The moment has come – it’s time to move!
When starting out on the daunting task of packing and moving, a common dilemma that arises is how to pack or who to hire to help with your move. You have full service moving companies available who will do it all for you, the option to rent a large moving truck that you can pack and drive yourself, or another popular go-to is to use moving container companies, such as PODS.
PODS is a portable moving and storage company that provides you a storage container for your move. While their services differ from traditional moving services, they can be a great option for your move.
If you find yourself leaning towards PODS, keep reading! We’ll first take a look at what PODS are and how they work, then the pros and cons of choosing PODS for your next move. It can be challenging to decide whether to use pods vs a professional moving company, so we are here to help you make an informed decision.
What are Professional Moving PODS?
The term “PODS”
is an acronym that stands for Portable On Demand Storage. PODS were invented as a portable storage solution for anyone moving, renovating, or when an extra form of storage is needed for a lengthy period of time. You can choose the size you need and you are required to keep it for at least one month but it can be rented out for as much time as you need, on a month-to-month basis. You are also responsible for filling up the PODS (the company doesn’t offer movers to pack for you).
There are two main options to choose from when using pods: PODS are dropped off at your home or establishment and kept on your property for the timeframe that you schedule it for or the other option is to have your container stored at the PODS facility instead of it being in your possession. If you need the pod transferred to another location, you have to schedule a pickup and drop off time with the PODS delivery team.
Having a pod on your property or using the PODS storage facility both have their own set of pros and cons. Using PODS as extra storage on your property can be a great option if you are renovating your home or have limited storage availability. Whereas utilizing the professional moving team may be a better option if you need relocation assistance.
Pros of Using PODS for Your Move
Cost-Effective Compared to Hiring Movers
PODS can typically be cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company, depending on the length of time that you need it. According to Move Buddha, the price to use PODS can change drastically due to the mileage that your container is being moved to/from and what size container you opt to go with. For a local move, PODS can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 and for long-distance moves across the United States, PODS pricing can range from $400 to $7,500. Rental is also super easy with their online services.
PODS Provide Convenience 
When renting from PODS, the container sits on the ground outside your home or building so you only have a short walk to go when filling up or emptying out your container. This means you won’t have to deal with lifting up boxes onto a high truck or into your truck, it will be a short dolly trip or arm workout away to start moving your items into the pod. You can easily pack the portable moving containers without needing to hire movers to help. You also won’t have to spend the additional time of moving items to an off-site storage facility. Did you get one box packed today? Great, go ahead and move it to the pod!
The convenience of having the moving pod a short walk away makes it easy for you to move items in and out of but it also means you have a huge container sitting in your driveway or yard which can be an eyesore. If you would rather not have the rental sitting on your property, you can hire the moving container company to store it at their facilities.
PODS are Durable and Weather Resistant
According to the PODS website, their containers may be made of wood, steel, aluminum, or high impact-resistant polymers. They are made using a combination of these materials to offer superior durability, safety, and coverage for your belongings against the elements. PODS are also able to withstand strong winds and adverse weather conditions, keeping moisture and mold away from your belongings. If you need a safe and secure way to store your belongings, a portable storage container can be a great option.
Cons of Using PODS for Your Move
Restrictions on Parking the PODS & Dropoff Area
In some instances, there could be restrictions for keeping moving containers in your area and you may need a special permit to park your storage container. On the other hand, if you use the PODS storage facility, this will not be an issue as the container won’t be on your property for an extended period of time.
When dropping off a POD to your property, they require 3 parking spots worth of room to implement the drop-off. If you live in an apartment complex, condo, or residential neighborhood with tight street access, this could be a major issue to workaround. If you don’t have the space for the storage pod, it may be best to hire a professional moving service or look into other storage alternatives.
Not Completely Secure
PODS are meant to be safe and secure but when stored on your property and out in the open, no one can guarantee the safety of the items in your container. You will have a key to your unit and you are able to lock it, but as it’s sitting in your yard or on the street, anyone walking by could potentially mess with your pod or break into it if they try hard enough.
If you choose to use a PODS storage facility, your storage unit will most likely have security surveillance but you will not be able to stop by and put things in your container whenever you want. The PODS storage facility is just a place where your container is placed until you need it again. Customers aren’t able to access their storage containers while they are at the storage facilities.
Not Temperature Controlled
PODS can protect your belongings from the elements like rain and hail but they do not protect from the heat or freezing temps. You might think this isn’t a huge deal but when things like ceramic or terracotta, or even leather furniture pieces are exposed to freezing temps, they can become dry, crack, and break. Higher temperatures can have the same effect on your belongings when exposed to heat for too long, like electronics or valuable works of art.
Self-storage options – whether on your own terms or through a moving company – can be climate controlled so your belongings can stay cool and unharmed. When moving, you will need to consider what type of items you have in your home and what storage options best meet your needs.
You’re Responsible for All the Labor
This is not always necessarily a bad thing if you choose to go with a DIY move but time is money and sometimes opting to hire movers is worth it. On the other hand, if you decide to go with PODS, keep in mind that you will be doing all the manual labor of packing, lifting, moving, and unloading yourself – unless you can acquire help from friends, family, and neighbors! PODS services don’t provide movers to pack and move your items for you.
Cannot Access Belongings at Anytime
If you decide to store your container with a PODS facility, you will not have access to it 24/7. Their facilities are made to only hold your PODS for when you don’t need them; they are not accessible at the facility site for you.
Obviously, if you choose to keep your pod on your property, you’ll have all the access you need and want.
PODS Can be More Expensive Than a Rental Truck
While we previously said PODS are cost-effective when compared to hiring a full-service moving company, they can be more expensive when compared to renting a moving truck and packing the items in there yourself. In general, PODS is more expensive than renting a U-Haul truck or other truck rental services.
To figure out the cost, you will really want to use a moving cost calculator and crunch the numbers to see what fits within your personal budget.
PODS vs Moving Company for Your Move
As we’ve discussed there are pros and cons to using PODS vs a moving company. Moving container companies, like PODS, can be cheaper and give you more control over your move. On the other hand, moving companies can pack, move, and store your items for you to save you time and create a stress-free move. The best option for you ultimately comes down to your moving and storage needs.
Should You Use a Moving POD?
Choosing the right methods for your move depends on your own needs and wants; there are a lot of different scenarios and combinations of moving and storage services you can choose to go with. If using PODS doesn’t sound like the best option for your move, there are also moving truck rentals and full-service movers to choose from.
Whatever storage or moving service you choose to go with, be sure to research and get a quote from multiple companies so you can ensure that you’ll receive the best price and services for what you need! Other tips on choosing the best moving company include reading customer reviews and asking friends about the companies they have used. Also, some moving companies have discounted storage when you hire them for moving so make sure to check all your options and always ask for moving discounts or bundles.
