Thinking about renting a moving PODS container for your next move? If so, you’ll certainly save big bucks compared to hiring a professional moving company. In fact, renting a portable moving container from PODS for an interstate move will cost you a fourth of what a full-service moving company would cost, while also providing a secure way to store your stuff temporarily. This article provides a quick rundown on how the popular moving container brand PODS works, what they cost and the various available container sizes. But first, the basics.
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What Are PODS?
“PODS” stands for “Portable On Demand Storage” and the PODS company has been well established since the 90s as a popular brand for moving and storage containers in the U.S. The storage pods themselves are 7, 12 or 16-foot box crates made of steel with roll up, keyed, ground level access and weather-resistant as well as impact-resistant siding. The company takes care of physically moving your PODS rental for you once you pack it, and offers both local and long-distance moving services. You pack it, they move it, whether you’re a business or an individual.
Advantages of Renting PODS for Moving & Storage
The benefits of renting a PODS container for moving or storage are numerous, but here’s our short list:
- Cost-effective
- Secure
- Adheres to your timetable/schedule without overage fees
- Easy loading/unloading
- No need to rent, drive or load a large truck to transport everything
In particular, PODS are a popular choice for those moving and/or looking for storage because of the container’’s steel-framed and weather-resistant paneling, as well as the ramp-free loading. Each PODS container is equipped with tie-downs, steel locking latches, and a lock and key for security. According to PODS, the company’s containers are also built to withstand up to 110 mph winds.
How Renting A PODS Container Works – The Process
Renting a PODS moving container is fairly simple. Here is the general process.
Know what you need it for, and for how long
You must first choose whether you wish to store, move or do both with your belongings. If using the PODS container for storage, you’ll need to decide whether to store the container at your location or at a PODS Storage Center.
You must also decide on the duration for which you need PODS storage.
Choose delivery location, date and container size
For both moving and storage, you must choose a delivery location, date and size.
Upon delivery, load the PODS container
After reserving one or more PODS containers, the company will deliver the container right to your doorstep. From there, all you have to do is load up your belongings into the container at your own pace.
Pickup & delivery to destination
PODS will pick up the container when you’re ready and deliver it to either the storage unit or your moving destination.
What Renting A PODS Container Costs
Renting PODS for Moving
So how much do PODS cost? The cost of moving with a PODS moving container depends on the size of the container rented, the duration of the rental, and the number of miles you’re moving. According to the company, PODS costs will vary based on where you’re moving from and to. Long distance moves start as low as $800, but vary based on the miles you’re traveling and how many months of storage you need. PODS notes that local moves typically cost less. Either way, you’re spending less with PODS pricing than you would on a full service moving company.
Renting Storage Containers
Customers have the option to store a PODS container on their property or at a PODS storage location. According to the company, rates for storing a PODS container on your personal property start as low as $110 per month for a 12-foot container and $120 for a 16-foot container. However, monthly rental rates vary and are dependent on storage duration, container availability and location.
PODS Moving & Storage Container Sizes
PODS offers three different container sizes, all available for either personal or business moving and/or storage use, both short and long-term.
7-foot container
The PODS 7-ft. container is approximately 7’x7’x8’. According to PODS, the container is “perfect for small-volume moving and storage,” and is commonly used as a shipping container or storage unit for apartment and studio moves. The inside of the container offers 385 cubic feet of packing space, and can hold one full room of furniture. PODS claims the 7-ft. moving container is comparable to a 10-ft long rental truck.
According to PODS, popular uses for this container include:
- Studio apartment moves
- Smaller dwelling moves
- College student moving
- Estate moving
- Moving items to a second home
- Temporary storage for small remodeling and renovation projects such as bathroom remodels
The 7-ft container is available for long distance moves in the U.S. and Canada. Many PODS locations also offer this container for local moving and storage.
12-foot container
The PODS 12-ft. container is approximately 12’x8’x8′. According to PODS, the container is the “perfect solution for moving an apartment or house with two or three rooms.” The inside of the container offers 689 cubic feet of packing space and is comparable to a rental truck that is 15 feet long.
According to PODS, popular uses for this container include:
- Moving homes with two to three rooms
- Larger apartment moves
- Office relocation
- Home remodeling and restoration projects
The 12-ft. container is available at most PODS locations and can only be used for in-town moving and storage.
16-foot container
The PODS 16-ft. container is approximately 16’x8’x8. According to PODS, the container is the company’s largest container option and is a “popular choice for moving a home with three or four rooms.” The inside of the container offers 857 cubic feet of packing space. PODS claims that the 16-ft. moving container is comparable to a rental truck that is 20 feet long.
According to PODS, popular uses for this container include:
- Moving homes with three to four bedrooms
- Office relocations
- Large home remodeling and restoration projects
The 16-ft. container is available for long distance moves in the U.S. and Canada. This size container is also available for local moving and storage in most PODS locations.
What To Do Before Ordering A PODS Container
Before you dive in and order a PODS container, make sure you’ve planned ahead a bit and do your best to estimate exactly what you need, how long you’ll need the container for and where your destination is. Follow the additional tips below to enjoy a smoother move with PODS.
- Schedule your PODS container at least 1 week in advance for both dropoff and pickup, especially during busier moving months.
- Overestimate the amount of space you’ll need. If you’re on the line, go bigger and get a 2nd PODS container.
- Use plastic bins to pack and stack in the PODS container instead of cardboard boxes, which can break or crush each other.
- Gather the moving and packing supplies you’ll need, including boxes, moving blankets, tape, scissors, Sharpies, a dolly, packing paper, bungee cords or ropes, etc.
- Check for online coupon codes for PODS – you never know what you’ll find, and your POD storage cost could go down.
- Be home to meet the driver in person during dropoff and pickup to ensure the POD is placed where you want it, you can make sure the lock works, and ask any questions you may have.
Tips to Packing A PODS Container
Packing a PODS container is no different than packing a moving truck, except that it’s easier because it’s ground level, and it’s more important to distribute weight more evenly. Heavy items and large furniture should be spread out rather than grouped together when possible.
Another tip is to pack important items or things you’ll need to use sooner rather than later toward the front of the container, for quicker and easier access once you’ve arrived at your new location. Things like your mattress, pillows, blankets, bathroom essentials, some clothes, desk necessities, etc should be prioritized.
Finally, keep important documents such as birth certificates, passports, vehicle titles and medical records with you instead of packing them in the PODS container, in case of unexpected loss or damage.
Other portable moving container options
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In addition to PODS, there are multiple other moving container options available to those moving and/or looking for storage. Here are a few of the most popular:
- U-Hauls U-Box Containers – U-Haul’s U-Boxes offer customers plenty of flexibility when it comes to moving and storage with their moving containers. Customers can choose from “the superior convenience option,” the “low-cost, do-it-yourself option,” and the “most cost effective option.” U-Haul’s U-Boxes come in one size, measuring 96″ x 60″ x 90″ (257 cubic feet) and have the capacity to hold up to 2,000 pounds. U-Haul’s storage facilities are secure and climate controlled with 24-hour access for customers. Those storing their belongings can rent these containers on a convenient, month-to-month basis.
- 1-800-PACK-RAT – With its heavy emphasis on durability and security, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable containers are a popular choice for those looking to move and/or store their belongings. The weatherproof containers are outfitted in steel frames, walls and barn-style doors. The containers are also climate controlled and equipped with video surveillance. For added convenience, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers come in three different sizes: 16-ft., 12-ft., and 8-ft.
- ABF U-Pack ReloCubes – U-Pack offers ReloCube moving containers that are metal and weatherproof. The moving container company is a popular choice for those moving and/or looking for storage because customers can reserve as many ReloCubes as they think they will need, and they only have to pay for the ones they use. The company also allows customers to use their own padlocks on the ReloCube for added security. According to the website, U-Pack doesn’t require a down payment or deposit. After you’ve finished loading up the container, you can pay by credit card for the number of ReloCubes you ended up utilizing.
- United Mayflower’s Containers – United Mayflower containers include smooth interior walls, galvanized steel framing and waterproof materials to keep your belongings properly protected. They’re also equipped with flush-mounted tie-down rings to prevent items from shifting while on the road, as well as a translucent roof that allows light into the container, so that customers can see what’s inside more easily. The company’s moving containers are 16’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ high, and can hold the contents of a 1,500 square-foot home.
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Ready to find a portable moving container?
For more information on portable containers, check out Moving.com’s moving containers center. Simply enter where you’re moving from, the location of your new home, the size of your home in bedrooms, and what date you wish to complete your move. We’ll let you compare portable moving container companies and send you the best quote available.
Still think you’re going to need professional movers for the job? Find the best moving company to handle your upcoming relocation by checking Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All movers in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!
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