Are you considering using PODS for your next move? If so, not only will you save money on not hiring professional movers, but you can also move on your own timeline. Renting a moving container is usually considerably cheaper than using movers, and your items will be safe and secure.
To learn more about PODS and what you should know before renting one, read on.
What are PODS?
PODS is short for "Portable on Demand Storage", and was founded in 1998 in Clearwater, Florida. They offer three different sizes for their containers: 7', 12’, and 16’. These containers are made from steel, with a rolling steel door that you can lock. These containers are weatherproof, impact-resistant, and are extremely secure.
PODS will deliver your container to your home, and once it is packed, they will pick it up and deliver it to your new home. They have both local and long-distance travel options available.
Why We Love PODS
There are lots of benefits of PODS, including:
- The storage containers are very secure, so you don’t have to stress about your belongings
- Make sure to buy a lock to lock your container up
- You don’t have to drive a moving truck, cutting back on any additional stress
- The containers are very easy to load and unload
- PODS are cost-effective, you spend about half of what you would for professional movers
- It is on your schedule! You decide when the containers are delivered, how long it takes to load them, and when PODS comes to pick up your container.
- They are great for both moving and storage
Container Sizes
All these containers are available across the United States and Canada.
This container is 7’ x 7’ x 8’. This container, according to PODS, is great for small moves and storage. This size is very common for storage, for example, during a remodel to store your stuff. It is available for local and long-distance moves, as well as storage options.
The inside of the container measures 385 cubic feet and is comparable in size to a 12’ rental truck.
Uses for this container include:
- Moving studio apartment
- College move
- Moving small items from one place to another
- Temporary (or long-term) storage for a remodel or renovation
This container measures out to 12’ x 8’ x 8’. According to PODS, this container is great for moving an apartment or small home with three rooms. It can be used for local and long-distance moves, as well as for storage.
The inside of the container has 690 cubic feet and is equivalent to a 15’ moving truck.
Uses for this container include:
- Moving a house that has two to three rooms
- Office relocation
- Remodeling projects
- Moving a larger apartment
This measures out to 16’ x 8’ x 8’. According to PODS, this container is ideal for moving a four-room house. It can be used for local and long-distance moves, as well as storage.
The inside of this container boasts 857 cubic feet of storage and is comparable to a 20’ moving truck.
Uses for this container include:
- Large remodeling storage options
- Moving a medium-sized home
- Relocating your office
Container Costs
There are many factors that go into the cost of PODS, including what size is ordered, how long you rent the container, and how far away you are moving.
You can expect to spend anywhere from $800 for a long-distance move, to $100 for storage.
Keep in mind, there are many factors that affect the cost of PODS, so not everyone’s cost will be the same. When you set up a quote for PODS you must enter your email, and they will email you a quote.
What To Do Before Ordering Your Container
Before you order your containers, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you schedule drop-off for your containers at least one week before you plan to move
- It may take a couple of days for drop off and pick-up, so this helps ensure you have plenty of time
- Meet the driver in person when they drop off your containers to make sure the container is placed correctly, the lock works, and to get some packing tips
- Always overestimate the space you need; you can always use numerous containers to pack your stuff
Other Container Companies
If PODS doesn’t turn your crank, there are other moving options you can go to:
- ABF U-Pack ReloCubes
- U-Pack is a very popular container company that offers steel, weather-proof containers for your moving and storage needs. We like that you won’t have to pay for any leftover cubes leftover, so if you accidentally order too many you won’t have to shell the money out for any unused one (you will for PODS).
- You can lock the ReloCubes up with your own padlock
- There is no down payment, you just pay for the containers you used
- U-Haul’s U-Box
- U-Haul is one of the biggest names in the moving game, and they offer their own container option. U-Boxes have 260 cubic feet of storage and can hold about 2,000 pounds worth of stuff.
- Their containers are made from wood and a plastic cover, so they aren’t as steady as many other container choices out there.
- They also have storage options with the U-Boxes.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat
- Pack Rat containers are very secure and weatherproof and are very popular.
- They offer three different sizes: 12-foot, 8-foot, and 16-foot.
- They are made from steel and feature a barn-style door to load things up.
Overall, PODS is a great option for anyone who needs container options. They are cheaper than professional movers and are a great alternative to using a moving truck so you won’t have to drive a large truck.