How Much Do PODs Cost? Here’s a Breakdown (Plus Alternatives)
For a local move, PODS can cost anywhere from $200 to $800. For long-distance moves, PODS pricing can range from $400 to $7,500.
For a local move, PODS can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 depending on the size of your move and the number of times the containers need to be moved. For long-distance moves, PODS pricing can range from $400 to $7,500 depending on the distance and number of containers being shipped. Base costs include 1-month storage, mileage, and fuel, but do not include moving labor or packing materials.
Alright, now let’s dig in and take a deeper look at PODS cost structure and how they compare to other storage container companies.
How much does PODS cost for a local move?
Whether you’re staging your home, have a gap in leases, or just need some extra time to move, if your move requires storage you have 3 options:
- Rent a local storage unit: local storage facilities are everywhere and can offer very competitive monthly storage rates. The main drawback is you’ll need to move everything twice if you’re renting a storage unit. This option is most cost-effective if you require long term storage (greater than 12 months).
- Store with a moving company: most professional moving companies have warehouses and offer competitive monthly storage rates. The only drawback is access to your items while in storage can be limited. Monthly storage rates tend to be higher than local storage facilities so this option is best if you only need to store for a few months.
- Rent a portable storage container (PODS!): avoid having to move in and out of a storage facility by having a storage container delivered directly to your house. This is a great option if you need to store your items while moving.
Alright, now that we’ve established some portable storage container alternatives, let’s look at PODS’ local move pricing.
PODS offers 3 different container sizes, each with slightly different pricing. Charges include delivery fees, transit costs, and monthly storage rates. The most expensive option being their largest, 16-foot container.
Most of the rates are the same across container sizes. The only major difference is with the first Month Rental fee which varies depending on the size.
For local moves, you can easily get an instant free quote on PODS’ website. And if you have a larger move, the website can also give you instant cost estimates for renting multiple containers.
As an example, here is the pricing breakdown for a local move in Atlanta, GA.
| 7′ | 12′ | 16′ | |
| Container Delivery | $99.99 | $99.99 | $99.99 |
| 1st Month Rental Fee | $164.99 | $189.99 | $199.99 |
| Additional Months Rental Fee | $164.99/mth | $164.99/mth | $164.99/mth |
| Move Container To A New Location | $89.99 | $89.99 | $89.99 |
| Final Pickup | $99.99 | $99.99 | $99.99 |
| Insurance* | $10 – $450/mth | $10 – $450/mth | $10 – $450/mth |
| Padlock | $25 | $25 | $25 |
*Insurance costs can vary widely depending on the declared value and level of coverage you choose
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How much does PODS cost for a long distance move?
PODS pricing can vary widely for long distance or interstate moves.
Unfortunately, you also have to call in to get pricing since PODS’ website doesn’t provide instant quotes for long distance moves.
Since long distance moving costs can vary widely it’s hard to say how much PODS will cost but below is an example of their pricing for a move from Atlanta to Los Angeles.
Again, you’ll really need to call them to get an actual idea on the costs for your interstate move.
| 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 250 miles | $450 – $800 | $750 – $1,900 | $900 – $2,100 |
| Cross country | $2,000 – $4,000 | $3,000 – $4,900 | $5,500 – $7,600 |
PODS Pricing vs. The Competition
Here are what we found to be pretty average price ranges for PODS and four of its biggest competitors — U-Haul U-Box, U-Pack, Zippy Shell, and 1-800-PACK-RAT — for different types of moves.
We want to caution you that these are just averages, and may not reflect the price quotes you actually receive from any of these moving container companies.
Every move is different, so you should get personalized quotes from every company you’re considering so you know exactly how much they’ll charge you for your move.
And remember, when it comes to moving pods, the cheapest isn’t necessarily best. Check out our ranking of the best container companies in 2019 to see how they compare in other ways, like their customer service, availability, flexibility, and more.
Cost for a Local Move
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $200 – $400 | $150 – $600 | Not Available | $190 – $240 | $150 – $500 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $300 – $650 | $300 – $700 | Not Available | $300 – $630 | $200 – $630 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $300 – $800 | $300 – $800 | Not Available | $350 – $750 | $340 – $790 |
Cost for a Move < 250 Miles
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $450 – $800 | $450 – $1,000 | $900 – $1,300 | $500 – $920 | $465 – $910 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $750 – $1,900 | $700 – $2,000 | $1,100 – $1,700 | $730 – $1,600 | $660 – $1,900 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $900 – $2,100 | $800 – $3,000 | $1,200 – $1,900 | $1,100 – $3,100 | $1,000 – $3,400 |
Cost for a Cross-Country Move
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $2,000 – $4,000 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $1,800 – $3,900 | $1,200 – $3,800 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,000 – $4,900 | $2,500 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $3,900 | $2,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $4,600 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $5,500 – $7,600 | $4,000 – $7,000 | $3,500 – $6,600 | $5,200 – $7,000 | $5,100 – $6,900 |
As you can see, while not the cheapest option always, PODS is definitely competitive on pricing in most categories.
Factors that determine how much PODS charges
One important thing to note is that there’s no set price for a move from PODS or any other company. Container moving and storage companies look to a number of factors when they’re preparing a quote for your move. Here are just some of the factors that get taken into consideration before you’re given a price.
Your Starting and Ending Locations
The zip codes that you’re moving from and to can affect the bottom line price for your move, mainly because of the differences in availability at different locations. How far the company needs to travel to deliver or pick up your containers also comes into play here. And moving in rural areas is often cheaper than in cities, because transporting containers is easier in places without traffic and tight parking.
The Timing of Your Move
Spring and summer are peak moving times, which means it’s often more expensive to reserve a container during those 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 the price. Generally, the farther you go, the more it’ll cost, especially with container companies, where the costs associated with transporting the containers (like fuel and vehicle maintenance) are built into your quote. Expect higher PODS cost cross country than for a local move,
How Much Stuff You Have
If you have more stuff, you’ll need more or bigger containers, which tends to end up costing more than if you use smaller or fewer containers.
Whether You Purchase Add-Ons
Many container moving companies offer add-on services, from packing help to moving supplies to supplemental insurance for your containers or your belongings. Purchasing any of these extras will add to the bottom line cost for your move.
How To Lower the Cost of Your Move
With all those factors in mind, there are some ways you can try to bring the cost of your move down. 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? Take whatever quote they offer you and ask them if (and how) they can do better on the price. There might be a special or a discount you can qualify for, but you won’t know unless you ask.
Compare As Many Prices As Possible
PODS is far from your only option if you’re considering a container move. For example, one of the biggest moving companies in the world, U-Haul, offers its own U-Haul pods that are well worth checking out. There are tons of container companies to choose from, and comparing all their prices and services can help you get a great deal. Check out our comparison of PODS competitors, from the services they offer and their availability to their containers and prices.
Move During Off-Peak Times
Spring and summer are the busiest and most expensive times to move, so avoid those. Moving in the winter isn’t the most fun, but is moving ever fun? And while you’re at it, avoid moving on the weekends. Scheduling your move for mid-week days can help lower the cost significantly.
Skip the Add-Ons
While it can be tempting to purchase add-ons for your move, like loading and unloading help, you can save a ton of money by rolling up your sleeves and doing the heavy lifting (literally) yourself, if you’re able. Look for other ways to save, like by purchasing used moving supplies rather than adding them on to your 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 in case of an accident or other disasters.
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 definitely reduce the cost of your move.
Is PODS the Best Choice for Your Move?
For a more in-depth review on PODS click here
Only you can decide which moving company best fits your budget and your needs. Whether that’s PODS, another container company, a DIY truck rental company, or a full-service mover, a decision this big requires careful consideration.
That’s why you should start by comparing instant quotes from multiple trustworthy moving companies all in one place. When choosing a moving company, you can never have too much knowledge or too much information.