control over the process.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PODS_(company)
- https://www.moving.com/tips/what-you-should-know-before-renting-a-moving-container-from-pods/
- https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/pods-vs-moving-companies/
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/pods.com
- https://www.tipranks.com/news/company-announcements/nexe-innovations-achieves-1-million-pods-milestone-amidst-expansion-plans
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