PODS vs. Moving Companies: Comparing Your Options
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Whether you choose to move with PODS vs. moving companies comes down to cost, convenience, and service. You should choose PODS if you want to save money, move on your own timeline, or need storage and don’t want to transport your belongings yourself.
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PODS vs. moving companies
Moving container companies like PODS are different from professional movers, especially when it comes to factors like pricing, storage, and delivery. Here are a few key differences.
| PODS | Moving Companies | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Offers flexible storage at your home or a facility. | Storage is often limited and gets expensive after a few months. |
| Delivery | Pickups/deliveries tend to be quicker and more accurate. | Movers tend to have less accurate delivery windows. |
| Load time | You can take your time loading and unloading over several days. | You need to be fully prepared when the movers arrive. |
| Pricing | Pricing is based on the container sizes you need, costing less than movers. | Quotes are based on an in-home estimate, with more cost factors. |
| Labor | You handle the labor or hire help separately. | Full-service movers handle the labor and offer additional services. |
| Materials | You usually supply your own packing materials. | Movers bring pads, blankets, dollies, and straps. |
Pros and cons of moving with PODS
- It’s usually the cheaper option
- Temporary storage is easy and affordable with PODS’ storage facilities
- You can take your time packing and loading your belongings
- Comes with multiple container sizes you can customize to your move
- You have to do all of the work (un)packing and (un)loading
- Challenging to park in an urban area, apartment complex, or housing community
- You have to get your own moving supplies
How PODS works
Using PODS, or any moving container company is often referred to as a do-it-yourself (DIY) move. Here’s how it works:
- Booking: You book your move and schedule a date to have your container dropped off.
- Loading: Once the container has been dropped off, you load it up with your packed belongings.
- Transportation: A driver will transport all your belongings to your new home, or to a storage facility based on your needs.
- Pickup: The company picks up the container and schedules a drop-off at your new home where you unload and unpack your items.
- Return: Once that’s done, the company comes back to pick up the container. And that’s it!
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Pros and cons of using a traditional moving company
- The chances of accidents or damage to your items are lower
- You won’t do any of the heavy lifting
- The company will provide the moving supplies
- Moving companies provide options for special items like fine art and electronics
- It’s more expensive than renting a moving pod
- Less flexibility to move at your own pace
- Cancellations, hidden fees, and damage to items are common if you don’t work with a reputable mover
How moving companies work
Here’s how a full-service move with a professional moving company works:
- Booking: You book your move and schedule a date with the moving company. They’ll provide an estimate based on the size of your home and the distance of your move.
- Packing (optional): Many movers offer packing services for an added cost. If you prefer to pack yourself, have everything ready before moving day.
- Loading: On moving day, the movers arrive, load your belongings onto the truck, and ensure everything is secured for transport.
- Transportation: The moving company drives your items to your new home, coordinating delivery with you based on your schedule and their transit time.
- Unloading: Once they arrive, the movers unload everything into your new home, placing items where you want them, with some companies offering unpacking services.
Cost of PODS vs. moving companies
PODS costs are typically lower than moving companies, but they can add up when you start tacking on extra services. The cost will depend on the distance and size of your move, and whether you need additional services.
Here’s a comparison of general costs of using PODs vs moving companies for a move:
| PODS | Moving Company | |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. cost for local move | $225-$850 | $335-$2,800 |
| Avg. cost for long-distance move | $450-$7,600 | $800-$14,000+ |
| Deposit? | No | Yes, a small deposit is required for most companies |
| Insurance coverage | Choose between coverage plans for the POD only or for the POD and all container contents | Basic liability coverage included for all moves with the option to upgrade to comprehensive coverage with an additional charge |
Fortunately, like moving companies, PODS offer ongoing discounts for new customers:
- Local moves: PODS gives first-timers 10% off their initial delivery and 10% off first month’s rental.
- Long-distance moves: PODS offers 10% off initial delivery, 10% off first month’s rental, and 10% off long-distance transport. Call PODS to ask about promotions and compare multiple moving quotes using our moving cost calculator.
Services offered by PODS vs. moving companies
PODS primarily offers driving and storage, while moving companies provide additional services like custom crating, packing, and unpacking. Here’s a closer look at all of their service options:
| Services | PODS | Moving Company |
|---|---|---|
| Moving services for residential and commercial needs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Packing supplies included | ✓ | ✓ |
| Packing and unpacking services | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loading and unloading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | ✓ | ✓ |
| Temporary storage options | ✓ | ✓ |
| Long-term storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moving insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specialty moving services like hot tub moving, antiques, and car shipping | ✓ | |
| Cleaning services | ✓ | |
| Custom packing and crating | ✓ | |
| Pet transportation | ✓ | |
| DIY services | ✓ | |
| Flexible moving dates and timeframes | ✓ | |
| Pay only for the space you use | ✓ |
Are PODS more flexible than moving companies?
Yes. PODS and other portable storage containers are usually more flexible than moving companies. Here’s why:
- Pack and load on your own schedule
- Schedule a flexible pickup time
- Keep the container as long as you need
- Control the price by handling parts of your move
On the other hand, if you want freedom to focus on work and other things in life, professional movers will offer better flexibility since they handle the move for you.
PODS vs. moving companies: Which is the best option for a long distance move
Best Nationwide Coverage
At A Glance
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Labor: If you don’t want to do any of the heavy lifting and aren’t worried about costs, a professional interstate moving company is your best bet. Renting a moving container can save money, but you’ll have to put more work into your move.
- Peace of mind: A professional moving company may cost more more, but the extra money gives you the peace of mind to focus on other parts of your move, knowing your stuff is in good hands.
- Flexibility: If you want control over your move date with more flexibility around scheduling, then a moving container like PODS is a great option.
- Pricing: Moving with a container company is a great way to save. Just keep in mind that prices can increase once you add on extras like like packing materials. Check out our list of the cheapest moving containers to keep costs low.
- Quotes: Before you make a final decision about which type of moving company is right for you, use our moving cost calculator and get free quotes from the best moving companies in the country.
FAQs
Is PODS cheaper than a moving company?
Are my belongings insured with either PODS or moving companies?
How secure are PODS compared to professional moving trucks?
What’s the best option if I’m only moving a small amount of stuff?
What’s the better option for local moves?
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