What to Know About Renting PODS Moving Containers
Are you considering moving with PODS? Do you know what a moving POD is and how they work?
By the time you are done reading, you’ll have ample insightful information to understand whether renting a PODS moving container is right for you.
Using PODS for moving can be an excellent choice.
If the cost of hiring movers stretches your budget further than you imagined, container moving might be a better option.
Professional movers will be expensive when you need to move your furniture across the country; a moving container could be a better value. This is where a moving Pod could save you significant money.
Choosing to rent a POD is becoming increasingly popular and could be the answer to your moving requirements.
Homebuyers and sellers often try to decide whether to put their stuff in storage or go with moving PODS.
When they do an internet search for something like storage units near me and don’t come up with the desired results due to proximity, renting a moving POD becomes a more viable option.
Some folks need to have access to their things nearby. Having a moving POD in the yard becomes ideal for many people.
However, renting moving containers is probably not an option if you need climate-controlled storage for your possessions.
Pod storage has become a significant part of the moving industry. You may want to consider them for your next move to your new place.
Let’s review what PODS offers to customers who think of using moving containers and what you need to know about them.
Moving With PODS Review
Here is an overview of what we will be covering:
- Understanding the PODS moving and storage company
- How to contact PODS
- Finding PODS near me
- The advantages of moving Pods
- How much will PODS cost
- The different sizes of portable storage containers
- How to rent moving pods, including a helpful video
- How to prepare for container moving
- Tips for loading your moving containers
- Who are PODS moving and storage competitors
Who Are PODS?
The brand name PODS stands for Portable On Demand Storage. The PODS moving business started in the 1990s and currently provides 7-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot moving containers.
These portable containers are secure, made of steel with a roll-up door, and offer a place for your padlock.
They will deliver the POD moving container for you to fill up. This can then be transported to your new home or used for storage.
PODS storage gives you the option of extra space for as long as you need it and where you need it. You can follow your schedule when using a moving Pod.
Moving with PODS has made many people’s moving experience more trouble-free. PODS locations are plentiful, being located all around the United States. You will find them in 46 different states, including DC and Hawaii.
PODS Moving and Storage is one of the most reputable companies in the industry and makes both local and long-distance moves.Click To TweetHow to Contact PODS?
You can contact PODS Moving and Storage by going to their website (the link above) or calling them at 855-948-3501. You can typically reach PODS from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
PODS moving has a reputation for delivering excellent customer service.
How to Find PODS Near Me
One of the easiest ways of finding PODS moving containers nearby your location is to do an online search. Head to Google and search for either PODS near me or PODS movers near me. You should see the closest places to where you live or are searching from.
If you are working with a real estate agent, they also may be able to help you find PODS nearby.
The Benefits of Moving With PODS
There are distinct pros to renting PODS for moving and storage.
Using the PODS moving service offers many advantages over movers or truck renting. Here are just a few of the reasons why using PODS is a great choice:
- It is cheaper than using a professional moving company.
- They allow you to load and unload the container in your own time.
- You don’t have to worry about renting and driving a moving truck.
- Loading is easy; walking into the moving container is a breeze.
- The containers are strong and weather-resistant with steel frames.
- You can place your PODS in one of their storage centers if desired.
The Costs of Moving With PODS
One trying to decide whether to choose portable storage containers, one of the most common questions asked is, “how much do PODS cost“?
If you need PODS moving service, the cost will come down to the size, the distance you need it transferred, and the time you need it for.
Moving PODS costs are also dependent on your location and destination.
Prices start from around $800; you can expect to pay less for local moves. However, this cost compares favorably against professional full-service movers and gives you more flexibility for your move.
The PODS storage service lets you have the container at your home or at the PODS storage facility.
The moving pod prices for the smallest container are $110 per month. Supply and demand play a role in your fee, with the number available in your area contributing to the cost.
Of course, the number of containers you rent will also factor into the cost of moving with PODS.
Moving POD Prices Local and Long Distance
For local moves, renting a PODS moving container costs between $349-$549.
For long-distance moves, the average price ranges between $1000-$3000. A month of storage is included in the price for long-distance moves.
PODS does have delivery fees, but they are waived if you rent their moving containers for three months or more.
Renting a PODS is quite often done by those who are more do-it-yourselfers. Usually, they will also rent a truck for the move, forgoing working with a mover.
PODS makes it easy by providing online quotes to get an idea of the pricing for your moving needs.
Get your free quote to know this part of your moving expenses. PODS pricing is considered competitive with others in the industry.
You will typically get a better deal when moving with PODS for a more extended period. In this case, the PODS cost will come down.
PODS Moving Container Sizes
PODS offers three different container sizes for both your moving and storage needs. Different sizes allow you to choose portable storage containers matching your requirements.
7-Feet PODS Container
The 7-foot container measures around 7’x7’x8′ and offer 385 cubic feet for your possessions. This portable container is ideal for smaller moves with about a room’s worth of items.
A moving container this size provides space similar to a 10-foot-long rental truck with a weight limit of 5,200 lbs. Moving pods this size are popular for students going back and forth to college.
12-Feet PODS Container
Their medium 12-foot container provides 689 cubic feet and measures 12’x8’x8′.
It can be used to move a home with 2 or 3 rooms and is equivalent to a truck approximately 15 feet long. The maximum weight that can be stored in the container is 4,700 lbs. A storage pod of this size is suitable for an apartment move.
16-Feet PODS Container
POD’s most giant container has 857 cubic feet of space inside, providing a similar moving choice to a 20-foot-long truck.
The moving container measures around 16’x8’x8′ and is most suited for moving three or four rooms. Though this is their most considerable container, it has the lowest weight limit of 4,200 lbs.
The 16-foot container will be a popular option when making an interstate move. Their steel container is recognized as being a solid and secure moving container.
The Process of Renting a PODS Moving Container
PODS moving is not complicated. If you want to rent a container for your move or storage, the process is relatively straightforward; let’s take a look:
Video: What to Know About Renting With PODS
Have a look at this helpful video from PODS on common questions. Learn more about Pod rentals.
PODS For Moving: What Size Pod Do You Need?
You need to think carefully about the size you are going to require. It is best to assume you need more space when ordering than to realize it when the moving container is full.
Opting for the smaller POD should suffice if you only have a room or two. If you have a 3-4 bedroom home, opt for the larger POD.
Most people making long-distance moves will opt for the 16-foot moving container.
How Long Do You Need The Pod For?
With POD moving, you must know how long you need the container. However, you can continue to rent your container for as long as you need.
With PODS billing, you are charged monthly until you tell them to collect it.
Where Will The Moving Pod Be Stored?
If you are using PODS for storage, you can take it to their secure facility when you’ve filled it. When filling it up, it does need to be placed on your property, and there are a few restrictions.
The PODS need a 12-foot width clearance and 15 feet of height. They also can’t be placed on steep inclines and need a flat area. Most people will put their moving pod in the driveway or front lawn.
It should be noted that the PODS storage center is not open to the public, and they offer access by appointment only. They lock down their PODS storage facilities overnight to keep your belongings safe.
Ordering Your POD Storage Container
You can select the day you want your moving container delivered, and if there is one of the sizes you want in your area, it will arrive after 7 a.m. on the day you require it. You don’t need to be present when the driver delivers the moving pods.
Billing For Your PODS Container
Once you have the moving container, you will be billed for it and can load it at your own pace. You will be billed on the same day next month, so keep that in mind when you order.
When you have filled your container, contact PODS; they will collect it and take it to your destination. You then have as long as you need to unpack, though if you can do it before your next billing date, you will save money.
PODS will take MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit cards. Some locations may also accept a check, money order, or cash when making a local move.
Preparing to Order a PODS Container
It would be best to do a few things before ordering your moving pods to get the most out of your rental.
Let’s take a look:
Get moving supplies, and start to pack. Plastic bins are better than cardboard boxes. They can get crushed.
Pack the plastic bins at the bottom of the PODS container if you have a mixture of plastic and cardboard boxes.
When you prepare for your move, finding moving boxes should be one of your priorities.
You will also need ropes and cords to hold things in place and perhaps a dolly to help you move.
Prepare the area for the PODS container. Ensure there aren’t any low-hanging branches, wires, or other obstructions in the area you want the container positioned.
Remember, 15 feet in height is required, as well as 12 feet wide. They can be placed on the road if necessary, though you will need a permit to be provided to PODS in advance, so this needs to be planned for.
Check on Positioning Your Moving Containers
Make sure you know what your HOA rules and regulations are concerning containers. Most HOAs allow them, but it is best to be sure beforehand.
Check with the building management if you live in an apartment or condo. They can be placed in parking spaces, but empty spaces will be needed on either side.
You don’t have to be home when the container is delivered, but ensuring it is positioned as you wish is a good idea.
Also, schedule the delivery in plenty of time, so you know the Pod moving container will be available when you need it, even at the busiest moving times.
Rachet up your pre-packing efforts with the necessary supplies, including boxes, moving blankets, tape measures, braces, or scissors. Sharpies are a must for labeling fragile items.
Look for coupon codes on PODS.com – there’s always something in disguise, and your storage cost may decrease!
Meeting the driver in person when the pod is dropped off is a good idea to ensure you get your preferred placement location.
How are PODS Delivered?
Maneuvering a large and heavy Pod container is a difficult task. PODS has solved this problem with what they call PODZILLA, their patented container-lifting vehicle.
The container moving vehicle is a frame with wheels at each corner that can lift the PODS off the back of the truck and move them to where they are needed.
This can be achieved in a surprisingly small room, needing only 12 feet wide and 15 feet in height to move the container safely.
They also require 40 feet in length to place it, though this can include the road.
Loading Your PODS Moving Container
Packing up your possessions in a PODS storage container is considerably easier than packing a moving truck. The container has the advantage of being on the ground, with only a tiny step required to lift furniture into the back.
Though despite this, there are some things you need to remember:
When placing heavy items of furniture, make sure you spread them out. Storing them all simultaneously could cause problems when the container is collected and should be avoided.
It would help if you also remembered there is a weight limit for what can be stored in the containers.
Use ropes and bungee cords to hold things in place not to move and get damaged. Blankets can fill any gaps to prevent the load from shifting.
Pack items you will need in your new home nearer the door. This will make moving in less stressful. Keep any necessary documents and things with you rather than packing them. This includes any medication and anything you need on a moving day.
One of the best moving tips is preparation. Never underestimate how much stress you will add to your life when not planning a move correctly. Moving is hard work!
Other Moving Container Companies
If you know PODS is not nearby your location or would like to get competitive bids from other storage container companies; a few are worth comparing.
An intelligent way of finding a storage container company would be to do a Google search with something like moving container companies near me or moving container companies nearby.
Here are the other companies offering a similar service to PODS. These are the most popular:
U-Haul
While most people think of U-Haul as a moving truck company, they are also in the portable storage business.
U-Haul has a service called U-Box that provides a container with a 257 cubic feet capacity.
Their moving containers can store up to 2,000 lbs, and secure storage facilities are offered if needed.
United Mayflower
The containers offered by United Mayflower are a similar size to PODS’s most prominent option. Their moving pods benefit from a translucent roof allowing light into the container and making packing easier.
1-800-PACK-RAT
Pack Rat also offers three sizes of containers of similar dimensions. They will lower their prices to meet any estimate from PODS if they aren’t already cheaper.
1-800-PACK-RAT has all-steel, weatherproof storage containers that can be used for all your moving needs.
Whether you want to pack away off-season goods or need simple on-site storage for your move, they will be there for your needs.
1-800-Pack-Rat also suggests their moving containers are perfect for contractors who need to store their equipment on a building site.
U-Pack
U- Pack is one of the largest container companies and the longest-tenured in the business. U-Pack offers both relocation containers as well as larger moving freight trailers. You should get a quote from U-Pack when making a long-distance move or leaving for another state.
They have some of the best rates if you are moving between 100 to 250 miles.
When thinking about pod moving, U-pack is one of the more well-known storage companies.
Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell is another one of the top moving and storage companies. The company specializes in renting both long-distance and local moving containers.
The Zippy Shell moving containers are different from the other moving pod companies. They use a caged interior so customers can tie their possessions to the walls every few inches.
Doing so helps prevent your belongings from moving around during the move.
One of the most significant downsides to Zippy Shell is that they only have one moving container size, which is 15x7x7 feet. The company is only located in 28 states in the US, so you might not find them as readily available.
Please look at our review of the best moving and storage companies.
Final Thoughts on Moving PODS
If you have done any research on moving, you’ve probably discovered there are many options. PODS has grown in popularity over the years because they offer homeowners tremendous flexibility to access their things.
If you know that getting at your possessions is highly important, a POD for your property will be worth looking into.
Hopefully, you have found this guide on PODS to be practical. Best of luck with your move!
About the author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided the above Real Estate information on renting a PODS moving container. 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.
