How Much Do PODS Cost?
Quick answer: PODS will cost anywhere from $220 to more than $7,000, depending on factors like the distance and size of your move.
For a more customized estimate, use our PODS moving cost calculator below.
How much does PODS moving cost?
PODS pricing is primarily based on the container size and distance of your move. The average cost of using PODS ranges from $220 to $813 for local moves, and anywhere from $450 to $7,448 for long-distance moves.
A free quote from PODS includes one month of storage, pickup and delivery fees, and transportation costs, but not moving labor or packing materials. Most of the time, you will provide the labor and packing materials yourself, though you can pay extra to obtain these through PODS.
| Distance | 8-foot container | 12-foot container | 16-foot container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (~50 miles) | $220-$426 | $294-$637 | $323-$813 |
| Long-distance move (up to 250 miles) | $450-$828 | Local moves only | $911-$2,107 |
| Cross-country move | $2,068-$4,028 | Local moves only | $5,439-$7,448 |
PODS container size pricing
PODS offers three container sizes, with lengths of 8, 12, and 16 feet. Unsurprisingly, containers cost different amounts based on the size of the container you rent for your move.
The larger the container, the more expensive your move will be. Here’s a look at PODS sizes:
- 8-foot containers: Comparable in size to a 10-foot moving truck and are well-suited for the contents of a one-bedroom or studio apartment. They are a popular pick for college students, partial moves, and people trying to downsize.
- 12-foot containers: Only available for local moves. Similar in size to a 15-foot moving truck, they are a good choice for one- to two-bedroom moves. However, because they are only available for city-to-city moves of 50 miles or less, households doing long-distance moves will likely need to upgrade to a 16-foot container.
- 16-foot containers: Often used for homes with three- to four-bedrooms. They offer similar space to a 20-foot moving truck, though PODS also suggests imagining them as being equivalent to a ‘parking space in 3D.’
As an example, here is the pricing breakdown for a quote for a local move with storage costs that we got for the Atlanta area for different container sizes:
| 8-foot | 12-foot | 16-foot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery & pickup fees | $88.19 | $88.19 | $88.19 |
| First-month rental fee | $151.89 | $191.09 | $205.79 |
PODS moving distance cost
The distance of your move is the other major factor that will have the biggest influence on PODS costs. As you might guess, local moves are going to be much cheaper than long-distance moves when using the same size container, simply because of the lower transportation costs incurred by PODS during the move.
Remember, 12-foot containers are only available for local moves, while eight- and 16-foot containers are available for both local and long-distance moves. Reduced container options for long-distance moves can also affect your total costs when planning a cross-country relocation.
| Distance | Average cost range |
|---|---|
| 250 miles | $768-$2,401 |
| 500 miles | $2,401-$3,842 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,881-$4,802 |
PODS local moving cost
For local moves, you can get a free and instant PODS quote online. If you have a larger move, the website can also give you instant cost estimates for renting multiple moving containers.
As an example, here is the pricing breakdown for a quote for a local move with storage costs that we got for the Atlanta, GA area:
| Description | 8-foot container | 12-foot container | 16-foot container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container delivery | $88.19 | $88.19 | $88.19 |
| 1st-month rental fee | $151.89 | $191.09 | $205.79 |
| Additional month’s rental fee | $186.19/mo. | $186.19/mo. | $186.19/mo. |
| Move container to new location | $93.09 | $93.09 | $93.09 |
| Final Pickup | $88.19 | $88.19 | $88.19 |
| Insurance | $14.70 – $416.50/mo. | $14.70 – $416.50/mo. | $14.70 – $416.50/mo. |
| Padlock | $34.30 | $34.30 | $34.30 |
A few notes: Insurance costs can vary widely depending on the declared value of your PODS container contents and the level of coverage you choose. Padlocks are an optional expense that you can add-on to your moving PODS rental. Blankets are also available. Of course, you can also provide your own to save money!
PODS long-distance moving cost
PODS pricing can vary widely for long-distance or interstate moves — after all, there’s a big difference between moving to the next state and moving across the country! Because of this, fuel and vehicle maintenance costs (which are built into your quote) are closely tied to the total distance of your move.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to make a phone call to get an exact quote, since PODS’ website doesn’t provide instant online quotes for long-distance moves.
Again, you’ll need to call PODS directly to get a quote for your interstate move.
Since interstate moving costs can vary drastically from company to company we highly recommend that you get a free quote from other best moving container companies, as well. That being said, here are some general cost ranges we’ve found from our own research:
| Distance | < 250 miles | Cross country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $450 – $828 | $2,302 – $3,889 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $750 – $1,842 | $3,003 – $4,649 |
| 4-5 Bedrooms | $931 – $2,137 | $4,152 – $6,849 |
PODS storage cost
Every PODS rental includes 30 days of storage for free, with the option to use their containers for extended storage either at a PODS facility or onsite in your driveway.
PODS storage costs start at $149 per month, with drop-off and pickup fees of $75 each. Monthly rental expenses can be as high as $359 per month based on your geographic location, current demand for storage containers, and the size of the container you want to use. Pricing can also vary based on whether you keep the storage container at a PODS storage center or in your driveway.
With onsite storage, the container will be left in your driveway for as long as you need, providing easy access. However, some cities and neighborhoods may not allow you to store the container on your property for an extended period.
PODS storage centers offer a secure solution for when you can’t keep your container on your property. You can access your items while they are in storage, but you’ll need to call your local facility to schedule a visit.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Factors that affect PODS cost
While the tables in this article can give you a general idea of what to expect for moving container costs, remember that there’s no set price for a moving and storage container rental from PODS or any other company.
Moving container companies look at a number of factors when they’re preparing a quote for your move.
The timing of your move
Spring and summer are peak moving times, which means it’s often more expensive to reserve a moving container during these months. And since more people want to move on the weekends, prices may go up to reflect more limited availability on Saturdays and Sundays.
Your starting and ending locations
The ZIP codes that you’re moving from and to can affect the bottom line price for your move — and not just because of distance! While moving a long distance will typically cost more, differences in availability at different locations can also directly impact your pricing. How far the company needs to travel to deliver or pick up your PODS moving containers, as well as local conditions, also come into play.
For example, moving in rural areas can be cheaper than in cities, because transporting moving containers is easier in places without traffic and tight parking. But if your location is very far from a company’s location, your costs could go up instead.
How far you’re moving
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but the distance of your move will affect your cost. Moving a long distance will always be pricier than a local move. The farther you go, the more it will cost, especially with moving container companies, where the costs associated with transporting the moving containers (like fuel and vehicle maintenance) are built into your quote.
How much stuff you have
If you have more stuff, you’ll need more or bigger moving containers, which will cost more than if you use smaller or fewer containers.
Add-on services
Many moving container companies including PODS offer add-on services to make the move easier — but it’ll cost you. These add-ons include packing materials that are delivered straight to your door. If it’s in your budget, take advantage of PODS size-specific packing supply offerings that will help you get packed up in a jiffy.
You can also get add-ons like hired labor for the packing and unpacking parts of your move. While PODS won’t do this work for you, they can recommend local professionals you can work with. Be sure to get quotes from a few different options to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Need to bring your car on your move? That’ll cost you. While most moving container companies won’t move your car, they can recommend auto transport options in your area. Be sure to check out our guide to car shipping services for more details on pricing and options.
Delivery and pick-up fees
Delivery and pick-up fees aren’t standardized costs — they vary depending on your location and the timing of your move. To save money, try and move during the slower season (outside of the summer months). Avoid moving on a weekend or during holidays. Take advantage of PODS storage options if you don’t need your items right away and you’re moving during busier time. The more flexible you are with your move dates, the more likely you are to save money.
Storage facility fees
Want to store your items for a bit before moving them into your new place? You can store your PODS container on your property or at a PODS storage facility — for a fee. The cost of a storage unit ranges from $20 to $260 or more per month. You’ll pay for storage on a monthly basis. While it increases costs, it’s a great option for people who need a little more time during the move and for those who want added security or are concerned about weather during storage.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
PODS cost vs. other moving container companies
PODS isn’t the only option in the moving and portable storage container space. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how PODS’ costs compare to four of its biggest competitors:
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We want to caution you that these moving container costs are just average prices, and may not reflect the quotes you actually receive from any of these moving and storage container companies.
Every move is different, so you should get personalized quotes from every company you’re considering so you have a better idea of storage container cost for your specific needs.
But remember, when it comes to moving and storage container prices, the cheapest isn’t necessarily the best. See how the best moving container companies compare in other ways, like their customer reviews, availability, flexibility, and more.
Compare cost for a local move
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | 1-800-Pack-Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $214 – $428 | $160 – $642 | Not Available | $203 – $256 | $160 – $535 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $321 – $695 | $321 – $749 | Not Available | $322 – $674 | $214 – $674 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $321 – $858 | $321 – $856 | Not Available | $374 – $802 | $363 – $845 |
A few things to keep in mind for this chart:
- U-Pack doesn’t offer local moves.
- The 12-foot PODS container is only available for local moves.
Compare cost for a long-distance move
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $459 – $845 | $481 – $1,070 | $963 – $1,391 | $535 – $984 | $497 – $973 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $765 – $1,880 | $765 – $2,140 | $1,177 – $1,819 | $781 – $1,712 | $706 – $2,033 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $950 – $2,180 | $856 – $3,210 | $1,284 – $2,033 | $1,177 – $3,317 | $1,070 – $3,640 |
Compare cost for a cross-country move
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $2,349 – $3,968 | $1,284 – $3,745 | $1,605 – $2,675 | $1,926 – $4,173 | $1,284 – $4,066 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,064 – $4,744 | $2,675 – $4,817 | $2,568 – $4,173 | $2,996 – $4,817 | $2,568 – $4,922 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $4,237 – $6,989 | $4,280 – $7,490 | $3,745 – $7,062 | $5,5564 – $7,490 | $5,457 – $7,383 |
While PODS isn’t always the cheapest option for a local or long-distance move, it is definitely competitive on pricing in most categories. In fact, we picked PODS as one of the top companies for cheapest moving pods and container companies.
PODS cost vs. professional moving companies
When it comes to your move, you don’t have to limit yourself to moving containers. You can often find great deals from other options, including professional movers.
Sometimes PODS costs end up being more expensive than professional moving companies depending on the shipping distance, time of the move, and other factors like whether you’re moving a long distance or locally.
The benefit of working with professional movers is that they do all of the heavy lifting for you. If the quote for your PODS moving containers is similar to the quote from professional movers, it might make sense to go with the pros. You won’t have to worry about doing any of the labor yourself.
Instead, professional movers will come load, pack, move, and unload everything for you. That way, you can focus on getting yourself from A to B without extra hassle — all at a similar price point.
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How to lower your PODS moving cost
With all those factors in mind, there are some ways you can try to save money on your move. Don’t accept a quote without trying these tips, especially if you’re trying to move for as little money as possible.
- Downsize. Decluttering for a move and getting rid of items you no longer want or need will make relocating much easier… and cheaper. Depending on how much you can downsize, you may even be able to rent a smaller PODS container and lower your costs. In addition, having fewer items to unpack will make it easier to move into your new home.
- Ask about deals and promotions. PODS regularly offers a variety of moving container discounts and promotions that can lower the total cost of your move. Be sure to check their website or ask a service representative about available deals before booking.
- Compare prices. You should try to get a quote from at least two other moving container companies in your area so you can compare prices and availability. This will help you find the best deal for your specific move. You can get started using our moving cost calculator.
- Try to haggle with the moving company. Not every moving company will allow you to negotiate on the price they offer you, but some do. And the worst a company can do is say no, right? There might be a special or a discount you can qualify for, but you won’t know unless you ask. PODS regularly offers deals and promotions that can lower the total cost of your move.
- Avoid peak times. Demand for moving containers tends to peak during the summer. This not only increases prices, but can make it harder to book a container in the first place. When possible, try to book your move for the off-season or during the middle of the week or month, when fewer people schedule moves.
- Skip the add-ons. PODS offers a wide range of additional services, including third-party packing and loading assistance and boxes and moving supplies. Obtaining cheap or free moving boxes and taking care of the physical labor yourself will generally be much cheaper. The one place where you shouldn’t skimp, though, is moving insurance. Make sure you have adequate coverage for both the containers you rent and your belongings, or you could end up paying way more after an accident.
- Be flexible. If you can be flexible with your container pickup and drop-off dates, you may be able to save a little extra. When booking, simply ask your service representative if changing the dates can help you get lower prices.
Make the Most of Your PODS Move
With their weather-resistant steel frame and a convenient mix of DIY and full-service moves, using a PODS container can be a great way to take care of your next move at your own pace. But like any other moving option, calculating your cost is an important part of figuring out if this is the right option for you.
Remember, your total cost will depend on the size and number of containers you use, the distance of your move, seasonal demand, and whether you purchase any add-ons. It’s worth getting quotes from a few different companies to find the right service at a good price.
Our moving cost calculator can help you plan for your costs, as well as other potential expenses so you can be ready for your move!
FAQs
What does PODS stand for?
PODS stands for Portable On Demand Storage. You can learn more about their company in our full PODS Review.
Is it cheaper to use PODS or moving companies?
It is usually cheaper to use PODS instead of a moving company. Professional movers will typically cost much more than PODS due to the scope of the services they provide.
With a full-service moving company, the movers will load, transport, and unload your boxes and furniture. You can even use them for packing and unpacking. The cost of labor from the best moving companies can greatly increase your expenses in comparison to PODS and other moving container providers, where you pack, load, and unload everything yourself.
Is PODS cheaper than a storage unit?
PODS is usually not cheaper than a storage unit. However, it ultimately depends on how long you plan to store your belongings and the size of the unit (or moving container) you select.
Self-storage company pricing can vary within your area, so be sure to check out your available storage options before making a final decision.
Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving truck?
It is usually cheaper to use a moving truck rental than PODS. With PODS, you pay extra since professionals will be taking care of the driving. With a moving truck rental, you’re also responsible for driving the truck, which helps reduce your total costs.
That being said, fuel, lodging, and other expenses on a cross-country move can make a moving truck rental less cost-effective than it might initially seem to be.
What size PODS moving container do I need for a three-bedroom house?
You will need at least one 16-foot container for a three-bedroom house. According to the PODS website, the 16-foot container is best for two-bedroom homes, though they can often fit the contents of a three-bedroom home.
Depending on how much stuff you need to transport, renting a 16-foot container and an additional eight-foot container may be necessary.
Is Zippy Shell or PODS cheaper?
Generally speaking, Zippy Shell is cheaper than PODS, but there are several factors that influence the cost. Read our Zippy Shell vs PODS post for more details.
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