Who Are The Best Pods Movers?
Are you looking to find out who the best-moving storage container companies are? Many people seek out pod movers to make the transition to their next home more manageable.
There are many options and companies when you are moving and have storage needs. Moving Pods are big business now.
Pod moving has become the alternative for those who prefer not to hire professional movers and make a move themselves.
For those that don’t know, PODS stands for portable on-demand storage. Renting mobile storage units work for both local moves and long-distance moves.
Getting a storage container or two is increasingly becoming popular, allowing you to pack up your possessions almost at your leisure.
Moving at your own pace can make the process far less stressful.
The storage services company will collect and transport the containers to your new home or put them in self-storage.
Quite often, there will be a choice between choosing a Pod or renting a self-storage unit. There are certainly pros and cons to both storage options.
A pod rental tends to be a bit more expensive but far more convenient. Container moves allow you to access everything from your front yard – HURRAH!
Pods moving can make your life easier to manage. You will see precisely how moving pods work, so you know what to expect.
Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most popular PODS moving and storage companies so that you can narrow down your search to find which pod rental company is right for you.
How to Find a Pods Storage Unit
Before reviewing the best moving container companies, let’s look at how to find one near your home. Of course, one of the better ways to find a pod storage unit is to ask friends and family who may have used one.
A real estate agent is also a great source of information regarding storage Pods. Real Estate agents, after all, are directly involved with the moving industry.
Another excellent way to find storage pod rentals is to search online.
Using search terms like storage containers near me, pod storage companies near me, or Pods movers nearby should do the trick. Using Google is a great way to find a portable container service provider nearby.
What to Look For With PODS Movers?
There are many traits and features to look for when using a pod mover. They include the following:
- Competitive pricing – you don’t want to overpay when using a pods mover. Ensure you do your homework.
- Available options – it is disappointing to look for a pod mover and come up empty for your needs.
- Positive customer reviews – with any company, choosing one where customers have a pleasant experience is essential.
- Available container sizes – you want to ensure the pod movers have precisely what you need.
- Container quality – you’ll find there are varying levels of quality with storage containers, from wood to metal. Choose the one that works based on your budget.
6 of The Best Moving and Storage Companies
The following are the companies we’ll be featuring for Pod rentals. When you need pods for rent, you can trust these companies to be top-notch. For movable storage containers, these are some of the most recognizable brands in the industry.
We will take an in-depth look at each pod mover so you can decide which is the best option for your next move.
- PODS
- U-Haul
- U-Pack
- 1-800-Pack-Rat
- SmartBox
- Zippy Shell
PODS Storage
Moving with PODS has been the gold standard for moving and storage. When people think about pods for rent are usually the PODS moving and storage company. The PODS company popularized POD moving.
The Portable On Demand Storage company has been around since 1998 and is one of the best-known names in storage containers. When doing a pod rental, most people think of the PODS company when considering onsite storage.
They have nationwide availability, making them a genuinely convenient storage option. However, you shouldn’t choose a company just because it’s well-known; there are other reasons to select PODS moving containers.
Moving with Pods has become extremely popular over the last decade due to their convenience.
Moving pods allow customers to access everything from their yards. They create an extremely efficient and convenient way of moving.
When selling a home, pod rentals can help make your house more presentable. You can easily de-clutter your home by having a PODS moving container on your property.
Moving with a Pod can help stage a home easier.
When comparing all of the moving container companies, PODS has some of the highest satisfaction ratings among its customers. Many folks appreciate their level of customer service.
PODS Moving Costs
One of the most asked questions is how much PODS cost. For shorter-distance moves, PODS storage offers excellent value. For container moving, they are competitive on prices for moves below 500 miles and offer some of the best deals if you move less than 150 miles.
Here is a rough summary of what you can expect to pay when moving with PODS:
- A move that is less than 150 miles is around $1150. The industry average for other pod companies is $1720.
- PODS moving under 500 miles averages around $2050. Averaging the other pod companies for under 500 miles is approximately $2000.
PODS has one of the lowest prices for local moves compared to other moving container companies. You can feel confident you’re paying a competitive price with a PODS rental.
One thing to note is that PODS rentals do not include taxes in their estimates. Pod movers will provide a free quote so you have a rough idea of the rental costs.
Instant online quotes are provided right from their website.
What Are PODS Container Sizes
Many portable moving container companies only offer one size, but PODS has three to choose from. They have 7, 12, and 16 ft containers available, which could mean you fit all of your possessions in a single unit. If you’re moving from a larger property, you can reserve multiple storage PODS.
Included in the price of your container is up to 30 days to load it. This means you don’t need to worry or rush when your PODS rental arrives.
For this reason, choosing PODS moving containers could save you a lot of stress. You contact them when the moving pod is packed for them to collect.
PODS operates from locations in most of the states of the U.S. and some international locations as well. So if you need a storage container for a reasonably local move, PODS could be your best choice.
Having multiple choices in pod sizes is one of the reasons PODS is such a popular storage option.
Pro tip: to find a PODS near your home, Google PODS near me.
Video: What to Expect When Moving With PODS
See what you need to know about renting a storage container with PODS in video format. Pods moving is explained well in this short clip.
U-Haul Pod Storage
When most people think about renting a moving truck, U-Haul comes to mind. With good reason, U-Haul has been around for quite a while and has thousands of locations around the country.
Perhaps the biggest name in moving, U-Haul also offers a pod-moving container service called U-Box. The U-Box is another pod for rent option for temporary storage.
They have the advantage of operating from a massive network of storage facilities with over 21,000 locations.
U-Haul has locations throughout the United States in every state, including some in Canada and Mexico.
When you need boxes for moving, U-Haul will provide them through their U-Haul box exchange service.
Let’s look at the other benefits U-Haul offers with its storage containers.
U-Haul Offers Easy Reservations
U-Haul’s online reservation system for storage container rentals guides you through the process without the need to phone the company. Most other Pods movers will need you to talk with a sales representative during the process.
Instead, U-Haul gives you all the pricing information to let you pick the services that best fit your moving needs.
Regarding Pod storage, U-Haul is an excellent company to consider.
They are a container moving company that also gets high marks for customer happiness.
U-Haul Has Many Insurance Choices
U-Haul gives customers more insurance options than most with their storage pod rental. They have plans to match the coverage you need for your possessions.
Whether your valuables are worth $20,000 or just $1,000, they have insurance policies to suit.
Here is a breakdown of the insurance costs for U-Box:
- $1000 of insurance coverage costs $48 per month.
- $5000 of insurance coverage costs $72 per month
- $10,000 of insurance coverage costs $100 per month.
- $15,000 of insurance coverage costs $128 per month.
- $20,000 of insurance coverage costs $166 per month.
The Downsides of Using U-Haul
While they offer lots of locations, that should mean there is a storage facility near you; there are some negatives. Their storage container rentals aren’t the sturdiest.
Unlike other pod moving companies that have steel frame construction, theirs are only constructed from wood. Given that there is a greater risk of damage to your possessions.
They also need you to pay upfront for your pod rental. And overall, their costs aren’t as competitive as some other choices. If you are looking for affordable prices, there could be better alternatives.
They are still worth considering when it comes to storage pod rentals.
Pro Tip: to find a U-Haul close to your home, Google U-Haul near me or U-Haul nearby.Click To TweetU-Pack Moving POD
U-Pack is another pods container moving company worth checking out. The company operates a storage container service called ReloCube.
The U-Pack Relo Cube is also available nationwide and an excellent choice for long-distance moves, but that isn’t the only reason you should choose them for your storage pod needs.
U-Pack Has Low Prices
When compared to other pod rental options, U-Pack frequently offers better prices. Their affordable prices are particularly noticeable when moving over more than 1,000 miles.
U-Pack could be for you if you are looking for the cheapest container storage.
On average, U-Pack’s moving and storage prices are around 15% cheaper than the competition!
If you only need the moving container to get your possessions from A to B, U-Pack doesn’t charge you for storage you don’t need.
Most container companies will include some storage time in your basic quote but only add it if you need it with U-Pack.
You will already have three days to pack your container, but you can add it to your quote if you need more time.
You may need storage if you are going through a challenging move or your new home isn’t ready when you need to move in.
U-Pack’s ReloCube’s overall pricing is tough to beat—and its long-distance moving rates are exceptional. U-Pack also scored highly with customers’ reviews as a pod rental company.
There Are No Upfront Costs With U-Pack
U-Pack is a pod mover that doesn’t require you to pay a deposit for the storage container rentals you reserve. They will ask for your credit card details but aren’t going to charge your card when you place your reservation.
When they collect the containers from your home, they will bill you.
Not paying out money upfront can be a blessing when you are financially stretched during a home move. This also means that you can reserve the pod containers you think you will need without worrying that you have too many.
If you don’t use that many PODS, you will not be charged for the ones you don’t need.
The Disadvantages of Using U-Pack
If your move is only local, U-Pack’s ReloCube won’t be able to help you. They only offer cross-country moves or heading over state lines. These pod movers have facilities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.
One of the most significant downsides of U-Pack is that they don’t allow you to store the U-Pack Relocube on your property. Their storage availability is at an off-site location only – BOO!
With U-Pack, you will be charged for the containers you use by the day. Since they only count business days, you can get a few extra days to pack if you select collection at the beginning of the week.
When it comes to moving pods, U-Pack is worth your consideration.
1-800-PACK-RAT POD Moving
Though they don’t operate from quite as many locations as PODS or U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT could be another storage container option worth your consideration.
They are a well-known moving container company with a solid reputation and excellent service.
Let’s have a look at what sets them apart from the competition.
Check Out The Discount Offers
Pack Rat might not offer the best standard prices, but they offer many discounts. They even have a page on their website for the current special offers.
You may find a deal that works better for you than their competitors, thanks to an offer when you reserve a container.
The company also matches the prices of quotes you receive from other moving and storage companies.
So, if you get a quote from PODS or another storage company, you may find they will meet or beat the price.
1-800-Pack-Rat also offers discounts for certain professions as well.
You can expect a discount if you fall into one of the following groups. This pods moving company is affordable when you fall into one of these categories.
- College student
- Medical professional
- Senior citizen
- Member of the military
- Teachers
- First Responders
1-800-Pack-Rat Containers
Like PODS, 1-800-Pack-Rat gives you 30 days of storage when you order your portable moving containers. This allows you more time to pack your possessions into their secure steel boxes.
Their portable containers are steel framed with barn doors to ensure your stuff is damaged during the move.
The barn doors on the container differ from those offered by PODS with their roll-up doors. This can be better with less chance of the doors getting jammed, and they also take up less room when opened, giving you a little bit more space for your stuff.
Like PODS, 1-800-Pack-Rat has multiple storage container sizes to choose from. They offer storage containers that are 8 feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet.
1-800-Pack-Rat is well-known for having the industry’s most sturdy moving pod containers. If the quality of the portable moving containers is of great importance to you, it would be wise to check out 1-800-Pack-Rat.
The Storage Facilities Are Outstanding
If you need to store your container, 1-800-Pack-Rat has secure facilities, including climate control. This should ensure that your possessions are kept safe and protected from thieves and mold. They have some of the highest-rated storage facilities in the industry.
Their storage facilities have 24-hour surveillance, climate controls, and car-accessible warehouses. Undoubtedly, 1-800-Pack-Rat is worthy of your consideration.
To find the closest company near your home, Google 1-800-Pack-Rat near me.
SmartBox Portable Moving Container
One of the smaller companies on our list, SmartBox, could be the right storage container company for you if you are in an area served by the business.
SmartBox containers can be found in 23 states serving 60 million people.
They are also considered one of the top pods’ movers.
SmartBox Has Transparent Pricing
The company tries to ensure its customers understand their costs without being surprised by extra fees.
For example, they don’t charge extra fees for the fuel the truck uses.
SmartBox will also give you an estimate that includes tax, so you know exactly how much you’ll have to pay.
They also operate a price match guarantee so that you can focus on comparing the service provided rather than just the price.
Given their price match, you’ll find their container cost will have competitive prices.
Also, like U-Pack, you will only pay for the storage containers you use.
So if you aren’t entirely sure how many pod storage units you need, you could order up to a maximum of 8. Then when your containers are collected, you will only pay for those containing your possessions.
On average, you can expect to pay around $3000 for a SmartBox moving container. Costs range from $1500 for a move from a small studio apartment locally to $5000 plus for a move from a three to four-bedroom home across the country.
SmartBox also will give a discount price to college students.
SmartBox Provides Insurance Coverage
If you need containers for a long-distance or cross-country move, $10,000 worth of insurance coverage is provided. Their insurance will protect you against damage to your household items and furniture while in transit.
It is a good option when you are moving to a new location.
The company also offers coverage up to $70,000 for an additional fee. However, if your move is local, you won’t benefit from this free coverage.
The Downsides of Using SmartBox
Besides the limited location availability, there are a few other issues. Their moving containers are wooden crates that won’t be as sturdy as the steel alternatives, though they are wrapped in a waterproof cover to protect them from the weather.
Despite their price match guarantee, they seem slightly more expensive than the competition. There can also be a wide variation in pricing between locations. This is due to franchise owners that set their prices.
Still, the company is worth having on your list.
Zippy-Shell Moving Containers
Zippy-Shell is yet another top moving and storage company. The company’s motto is to deliver an innovative portable storage container design with highly flexible services. They aim to make the moving and storage process simple.
Zippy-Shell is located in 28 states, so they don’t have the same coverage as other pod rental companies.
They have unique cagelike construction for their moving containers, allowing you to tie down your belongings when transported.
What Makes Zippy-Shell Great
One of the standout features of Zippy-Shell is its staggered moving and storage delivery options. The company allows you to do a trial run on the number of containers you need, and if you discover you need more storage, they will deliver another container.
For example, if you think you might need three moving containers, but you could squeeze by with only two, they will split up your delivery.
You can do a test run.
By delivering two moving containers to start on one day, you can call the company if you don’t need the third.
Steel Cage Construction is Unique For Pod Rentals
One of the interesting features of a Zippy-Shell pod rental is the construction of the container. They use steel-cage construction. The moving containers have steel bars spaced every three to four inches.
Due to their construction method, you can easily tie down your things during transport.
One of the most significant drawbacks of doing a Pod rental with this company is that they only offer one container size, 15x7x7 feet.
When you want different cubic feet storage options, they will not be the best pod moving option.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Zippy Shell Moving Container?
The average price for a Zippy-Shell moving container is around $1700 for a small apartment traveling approximately 500 miles. For a longer trip of over 1500 miles, the price will jump up to around $2600.
When making trips over 2000 miles, you can expect the price to be above $3000.
For a larger home, you can expect a pod rental to be around $3300 for over 450 miles, around $5200 for over 1500 miles, and over $5800 for trips longer than 2000 miles.
It is important to note that these pod rental prices are estimates and can vary according to location.
They should, however, give you a rough idea when renting a pod from Zippy-Shell.
Zippy-Storage Container Insurance
If you wonder about insurance for your belongings, Zippy-Sheel provides $10,000 in protection for your things for $49.95 per container. You can also increase your security to $50,000 for each storage container for $119.95.
When it comes to container moves, Zippy-Shell is worthy of consideration.
Thoughts For Consideration With Pod Moving
Moving with Pods is not going to be for everyone. If there is heavy lifting involved with your move, you may want to consider a full-service moving company. Full-service movers do a lot for their money.
Portable storage companies are a good choice for those who can easily manage their move when heading to a new city. Pod moving is generally the right choice for those looking for convenience and saving little money.
Ensure you square away your desired delivery dates, so your storage solutions are squared away when needed.
One last thought is to factor in the additional cost of a rental truck if you need one. Mobile storage containers are certainly worth considering for your upcoming move.
Frequently Asked Portable Storage Container Questions
Here are some essential questions to ask portable moving and storage container companies.
1. Where Will The Storage Container be Located?
Most pods movers will let you choose where the storage unit will be in your yard. Most moving pods will be placed in the front of a home for easy access.
Some people like putting them in the driveway, while others like placement in the yard to continue to use their garage if they have one.
2. What Are Portable Moving Containers Made Of?
What a moving container consists of really depends on the storage company you work with.
You can expect anything from steel to aluminum, heavy-duty plastic, or construction-grade wood. It is advisable to check with the company upfront for their storage options if it is important.
3. Can The Storage Container be Moved After it is Put in Place?
No, the storage pod cannot be moved. Even though the moving containers have wheels, they will be locked in place when delivered and placed on your lot.
Planning and telling the driver exactly where you want the moving container to be placed becomes essential.
4. Can Moving Containers be Locked?
Yes, and you will probably want to make sure yours is secured. You will either be provided with a key for the container or use your lock to secure the container, depending on the company you choose.
5. Are My Things in The Moving Container Insured?
Probably. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover items stored on your premises, whether in a moving container or not. It is advisable to make sure with your insurance carrier to ensure your policy covers your possessions.
6. Is There Anything I Can’t Put in The Storage Container?
Yes. Usually, you will not be able to put anything that is considered flammable, hazardous, or corrosive into the moving container.
It is also likely the storage company will not allow any animals or any food. Every storage container company has rules on what can be stored and what can’t, so it is worth checking with them upfront.
7. How Long Can I Keep My Moving Container?
You will be able to keep your moving pod for as long as you like unless, of course, you stop paying for it. Every portable storage company has different policies, so tell them how long you plan to keep it.
Doing so should help prevent them from charging you unforeseen fees.
8. What Are The Sizes of a Pods Rental?
Pods moving containers come in three sizes ranging from 6 to 15 feet long. A small Pods moving container is 6 ft. 6 in. x 6 ft. x 7 ft. 6 in. A medium container is 11 ft. 6 in. x 7 ft. x 7 ft. 6 in, and a large container is 15 ft. 6 in. x 7 ft. x 7 ft. 6 in.
9. What Can’t You Put Into a Moving Container?
Most Pod rentals will not allow you to have anything flammable, hazardous material, or weapons.
10. Can Pod Rentals be Parked on The Street?
No. You do not own the street. A city or town will not want a moving container on public property. Pod rentals should be placed on your property.
11. Are Moving Pods Worth It?
Whether or not a moving pod is worth it is a personal decision. Pods movers allow for the tremendous convenience of accessing your things quickly from your property. They can also enhance the interior appeal of your home when selling, which can put more money in your pocket.
12. How Much Do storage Container Companies Charge For Long-Distance Moves?
Renting a portable storage container for moving out of state is very expensive. You will typically be spending anywhere from $3000-$4000. The average cost will be lower for local moves.
Other Moving Resources Worth a Look
Use these moving guides to make the best decisions regarding your move.
- How to ship a car – do you have a couple of prized possessions sitting in your driveway? Even if your cars are not luxury, you’ll probably want them shipped safely and sound to your new destination. See everything you need to know about transporting your vehicles from one state to another in this helpful car shipping guide.
- Best moving truck rental companies – will you be making a DIY move? Many folks rent a moving truck and do the work themselves rather than hire a professional company. See the industry leaders in the moving truck rental business.
- Comparing a pod to a self-storage unit, there are pros and cons to portable storage containers and self-storage units. In this resource, you will see a side-by-side comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of both moving choices. Many wonder whether they should choose a storage pod or a moving truck.
- What to know about climate-controlled storage – which of your things will need climate-controlled storage? Look, and you will learn all your possessions that need the correct temperatures and environmental conditions. Not having climate-controlled storage for items that need it could ruin them.
- The best-moving companies – when making a long-distance move, it makes sense only to hire the best. See the moving industry leaders, so you get the best service possible.
- How to make a USPS address change – one of the most vital things you need to do when moving is change your address with the post office. Creating an address change should be at the top of your moving to-do list. See what you need to know about changing your address quickly.
Final Thoughts on The Best Pods Moving Companies
So, there you have it with our pods moving review. You know much more about the top moving and storage pod container companies.
The Pods movers we’ve looked at should provide a good service and have a reliable track record of helping customers move. The services they provide vary, and how they price them can make it difficult to draw direct comparisons.
You should focus on the most valuable options, narrow your selection, and get quotes to compare prices.
For example, if you expect to have the container outside your home for weeks, perhaps an all-metal POD will be better. If you don’t know exactly how much space you need, a company that allows you to order more containers, only charging for those you use, will be a smarter choice.
Hopefully, this guide to portable moving and storage containers is practical.
About the author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provides the above Real Estate information about the best pod moving and storage container companies. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for 37+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about Real Estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
