Are PODS’ Moving Containers Right for Your Move?

If your packing timeline requires more flexibility than a moving truck provides, moving containers are perfect for you. For this method of moving, a spacious storage container is dropped off right outside your home, allowing you to pack in your furniture and other belongings. Then you have the storage container picked up and taken to your new home for unloading.

That’s the premise behind PODS®, which helps people who are moving relocate to a new home without having to hire professional movers. PODS eliminates the need to drive a moving truck and take the risk of transporting your load on a long-distance trip.

How much does it cost to rent a PODS moving container?

The cost of using a PODS moving container can vary depending on the length of your unit rental and the distances it travels to and from your locations. The size and number of containers you choose will also impact the price. Every PODS rental quote is personalized.

Local move costs

Long-distance move costs

To understand the cost of PODS moving and storage for a long-distance move, let’s consider a roughly 500-mile move from Charlotte, NC (28208) to Pittsburgh, PA (15212): *

According to PODS, only the 8-foot containers and the 16-foot containers are eligible for a long-distance move.

Here’s the quote for a 8-foot unit:

• Total costs are broken down into three payments.
• The first payment would be $414.94 and includes the PODS moving container rental for one month, as well as local drop off and pick up of the container. It also includes a $49.95/mo. content protection fee (of $10,000 value).
• The second payment would be $745.30. This is the shipping fee, based on mileage.
• The third payment would be $130. This is the local drop off fee.

The total cost after completing your move within 30 days is $1,290.24, plus taxes. The customer will then be charged every 30 days until PODS picks up the empty container.

*Prices quoted valid as of 01/06/2023. This is the initial quote given based on ZIP Codes™ provided. Prices may vary based on the specific addresses inputted.

Temporary storage costs

This is the most affordable option for those only needing temporary storage solutions. PODS will bring you an empty container to load yourself. They will then drive the loaded container to a PODS secure warehouse, where it will stay until you’re ready for your belongings. When you give the go-ahead, they will drive the unit back to your location for you to unload and will pick up the empty container when you’re ready.

To give an idea of the cost, here’s a quote for a customer in Charlotte, NC, (28208) who’s looking for temporary PODS storage for one month: *

•  A 12-foot container is ideal for a 500-1000 sq. ft. space and costs $189/mo.
• The customer will also have to pay a $109 fee to have the empty container delivered, and another $109 fee for PODS to drive the full container back to them at their home when they no longer need storage.

The total price to rent a 12-foot PODS unit for storage for one month is $407, plus taxes. The customer will be charged $189 every 30 days until they call for their unit to be returned.

Key features of PODS

• PODS offers the convenience of moving your container to a new destination — or keeping it in one of their secure storage warehouses — until you’re ready to have the moving container delivered to your location.
• When loading your unit for moving, take as much time as you need. PODS’ units are rentable on a monthly basis, so you’ll be charged every 30 days. Whenever you’ve loaded your container, you can schedule a pickup.
• PODS’ services are available in nearly every state, as well as in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Moving containers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so wait times to receive a unit may vary.
• Moving containers come in three lengths: 7-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot. All three versions have the same width and height of 8 feet.
• PODS moving costs can vary widely depending on the distance the unit must travel to and from your location, the availability of moving containers in your area, and the time of the month or year.
• PODS’ containers are dropped off by a truck equipped with the company’s patented loading and unloading lift system called Podzilla. The equipment makes it possible to drop off and pick up a pod on level ground almost anywhere with street access.
• PODS’ containers are steel reinforced and weather resistant.

Understanding your quote

As you can see, there are many factors that affect the cost of using PODS. If you’re moving a very long distance or across state lines, you may have to call to obtain a quote. Otherwise, you can get a quote online from PODS by answering a few questions on their website.

Check your quote for a list of charges and add them all up to arrive at a final cost for using a PODS moving container. Remember that the further your moving container must travel, the greater the cost will be.

Breaking down PODS’ fees

PODS is fairly transparent about its pricing, but you still might encounter certain fees depending on your situation.

• Your initial quote from PODS will not include applicable local taxes. These can add quite a bit to your final bill depending on the tax rate in your area.
• Some moves are subject to a fuel subsidy fee and vary from location to location.
• Remember, you will pay a recurring fee every 30 days for the cost to rent the moving container.
• You may be subject to delivery fees when PODS moves the container to a new location or when the company picks up or drops off an empty container.

PODS reviews

PODS has mixed reviews from consumers online. The company has a B rating from the Better Business Bureau but only has a one out of five-star customer satisfaction rating. PODS has 3.7 out of 5 stars from Trustpilot. Negative reviewers complain about being overcharged, missed delivery dates, and dropped containers. Positive reviewers encountered no issues and found PODS for rent to be a convenient and comprehensive moving solution.

PODS fared far worse with Consumer Affairs, where 127 reviewers rated it just 1.2 out of 5. Typical complaints involved cancellations, scheduling errors, and poor customer service interactions.

What are PODS moving containers?

Moving containers are portable storage boxes designed to carry the contents of a home or apartment. Moving containers can be transported by a large truck from point A to point B. They can also be easily stored in a warehouse for an indefinite period of time. Storage containers can also be placed outside of a customer’s home for a desired period of time as they are designed to be weather resistant.

Unlike moving trucks, moving containers come to you and you never have to do any driving. All you have to do is pack and unload your container. PODS is one of the leading companies providing moving containers to the public. Other companies that provide moving containers include U-Haul, Zippy Shell, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and Go Minis.