How Much Does PODS Cost?

Quick answer: PODS will cost anywhere from $225 to $850 for a local move and $450 to $7,760 for a long-distance move. Your exact PODS cost will depend on the size of your move and the number of times the moving container needs to be moved. Base moving costs include 1-month storage, mileage, and fuel, but do not include moving labor or packing materials.

For a more customized estimate, use our PODS moving cost calculator below:

How much does PODS moving cost?

PODS pricing is primarily based on the container size and distance of your move. 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.

Bonus tip: Book your move with PODS through moveBuddha and get a 10% discount!

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.

PODS pricing vs. other moving container companies

PODS isn’t the only option in the moving and portable storage container space. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how PODS’ costs compare to four of its biggest competitors — U-Haul U-Box, ABF’s U-Pack, Zippy Shell, and 1-800-PACK-RAT — for different types of moves.

We want to caution you that these moving container costs are just average prices, and may not reflect the quotes you actually receive from any of these moving and storage container companies.

Every move is different, so you should get personalized quotes from every company you’re considering so you have a better idea of storage container cost for your specific needs.

But remember, when it comes to moving and storage container prices, cheapest isn’t necessarily best. See how the best moving container companies compare in other ways, like their customer reviews, availability, flexibility, and more.

Cost for a Local Move

A few things to keep in mind for this chart:

• U-Pack doesn’t offer local moves.
• The 12-foot PODS container is only available for local moves.

Cost for a Long-Distance Move

• A long-distance move (within 250 miles) with PODS can cost anywhere between $459 to $2,180 depending on the size of the move.
• Moving a long distance with U-Haul U-Box costs from $481-$3,210.
• U-Pack will charge $963 to 2,033 for long-distance moves.
• Zippy Shell will cost you from $535-$3,317 for long-distance moves.
• 1-800-PACK-RAT costs $497-$3,638 for long-distance moves.

Cost for a Cross-Country Move

• A cross-country move with PODS can cost anywhere between $2,349 to $6,989 depending on the size of the move.
• A cross-country move with U-Haul U-Box costs from $1,283-$4,280.
• U-Pack will charge $1,605 to 7,062 for a cross-country move.
• Zippy Shell will cost you from $1,926-$7,490 for a cross-country move.
• 1-800-PACK-RAT costs $1,284-$7,383 for a cross-country move.

As you can see, while PODS isn’t always the cheapest option for a local or long-distance move, it is definitely competitive on pricing in most categories. In fact, we picked PODS as one of the top companies for cheapest moving pods and container companies.

If you’d like to see what other moving container options are available besides the ones from these charts, here are a few other companies to look at:

• Smartbox
• MovingPlace
• COWs Mobile Storage

Let’s take a deeper look at PODS pricing and how it compares to other moving container companies.

Is PODS cheaper than professional moving companies?

When it comes to your move, you don’t have to limit yourself to moving containers. You can often find great deals from other options, including professional movers. Sometimes PODS’ cost actually ends up being more expensive than professional moving companies depending on the shipping lane, time of the move, and other factors like whether you’re moving a long distance or locally. It’s always a good idea to check both storage unit prices and professional mover quotes.

The benefit of working with professional movers is that they do all of the heavy lifting for you. If the quote for your PODS moving containers is similar to the quote from professional movers, it might make sense to go with the pros. You won’t have to worry about doing any of the labor yourself. Instead, professional movers will come load, pack, move, and unload everything for you. That way, you can focus on getting yourself from A to B without extra hassle — all at a similar price point.

Factors that determine PODS pricing

While the tables in this article can give you a general idea of what to expect for moving container costs, remember that there’s no set price for a moving and storage container rental from PODS or any other company. Moving container companies look at a number of factors when they’re preparing a quote for your move.

Your Starting and Ending Locations

The ZIP codes that you’re moving from and to can affect the bottom line price for your move — and not just because of distance! While moving a long distance will typically cost more, differences in availability at different locations can also directly impact your pricing. How far the company needs to travel to deliver or pick up your PODS moving containers, as well as local conditions, also come into play.

For example, moving in rural areas can be cheaper than in cities, because transporting moving containers is easier in places without traffic and tight parking. But if your location is very far from a company’s location, your costs could go up instead.

The Timing of Your Move

Spring and summer are peak moving times, which means it’s often more expensive to reserve a moving container during these months. And since more people want to move on the weekends, prices may go up to reflect more limited availability on Saturdays and Sundays.

How Far You’re Moving

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but the distance of your move will affect your cost. Moving a long distance will always be pricier than a local move. The farther you go, the more it will cost, especially with moving container companies, where the costs associated with transporting the moving containers (like fuel and vehicle maintenance) are built into your quote.

How Much Stuff You Have

If you have more stuff, you’ll need more or bigger moving containers, which will cost more than if you use smaller or fewer containers.

Whether You Purchase Add-Ons

Many moving container companies offer add-on services, such as packing help, moving supplies, and supplemental insurance for your containers or your belongings. Purchasing any of these extras will add to your total cost.

Additional Costs and Considerations

To budget for your move, it’s helpful to have as much information as possible. After all, nobody likes to be surprised with hidden fees and surcharges. Here are some additional costs and considerations to keep in mind.

Add-On Services

Many moving container companies including PODS offer add-on services to make the move easier — but it’ll cost you. These add-ons include packing materials that are delivered straight to your door. If it’s in your budget, take advantage of PODS size-specific packing supply offerings that will help you get packed up in a jiffy.

You can also get add-ons like hired labor for the packing and unpacking parts of your move. While PODS won’t do this work for you, they can recommend local professionals you can work with. Be sure to get quotes from a few different options to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Need to bring your car on your move? That’ll cost you. While most moving container companies won’t move your car, they can recommend auto transport options in your area. Be sure to check out our guide to car shipping services for more details on pricing and options.

Delivery and Pick-Up Fees

Delivery and pick-up fees aren’t standardized costs — they vary depending on your location and the timing of your move. To save money, try and move during the slower season (outside of the summer months). Avoid moving on a weekend or during holidays. Take advantage of PODS storage options if you don’t need your items right away and you’re moving during busier time. The more flexible you are with your move dates, the more likely you are to save money.

Storage Facility Fees

Want to store your items for a bit before moving them into your new place? You can store your PODS container on your property or at a PODS storage facility — for a fee. The cost of a storage unit ranges from $20 to $260 or more per month. You’ll pay for storage on a monthly basis. While it increases costs, it’s a great option for people that need a little more time during the move and for those that want added security or are concerned about weather during storage.

Offers and Discounts

While add-ons and fees can increase your cost, offers and discount codes can help bring prices down.

For local and long-distance moving, PODS gives new customers the following now through Aug. 12 when you book through our moving cost calculator:

• 25% off initial delivery
• 25% off first month’s rental
• 25% off redelivery and final pickup

Now through Aug. 12, long-distance customers will also get an additional 10% off transport on top of the 25% off deals.

These markdowns potentially save a lot of your relocation budget, but be sure to check the company website to find any additional deals as they often run seasonal discounts. You can also consult our post on moving container discounts to get the low-down on cost savings.

How much is PODS storage?

PODS containers can be used for local moving and storage needs, allowing you to avoid the need to load and unload everything into a self-storage unit if you’re staging your home or have a gap before you’ll be able to move into your new place. PODS storage can be more convenient than other storage options like a local storage facility, as you can keep your rental on a monthly basis.

After your PODS container is loaded, it’s transported to your desired destination. You can choose if you want your moving container stored on your property or at the PODS facility. If your storage container is kept at a PODS storage center, it’ll be held there until you are ready to have it delivered to your new home. Or, you can have your pod brought directly to your new property if you don’t need temporary storage.

PODS Sizes

PODS offers moving containers in three different sizes, each with slightly different pricing. The 8-foot moving container offers 293 cubic feet of storage, enough for a studio apartment. The 12-foot moving container is available for local moves only. With 604 cubic feet available, it offers roughly enough storage space for a 1-bedroom apartment or home. The most expensive and largest option is the 16-foot container, which offers 814 cubic feet of storage, enough for a typical 2-3 bedroom home.

Charges for local storage include delivery fees, a pickup fee, transit costs, and monthly storage rates. The PODS cost per month ranges from $180 to $300 depending on the size of the moving container you’re storing. You can store your PODS container at a company facility or your home.

Most of the rates are the same across moving container sizes, though monthly rental fees typically differ based on size.

Local PODS Quote

For local moves, you can get a free and instant PODS quote online. And if you have a larger move, the website can also give you instant cost estimates for renting multiple moving containers.

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

• The initial PODS container delivery and the final pick up should cost you about $89.99 each.
• If you need to move your PODS container to a different location, that will cost about $94.99.
• The first month of your PODS rental should cost you from $159.99-$209.99 depending on the size of your container.
• The following months of renting your PODS container will cost about $189.99 per month.
• Insurance costs can vary widely depending on the declared value and level of coverage you choose but you can expect to pay from $15-$425
• You need to buy your own padlock for your PODS container (these cost about $35).

A few notes: Insurance costs can vary widely depending on the declared value of your PODS container contents and the level of coverage you choose. Padlocks are an optional expense that you can add-on to your moving PODS rental. Blankets are also available. Of course, you can also provide your own to save money!

How much is PODS for a long-distance move?

PODS pricing can vary widely for long-distance or interstate moves — after all, there’s a big difference between moving to the next state and moving across the country! Because of this, fuel and vehicle maintenance costs (which are built into your quote) are closely tied to the total distance of your move.

Unfortunately, you’ll need to make a phone call to get an exact quote, since PODS’ website doesn’t provide instant online quotes for long-distance moves.

Again, you’ll need to call PODS directly to get a quote for your interstate move.

Since interstate moving costs can vary drastically from company to company we highly recommend that you get a free quote from other best moving container companies, as well. That being said, here are some general cost ranges we’ve found from our own research:

• The average cost for a move within 250 miles goes from $459 to $2,180 depending on the size of the move.
• The average cost for a cross country move goes from $2,349 to $6,989 depending on the size of the move.

How To Lower the Cost of Your Move

With all those factors in mind, there are some ways you can try to save money on your move. Don’t accept a quote without trying these tips, especially if you’re trying to move for as little money as possible.

Try to Haggle with Your Moving Company

Not every moving company will allow you to negotiate on the price they offer you, but some do. And the worst a company can do is say no, right? There might be a special or a discount you can qualify for, but you won’t know unless you ask. PODS regularly offers deals and promotions that can lower the total cost of your move.

Compare Prices

PODS is far from your only option if you’re considering to relocate using moving containers. For example, one of the biggest moving companies in the world, U-Haul, offers its own moving containers that are well worth checking out. Comparing prices and services between multiple providers and PODS alternatives can help you find the best deal for your specific needs.

Move During Off-Peak Times

Spring and summer are the busiest and most expensive times to move, so avoid those if possible. Moving in the winter isn’t the most fun, but with lower demand, you’ll also get lower prices. Scheduling your move date for mid-week days can also help lower your cost.

Skip the Add-Ons

While it can be tempting to purchase add-ons for your move, you can save a ton of money by rolling up your sleeves and doing the heavy lifting yourself. Look for simple ways to save, like using your own padlock, moving boxes, or moving blankets rather than adding them to your moving container order. The one place where you shouldn’t skimp, though, is insurance. Make sure you have adequate coverage for both the containers you rent and your belongings, or you could end up paying way more after an accident.

Move Less of Your Stuff

Less stuff means a cheaper move, and there’s no time like moving to consider what you really need and downsize the rest. By embracing minimalism and getting rid of any furniture, clothes, and other belongings you don’t truly need in your new home, you can reduce the cost of your move by being able to rent fewer or smaller containers.

Make the Most of Your PODS Move

With their weather-resistant steel frame and a convenient mix of DIY and full-service moves, using a PODS container can be a great way to take care of your next move at your own pace. But like any other moving option, calculating your cost is an important part of figuring out if this is the right option for you.

Remember, your total cost will depend on the size and number of containers you use, the distance of your move, seasonal demand, and whether you purchase any add-ons. It’s worth getting quotes from a few different companies to find the right service at a good price.

Our moving cost calculator can help you plan for your costs, as well as other potential expenses so you can be ready for your move!

Our video on the cost of PODS (and if it’s worth it)

PODS cost FAQs

What does PODS stand for?

PODS stands for Portable On Demand Storage. You can learn more about their company in our full PODS Review.

Is it cheaper to use PODS or moving companies?

It is usually cheaper to use PODS than to hire professional moving companies. It’s typically more expensive than a moving truck rental but with PODS, you won’t have to worry about driving. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll be doing the heavy lifting, so if you want to skip this step, movers may be worth the money.

Is PODS cheaper than a storage unit?

Pods are usually more expensive than a traditional storage unit. It will ultimately depends on how long you plan to store your belongings and the size of the unit you select.

Is Zippy Shell or PODS cheaper?

Generally speaking, Zippy Shell is cheaper than PODS, but there are several factors that influence the cost. Read our Zippy Shell vs PODS post for more details.