How Much Does PODS Moving Cost?

• Typical Range: $1,400 to $6,900
• National Average: $3,000

When the time comes to move, many people want a convenient and cost-effective way to transport their belongings—whether the move is across town or across the country. Renting a portable moving container unit from a company such as PODS is a preferred option for many, but how much do moving pods cost? According to Angi, moving containers cost between $1,400 and $6,900, with the national average at $3,000. The final pricing for the cost of a pod container depends on the moving distance, the number of belongings that need to be moved, the size and number of moving containers, and the time of year.

Moving pods are large metal containers that double as storage units and shipping containers. Typically, the pod is delivered to a customer’s home and placed in the driveway or elsewhere on the property. Customers can load up the container at their leisure, then schedule a date and time for the pod to be picked up and delivered to the new house. They can then unload their belongings and have the container picked up when they are finished. This system can be a flexible and cost-effective alternative to hiring movers for the day, and it also eliminates the need to do all of the heavy lifting in the space of just a few hours. Many people also choose to use moving pods if they need to combine moving and storage in order to assist with a delay in move-in date, home staging, or remodeling.

PODS is one of the best-known moving container companies. PODS stands for Portable On Demand Storage, and the company’s weather-resistant containers are used for storage and moving. PODS offers moving and storage containers in three sizes and has a wide local and long-distance service area of 46 states. The cost of moving PODS depends on the size and number of containers, the distance, and the length of rental time.

While PODS moving and storage cost is considered budget-friendly by many customer reviews, there are additional fees attached to a pod rental cost, which include delivery, moving, and pickup charges. PODS and its competitors offer small, medium, and large steel-frame moving containers, and many of the companies provide flexible scheduling, pay-as-you-go pricing, and easy cancellation options. Making a decision regarding pod containers can be a bit overwhelming, so to help, this guide will cover some important factors that affect pods moving cost, additional costs and considerations, benefits of using moving pod containers, and some frequently asked questions.

Factors in Calculating Pods Moving Cost

The cost to move can be high, and the overall pods moving cost can vary from the national average of $3,000 due to several factors. These can include moving container size, container quantity, moving distance, moving time frame, moving season, geographic location, and choice of insurance coverage.

Container Size

Similar to renting a moving truck, renting a moving container can be done by size depending on the amount of furniture and boxes being moved. As a reference point, a 20-foot container is usually sufficient to move a three-bedroom home. Different companies will have their own selection of sizes—for example, PODS offers three sizes of moving containers: a small 8-foot container, a medium 12-foot option, and a large 16-foot container. Customers will base the size of the moving container they need on the number of rooms, moving boxes, square footage, or items. Each type of moving container is discussed in a section below.

Container Quantity

Customers may need to rent more than one moving container depending on the volume of items that are being moved. Each additional container will increase the overall reservation and transportation cost. For many homes, a single 16- or 20-foot container will be large enough to transport everything. Homes with five or more bedrooms, or that contain a large amount of furniture, may require more than one pod.

Moving Distance

The average cost of pods moving containers for a local move of fewer than 100 miles is $1,680. While a shorter move will cost less overall, the price per mile will tend to be higher. For example, a move that is within 100 miles will typically cost around $16.50 per mile. On the other hand, a move of over 1,000 miles will cost around $3.10 per mile on average. The pricing will depend on the distance, the location, the number of belongings being moved, the container size, and the number of containers that are needed, and it will include delivery, pickup, and 30 days of storage so customers can take their time unpacking. Packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking services are not provided by all pods moving companies, although some may provide referrals for local packing and unloading professionals in the area, if needed.

To get an accurate quote for the cost of moving pods across the country, customers can call a local pods moving company and get the answers to some quick relocation questions. Pods moving cost for long distance is based on moving distance, the number of moving containers, and extended rental time. For customers who are working out how to move across the country, it’s common to be unsure of an exact move-in date or to be moving into a furnished apartment while house hunting. Having the flexibility to extend storage time can give customers peace of mind while they are finalizing their renovation or move-in plans. Customers may also consider getting a quote from a few of the best interstate moving companies to compare moving container costs and to see which option is best for them.

Moving Time Frame

The cost to use pods for moving comes with storage. With PODS specifically, customers can keep the pod container in their driveway for 30 days to take their time unpacking or to wait until renovations are completed in their new home. If more time is needed, PODS promotes flexibility with scheduling so customers can extend their moving time frame if needed, for an additional fee. Other pods moving companies may offer similar time frames; customers can check with a representative for more detailed information.

Moving Season

Since many people schedule local and long-distance moves during the spring and summer months, renting during the off-season can result in cheaper rates. If customers are willing to move in potentially inclement weather, they can save money on moving container rates.

Geographic Location

The starting and ending points of a move affect pods moving cost. The availability of the moving containers and the distance that a transport truck needs to travel to deliver and drop off the container are important factors that will impact cost. Customers will want to keep in mind that moving in a rural area is typically cheaper than moving in a densely populated urban area.

Insurance Coverage

Conventional wisdom dictates that moving insurance is necessary to protect belongings from damage or theft, and moving containers are no exception. While moving containers tend to be weatherproof, secure, and durable, accidents can still happen. This is especially important for international moves where the containers will be shipped overseas. Customers will want to check whether their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers moving and get additional coverage if necessary.

For PODS specifically, a rental agreement requires customers to have insurance coverage for their belongings and for the moving container. The PODS Contents Protection Option (CPO) covers both the container and the contents in the event of burglary while in PODS’s care; accidents; or vandalism when the container is being stored at a PODS storage facility, on a customer’s property, or during transport. Everything inside the moving container is covered except for prohibited items, such as firearms, jewelry, credit cards, computer software or programs, fur coats, money, and other types of hazardous or irreplaceable items.

If a customer’s homeowner’s insurance covers their belongings during storage or a move, the PODS Container Only Option would work the best. This insurance option covers any damage to or loss of the moving container except for intentional or willful acts of damage by the customer. PODS offers coverage from $5,000 to $300,000 and has a deductible of just $100 per claim for any level of insurance coverage. Monthly plans range from $10 to $450, depending on insurance coverage.

Other moving container companies may have similar requirements for insurance coverage, and many may offer their own or require customers to provide insurance for their move. Customers are advised to ask their chosen company for specifics regarding insurance requirements.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When customers are budgeting for pods moving cost, it’s helpful to have all of the available information regarding any additional costs and considerations that will affect the overall pricing. These can include any add-on services, delivery and pickup fees, storage facility fees, and any offers or discounts. Compared to the cost of using professional movers, the cost of using moving containers is typically cheaper.

Add-on Services

Moving container companies often offer additional services to help customers during the stressful time of moving, including delivering some of the best moving boxes, bubble wrap, tape, moving blankets, and other supplies straight to a customer’s door. PODS has container-size-specific moving supply packages that include the right amount of tape, boxes, and other supplies such as bubble wrap and packing paper.

Most companies can also recommend qualified local packing and loading companies to assist with packing boxes and loading the pod. For the most accurate pricing estimates, customers can get multiple quotes from qualified professionals. For customers who are budgeting for long-distance moving costs, estimates can be requested for packing and loading at the original location and from other companies for unloading and unpacking at the new location.

While most moving container companies don’t provide car shipping inside their moving containers, they can usually recommend car shipping companies that can find local automobile transportation. Customers who need to transport their car for a long-distance move can book a date for pickup, hand over the keys, and have their car delivered to their new location without any added mileage or additional wear and tear from long-distance driving. Pricing and delivery times can vary according to travel distance.

Delivery and Pickup Fees

Moving container delivery and pickup fees can vary according to geographic location and time of year. The busiest and most expensive times to move are the spring and summer months, while the cost to move is typically less expensive during the fall and winter months. It’s recommended that customers who have the flexibility to choose a move date work with their provider to determine how much they will pay for delivery and pickup fees.

Storage Facility Fees

In some cases, a moving container may need to stay in the homeowner’s yard for only a few days before being shipped to its final destination, but if the move isn’t happening right away or gets delayed, the container may need to be stored at a self-storage facility. This can also be a favorable solution if the homeowner is worried about theft or extreme weather conditions affecting the pod while it’s on their property. Storage unit prices can range from $20 to $450 per month. Rather than everything being unloaded into the storage unit and then repacked into a moving truck at a later date, the pod can simply be picked up from the storage unit and transported to the new home.

PODS customers can store the moving container at a secure PODS storage facility, where they have access to their belongings at any time. Storage is available on a month-to-month basis, whether the container will be on the customer’s property or at a PODS storage location. Renting a PODS container for on-site storage costs $149 or more per month, with average pickup and delivery fees at $74.99. Those fees can be waived depending on the length of storage time. The overall PODS moving and storage costs depend on the size of the container, the number of containers, the length of time that storage is needed, the time of year, and the geographic location.

Offers and Discounts

Moving container companies tend to have varying seasonal offers and discounts for moving and storage. Some provide free pickup and delivery with a specified storage time frame. Customers are advised to look at the available discounts and promotions on the company’s website to take advantage of savings at the time of their move.

Types of PODS Moving Containers

The best moving container companies like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and U-Pack all have their own variety of options, but in general moving pod sizes are small, medium, and large. PODS has three different moving container sizes, and the PODS sizes and cost are directly related. Customers can mix and match sizes to get just the right amount of storage for their needs. For a moving pods cost comparison, customers are advised to request quotes from multiple companies to see which best fits their needs and budget.

Large Container

The largest moving storage containers are usually around 16 to 20 feet long, with U-Pack offering a whopping 26-foot moving trailer. These large containers work well for moving items from a 1,200-square-foot space or a home with three to four rooms. The containers are comparable in size to a 20-foot moving truck or a 10-foot by 15-foot storage unit. Some homeowners also use this size container to store their belongings during an extensive renovation or remodeling project. This is the most expensive container option, and the pricing depends on geographic location, time of year, insurance coverage, transport distance, and length of time the container is needed. The large PODS container is 16 feet long by 8 feet wide by 8 feet tall and is available for both local and long-distance moves.

Medium Container

Most medium-size moving containers are about 12 feet long. This size container can fit 500 to 800 square feet of space or two to three rooms’ worth of belongings. This is a popular size for apartment moves; the container is comparable to a 15-foot rental truck or a 10-foot by 10-foot storage unit. The medium PODS container measures 12 feet long by 8 feet wide by 8 feet tall and has 689 cubic feet of packing space. It’s available only for local moves and storage. 1-800-PACK-RAT also offers a 12-foot container that can hold about two or three rooms’ worth of furniture and up to 6,000 pounds of contents.

Small Container

The smallest moving container sizes are 6 and 8 feet long. This size container works for moving a dorm room or studio apartment. It’s also used for partial moves and is often paired with the large 16-foot moving container. The small PODS container is 8 feet long by 7 feet wide by 8 feet tall and has 402 cubic feet of usable space. This small PODS container is comparable in size to a 10-foot rental truck or a 5-foot by 10-foot storage unit. U-Pack’s ReloCube container measures 6 feet long by 7 feet wide and 8 feet tall, while 1-800-PACK-RAT’s smallest container is about the size of an 8-foot by 8-foot storage room.

Benefits of Choosing PODS Moving

There are many advantages to using moving and storage containers. They are most popular with customers who want to take their time packing and unpacking while they leave the transportation of their belongings in safe hands. Read on for additional benefits of using moving containers.

Durability

The leading moving container companies use sturdy steel-framed moving and storage containers that are weather-resistant and have impact-resistant wall panels. The convenient roll-up doors do not take up extra space like conventional swing doors, and the built-in tie-down rings can be used to secure the contents with cargo straps or rope. Loading belongings into the container is easy with ramp-free ground-level access.

Affordability

In general, using moving containers is more affordable than paying for professional movers. Customers can request quotes based on the loading and destination ZIP codes. The pricing is typically based on the size and number of moving containers, the time of year, the length of time the container is needed, container availability, and any storage requirements. Often long-distance moving quotes require a phone call to clarify all of the required information about the move. Customers can look at moving container companies’ websites to find pricing for the container size they need, rental period, delivery distance, and any additional services. When receiving a quote, customers see exactly what they’re paying for, including delivery and pickup fees.

Flexibility

Customers pick their scheduling dates and keep the container for as long as they need. If the container is parked in their driveway, customers have access to it 24/7. They can take as much or as little time as necessary packing and unpacking, whether doing it themselves or hiring movers. Since every move is different and plans change, many moving pod companies allow customers to keep the container for longer than originally planned for an additional fee.

Every company policy is different, but some moving container companies make it easy to cancel even up to the day of delivery. For example, PODS customers can get a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the container delivery, as long as the cancellation happens by 4 p.m. local time on the day before the scheduled delivery. Other companies may offer similar cancellation policies to help customers whose moving plans change unexpectedly.

Pods Moving: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

For some customers, hiring professional movers to help with the packing, loading, and unloading is worth the additional costs, while other customers prefer to do all the work themselves. Moving belongings from point A to point B can be a stressful experience. While hiring experienced professionals to help with the heavy lifting can ease some of the stress and responsibility, it can add significant costs to the move. Moving container companies can recommend qualified industry professionals, or customers can research and find their own assistance to pack, load, and unload the moving container. Packing and loading a container take extra time and are strenuous and sweaty work. For those who can handle the physical activity, the savings are worth it.

How to Save Money on PODS Moving Cost

Moving costs can quickly add up and strain a budget. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on pods moving costs.

• Don’t move on a weekend. Many people prefer to move on the weekend since they have a few days off, but it’s always more expensive. If possible, rearrange your schedule to move during the week to save money.
• Don’t move on a holiday. Moving on a holiday can be really expensive. Keep costs under control by checking the calendar and avoiding holidays.
• Do it yourself. Instead of paying extra for professionals to help pack, load, and unload your belongings, do it yourself.
• Look online for moving supplies. Boxes, tape, and other moving supplies such as bubble wrap can be pricey. Utilize online groups that focus on the free exchange of packing materials. This can help you save money, since purchasing moving supplies through PODS may be more costly.
• Look for discounts and promotions. Check the company’s website for offers and discounts. Also look online for websites and promoters that offer moving and storage discounts with certain pod moving companies.
• Downsize. Going through your belongings and donating or selling what you no longer need or want can reduce the moving container size, which will save money.
  Check for deductions. Some moves qualify for tax deductions. If you’re not sure if yours does, check with an accountant or tax preparation company.

Questions to Ask About Pods Moving Containers

Asking the right questions about pods moving and storage containers can minimize miscommunication and get the best results. The following are some questions for customers to ask before deciding to use moving containers.

• How are moving containers different from other moving and storage options?
• How do I schedule a moving container?
• Can I buy a pods moving container?
• Can I have a single point of contact?
• How do I know what size moving container I need?
• How far in advance do I need to reserve a container?
• Can I reschedule or cancel my reservation?
• What if I need the container for longer than originally scheduled?
• How much does shipping pods cost?
• Can I ship my car in a moving container?
• What if I need to move to a different state?
• What items can’t I put in a moving container?
• How often can I access my moving container?
• Do you charge by weight?
• Do I need insurance?
• Can I cancel or make changes to the insurance coverage?
• How do I make an insurance claim?
• Is the container waterproof?
• Is the container secure?
• Is a lock included with my payment, or do I need to purchase one?
• Are there restrictions regarding container use?
• Do I have to be present during container drop-off and pickup?
• How long can I keep a moving container?
• What happens if I can’t fill the entire container?
• What is considered normal shifting during the moving process?
• How do I secure items in the moving container so they don’t shift?
• When will I be charged for my rental?
• What types of payment are accepted?
• How do I make a payment?
• What types of discounts or promotions do you offer?
• How can I write a review?

FAQs

Before deciding on using containers for moving or storage, customers will want to have all the information they need regarding cost. Below are some frequently asked questions for customers to consider about pods moving cost.

Q. Are pods a good option for moving?

Using a moving container instead of a traditional moving truck is a good option for multiple reasons. Customers can take their time packing and loading the container, since they’re rented for days at a time. Customers also have 24-hour access to their belongings when the container is left on their property for storage, or it can be moved to a storage center until it’s needed. Moving pod companies tend to allow flexible scheduling and storage options, and they can also recommend packing and loading help as well as sometimes provide moving supplies for an additional charge.

Q. What should not be stored in a pods container?

Certain items should not be placed inside the pods container for moving or storage. These include motorized vehicles, lawnmowers, firearms, hazardous materials such as explosives or toxic chemicals, drones, and irreplaceable belongings such as legal papers, jewelry, currency, computer programs or software, and heirlooms or antiques. Transportation of animals and humans is also prohibited.

Q. What size pods container do I need for a three-bedroom house?

Customers moving from a three-bedroom house will want to select a large moving container to move their home’s contents. For long-distance moves, two large moving containers are often recommended.

Q. How do you load a pods container?

For customers wondering how to pack for a move, there are a few recommendations to make the process easier:

• Pack as many items as you can inside boxes to make loading easier and provide additional protection for your belongings.
• Reinforce boxes with tape, and pack empty spaces with crumpled paper.
• Use moving blankets to protect furniture, and secure them with plastic moving wrap.
• Distribute heavy items throughout the bottom of the container, with lighter items on the top.
• Utilize the space all the way to the pods container ceiling, and fill in any unused areas with pillows, blankets, or cushions placed in plastic bags.
• Place a mattress or box spring on its side to prevent boxes or other items from falling and the container door from opening.

Q. What is the smallest pods container for moving?

The smallest moving container from PODS measures 8 feet long by 7 feet wide by 8 feet high. It works well for packing up a 500-square-foot space such as a college dorm room or small studio apartment. The small moving container is also used in conjunction with large- or medium-size containers to provide extra moving space.

Q. Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving company?

It is typically cheaper to use PODS instead of a moving company.

Sources: Angi, Move.org (1 and 2), moveBuddah