The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
This saying holds true, especially when you are preparing to move your life from one place to another.
Did you know that in the United States, roughly 10% of the population moves every year, which contains local and cross-country relocations?
And with the average moving cost ranging around $1,400 for local moves and upwards of $5,000 for long-distance relocations.
That’s why it is necessary to choose the right method.
That’s where PODS, or Portable On Demand Storage, can come in handy.
Imagine having a storage container delivered right to your driveway. You can load it at your own pace and let professionals handle the transportation.
It’s a mix of DIY and expert help, an option that nearly 20% of movers in the U.S. now prefer.
But here’s the kicker: understanding how much PODS costs for moving isn’t always straightforward.
With costs influenced by distance, container size, rental duration, and optional add-ons like storage or insurance, you need the full picture before making a choice.
If you have been wondering whether PODS is the right fit for your next move or just looking to demystify the costs, you are in the right place.
What Exactly is PODS and How It Works?
Alright, so what exactly is PODS?
PODS stands for Portable On Demand Storage and is a super convenient moving and storage solution.
Just think of this: instead of renting a truck or hiring a full-service moving company, a container shows up right at your doorstep.
You load it up on your own time, and then the PODS team does the heavy lifting, literally.
They transport it to your new location or store it in their secure facility until you’re ready.
It’s like having your personal moving assistant that doesn’t rush you or leave you stressed.
Now, how PODS is changing the moving industry?
According to a survey by the American Moving & Storage Association, almost 20% of people prefer hybrid moving options like PODS because they offer the perfect mix of DIY flexibility and professional support.
Plus, they are ideal for everything from local moves to long-distance relocations, even temporary storage.
But how does it work?
Get it at Your Doorstep.
PODS delivers a container right to your location. The size of the container—8-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot—depends on your needs.
A 16-foot PODS container, for instance, can handle a 3-bedroom home’s worth of belongings.
Load at Your Own Pace
You get all the time you need to load your container, whether that’s a couple of days or a couple of weeks.
This flexibility is great for families juggling work and kids or anyone who hates feeling rushed.
Fun fact: Around 52% of Americans admit they underestimate how long it takes to pack, so this feature is a lifesaver.
Transport it
Once you have loaded your container, PODS comes back to pick it up.
You don’t need to worry about driving a giant truck across state lines.
The average transit time for a long-distance move is about 7–10 days, which gives you time to travel at your own pace.
Store it (if Needed)
If you need some extra time before moving in, PODS can store your container in one of their secure storage centers.
These facilities are climate-controlled and monitored 24/7.
Unload at Your New Home
Finally, when you are ready, PODS delivers your container to your new location.
Unload it at your own pace, just like you loaded it.
Once you are done, they come to pick up the empty container, and —you’re all set!
What Services Can You Get from PODS?
When planning a move, it's essential to understand the range of services PODS offers to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Flexible Moving Solutions
PODS provides portable storage containers delivered directly to your location, which allows you to pack at your own pace.
This flexibility is ideal for both local and long-distance moves.
Secure Storage Options
PODS offers secure storage facilities to keep your belongings safe.
Their storage centers are equipped with climate control and security measures to ensure your items remain in good condition.
Packing and Loading Assistance
While PODS is a self-service moving option, they can connect you with local professionals to assist with packing and loading your container.
This service is particularly beneficial if you prefer expert handling of your belongings.
Moving Supplies
PODS offers a range of moving supplies, including boxes, packing tape, and moving blankets, to facilitate your packing process.
Car Shipping
If you are relocating across the country and need to transport your vehicle, PODS can help coordinate car shipping through their preferred providers.
How Much Do PODS Moving Cost?
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how much PODS cost for moving.
Base Costs
Container Rental
The primary expense is the rental of the PODS container itself.
The cost varies based on the size of the container and the duration of the rental.
8-Foot Container: It is ideal for small moves, such as a studio apartment or a single room.
12-Foot Container: This one is suitable for a 1- to 2-bedroom apartment.
16-Foot Container: It is best for a 2- to 3-bedroom home.
Delivery and Pickup Fees
PODS charges for delivering the container to your location and picking it up once you have loaded or unloaded your belongings.
These fees can depend on your location and the distance from a PODS storage center.
Transportation Costs
If you are moving the container to a new location, transportation fees will apply.
These costs depend on the distance between your current location and your new destination.
Storage Fees
If you need to store your belongings before moving into your new place, PODS offers storage options.
You can keep the container on your property or at a PODS storage facility.
On-Site Storage: You can keep the container at your location.
Off-Site Storage: You can store the container at a PODS facility.
| Storage Option | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| On-Site Storage | $150 – $300 |
| Off-Site Storage | $150 – $300 |
Note: Prices may vary based on location and availability.
Additional Services and Fees
Packing Supplies
PODS offers various packing supplies, including boxes, packing tape, and moving blankets.
Moving Labor Assistance
While PODS is a self-service moving option, they can connect you with local professionals to assist with loading and unloading your container.
Insurance Coverage
PODS provides protection plans to cover potential damage to your belongings during transit or storage.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Packing Supplies | Depends on items |
| Moving Labor Assistance | $100 – $200 per hour |
| Insurance Coverage | $10 – $450 per month |
Note: Prices are approximate and can vary based on specific circumstances.
Sample Cost Estimates
To give you a clearer picture, here are some sample cost estimates for different moving scenarios:
Local Move (Under 50 Miles)
| Service Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Container Rental (16-Foot) | $200 – $300 |
| Delivery and Pickup Fees | $150 – $200 |
| Transportation Costs | Included in the delivery fee |
| Storage (One Month) | $150 – $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $500 – $800 |
Long-Distance Move (Over 500 Miles)
| Service Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Container Rental (16-Foot) | $200 – $300 |
| Delivery and Pickup Fees | $150 – $200 |
| Transportation Costs | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Storage (One Month) | $150 – $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,500 – $2,800 |
Note: These are approximate estimates. Actual costs may vary based on specific details of your move.
PODS Moving Cost for a 3-Bedroom House
For a 3-bedroom home, you may need multiple containers or the largest size available.
On average, PODS moving cost for a 3-bedroom house ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 for long-distance moves, but it depends on the distance and specific requirements.
PODS Moving Cost per Mile
While PODS moving cost per mile isn't explicitly stated, longer distances naturally increase the overall cost due to transportation expenses.
For instance, a cross-country move can range from $5,550 to $7,660 for a 16-foot container.
Factors Influencing PODS Moving Cost
Several elements affect PODS pricing:
Distance of the Move: Local moves (typically under 50 miles) are less expensive than long-distance or cross-country relocations.
Size and Number of Containers: The volume of your belongings determines the size and number of containers needed, which can impact the overall PODS rental rates.
Duration of Rental: The length of time you keep the container influences the cost, with monthly rentals being standard.
Season and Demand: Moving during peak seasons, like summer, can result in higher prices due to increased demand.
Additional Services: Optional services such as packing supplies, labor assistance, and insurance add to the total expense.
Tips to Save on PODS Moving Cost
Here are some tips that you can follow to save on PODS Moving Cost
Plan Ahead: Book in advance to secure better rates and availability.
Declutter: Reduce the number of items to move because it can decrease the size and number of containers needed.
Flexible Timing: If possible, schedule your move during off-peak seasons to take advantage of lower prices.
Compare Quotes: Use the PODS moving cost calculator on their website to get an accurate estimate and compare it with other moving options.
