PODS Review: Costs, Services, and Customer Reviews
Here’s the bottom line: PODS is one of the most affordable and flexible moving and storage solutions. As one of the best moving container companies available, it’s ideal if you need a mix of moving and storage, don’t have defined moving dates, or need an affordable DIY option for a long-distance move.
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
93% of users select this mover
With local moves under $1,000 and even long-distance moves often available for $7,000 or less, PODS is a great option if you’re able to do some of the work yourself.
In this PODS review, you’ll see why customers like the company — including their convenient services, accurate quotes, and on-time delivery.
What are PODS?
If you’re used to working with typical moving companies, you might be wondering just what PODS are in the first place. PODS stands for “Portable On Demand Storage.” As the name implies, PODS provides portable storage solutions in the form of steel box crates. The crates are available in eight-, 12-, and 16-foot lengths, and can be used for everything from short- and long-term storage to local and cross-country moves.
When you rent a PODS container, the company will deliver the container to your property, after which you have 30 days to load it yourself, schedule your move, and unload your items at your new home. This flexibility with loading and unloading allows you to move on your schedule.
Once your container is ready for pickup, PODS will transport it to your new home. This serves as a good balance between DIY and full-service moves, since you don’t have to worry about the driving.
This setup makes PODS a great option when you need to move on a budget, but don’t feel comfortable driving a moving truck yourself.
Pros and cons of moving with PODS
- Three storage container sizes (more than many other container companies)
- Moving and storage combination options available
- Offers options to make changes mid-move
- Has a money-back cancellation policy
- Up to 30 days of free storage included with all moves
- Must book long-distance moves by phone
- Not available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming
- No tracking options available while the container is in transit
Key takeaways
- PODS (USDOT#1397252) is a container moving company that operates in 46 U.S. states. It’s an affordable option, but be prepared to pack, load, and unload the container yourself.
- PODs makes it easy to combine moving and storage into one solution with a variety of onsite storage facilities across the U.S.
- PODS offers a three container sizes for local moves, but you can only book the eight- or 16-foot container for long-distance moves.
- PODS makes it easy to adjust your pickup and drop-off times, but you might need to call a customer service representative to book a cross-country move.
Jump to the PODS info you’re looking for:
- Featured PODS reviews: What PODS customers have to say
- Advantages of renting PODS
- PODS storage services
- PODS storage sizes
- How PODS stacks up against the competition
- How moving with PODS works
- Where is PODS available?
- Should you use PODS to move?
- Tips for packing PODS
- FAQ
Featured PODS reviews: What customers have to say
“I got quotes from PODS, American Van Lines, and Safeway Van Lines, but chose PODS because they offered the best price and the best ease of access, with 2-3 days on either side to move things into the vehicle. I would use PODS again because the actual cost of the move was almost exactly (just a little under) what they quoted; the delivery drivers were very communicative, friendly, and skilled; and the services were always on time and our items barely shifted at all. The container has more space than you’d expect. PODS provided no guidance on applying for permits so be sure to research and secure any necessary permits well in advance as the application processes can take multiple days.” – Alex H.
“I chose to move with North American Van Lines and PODS (which I used to move my belongings from a woodshop). I feel like I got my money’s worth because my stuff arrived when they said it would & overall was in great shape.
I wish there was a little more communication on arrival before the 8pm the night before the truck arrived. I thought this would be significantly more stressful to move over 2000 miles and the movers made it stress free with my belongings.” – Michele R.
“I got quotes from 5 different container companies and chose PODS because they offered the most convenience and a middle of the road price tag, plus more positive than negative online reviews.
I had two good experiences and one awful experience with their customer service to book, but overall it was good enough that it didn’t change my mind. I would use PODS again because they got the job done anddelivered when and how I wanted.” – Kyle S
“This was my first time funding my own move and cost is the most important. I wanted a mover that did both packing and loading, and was not the most expensive option. POD was the least expensive moving option. Book the POD and movers and early as possible, especially when moving in the spring or summer since availability is limited. There are a lot of logisitics to manage when coordinating the moving date and time with your apartment buildng, movers, and POD. PODs was incredibly accomodating, responsive, and punctual. I would recommend them to any of my friends who are in the process of moving. HireAHelper was also an affordable way to find local movers.” – Bethany D.
Advantages of renting PODS
So, what makes PODS a great option for your move? In comparison to full-service moving companies, PODS is much more cost-effective, making both local and long-distance moves more affordable. While it is more expensive than a completely DIY move, you don’t have to worry about renting and driving a large moving truck.
PODS also has several distinct advantages over other moving container companies. With its steel framing and weather-resistant paneling, PODS containers offer better protection against transportation hazards than some other providers. Since you rent your container by the month, the extended time to load and unload your container also offers more flexibility for when — and how quickly — you have to move.
Available in 46 states and Washington, D.C., PODS has a wider coverage area than many other container companies, making them more likely to be available for your move. The company also has strong customer reviews overall, so you can move with confidence.
PODS storage services
Whether you’re planning a move or simply looking for a convenient way to handle your storage needs, PODS’ portable storage services have a lot to offer.
Local and long-distance moves
PODS eight- and 16-foot containers can be used for local moves and long-distance moves, while its 12-foot containers can only be used for local moves. These steel-framed, weather-resistant containers are conveniently dropped off at your home so you can load them on your own timetable.
PODS offers flat-rate pricing for its container rentals, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees or last-minute charges. PODS costs are primarily based on the container size and the distance of your move, with local moves ranging from $225 to $850 and long-distance moves costing $450 to $7,600. moveBuddha customers report an average quote of around $4,000.
Storage solutions
PODS rentals include 30 days of storage for free, which most people use for loading and unloading their container. However, the company also allows you to use your containers for ongoing storage needs.
If you have enough space on your property and local regulations allow it, you can keep a PODS container on your property for at-home storage. This is most common when you need to temporarily store items while remodeling part of your home.
Alternatively, you can store your container at a PODS facility until you are ready to unload its contents at your new home. You can access your belongings while they are in storage, though most facilities require you to call ahead of time.
PODS storage costs start at $149 per month, with a $75 delivery and pickup fee.
Car shipping
In addition to its moving container services, PODS also helps facilitate car shipping through its preferred providers, Acertus and Mr. Car Shipper. By booking through a PODS partner, you may have an easier time coordinating your vehicle shipment with your container shipment.
Car shipping costs vary based on the provider you choose, the type of vehicle you need to ship, and the distance of your move.
International moves
In addition to its moves within the United States, PODS can help with international moves to or from Canada. The company also offers its services within the United Kingdom and Australia. However, it does not do international moves for these locations.
PODS storage sizes
PODS offers three container sizes: eight, 12, and 16 feet. By understanding how these sizes compare to other moving options, you can select the best fit for your move.
Eight-foot containers
PODS’ eight-foot containers offer a similar amount of space to a 10-foot moving truck or a 5’x10’ storage unit.
The company recommends these containers be used for smaller moves, like a one-bedroom or studio apartment. They are a popular option for college students, as well as for temporarily storing items while remodeling part of your home.
Eight-foot containers are available for both local and long-distance moves and may be rented in addition to a 16-foot container for larger moves if you need more space.
12-foot containers
These containers are similar to a 15-foot moving truck or 10’x10’ storage unit, making them a good option for smaller homes or apartment moves. They are also commonly used for office moves.
Be aware, however, that PODS 12-foot containers are only available for local moves. While great for in-town moving needs, if you’re planning a long-distance move (or even moving outside of your current city), you’ll need to pick a different size.
16-foot containers
PODS’ largest container size is recommended for two- to three-bedroom homes, and offers similar storage space to a 20-foot moving truck or 10’x15’ storage container. PODS actually tells customers to think of the container as a 3-D parking space when trying to visualize how much storage a 16-foot container offers.
Available for both local and long-distance moves, the 16-foot container size is a great option for smaller homes. You can also pair a 16-foot container with an additional container if moving the contents of an even larger home.
Keep in mind, however, that if you’ll be loading that much stuff, you’ll probably need some help. You can pay extra through PODS for third-party labor or use a company like HireAHelper.
PODS pricing: How much it costs to move
We love how easy PODS makes it to get an instant online quote. Just visit the site, plug in your details, and you’ll get one of the most accurate quotes in the moving biz. If you’re more of a phone person, you can also give them a call. Here’s what to expect for average PODS costs.
| Distance | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (>50 miles) | $225 – $435 | $345 – $650 | $330 – $830 |
| Long distance (up to 250 miles) | $760 – $1,970 | $930 – $2,150 | |
| Cross Country | $2,110 – $4,110 | $3,060 – $4,960 | $5,550 – $7,660 |
PODS pricing varies a lot, but you only pay one flat fee for the cost of the shipping container based on its size. You pay for it regardless of whether you fill it to the brim or not.
Your total PODS cost will come down to:
- Container size
- How many containers you use
- The distance between your old and new residences. Local moves are generally low-cost with PODS (rarely more than $1,000). For long-distance moves, your final cost will vary depending on how far you plan to move
- Whether you need additional storage after 30 days
- If you need additional services, like packing materials and moving equipment
- If you purchase additional content protection plan coverage
The great thing about the pay-by-container policy is you don’t have to pay extra for heavy items. This worked out well for moveBuddha reader Michele. She booked PODS because it was one of the lowest-price options at $4,000 for moving her husband’s wood shop filled with specialty equipment (which was heavy!).
While she did have to pack and unpack the POD herself, she reported that it showed up on time and the final cost was slightly less than originally quoted.
Of course, you could pay more if you need a second container, so measure wisely! PODS also includes one month of storage for free on all moves. But if you need storage beyond that, you’ll pay a fee each day they store your items.
PODS is an affordable and hassle-free alternative to hiring a full-service moving company. In fact, many moveBuddha Better Moves participants choose PODS as an alternative to expensive full-service movers.
Kyle loved how accurate his PODS quote ($3,252) was, especially considering his long-distance move. ZippyShell was actually a little cheaper than PODS, but he’s glad he went with PODS because all his belongings showed up on time and in pristine condition.
Alex went with PODS for his move from Minnesota to Washington, largely because their quote was the best ($2,836) and was also dead-on. He didn’t pay a dime over his original estimate, and it didn’t hurt that PODS also happened to be the cheapest option for his long-distance move.
moveBuddha readers overwhelmingly say PODS has some of the most accurate pricing in the industry. The average PODS quote for moveBuddha readers is around $4,000, although the exact pricing depends on the details of your move.
How PODS stacks up against the competition
PODS is hard to beat when it comes to their low pricing, national coverage, and reliable service, but how do they stack up against other container companies? Here’s a look at how PODS stacks up against some of our other best moving container companies.
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PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT shares a lot of similarities with PODS. Both companies allow last-minute cancellations, onsite storage, and local and long-distance moves.
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
However, 1-800-PACK-RAT is only available in 31 states, while PODS is available in 46. You can find PACK-RAT in more than 60 locations throughout the U.S.: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.
You also can’t get online quotes with 1-800-PACK-RAT, which is a big turnoff for some people. The upside is that you can haggle with them over the phone, so it could be worth your time to give them a call.
PODS offers insurance, but you have to pay extra for coverage. 1-800-PACK-RAT includes insurance with its pricing on all long-distance moves, although it isn’t available for local moves.
PODS vs. U-Pack
With U-Pack, you only pay for the space you use. You can book four of U-Pack’s ReloCubes, fill three, and send the fourth back without an additional charge. Nice, right? In addition to its competitive pricing, U-Pack is available in all 50 states, giving it a wider coverage area than PODS.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Unlike PODS, U-Pack doesn’t have onsite storage. Since they only give you three business days to load and unload your stuff from the container, they are not a good option if you’re in a hurry. The minimum rental time for PODS is 30 days, so you’re free to pack and unpack at your leisure.
U-Pack also doesn’t offer local moving services. If you want to use a moving container for a local move, PODS is the way to go.
PODS vs. MovingYourself
MovingYourself is a new entrant to this market that offers a unique take on moving containers. Instead of renting containers, MovingYourself provides a 52-foot moving truck. You load your items onto the truck and only pay for the space you actually use. Like PODS, MovingYourself will then use professional drivers to transport your shipment.
rating
4 / 5
89% of users select this mover
This allows MovingYourself to handle much larger moves than what you can do with PODS, including loading your vehicle inside the moving truck. However, because it uses a moving truck rather than a storage container, MovingYourself doesn’t offer extended storage options.
While MovingYourself’s quotes are all-inclusive, you can’t get them online instantly. You’ll need to call and provide information about what you plan to ship to get a quote. In addition, while MovingYourself can service the contiguous United States, it is not available for local moves or long-distance relocations to or from Alaska or Hawaii.
PODS vs. Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell stands out from other moving container companies thanks to its unique street-legal containers. Though only available in 10- and 15-foot sizes, their street-legal design makes them easier to use for city moves than PODS containers, which could require a permit.
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Like PODS, Zippy Shell’s containers are available for local and long-distance moves, and up to 30 days of free storage is included with every move.
However, Zippy Shell is only available in 35 states and D.C., and availability tends to be limited to areas close to their physical locations. Zippy Shell currently does not service the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
With only two to three days to load and unload, they are also less flexible than PODS.
| Company | BBB Score | State Availability | Average Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| PODS | A+ | 46 states, Canada, Australia, and United Kingdom | $3,000–$4,900 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | A+ | 31 states and Washington, D.C. | $2,400–$4,600 |
| U-Pack | A+ | 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico | $2,400–$3,900 |
| MovingYourself | A- | 48 states | Call to verify |
| Zippy Shell | A+ | 35 states and Washington, D.C. | $2,800–$4,500 |
*Average cost is for a cross-country move of a two- to three-bedroom home
How moving with PODS works
Moving with PODS is a more of a DIY solution than traditional full-service moving companies, but moveBuddha readers are (almost) always happy when they choose PODS. Let’s take a look at how the moving process with PODS works.
Request a quote
For most moves, you’ll start your journey on PODS.com. Enter your move details, ZIP codes, timeframe, and storage information and PODS will send you a quote.
The downside is that cross-country moves often require a phone call. Interstate moves are tricky, so it’s best to chat with someone on the phone, anyway. moveBuddha reader Bethany spoke on the phone with a rep about her move from California and Virgina and was glad for it — she got a lot of information by chatting with a friendly customer service pro.
The quote process might seem like a hassle, but it’s super important. You pay a flat rate for PODS, so it’s very important to accurately estimate how much space you need. Otherwise, you risk needing to order a second container, which will drive up your moving costs.
Schedule delivery
You can book your PODS unit online using a credit card. When you book the move with PODS, choose a container delivery location and a delivery date. We recommend giving yourself a few days to pack your belongings in your POD before your moving date, so be generous with the timeline. With 30 days to load the container, you don’t have to rush, but waiting until the last minute to start packing could still become hectic.
Pack at your leisure
PODS will drop the container off in your driveway or parking spot. You don’t need to be onsite for pickup or delivery, which is nice.
You have the POD for at least 30 days so you can pack at your leisure. When you’re ready for PODS to pick up your container, call them or request a pickup online.
PODS will return to either transport the container to your new home or a storage facility, depending on your request.
PODS doesn’t provide any kind of tracking on its containers, so if you’re itching to track the location, place an AirTag with your belongings to track everything in real time. You can also chat with a customer service agent about your container’s location.
Move the POD to your new home
Most PODS arrive at their destination within 30 days, but oddball cases do happen. moveBuddha reader Hassan waited 40 days for his stuff to arrive during a Navy relocation. This isn’t typical for PODS, but even so, it’s good to pack like you won’t have access to your stuff for 30 days.
PODS doesn’t have an on-time delivery guarantee. Some PODS customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) mention late delivery as an issue, but most moveBuddha readers have a great experience with PODS.
Once your stuff arrives at your new home, you’ll unload everything and request a pickup from PODS.
Where is PODS available?
PODS is widely available in the United States, with locations in 46 states and Washington, D.C. They can also help with moves to and from Canada.
PODS is not available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, so if you’re moving to or from one of those states and want to use a moving container service, you’ll need to find a different company instead. The company doesn’t have locations in Vermont or West Virginia, but it can help customers in parts of those states through one of their nearby locations in a neighboring state. If you are moving to or from Vermont or West Virginia, you should call PODS to see if they’re able to assist.
For those areas where PODS is not available, we’d recommend U-Pack. U-Pack provides moving container shipments to all 50 states (including to rural areas), and with online quoting and booking, they make it easy to set up your move.
Should you use PODS to move?
PODS is a solid option for any DIY move, especially for longer distances. But it isn’t for everybody, so weigh these factors to decide whether to use PODS.
Use PODS if:
- You don’t have exact move-in dates and need storage for a while. PODS offers 30 days of free storage with all rentals, as well as month-to-month storage options if you’re not sure when you’ll be able to move into your new home.
- You don’t want to drive a moving truck. If you don’t mind packing, loading, and unloading yourself but aren’t comfortable driving a moving truck, PODS offers a great middle ground. Since you’re doing all the heavy lifting, PODS is cheaper than using full-service movers, but professionals will still take care of the transportation.
- You want to take your time with packing and unpacking. Most other moving container companies only allow three days to pack and unpack. With PODS, you get 30 days included in your rental, so you can work on your schedule.
- You have heavy items and don’t want to pay a premium to move them. While PODS containers do have weight limits, you won’t pay any more for your container if your shipment includes heavier items that full-service movers would charge a premium to handle.
Don’t use PODS if:
- You need to move quickly. It sometimes takes up to 30 days (or more) to deliver containers to your new home, which could leave you without your stuff for quite some time.
- Your local city has strict regulations about moving containers or parking. Some cities and HOAs won’t allow you to put a PODS container in your driveway or in front of your property.
- You live in the four states PODS doesn’t service. If you live in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, or Wyoming, PODS simply isn’t available.
- You want a moving service to help with packing, loading, and unloading. If you need moving labor help, moving container companies like PODS aren’t for you.
Tips for packing PODS
Packing a PODS container is similar to loading a moving truck, though the ground-level loading can actually make this process even easier.
To get everything packed safely, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
- Ensure even weight distribution. Spread out furniture and other heavy objects so the weight is evenly distributed inside the PODS container. Grouping heavy items together could cause the container to shift during transportation.
- Place heavier items on the bottom. When stacking boxes, make sure to place the heaviest ones on the bottom. This will keep boxes from tipping over or damaging items underneath them during transit.
- Protect furniture and fragile items. Use padding or thick blankets to protect furniture from scratches and other damage.
- Pack things you’ll need immediately near the front of the container. If you’re not going to unload your entire container in one day, be sure to pack the things you need immediately at your new home towards the front. Placing bedding, bathroom essentials, and clothes near the container doors will ensure you have them for your first night.
- Keep important documents with you. Medical records, vehicle titles, IDs, and other important documents should be kept with you rather than stored inside your PODS.
FAQ
Is using PODS a good way to move?
If you want to handle moving labor yourself but aren’t comfortable with driving a moving truck, PODS is a great way to move. PODS moving containers are less expensive than using full-service movers, and with 30 days to load and unload your items, it also offers plenty of flexibility for your moving schedule.
How much does PODS cost?
PODS costs mainly depend on the size of your container and the total distance of your move. On average, moveBuddha customers spend $4,000 for a PODS move, with local moves costing $225 to $850 and long-distance moves costing $450 to $7,600.
How do I reserve a PODS container?
You can reserve your PODS container through the PODS website or by calling their phone number at (855) 706-4758.
What are the typical dimensions of a PODS container?
PODS containers come in three lengths: eight feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet. The dimensions of the eight-foot container are 8’x7’x8’. For the 12-foot container, they are 12’x8’x8’, and the 16-foot container measures 16’x8’x8’.
What size PODS container do I need for my move?
PODS’ eight-foot containers are best for smaller moves, such as one-bedroom or studio apartments. The 12-foot containers can be used for a one-bedroom home, and the 16-foot containers can hold the contents of a two- to three-bedroom home.
If you’re not sure what size container is right for you, call PODS to go over your possessions and get a better idea of how much storage space you need.
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