PODS Review 2025: Real Customer Experiences
Here’s the bottom line: PODS is one of the most affordable and flexible moving and storage solutions. It’s ideal if you need a mix of moving and storage, don’t have defined moving dates, or need an affordable DIY option for a long-distance move.
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
PODS, short for portable on-demand storage, is a great option if you’re able to do some of the work yourself, earning a spot on our list of the best moving container companies.
When our reader Alex hired PODS for his move from Minneapolis to Seattle, he was wowed by their pricing, professionalism, and quick service.
Alex’s story is one of hundreds of firsthand moving experiences we’ve compiled through our Better Movers Project. Read on to hear what more PODS customers had to say and get our take on their services, cost, and availability.
Pros and cons of moving with PODS
- Provides three container sizes (more than most)
- Has moving and storage combination options
- Lets you make changes mid-move
- Extends a money-back cancellation policy
- Offers 30 days of free storage and other discounts
- Requires a call to book long-distance moves
- Not available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming
- No tracking while the container is in transit
Jump to the PODS info you’re looking for:
What customers had to say about PODS
We interviewed several PODS customers to get the scoop on their moves. Take a look at what they had to say about their experiences moving with PODS.
While he wished he’d had more guidance on parking permits, Alex was highly satisfied with his PODS move. Similar to Alex, Bethany appreciated PODS’ hybrid moving option during her relocation from Oakland to Arlington.
She found their service reliable, with no delays or damages, and praised the seamless coordination between the container delivery and the movers she hired separately.
For Bethany, the final cost matched the initial quote, giving her confidence in PODS’ transparent pricing model.
Both Alex and Bethany valued PODS for their straightforward booking process and the care they took with their belongings. Their positive experiences reflect PODS’ ability to deliver a reliable moving solution that aligns with customer expectations.
Everyone’s moving experiences are different, so it’s smart to read several reviews to get a sense of a company’s customer experience. Here are a couple more reviews from readers who booked PODS for their moving and storage needs.
PODS pricing: How much it costs to move
We love how easy PODS makes it to get an instant online quote, standing out from some of the other companies we’ve reviewed for their streamlined quote process.
When Alex moved his 1,2000 sqare foot apartment, PODS provided a straightforward quote of $2,836. Alex appreciated PODS’ transparent pricing structure, which gave him confidence that there wouldn’t be any surprises.
Alex also got quotes from several moving companies before deciding on PODS. While he was interested in hiring a full-service moving company, their prices were too high in the end.
Here’s a breakdown of PODS’ costs compared to the other estimates he received for his move across 1,650 miles:
| Company | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| PODS | $2,836 |
| Safeway Moving | $5,000 |
| American Van Lines | $6,000 |
| Colonial Van Lines | $4,187 |
PODS pricing varies a lot, but you only pay one flat fee for the cost of the shipping container based on its size.
Your total PODS cost will come down to:
- Container size
- How many containers you use
- The distance between your old and new residences
- Whether you need additional storage after 30 days
- Additional services like packing materials and moving equipment
- Additional content protection plan coverage
With their pay-by-container policy, you don’t have to pay extra for heavy items. This benefited moveBuddha reader Michele. She booked PODS because it was one of the lowest-price options for moving her husband’s wood shop filled with specialty equipment.
PODS is an affordable alternative to hiring a full-service long distance moving company. In fact, many moveBuddha Better Moves participants choose PODS over full-service movers.
Here’s what some PODS customers paid for their moves:
| Better Moves Participant | Approximate Distance | Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex H. | 1,650 miles | Minneapolis, MN, to Seattle, WA | $2,836 |
| Kyle S. | 1,419 miles | Scottsdale, AZ, to Kirkland, WA | $3,252 |
| Bethany D. | 2,725 miles | Oakland, CA, to Arlington, VA | $4,540 |
| Hassan O. | 2,608 miles | South Park, PA, to Bremerton, WA | $5,090 |
PODS storage services
Whether you’re planning a move or simply looking for a convenient way to handle your storage needs, PODS’ portable storage services have a lot to offer.
- Local and long-distance moves: PODS offers eight- and 16-foot containers for both local and long-distance moves, while 12-foot containers are available for local moves only. You can move anywhere from across town to across the country.
- City moves: PODS also offers a customized City Service that factors in all the unique considerations of moving in a large urban area.
- Storage solutions: Rentals include 30 days of free storage, with options for ongoing storage either on your property or at a PODS facility. You can keep your POD as long as you like.
- Car shipping: PODS partners with Acertus and Mr. Car Shipper to help coordinate vehicle transport alongside container shipments. Costs vary based on the provider, vehicle type, and distance.
- International moves: PODS supports moves to/from Canada and operates within the UK and Australia but does not facilitate international moves within these countries.
PODS storage sizes
PODS offers three container sizes: eight, 12, and 16 feet. By understanding how these sizes compare to other moving options, you can select the best fit for your move.
- Eight-foot containers: Comparable to a 10-foot moving truck or a 5’x10’ storage unit, these containers are ideal for one-bedroom or studio apartments. They’re popular with college students and for temporary storage and are available for both local and long-distance moves.
- 12-foot containers: Similar to a 15-foot moving truck or a 10’x10’ storage unit, these containers are well-suited for smaller homes, apartments, or office moves. However, they’re only available for local moves.
- 16-foot containers: Equivalent to a 20-foot moving truck or a 10’x15’ storage unit, this container is perfect for two- to three-bedroom homes, and it’s available for both local and long-distance moves.
Keep in mind that if you’ll be loading a lot of stuff, you’ll probably need some help. You can pay extra through PODS for third-party labor or use a company like HireAHelper.
Where is PODS available?
PODS is widely available in the United States, with locations in 46 states and Washington, D.C. They can also help with moves to and from Canada.
PODS isn’t available in the following states:
- Alaska
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
PODS doesn’t have locations in Vermont or West Virginia, but they can help customers in parts of those states through one of their nearby locations in a neighboring state over the phone.
For areas where PODS isn’t available, we recommend U-Pack. U-Pack provides moving container shipments to all 50 states (including to rural areas), with easy online quoting and booking.
How PODS stacks up against the competition
Here’s a look at how PODS stacks up against some of our other best moving container companies.
| Company | Our rating | BBB Score | State availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| PODS | 4.8/5 | A+ | 46 states |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 4.45/5 | A+ | 29 states |
| U-Pack | 5/5 | A+ | 50 states |
| MovingYourself | 4.5/5 | A | 48 states |
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PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT
PODS vs. U-Pack
PODS vs. MovingYourself
How moving with PODS works
Moving with PODS is a more of a DIY solution than traditional full-service moving companies, but moveBuddha readers are (almost) always happy when they choose PODS.
Let’s take a look at how the moving process with PODS works.
1. Request a quote
On PODS.com, you can enter your move details, ZIP codes, timeframe, and storage information and PODS will send you a quote. However, cross-country moves often require a phone call since interstate moves are tricky.
The quote process might seem like a hassle, but it’s important. You’ll pay a flat rate with PODS, so you need to accurately estimate how much space you need. Otherwise, you risk needing to order a second container, which will drive up your cost.
2. Schedule delivery
You can book your PODS unit online using a credit card. When you book the move with PODS, you’ll choose a container delivery location and a delivery date.
With 30 days to load the container, you don’t have to rush, but we recommend giving yourself a few days to pack. moveBuddha reader Bethany advised booking your POD and movers and early as possible, especially if you’re moving in the spring or summer since availability is limited.
3. Pack your belongings
PODS will drop the container off in your driveway or parking spot. You don’t need to be onsite for pickup or delivery. You’ll have the POD for at least 30 days so you can pack at your leisure.
When you’re ready, call PODS or request a pickup online, and they’ll transport the container to your new home or a storage facility, depending on your request.
PODS doesn’t provide tracking on its containers, but you can place an AirTag with your belongings to track everything in real time. You can also ask a customer service agent about your container’s location.
4. Move the POD to your new home
While most PODS arrive at their destination within 30 days, moveBuddha reader Hassan waited 40 days for his stuff to arrive.
This isn’t typical for PODS, but even so, it’s good to pack like you won’t have access to your stuff for 30 days since PODS doesn’t have an on-time delivery guarantee.
Once your stuff arrives, you’ll unload and request a pickup from PODS. This flexibility with loading and unloading allows you to move on your schedule. Once your container is ready for pickup, PODS will transport it for you.
FAQ
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Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we conduct extensive research on moving container companies using our unique methodology so we can provide reliable recommendations. Each company’s analysis is determined by the following metrics:
- Customer satisfaction (30%): For this metric, we interview Better Moves Project participants for their real-life perspectives and look at third-party reviews on Google, TrustPilot, the BBB, and elsewhere.
- Standard services (20%): We look at how a moving container company’s services stack up against its competitors — especially any added or missing services.
- Reputation (15%): This metric is based on industry ratings (including membership in professional organizations), compliance with government regulations, and insurance options.
- Add-on services (10%): We look at the number of add-on services and perks —such as climate-controlled storage and third-party labor help — the company offers in addition to their standard services.
- Availability (10%): We evaluate the availability of the company in each state, as well as the types of moves (local, long-distance, and cross-country) it offers.
- Type of mover (5%): The type of service a moving company provides — such as full-service vs. DIY — can directly impact your experience.
- Payment (5%): We determine how easy it is for moving customers to review their charges and make a payment, including the type of payment options available.
- Scheduling (5%): We also look at how easy it is to schedule your move, including what is needed to get an estimate or how the company addresses delays.
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