PODS Cost: Storage and moving cost breakdown

When the time comes to move to a new home, PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) — one of the best moving container companies around — can be a cost-effective solution. On average, PODS cost between $225 and $850 for local moves, and anywhere from $450 to $7,600 for long-distance moves.

With this convenient DIY moving option, you load your household goods into a storage container, after which PODS’ professional drivers will transport it to your new home, where you’ll unload everything. Obviously, by doing most of the heavy lifting yourself, you can save quite a bit of money in comparison to using a full-service moving company.

But just how much does PODS cost for your move?

In this article, we’ll break down the factors that influence your PODS moving expenses, as well as how this popular moving container company compares to others in its niche.

Table of contents

• How much does PODS moving cost?
• How are PODS moving costs calculated?
• PODS moving costs vs. other container companies
• Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving company?
• Tips for cutting PODS moving costs
• FAQ

How much does PODS moving cost?

PODS pricing is primarily based on the container size and distance of your move. With that being said, the average cost of using PODS for a move ranges from $225 to $850 for local moves, and anywhere from $450 to $7,600 for long-distance moves.

A free quote from PODS includes one month of storage, pickup and delivery fees, and transportation costs, but not moving labor or packing materials. Most of the time, you will provide the labor and packing materials yourself, though you can pay extra to obtain these through PODS.

If you plan on using PODS for storage, you’ll pay a monthly rental fee starting at $149 per month. PODS storage costs also include delivery and pickup fees, which typically average around $75 in most locations.

PODS rentals include the first 30 days of onsite storage for free.

Container size pricing

PODS offers three container sizes, with lengths of eight, 12, and 16 feet. Unsurprisingly, containers cost different amounts based on the size of the container you rent for your move. The larger the container, the more expensive your move will be.

Here’s a look at PODS sizes:

• Eight-foot containers are comparable in size to a 10-foot moving truck, and are well-suited for the contents of a one-bedroom or studio apartment. They are a popular pick for college students, partial moves, and people trying to downsize.
• 12-foot containers are only available for local moves. Similar in size to a 15-foot moving truck, they are a good choice for one- to two-bedroom moves. However, because they are only available for city-to-city moves of 50 miles or less, households doing long-distance moves will likely need to upgrade to a 16-foot container.
• 16-foot containers are often used for homes with three- to four-bedrooms. They offer similar space to a 20-foot moving truck, though PODS also suggests imagining them as being equivalent to a “parking space in 3D.”

As an example, here is the pricing breakdown for a quote for a local move with storage costs that we got for the Atlanta area for different container sizes:

Moving distance cost

The distance of your move is the other major factor that will have the biggest influence on PODS costs. As you might guess, local moves are going to be much cheaper than long-distance moves when using the same size container, simply because of the lower transportation costs incurred by PODS during the move.

Remember, 12-foot containers are only available for local moves, while eight- and 16-foot containers are available for both local and long-distance moves. Reduced container options for long-distance moves can also affect your total costs when planning a cross-country relocation.

PODS storage cost

Every PODS rental includes 30 days of storage for free, with the option to use their containers for extended storage either at a PODS facility or onsite in your driveway.

PODS storage costs start at $149 per month, with drop off and pickup fees of $75 each. Monthly rental expenses can be as high as $359 per month based on your geographic location, current demand for storage containers, and the size of the container you want to use. Pricing can also vary based on whether you keep the storage container at a PODS storage center or in your driveway.

With onsite storage, the container will be left in your driveway for as long as you need, providing easy access. However, some cities and neighborhoods may not allow you to store the container on your property for an extended period.

PODS storage centers offer a secure solution for when you can’t keep your container on your property. You can access your items while they are in storage, but you’ll need to call your local facility to schedule a visit.

How are PODS moving costs calculated?

While the size of the container and the distance of your move are the biggest factors in calculating your PODS rental costs, other factors can also play a role in your moving expenses.

Factors that affect PODS moving costs

Here are some of the additional factors that will influence your moving quote with PODS:

• Move date: Spring and summer tend to be the busiest seasons for PODS, and pricing usually goes up to reflect the higher demand. Similarly, scheduling container pickup or delivery on the weekend will be more expensive than midweek moves due to demand.
• Starting and ending locations: Demand, availability, and local conditions can all vary significantly from one area to another. If your new location is far from a PODS facility or has heavy traffic and tight parking, transportation costs will likely go up.
• Number of containers: Renting more containers will increase your total costs, but booking these containers as part of the same order could allow you to get a discounted rate on each one.
• Moving time frame: PODS offers 30 days of storage for free as part of each rental. If you need to extend how long you rent your PODS container, your moving costs will go up.
• Add-on services: PODS offers a wide range of add-on services, including moving labor and packing materials. However, these tend to be much pricier than if you purchased them separately.
• Insurance: PODS also offers contents protection plans that cover potential damage to your goods during transportation. If your homeowner’s insurance covers a PODS rental, you can opt for their cheaper container-only coverage. Otherwise, you’ll need to get their contents protection option to cover your belongings.

PODS moving costs vs. other container companies

PODS isn’t the only company that offers container delivery services. While it ranks highly on our list of the best moving container companies, cost-conscious customers will naturally want to know how its prices compare to the competition.

Here’s how prices break down, based on averages from quotes that we’ve received.

PODS vs. U-Pack

U-Pack is one of PODS’ top competitors, and for good reason. With instant online quotes and reasonable prices for cross-country moves, U-Pack has become one of the most popular container moving options around. U-Pack is also available in every U.S. state, while PODS does not operate in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, or Wyoming.

In terms of pricing, U-Pack becomes more competitive with PODS for larger moves and those covering longer distances. For example, a long-distance move for a one-bedroom home ranges from $459–$845 with PODS, while U-Pack is more expensive at $963–$1,391.

However, for a move of two to three bedrooms, costs were more comparable, with PODS quotes ranging from $765–$1,880 and U-Pack’s quotes ranging from $1,177–$1,819.

For cross-country moves, U-Pack’s pricing was generally better. For a one-bedroom move, PODS costs range from $2,349–$3,968, while U-Pack’s run from $1,605–$2,675. Similarly, for a two- to three-bedroom move, PODS costs are $3,064–$4,744, while U-Pack is $2,568–$4,173.

However, U-Pack is not available for local moves. In addition, while PODS lets you load your container at your own pace, U-Pack only provides three days for loading and unloading.

PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT is another growing PODS competitor that is available in 31 states and offers similar container options. With pricing that is generally comparable to PODS, they are worth considering if they service your area.

But if you live in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi. Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, or Wyoming, you’ll have to pick PODS or another container company.

For a local one-bedroom move, PODS quotes range from $214–$428, while 1-800-PACK-RAT’s range from $160–$535. For a cross-country move of two to three bedrooms, PODS runs $3,064–$4,744, while 1-800-PACK-RAT costs between $2,568 and $4,922. In other words, either company’s prices could be higher or lower than the other’s for any given move.

One thing to be mindful of with 1-800-PACK-RAT, however, is that they add a fuel surcharge, which can greatly increase the cost of long-distance moves. With PODS, you get a flat rate upfront.

PODS vs. Zippy Shell

Zippy Shell’s unique portable storage containers are street-legal, making them ideally suited for city parking. Though only available in 34 states, they offer competitive pricing on local moves, making them a good option. You won’t find Zippy Shell in: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming.

Zippy Shell is most competitive in pricing for local moves. For example, their local rates for a one-bedroom move range from $203–$256, compared to PODS’ $214–$428. For a two- to three-bedroom move, Zippy Shell is $322–$674, while PODS quotes range from $321–$695.

For larger long-distance moves, PODS often had lower prices. For a four- to five-bedroom long-distance move, our quotes from PODS range from $950–$2,180, while Zippy Shell’s quotes range from $1,177–$3,317.

Zippy Shell can be a good option for city-to-city moves, but it only offers up to three business days for loading and unloading. In addition, the company charges a $299 cancellation fee — something you don’t have to worry about with PODS.

PODS vs. U-Haul U-Box

U-Haul U-Box offers some of the best availability among all moving container companies, as its services are available in all 50 states.

When it comes to pricing, the winner of PODS vs. U-Box can vary. For example, U-Box’s costs for a local one-bedroom move range from $160–$642, compared to PODS’ range of $214–$428 for a similar move. For a long-distance move of four to five bedrooms, U-Box pricing ranges from $856–$3,210, while PODS pricing runs from $950–$2,180.

While either company could offer better pricing, U-Box containers are only available in one size that is smaller than PODS’ eight-foot containers. In addition, while PODS has all-metal weather resistant containers, U-Box containers are made from wood, leaving contents more vulnerable to damage.

Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving company?

When it comes to using PODS vs. moving companies, PODS definitely wins out on pricing. Because you are responsible for packing and loading everything yourself, the only moving service you’re really paying for is transportation. With a professional moving company, the costs are naturally much higher because you’re paying people to load and unload the moving truck.

On the other hand, a moving truck rental can be even cheaper than PODS because it is used for a full DIY experience. When you rent a moving truck, you’re also responsible for transportation — the rental company is only providing the vehicle. While truck rentals are cheapest for local moves, the difference in pricing for cross-country moves may not be worth it, as you’ll also need to pay for fuel, food, and lodging along the way.

Here’s a closer look at average price ranges for these moving options for a two- to three-bedroom home:

Tips for cutting PODS moving costs

While moving PODS will certainly be cheaper than hiring full-service movers, there are still steps budget-conscious homeowners can take to reduce the costs of using a moving container.

Here are a few tips to consider:

• Downsize. Decluttering for a move and getting rid of items you no longer want or need will make relocating much easier… and cheaper. Depending on how much you can downsize, you may even be able to rent a smaller PODS container and lower your costs. In addition, having fewer items to unpack will make it easier to move into your new home.
• Ask about deals and promotions. PODS regularly offers a variety of moving container discounts and promotions that can lower the total cost of your move. Be sure to check their website or ask a service representative about available deals before booking.
• Compare prices. You should try to get a quote from at least two other moving container companies in your area so you can compare prices and availability. This will help you find the best deal for your specific move. You can get started using our moving cost calculator.
• Avoid peak times. Demand for moving containers tends to peak during the summer. This not only increases prices, but can make it harder to book a container in the first place. When possible, try to book your move for the off-season or during the middle of the week or month, when fewer people schedule moves.
• Skip the add-ons. PODS offers a wide range of additional services, including third-party packing and loading assistance and boxes and moving supplies. Obtaining cheap or free moving boxes and taking care of the physical labor yourself will generally be much cheaper.
• Be flexible. If you can be flexible with your container pickup and drop-off dates, you may be able to save a little extra. When booking, simply ask your service representative if changing the dates can help you get lower prices.

FAQ

Is PODS cheaper than a storage unit?

PODS is usually not cheaper than a storage unit. However, it ultimately depends on how long you plan to store your belongings and the size of the unit (or moving container) you select.

Self-storage company pricing can vary within your area, so be sure to check out your available storage options before making a final decision.

Is Zippy Shell or PODS cheaper?

Zippy Shell is cheaper than PODS for local moves, but more expensive for longer-distance moves. However, actual costs can vary from move to move.

Read our head-to-head comparison of Zippy Shell vs. PODS to see more cost and service breakdowns.

Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving company?

It is cheaper to use PODS instead of a moving company. Professional movers will typically cost much more than PODS due to the scope of the services they provide.

With a full-service moving company, the movers will load, transport, and unload your boxes and furniture. You can even use them for packing and unpacking. The cost of labor from the best moving companies can greatly increase your expenses in comparison to PODS and other moving container providers, where you pack, load, and unload everything yourself.

How much is the cheapest PODS container?

The cheapest PODS container is its eight-foot container option, which can run anywhere from $225 for local moves to $4,110 for cross-country relocations. However, actual costs will vary based on the distance of your move, your starting and ending location, and other factors.

How much do PODS cost on average?

PODS cost from $225–$850, on average, for local moves and $450–$7,600 for long-distance moves. Moving costs are primarily based on the size of the container you rent and the distance of your move.

Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving truck?

It is usually cheaper to use a moving truck rental than PODS. With PODS, you pay extra since professionals will be taking care of the driving. With a moving truck rental, you’re also responsible for driving the truck, which helps reduce your total costs.

That being said, fuel, lodging, and other expenses on a cross-country move can make a moving truck rental less cost-effective than it might initially seem to be.

What size PODS moving container do I need for a three-bedroom house?

You will need at least one 16-foot container for a three-bedroom house. According to the PODS website, the 16-foot container is best for two-bedroom homes, though they can often fit the contents of a three-bedroom home.

Depending on how much stuff you need to transport, renting a 16-foot container and an additional eight-foot container may be necessary.