What are PODS?
PODS, which stands for Portable On Demand Storage, is a moving storage container company. These containers can be rented for moving to a new home, storage or a bit of both. If you just need it for moving, the company will drop the container off at your house. You’ll have a month to load up the container at your own pace, and then the company will come back to move it to your new home. PODS rentals run on a monthly basis, so you don’t have to worry about getting everything done in one or two day like you do with professional movers or truck rentals.
If you want to use the PODS container for storage, you can either keep it on your property after it’s delivered or have the company pick it up and take it to a PODS storage facility. PODS makes storage and moving easy by taking out the hassle of transportation and storage. Plus, the containers are flat on the ground, so you don’t have to deal with loading and unloading on a ramp. PODS containers are waterproof, impact-resistant and built of sturdy steel.
PODS Pricing
Monthly rentals for a PODS storage container start out at $149.99. You’ll also pay a delivery and pick-up fee which is around $75 on average; however, many customers will be eligible to get those fees waived depending on the duration of the rental. According to PODS, the average local move costs around $300 to $500, and long-distance moves range from $1,200 to $3,000. The cost of your PODS rental will depend on several different factors:
- The size of container you choose
- Location
- Distance of the move
- Length of rental
- The season of year
While it might seem pricey at first, PODS offers flexibility for your move. Because you have an entire month to pack up, you won’t have to rush or worry that taking an extra day will make your rental more expensive. Since PODS does the driving, you won’t need to rent a truck or hire professional movers which can be very expensive. If you need to store your belongings for a few months before moving, just store your belongings in your PODS container so you don’t have to rent out a storage unit and move your belongings multiple times.
Because PODS pricing varies by your needs and preferences, the best way to find out how much you’ll pay is to get a quote from PODS. It’s a quick and easy process online for local moves. Just type in the dates you’ll need the container and you’ll receive a quote online and by email shortly after. For long-distance moves or moves with special circumstances, you’ll need to call PODS for a quote. A representative will work with you to find the best deal for your budget and needs.
How much do PODS cost per month in total?
We used a sample, short-distance move from Boulder City, Nevada to Las Vegas, which is about 25 miles apart. This example will give you a good ballpark figure for the cost of short-distant PODS moves, but keep in mind that the cost will vary by location as well. Bigger, highly populated city moves will be more expensive compared to less populated areas. For this quote, the 7-foot container was not an option. The 7-foot containers can only store about one room’s worth of furniture, so they will be too small for many moves anyway.
Short Distance Move Quote: Boulder City to Las Vegas
Fees | 12-foot container | 16-foot container |
|---|---|---|
Empty container delivery to your current location | $70 | $70 |
Monthly rental of container (recurring fee) | $199.99/mo. | $219.99/mo. |
Container & contents protection fees (optional, recurring fee) |
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Move container to the new location | $223.63 | $223.63 |
Final pickup of empty container at the new location | $65 | $65 |
Total cost for one-month container rental |
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*Container & contents protection can be increased anywhere from $5000 to $300,000 value. Monthly fees for protection will increase as the value you select increases.
You’ll need to call PODS to get a quote for long-distance moves, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Calling also gives you the chance to talk to a representative about any discounts or promotions available to help you save.
If you’re looking for a more full service move, PODS can also provide packing materials and connect you with local packing companies if you don’t want to pack up yourself.
PODS sizes
Now that we’ve covered how much PODS cost for each different container size, you’re probably wondering which container size you need. The company breaks down the details for each size:
7-foot container | 12-foot container | 16-foot container | |
|---|---|---|---|
Perfect for |
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Dimensions | 7’ x 7’ x 8’ | 12’ x 8’ x 8’ | 16’ x 8’ x 8’ |
Can fit | 500 square foot space or smaller | 500 to 800 square foot space | 1,200 square foot space or smaller |
Weight limit | 5,200 lbs. | 4,700 lbs. | 4,200 lbs. |
Comparable to |
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Keep in mind that the 12-foot containers are only available for local moves, so if you’re moving long distance you’ll need to choose between the 7-foot and 16-foot containers. All sizes are rented out for 30 days at a time. We’d recommend going online and reserving your container as soon as you know your moving dates. During the busy late spring and summer months containers may be sold out months in advance. If your plans change, you can always cancel your reservation for a full refund up to the day before.
Where are PODS available?
PODS are widely available across America, along with Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. There are a few places where PODS isn’t offered in the U.S.:
- Alaska
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
If you’re moving to or from one of these states, we still recommend giving PODS a call to see if service will be available in your area anytime soon.
Quick Recap: PODS are a great option for moving if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a moving truck or costs of full service movers. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, there are options for all types of movers. You’ll have your choice of 7’ foot, 12’ foot, or 16’ foot containers that can be used for storage and/or moving. So how much do PODS cost? They range from about $300 to $500 for local moves and $1,000 to $3,000 for long-distance moves.