Money Research Collective’s editorial team solely created this content. Opinions are their own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how companies may appear. Many featured companies advertise with us. How we make money.
PODS Versus Moving Companies: Which One is Better?
By Susan Doktor MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Portable moving containers arrived on the moving scene in the late 1990s. They didn’t change everything, but they nonetheless disrupted the moving industry. The company credited with the disruption is PODs. But since then, many similar companies have appeared to compete with the company, including U-Haul’s U-Box, U-Pack, and 1800-PACKRATS.
Is renting a PODS or similar portable storage container for you? That depends on a number of factors, which we’ll explore today as we compare professional moving services to renting a PODS container.
Table of Contents
Pods vs. Moving Companies
How Does PODS work?
How Do Moving Companies Work?
Main Differences Between PODS and Moving Companies
Are PODS or Moving Companies Best for You?
PODS vs. Moving Companies FAQs
How We Compared PODS to Full-Service Moving Companies
Pods vs. Moving Companies
There’s one thing for certain. The PODs moving experience is quite different from the experience you’ll have if you hire a full-service moving company. Here are some of the differentiating factors between the two:
- Using a POD generally requires you to do most of the heavy lifting
- Prices vary between the two moving services
- Each solution offers different kinds of flexibility
- The amount of time it takes to move your belongings differs between the two services
- The amount of skill you need will vary with each solution
How Does PODS work?
The PODS concept is fairly simple. Here are the steps involved:
- Moving from room to room in your house, create a moving checklist.
- Choose the container size you need to accommodate your belongings.
- Select the PODS services you require and schedule a drop-off date.
- Have your POD delivered to your current address.
- Load your container at your own pace.
- Call PODS to schedule the pick-up of your container.
- Have PODS move your container to your new home or to a secure storage facility as needed.
- Unload your container according to your own schedule.
People often select PODS versus traditional moving or truck rental because PODS offers the kind of flexibility they need. And depending on how long you rent your container in total, PODS can be a cheaper moving method versus hiring a mover.
How Do Moving Companies Work?
Whether you’re planning a local move or a long-distance move, hiring a moving company involves the same steps:
- Decide which moving services you’re likely to need.
- Contact one or more moving companies and request an initial free moving quote.
- Compare quotes and decide on the best moving company for your needs.
- The moving company will prepare a more detailed estimate of your moving costs. It’s best to have a moving company visit your home to provide a more accurate estimate.
- Once you agree to the estimate, the moving company will schedule a moving date with you.
- On moving day, the moving company will arrive at your home with a moving truck and other moving equipment.
- The movers will load your belongings onto the moving truck.
- The moving truck will transport your belongings to your new home or store them for you as needed.
- Once the moving truck arrives at your new home, the movers will unload your belongings and place furniture and boxes in the rooms you designate.
- After everything is unpacked and placed in its proper location, the moving company will collect payment for their services.
Moving companies provide a wide range of elective services, including packing and unpacking your belongings, moving your piano, or relocating your car to your new home. These are services not all portable service container companies provide.
Main Differences Between PODS and Moving Companies
PODS vs. moving companies price comparison
The following quotes reflect moving your belongings about one thousand miles. No additional services (packing, storage, etc.) are included. PODS costs are based on a one-month rental.
| PODS | Moving Company | |
| Average cost | $3,900 – $8,000 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Upfront costs | None | Normally, a small deposit |
| Hidden costs | Additional rental fees if you keep your container for more than 30 days | Fees for extra hours spent on your move |
| Coverage | Two options: POD coverage only or POD and container contents | Basic coverage for free. Comprehensive coverage available for a fee. |
Services comparison
PODs is one portable shipping container service company that matches many of the services provided by traditional moving companies. Not all do. That’s one reason PODS stands out from the rest of moving container companies.
Here is a list of services that both PODS and full-service movers provide:
- Residential and commercial services
- Packing supplies
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Transportation of your belongings
- Temporary storage at a secured facility
- Long-term storage in secure storage units
- Insurance coverage
Here’s a list of services only professional movers offer:
- Specialty services like piano moving and auto relocation
- Cleaning services
- Custom crating
- Pet transportation
Here is a list of services that only PODS provides:
- DIY moves
- Flexible timeframe to be ready for your move
- Moving equipment, including hand trucks, dollies, tie-downs, and more
Flexibility
Which of our two moving options is most flexible? That depends on your definition of flexibility. The best moving solution for you depends on what you value most. Saving time and effort? The ability to control your schedule? Speed of delivery? Saving money? Service choices?
If moving at your own pace appeals to you, moving pods may offer you the flexibility you prefer. But if you’re short on time, hiring a full-service moving company to pack up your belongings, load and unload a moving truck, and safely store your belongings as needed may be less of a hassle. Many moving companies are able to schedule last minute moves, though you will often pay a premium for rush service.
Control
Do you want control or would you rather give it up in exchange for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have skilled workers managing your move? Loading a truck the right way and preventing damage to your belongings isn’t as straightforward as you may think. But professional movers excel at that task.
The main thing you get to control when you choose PODS over a full-service moving company is your time. You can take as much time as you need to load a container. When you hire a moving company and schedule a move date, you’d better be ready when the truck arrives.
Because you are in control of packing your belongings when you rent a POD, you can’t get the same kind of insurance protection a professional moving service offers. PODS generally won’t cover you for damaged goods the way a professional mover will. If they didn’t pack and load your stuff, they won’t take responsibility for goods damaged in transit. That’s another angle to consider when thinking about control and how much of it you need.
Convenient Solutions
Once again, whether a moving service offers convenient solutions depends on your definition of convenience.
For many people, having to load a truck is the ultimate moving inconvenience. Too much sweat. Too much time spent struggling with heavy furniture. And too great a risk of injury.
But others aren’t phased by the physical stamina it takes to load a POD. They get a month to complete the task without paying anything extra and take it at a leisurely pace. They plan things out, placing things they won’t need for a while first, and items they use every day last — even at the very last minute. They may even relish the long, scenic drive they’ll take when making a cross-country move. Their POD can stay in place while they see the sights. They can call for it to be delivered when they’re good and ready. For them, PODS offers the most convenient solution available. So it’s difficult to say which moving option is the most “convenient”.
Are PODS or Moving Companies Best For You?
Choosing the best moving method for you is a big decision. Cost, convenience, and control are certainly important considerations. But sometimes it also comes down to temperament. A little self-reflection can’t hurt when you’re deciding between moving solutions.
When a moving company is the best option
Hiring a moving company is definitely preferable under certain circumstances. If you’re not physically able to manage the task of loading and unloading heavy boxes and awkward pieces of furniture, renting a POD is not for you. Even if you’re strong as an ox, you won’t be able to fully load your POD on your own. You’ll need to enlist the help of other able-bodied individuals.
Moving companies are the best choice for people who don’t have time for packing, unpacking, loading and unloading. They’re also a better choice for people who have specialty items to move, such as pianos, motorcycles, artwork, and antiques that need custom crating.
When PODS is the best option
If you’re an avid DIY-er who enjoys both planning and executing a complicated task, you’re mentally well-suited for portable storage container moving. If you don’t care for having someone else set your schedule, you’ll probably appreciate the flexibility PODS offer. If you’re planning to do renovations in your new home and your stuff would just get in the way of workers, ladders, and drop cloths, PODS offer a convenient way to keep your home free of clutter while still having easy access to your belongings. But all that comes with a caveat: you have to be up to the task of loading and unloading your container. Don’t risk getting injured just because you like to do it yourself.
PODS vs. Moving Companies FAQs
Are moving companies better than PODS for a long-distance move?
When it comes to deciding between hiring a long-distance moving company or using PODS for a long-distance move, it ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Moving companies typically offer a full-service option where they handle all aspects of the move, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading at the destination. This can be beneficial for those who want to minimize their involvement in the moving process and have the resources to hire professionals to do the heavy lifting. Additionally, moving companies have experienced staff who are trained in handling fragile or valuable items, reducing the risk of damage during transport. So hiring a moving company can be one of the simplest ways to move across the country.
On the other hand, PODS offer a more flexible and cost-effective option for those who prefer a DIY approach to moving. PODS can be a good choice for those who have a limited budget or prefer to have more control over their time.
How long will moving companies store your stuff?
Essentially, for as long as you ask them to. But the longer you store your belongings, the more you'll pay. Costs also depend on the type of storage unit you select. Self-service units, which allow you convenient access to your stuff on your own terms, can sometimes be more expensive than other options. Unless you need regular access to your belongings, it's probably advisable to choose a secured storage facility, where your goods will reside in an open space shared by other customers. If you have long-term storage needs, you can also save money by leasing by the year, not by the month.
What can't you load into PODS containers?
According to the PODS website, the following items are prohibited:
- Hazardous materials, such as toxic chemicals, cleaning products, gasoline, and propane gas
- Lawnmowers and snow blowers
- Motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles
- Illicit drugs and other illegal items
The company also recommends that you refrain from loading family heirlooms, items you consider irreplaceable, critical documents such as deeds and financial records, and any form of currency into your POD.
What is the most efficient way to move across the US?
There's no single answer to that question. The fees associated with a move of any size will vary depending on the method you choose, the distance between your originating and final locations, the special services you may require, insurance costs, and more.
If you're willing to put in the time and labor, sometimes hiring a rental truck and driving it yourself can be a great option. That is, if you don't mind driving cross-country and you have few enough belongings to fit in a 26-foot truck. That's about the largest rental truck you can drive without a commercial license.
PODs can also be a cost-effective solution. Again, you have the option of doing much of the work of moving yourself and saving on the labor costs associated with traditional moving companies. Things get expensive, however, when you need multiple storage containers to accommodate all of your stuff. Sometimes, the cost of renting multiple containers (and keeping them for a month or more) drives PODS prices within range of traditional moving company prices.
Moving companies can also be a cost-effective way to go. If you stick to basic services and don't ask your mover to pack or store your belongings, moving company costs can closely approximate POD costs. Moving companies can also be a good choice for local moves if you don't need a long time to load or unload your belongings at your two locations.
How We Compared PODS to Full-Service Moving Companies
Portable moving container companies like PODS and full-service moving companies offer certain advantages — and disadvantages. Our goal is not to recommend one over the other, but rather to help you understand how each moving option works and help you think through which is best suited to your service needs, your budget, your lifestyle, and your personality.
While comparing PODs to full-service movers, we researched average costs for both. We compared available services, such as packing and unpacking, piano moving, and auto transport. We considered insurance costs and how well your belongings are protected under each moving option. And we broke down the process of using each type of service into basic steps to illuminate how each service differs from the other.
