I Spent $4,540 Moving from California to Virginia with PODS
As told to moveBuddha
- Bethany L. moved from Oakland, California, to Arlington, Virginia, in May 2022 for work and to be closer to her family, a 2,800-mile move covering 3 to 4 rooms of furniture and boxes.
- After comparing three quotes, she hired PODS, and her California to Virginia move cost $4,540, matching her original quote exactly.
- This is Bethany’s story, shared as part of moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project.
This account is based on a conversation with Bethany L., about her move from Oakland, California, to Arlington, Virginia, in May 2022 using PODS. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
It was my first time moving on my own, and since I was covering all the costs myself, finding something affordable without sacrificing quality was a challenge. I had about 2,200 pounds of stuff, 3 to 4 rooms worth of boxes and furniture. Full-service movers were out of my price range, and driving a rental truck 2,800 miles across the country wasn’t an option.
I found PODS through moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator, which let me compare quotes and services from multiple companies side by side. That made narrowing things down a lot faster.
My PODS experience at a glance
- Communication: PODS kept me informed at every stage of the move, and I always knew what to expect next.
- Pricing accuracy and transparency: My final cost came to $4,540, identical to my original quote, with no surprises.
- Container parking issues: None. PODS handled container placement without any complications on either end.
- Timeliness: My container arrived in Virginia on schedule, about two weeks after leaving California.
- Overall value: I felt like I got my money’s worth, especially given the distance involved.
- Would I use PODS again? Yes. I couldn’t be happier with how the move turned out.
rating
4.8 / 5
My move at a glance
| Moving from | Oakland, California |
|---|---|
| Moving to | Arlington, Virginia |
| Distance | about 2,800 miles |
| Moving company | PODS |
| Moving quote (8-foot container) | $4,209 for the container + $331 for movers in Virginia = $4,540 |
| Actual cost | $4,540 |
Why I chose PODS
I found out about my relocation about a month before moving day. Once I started researching, it only took me two days to land on PODS. I compared three quotes in total, and PODS came in lowest at $4,209 for the container. I booked movers in Virginia for $331 through HireAHelper. Since movers in California were more than twice as expensive, I asked friends to help with loading instead.
One thing that surprised me during the screening process: moving container companies only offer labor through third-party providers, which means booking movers separately. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing going in.
@movebuddha A real moving experience with PODS! Bethany moved almost 3,000 miles with PODS. See how much she paid and exactly how her move went #pods #movingpods #moving #movers ♬ original sound – moveBuddha
PODS had a strong reputation, a straightforward quote process, and the best price I found. After filling out the quote form on PODS’ website, I spoke with a customer service rep who walked me through the details. Booking was fast, and the HireAHelper process was just as easy.
rating
4.8 / 5
Getting ready for move day
After I booked, PODS was accommodating when I needed to change my pick-up date. PODS did ask for specific details about where the container would be placed in Virginia, but I couldn’t give them that information that far out.
PODS also sent a helpful email laying out what to expect on move day and while my things were in transit. In the weeks before the move, I made a packing list, started getting boxes together, and coordinated the logistics with both my current and future landlords. I didn’t purchase additional insurance since I wasn’t moving any specialty items.
Pickup day
The week before the move, I got multiple emails confirming when my 8-foot container would be delivered. On move day, the driver called when he was en route and arrived at 8:15 AM. My helpers and I spent about seven hours wrapping everything in plastic wrap and moving blankets, and then loading the container.
They charged the payments automatically via credit on my move day, the day after, and the day the container was delivered in Arlington.
Delivery day
After my container left California, I received multiple emails with updates on when to expect it in Virginia. The evening before delivery, I got a final confirmation, and the driver arrived at 10:30 AM the next morning. From Oakland to Arlington, the total transit time was 19 days (14 business days).
Everything arrived safely and on time. The Virginia movers worked quickly and efficiently. After PODS collected the empty container, I received a post-move survey by email.
Final thoughts
My move with PODS exceeded my expectations. The service was functional and responsive, and their communication throughout was solid. I’d use PODS again and recommend them to friends and family without hesitation.
The one thing I wasn’t thrilled about was the delivery window. On long-distance moves, PODS gives you a range of days rather than a specific date, and not knowing exactly when my things would arrive made it hard to coordinate with the Virginia movers. I also noticed that moving container prices had gone up noticeably since I’d first started researching in the winter.
Tips for future movers
These are the practical steps we recommend based on Bethany’s experience:
- Book early if you’re moving in summer: If your move falls during the peak summer season between May and September, lock in your container and movers as early as possible. Prices rise and availability becomes limited fast.
- Size up if you’re unsure about space: Bethany initially worried her 8-foot container might be too small. Everything fit, but if you have any doubt about how much room you’ll need, book the next container size up rather than risk running out of space.
- Do a cost-value check before you commit: Bethany had second thoughts after booking, wondering whether the move would cost more than her belongings were worth. Before you sign, compare the total moving cost against the cost of replacing what you’re moving. If moving costs more than the value of your items, buying new furnishings after you arrive may make more financial sense.
Additional resources for families on the move
- PODS Review: Costs & Service Options
- Best Interstate Moving Companies
- Best Rental Truck Companies
- Solutions for Small Moves
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