Moving Containers and Pod Moving Companies – Everything You Need to Know

One of the very first things to do when planning a house move is to research your moving options and decide which one will work best for you. It’s a difficult decision (as all options have considerable advantages and disadvantages) and a highly consequential one – as it will determine the course of your move.

When looking for efficient moving solutions, your attention may be drawn by an ingenious alternative – a moving pod (portable moving container).

Moving shipping containers provide an easy, convenient, and cost-efficient way to pack, store, and move your belongings – they combine the biggest advantages of self-moving with the greatest benefits of using professional moving services and offer a flexible solution for every relocation need.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable moving option or for a safe place to store your belongings before, during, or after the relocation process, moving with portable storage containers may be the right choice for you.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about moving and storage containers.

What is a moving pod?

A moving pod is a portable storage container that can be rented and used for storing household items and/or shipping them to another location.

The containers are dropped off, picked up, and transported by professionals and can stay at a property for as long as needed – a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months (so you can pack and unpack at your own pace or keep your items safely stored and easily accessible until your new home is ready for move-in, your renovation project is completed, etc.).

Pod containers can be made of metal or wood. Steel and aluminum containers are sturdier and provide better weatherproofing and better security than wood-constructed containers, so they’re considered higher quality.

Moving storage containers come in different sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs:

• Small moving containers – 6 ft. containers (6’3” x 7’ x 8’4”; about 300 cubic feet storage space), 7 ft. containers (7’ x 7’ x 8’; about 390 cubic feet storage space), and 8 ft. containers (8’6” x 7’5” x 7’8”; about 400 cubic feet storage space). These sizes of moving containers can hold one room’s worth of furniture and boxes and are usually used for small moves – dorm room moves, studio apartment moves, small load moves, etc.;
• Medium size moving containers – 10 ft. containers (10’ x 6’5” x 6’5”; about 450 cubic feet packing space) and 12 ft. containers (12’ x 7’6” x 8’; about 600-700 cubic feet packing space). These moving containers can hold the contents of a two-bedroom home and are most commonly used for apartment moves;
• Large moving containers – 15 ft. containers (15’ x 6’4” x 6’4”; about 700 cubic feet storage space) and 16 ft. containers (16’ x 8’ x 8’; about 900 cubic feet storage space). Large pod containers are suitable for moving 3-4 bedroom homes;
• Largest container option – The 20 ft. container (19’4” x 7’10” x 7’8) has storage space of about 1200 cubic feet. It is ideal for moving 4-5 bedroom houses.

No matter the size of your move, you can find the right size moving container for you and pay for only as much space as you actually need.

How does the pod moving system work?

When using a pod moving service, you reserve a date for the delivery of a portable container (or more than one if you have a large household and many items to relocate) – the containers are dropped off in front of your house or apartment building and left at your disposal for a predetermined period of time. You pack and load your belongings inside the container(s) – on your own or with hired help – within that time frame.

When ready, you lock up the container and call the pod movers to send a truck and a driver. The driver picks up the container and drives your stuff to your new address (or to a storage facility if you wish so – in case you’re moving to temporary housing, your new home is not ready yet, etc.).

The delivery trucks are equipped with a special hydraulic lift system, designed to reduce shifting inside the containers and to keep them level during loading, unloading, and transportation in order to decrease the risk of damage to your items during the relocation. The drivers are experienced professionals with a proven track record, so you can rest assured that your items will be delivered in a safe and timely manner.

When you unload your belongings, the pod moving company picks up the container.

How much do moving containers cost?

Moving container costs vary considerably from company to company and depend on several factors (size of the move, relocation distance, duration of use, etc.).

• For local moves, prices range from $200 – $400 (for small moves) to $600-$800 (for larger moves);
• For long distance moves, moving pod costs can range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the distance and the number of containers.

The cost of using a moving pod for your move will be determined by:

• the number of the containers you rent;
• the size of the container(s);
• the time you keep the container(s);
• the distance between your old home and your new one;
• the moving container company you choose to work with.

Good to remember: Moving container companies generally charge by the month, so you should try to complete your move within one month in order to keep your relocation costs as low as possible.

When making your moving budget, in addition to the moving pod rental cost, you need to also factor in the expenses for the necessary packing materials, moving equipment, loading/unloading help (if applicable), special permits, etc.

Related: How to calculate the cost of your move

Pros and cons of using portable storage containers for moving

In order to find out if moving containers are the right choice for you and make an informed decision about your next move, you need to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of relocating with moving containers:

Benefits of portable moving containers

Moving with portable storage containers offers safety, convenience, flexibility, and affordability and takes away much of the moving stress:

• Moving containers are dropped off, picked up, and transported by professionals, so you don’t need to deal with driving a moving truck. Even more importantly – you know that your items are in good hands (the moving containers are handled by experienced pod movers who use specialized moving equipment and proven moving techniques to ensure the safety of your belongings) and can have your peace of mind that your possessions will arrive intact and unscathed at your new home;
• Scheduling is very flexible – you can keep the moving pod for as long as you need it (usually up to a month without incurring any extra fees), so you’re not pressed for time and can pack and unpack at your convenience (and with utmost care);
• Portable storage containers provide a safe, efficient, and convenient storage solution – they’re perfect for temporarily storing your belongings and can be kept at your property (for easy access to the items inside them) or in a specialized facility (for greater safety);
• Moving containers come in different sizes (as detailed above), so you can easily find one that perfectly suits your needs (so you don’t have to pay for space you don’t use);
• Moving storage containers provide excellent protection to the items inside them – they are very strong and completely insulated (so they can withstand physical impact, strong winds, and adverse weather conditions and keep moisture, dust, and dirt away from your belongings).  What’s more, the containers can be safely locked to reduce the risk of theft;
• The containers sit on the ground, so you can easily load and unload your belongings, without needing a loading ramp or other specialized equipment;
• Moving with portable storage containers is cheaper than hiring professional movers – especially when moving across town, you can have your items transported to your new home at a fraction of the cost of a full service move.

Disadvantages of using portable storage containers for moving

As convenient as moving shipping containers may be, they have some downsides as well:

• Parking can be a big issue – There has to be an adequate place (parking spot, yard, driveway, etc.) where to keep the container both at your old property and at your new one and you need to ensure easy access to the pick-up and drop-off locations (you may be charged extra if there are any difficulties and obstacles). Parking is subject to city laws and neighborhood regulations, so you may need a special permit to have a moving pod parked on the street in front of your home or in your apartment complex;
• You have to do all the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking yourself and may need to hire moving labor or to ask some reliable friends to give you a hand;
• Moving containers can get costly when it comes to cross country moves, especially for larger homes (when several containers are needed to accommodate all household items). See also: How to save money on a long distance move

All things considered, moving containers offer an extremely convenient and affordable way to move and are very useful when you need to store your items for some time while moving.

Even if moving with portable storage containers is the best solution for your relocation needs though, you need to know what to look for when renting a pod and how to find a good pod moving company in order to make the most out of that advantageous moving option.

How to rent a pod for moving

The process is quite straightforward, but you need to be careful to choose the best moving containers and the best pod movers for your needs:

Step 1. Research the best moving container companies  

Your first task when considering moving with portable storage containers is to see what the best pod moving companies have to offer:

U-Pack

U-Pack is one of the oldest and largest moving container companies in the country. It offers high-quality metal moving containers, nationwide coverage, fast delivery time frames, and online shipment tracking. You only pay for the space you use (if you order three containers, but fill only two, you’ll be charged only for the two containers that were used) and don’t need a deposit to schedule your move.

Unlike its competitors, however, U-Packs’ ReloCubes come in only size (small), so you may need to rent several containers for your move. What’s more, you have only three days for loading/unloading (you can add storage to your quote for an extra fee). U-Pack offers no local moving options.

PODS

Portable On Demand Storage, more commonly known as PODS, is the best known moving container company in the industry. It offers multiple container sizes (7, 12, and 16-feet long) and gives you 30 days to load and unload your moving pod at a leisurely pace. All moving containers are durable and waterproof (they’re composed of aluminum skin and steel frames) and have a translucent top to let in light and a roll-up door that makes them easy to open and close.

PODS is one of the most widely available moving container companies in the country, which means faster delivery and greater scheduling flexibility. It offers both local and long-distance moving options, efficient shipment tracking, and various insurance options. Pricing, however, is higher than the competition.

1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT is another leading company in the moving container and storage industry.  Its containers are made entirely of steel (so they’re very tough and secure) and are designed with additional perks (convenient barn-style doors for easier access and more inside space and embedded metal skids which provide six inches of clearance off the ground for better protection against moisture). Much like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers come in three sizes (8, 12, and 16-feet long) and are available for both local and long-distance moves. 

There are thirty days of storage included in the quote – customers can store their containers either on their own property or at a nearby 1-800-PACK-RAT storage facility (the company has top-notch storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance, climate control, and car-accessible warehouses).

1-800-PACK-RAT, however, has fewer locations than U-Pack and PODS and delivery and pickup times are broadly assigned, not specific.

U-Haul

U-Haul, the well-known truck rental company, also offers a quality pod moving service. It boasts nationwide availability and very competitive pricing, as well as various insurance options and online tracking.

U-Haul’s U-Boxes are available in all 50 states for both long-distance and local moves, but they come in only size (small) and are made of wood, so the containers aren’t as sturdy as the competitors’.

SMARTBOX, Go Mini’s, Zippy Shell, and other smaller pod moving companies also provide excellent service and convenient, cost-efficient moving solutions that may suit your relocation needs well.

Good to remember: While researching pod moving companies, make sure you read moving reviews left by previous customers of the companies to get an idea about their reliability and the quality of their services.

Step 2. Call the pod movers that seem to best suit your needs and ask about prices and conditions

Once you’ve gathered enough information about the different moving container companies, the types of containers they have, and the moving options they offer, you’ll have a good idea which pod movers best suit your needs. Call up the sales representatives of the companies you consider working with and ask about:

• availability and time-frames (can they provide the containers you need at the preferred time of your move, can they guarantee delivery and pick-up times, etc.);
• container options (size, material, features, condition, etc.);
• cost of the moving pod and what is included in the price;
• packing and moving supplies – some moving container companies include packing supplies in the quote or offer them at a very affordable price when you rent a pod from them;
• moving labor – most pod moving companies offer moving labor (to help you with loading and unloading the container) as an additional service;
• insurance options;
• storage options;
• discounts and special conditions.

Step 3. Choose the best pod movers for you

Compare the offers and book the services of your chosen moving container company without delay.

Bonus tips for using portable storage containers for moving

1. Find out what not to pack in a pod (items that are not allowed to be transported in a moving container for safety reasons – liquids, hazardous materials, etc.) and avoid shipping delicate items, valuables, and essentials (sensitive electronics, artwork, jewelry, items of high sentimental value, important documents, essentials boxes, etc.) in a moving container.

2. Make sure you know how to pack a moving pod safely and efficiently – create layers, pack the moving container in the right order, distribute the weight evenly throughout the pod, pack the items tight to prevent shifting during transit, provide cushioning between the items, maximize the available space, secure your belongings well, etc. You can find more details on how to pack a pod for moving here.

3. Ensure the safety of your belongings – Line the bottom of the container with blankets for added protection against vibrations and shocks, use moisture absorbers to prevent mold, mildew, and odors in the moving container, make sure the pod is locked when you’re not using it, and get proper insurance for your possessions.

The bottom line: Moving storage containers are the perfect solution for people who need storage and flexibility when moving:

• It’s much cheaper to rent a portable moving container than to hire a moving company;
• Customers can pack and unpack at their own schedule;
• The containers are handled by experienced professionals, so customers don’t have to drive a moving truck and can rest assured about the safety of their items;
• Customers have a safe place where to store their items for as long as needed before, during, and after their move.

Even if moving with portable storage containers seems like the right choice for you though, be sure to research all your other options and get a free moving quote so you know how much it will cost you to hire professional moving services before making your final choice.

Have a safe and successful relocation and don’t forget to share your moving experience with us in the comments section below.