PODS® Moving and Storage Review
The benefits of choosing PODS® for your moving and storage needs are: convenience of availability and local moving affordability
Updated Friday, November 22nd 2024
Pros
- Someone else drives your stuff to the final destination
- You can take your sweet time to load and unload
- The containers are easy to load and secure
- Informative website with extra resources
- Flexible cancellation policy
Cons
- You need to plan in advance to secure the dates you want
- Orders, at least for long-distance moves, have to be conducted via phone, not online
- Costs more for a long-distance move of a 3-bedroom home than other DIY options
PODS® Company Overview
PODS was the first company to establish portable storage, and if their reviews are anything to go by, they continue to impress consumers with its many convenient services.
Part of the "you-pack, they-move it" type of moving service, the way PODS works is they deliver one or more of their PODS containers to you for you to load, then they move it to your destination (or a storage facility). Afterwards, you unload it whenever you are ready - be it the next day or even the next year.
This service can simply be combined with movers booked through HireAHelper for a Hybrid™ Move, whether it be local or long distance, and costs a fraction of a bona-fide Full Service move. The one major downside is a result of its popularity; you'll have to schedule delivery in advance, especially in the spring and summer when lots of people are relocating and reservations are often made a year out.
PODS® Reviews and Pricing
Local Move
Under 50 mi.
Medium Distance
50-250 mi.
Long Distance
250+ mi.
Average Cost
$691
3.3% cheaper than other companies$1,598
3.4% higher than other companies$3,568
1.5% higher than other companiesAverage Review
4.49/5
0.9% better than other companies4.58/5
0.2% better than other companies4.48/5
0.7% better than other companiesAverage Cost Per Mile
N/A
$14.73
0.3% higher than other companies$3.33
1.5% higher than other companiesLocal Move
Under 50 mi.
Compared to Other Companies
Average Cost
$691
Average Review
4.49/5
Medium Distance
50-250 mi.
Compared to Other Companies
Average Cost
$1,598
Average Cost Per Mile
$14.73
Average Review
4.58/5
Long Distance
250+ mi.
Compared to Other Companies
Average Cost
$3,568
Average Cost Per Mile
$3.33
Average Review
4.48/5
PODS® Container Sizes
|
Length
|
Width
|
Height
|
Dimensions
|
Capacity
|
| 16' | 8' | 8' | 1,200 sq. ft. or smaller | 3 to 4 rooms |
| 12' | 8' | 8' | 500-1,000 sq. ft. | 2 to 3 rooms |
| 8' | 7' | 8' | 500 sq. ft. or smaller | Dorm or small apartment |
Photos of PODS® in the Wild
PODS® Services Offered
Services Legend
- Available
- Not Offered
Small Containers
Medium Containers
Large Containers
Delivery
Storage
Packing Supplies
Local Movers
My move with PODS®
Author: Francesca Di Meglio
Updated: Friday, November 22nd 2024
How does PODS work?
One of the most practical ways people use portable storage containers is for - you guessed it - storage. PODS is great if you are in between moves, renovating your home, or downsizing or dividing up your things.
To get started, go online and size up what your options are by what you need. You obviously want to figure out the least amount of storage containers needed, as adding more containers raises the price in a hurry. If you need a little assistance, it's never a bad idea to call: 888-371-9441.
Local moves are pretty convenient with PODS.
After you book your container, it will get delivered to you when you schedule it with the company. You can keep a PODS container on your property as long as you'd like, billed monthly. With a lock and key your stuff is secure - which PODS doesn't provide for free, but you can rent one for around $8-10 . You can access your container whenever you want.
No place to park the container? No worries, you can have PODS pick up the loaded container and keep it at one of the company's 230 secure storage centers. You pay a monthly fee for as long as you hang on to the container. Of course, you can rent more than one container at a time, if necessary.
PODS on our move
HireAHelper recently used a PODS container for storage during a remodeling project. Overall, the account was easy to use and even attractive to look at. We had no problem figuring out how to review the order, checking delivery times, and finding out when the next payment was due. Another plus is the fact that the driver called a couple of times to confirm drop off.
Here's something that isn't so obvious though: you definitely need to be home when the container is delivered. The driver ended up telling us the container couldn't be parked where we originally planned. The PODZILLA Lifting Machine, the giant contraption used to move PODS containers for you, can't handle tight 90-degree turns, and needs to be able to extend out fully from the container to unload it (so 16', in this case). As a result, on the fly, we had to change where we parked the container.
How does PODS work with local moves?
Local moves are pretty convenient with PODS. You first call the PODS representative and discuss the particulars of your move. The rep will help you determine the size and number of containers you will need. Then, you schedule delivery of your container(s) at the point of origin.
The next step is to pack up and load your stuff into the container. It is in your best interest to do this in a timely manner or you risk spending more on rental fees. Also, you have to find out about the regulations regarding parking such containers in your old and new neighborhood because you'll be responsible for fines should you get one. Talk to the rep about logistics to ensure you'll have enough room for the container to be loaded for delivery whenever you are ready. Finally, once you've unloaded all your stuff and cleaned out the container(s), you call for pick up of the container at your final destination. That's the process!
My local move
To find out more about a local move, I input info on PODS website to receive an online quote for my own very local move from Fort Lee, New Jersey to the next town over, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. For a small-ish home, my quote from PODS was for $576.78, which included one big, 16-foot container, which has enough space to house three to four rooms.
PODS is more likely one of the most affordable and convenient choices for those making a local move or a move out from a smaller place. But then again, as with any option, the price is going to scale up considerably the greater the size and distance of your move, as you'll have to add more containers, doubling your quote. Still, the convenience factor might make up for the price increase. And no matter what, it's going to be a fraction of the price of a Full Service move.
How does PODS work with long-distance moves?
In general, PODS can be a convenient option for those making a long-distance move. The process isn't too much different than a local move.
The first step is to call to have the container or containers delivered to your original site. Then, you load the container with your stuff and call for it to be delivered to your final destination. On delivery day, you may be given an hours-long window of time in which the container should arrive.
While the price is slightly more expensive than other, similar options, PODS are more widely available than the competition. That means if you can live without some of the nicer qualities of the PODS containers, it's worth shopping around, but only if you actually have nearby options.
There is where the flexibility of moving containers shiine. You can use them for on-site or off-site storage, so you can take your time to load and unload as you travel to your final destination by car, plane, whatever! If you can't keep the container at your place, then you can have it moved to a PODS storage center near you.
The risk of hanging onto the container regardless of where it is stored is you will have to pay a monthly rental fee. If you're trying to keep your budget in check, you should load and unload as quickly as possible, and be on top of scheduling pick-ups and deliveries. (You should also be there when your containers get delivered because there may be logistical issues regarding where to park the container, or even how to properly use it.)
My long-distance move
To get my long distance move quote (about 1,100 miles), I planned to transport a 3-bedroom home from Fort Lee, New Jersey (New York City area) to Kissimmee, Florida (Orlando area), two places with which I'm familiar. I ordered the rental about two weeks before the move date. I tried to reserve the rental for a Saturday, which is the most popular moving day of the week. This is a fairly hefty distance and date demand, and so was my quote: $5,452.08. More on how that breaks down below.
By keeping the particulars of the long distance and local moves about the same for each order, I made it easy to compare the differences.
The quotes I received are based on this information.
How much do PODS cost?
Prices vary based on the distance of the move and the size and number of the containers you need.
My real quote for a short distance, single PODS move:
- $576.78 for a 16' container
What about for multiple PODS going long distance? For my move from New Jersey to Florida, I was quoted $5,452.08 in three payments:
- $1,352.07, due 5 business days before the container delivery at my N.J. home
- $4,075.36, due 5 business days before the shipment to Florida
- $24.65, due 5 business days before the pick up of empty containers at my Florida address.
These payments include:
- Two (2) PODS moving containers of the largest size – 8' X 8' X 16'(HWL)
- Fuel
- Taxes
- Any prep of the containers in the PODS centers
- One month of storage
- Coverage of up to $10,000 (for damage or loss that is the result of fire, lightning, burglary, PODS negligence, etc.)
You can keep the containers for as long as you'd like to load, store your stuff, or unload. But you will pay more for each month of storage. You will be charged $399.98 for the second month of storage should you keep the containers that long, and you'll pay $359.98 for any month after that (so about $150 then $155 per 16' container). I paid an extra $8.50 each for two locks, one for each container. It would take PODS six days excluding Sundays and holidays to arrive in Florida from New Jersey once I was ready for delivery.
How does insurance with PODS work?
Included in the price is coverage up to $10,000. This protects you in the event of fire, lightning, burglary, PODS negligence, etc. You can invest in more coverage if you'd like:
- For $59.95 per month, you can get coverage up to $15,000
- For $69.95 per month, you can get coverage up to $20,000
- For $179.95 per month, you can get coverage up to $100,000.
You must purchase additional coverage in advance of your initial container delivery date. This insurance does NOT cover any damage that happens to your goods during normal transit. It only covers your goods in transit if there's an accident, like if the container were to get hit by a tornado or broadsided by a semi-trailer. There's good news though! If you book movers through HireAHelper to load and unload your container, your goods will be covered during normal transit by our $0.60/lb insurance, for free. You can also pay extra for additional coverage.
Downsides of using PODS
You will spend a lot for a long distance move of a big house.
This was an expensive option for a long-distance move of a big house because I had to rent two of the largest containers. In addition, the long distance just added to the bill and would have emptied my pockets compared to other options.
Last second availability is a problem, especially if you procrastinated.
Weekends are secured a year in advance, said a customer service representative. I had to settle for a Monday delivery date that was a week later than I had hoped. The online rep also warned me that spring and summer were the busiest time of year for movers, as well as PODS®.
What I learned using PODS
PODS has a lot going for it.
There are major convenience factors, especially the chance to load and unload at your leisure and the ability to store your stuff on property while transitioning to a new home or renovating one. It is the most flexible company there is for its cancellation policy. The equipment is sophisticated and durable, yet easy to use. And the customer seems to be at the forefront of the company's priorities.
The equipment is durable and easy to load.
PODS containers have aluminum skin panels with a steel frame, and the company promises they are weather resistant and able to withstand 110 mile-per-hour winds when partially filled, which is good news for those of you in hurricane country.
Each PODS container has a translucent roof that allows light to illuminate the inside of the container. A light-weight steel roll-up door makes it easy to open and close. If you can't quite fill the container, you can turn to the eyehooks and tie-downs that are provided to secure the load, according to the website
You have all the time in the world to load and unload.
Unlike U-Pack®, you don't have a set number of days to pack up your stuff and get moved in. They charge you extra only after every 30 days. This is really convenient if you have to get out of one place, but can't quite move into the new one or if you are renovating a home.
(PODS) insurance does NOT cover any damage that happens to your goods during normal transit. It only covers your goods in transit if there's an accident, like if the container were to get hit by a tornado or broadsided by a semi-trailer.
Storage for the first month that you have a container is built into your original quote. So for two containers, it would cost me $399.98 for the second month and $359.98 for any month after that (so about $150 and later $155 per 16' container). So, yes, you have lots of time, but you'll get the most bang for your buck by wrapping up everything within a month, which is still plenty of time.
You have flexibility about scheduling your reservation.
You have until the day before your scheduled container drop off to cancel the reservation and still get a full refund. Modifying the reservation can happen pretty much anytime, but PODS prefers you get in touch about five (5) days in advance.
On-site storage is nice.
One of the great benefits of choosing PODS is the possibility of using the containers for on-site storage. This is super convenient for anyone who might not be able to move right away. It is also ideal for those who are renovating a home.
Someone else does the driving.
You don't have to worry about hauling your stuff in a big truck or driving that thing to far-away lands, such as Florida. Someone else does it for you, and it's one less worry during your move.
Should you choose PODS over other container companies?
PODS is the O.G. of moving container companies. Its veteran status, "you-pack-they-drive" model, and durable containers make it appealing to those on the move. It is also a practical option for those in need of storage.
While the price is slightly more expensive than other similar options, PODS are more widely available than the competition. That means if you can live without some of the nicer qualities of the PODS containers, it's worth shopping around, but only if you actually have nearby options.
You can't afford to procrastinate. People are signing up for PODS at a quick pace and the slots fill up, especially for weekends in the spring and summer, the most popular times for moving. If you're moving a long distance with lots of stuff from a big house, you will likely find other DIY options more affordable. Still, moving containers like this one make it possible for you to hack a full service move without breaking the bank - or your back!
Contributing Author: Francesca Di Meglio
Francesca Di Meglio is a writer, editor, and moving professional featured on Businessweek and About.com. As a wife and mother of two little ones, she is always on the move.
Real People Moving Stories with PODS
PODS® Reviews
PODS of Raleigh is fantastic to work with! They were very accommodating when it came to delivering my first PODS unit. The manager (Jimmy, I think) called me to make sure that they could squeeze in the delivery of my PODS unit during Memorial Day weekend, and he even volunteered to come to our house before his route began to deliver the PODS himself. Each pickup and delivery with PODS has been very easy. We have used 2 so far for this move.
So far so good. The office called and gave us a 3 hour window and the driver phoned and gave us a time and the POD arrived when he said it would. It was also picked up the same way. We will know more when we open it???
PODS were great! Delivered and picked up on time, and the divers were excellent at placing them right where we needed them. The pods were actually big enough for all of our stuff, but unfortunately, the movers we hired did such a poor job loading and wasting space that we had to leave a few items behind.
Pods were great! We needed two of them. The drivers did a great job placing them in our driveway and street for easy access. On time drop off and pick up. Only concern was a miscommunication with the national office insisting that local ordinance would not allow street placement of one of the pods, who insisted I get a letter from the city police, even when I told her the city police said they would not provide a letter for me because the house was actually in the county area outside their jurisdiction. But after arguing with me, she did put me in touch with the local office making the delivery, and they were much more understanding and willing to verify with local officials, making the street delivery possible. The movers who helped us unload noticed a dent in the floor where the piano leg was, and pointed out broken top shelves of book shelves, and suggested this was due to the pod being dropped, or perhaps the driver hitting a speed bump or pot hole causing the contents to get airborne and slammed down. But no major damage other than book shelf tops.
Only had them move the heavier items out of the house,
Great idea. They arrived and were picked up on time by very friendly drivers. PODS are great but pricey.
PODS failed badly on our move. They dropped off and picked up the pod on time; but then two days before scheduled delivery, they called to say it was still stuck in our departure city, they didn't have any trucks. This was after I had checked in with a live agent online asking for status (literally the day before) to be told "no news is good news" - direct quote. And then when they finally delivered, a week late, they missed their delivery window by an hour and a half (late, of course). Love the concept, but poor execution for our move.
I will reconsider using PODS again. The drivers were not knowledgeable about the actual PODS-the drop-off driver didn't understand where to place the POD (driveway or street) and the pick-up driver didn't know how to work the locks on the unit. He stated that he "had never seen this type of unit" before.
Everything was good except they totally screwed up the parking permit issues in San Francisco. Told me they would take care of it - they didn't. I ended up calling the city and getting the permit myself, and it resulted in a 2 day delay (on top of the 8 business days!). They also have not owned up to their mistakes or tried to set things right in any manner. Not happy, never using them again.
Mike and Steve did a great job!
POD people were very helpful on the phone and in person. The POD drivers were excellent. We stored it for a month and everything was in perfect condition when we unpacked. We hired recommended movers by POD to load and unlaod ahd they were good also. THis was the most pianless move we ever made. Moved from Tampa Florida to Stevens Point, Wisconsin
moved from an apartment
The PODS® image above is used solely for identification purposes and serves as the primary means of visually identifying the subject of this article and provides an illustration of the entity that is represented.
PODS® is a registered trademark of PODS® Enterprises, Inc. (PEI). HireAHelper, LLC has no affiliation with PEI and PEI has not authorized the use of its trademarks.
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