PODS Moving Containers Review 2019

Overview

Moving day is the worst. Thankfully, it’s gotten a whole less awful with PODS storage containers. You’ll still need to carry your awkward-shaped ottoman and bed frame outside the door, but things get a lot easier after that.

With different container sizes to choose from, lots of availability, and decent pricing, PODS will make your move significantly easier. Best of all, you don’t have to drive a moving truck anywhere (which is low-key terrifying).

^{*Only available for local moves}

How PODS works

For starters, it’s a godsend for nervous drivers everywhere. Some of us can barely get our Hondas to work. The idea of driving a massive moving truck across country sends shivers down the spine.

Using PODS is pretty much as easy as it sounds. Call up PODS, pick a container size, and you’ll get your moving unit delivered to your doorstep. Load up your unit and once you’re ready, let PODS know you’re ready for it to get picked up. They’ll deliver your stuff to your new destination. It all happens in a 30-day window, which gives you plenty of time to prep.

We know what you’re wondering . . . and yes, your weight limit does go down as the size of your container increases. We don’t know why, but you should keep that in mind as you pack.

You can also use PODS as a storage unit if you’re looking to take things slow.

What you get with PODS

It sounds cliché, but what you really get with PODS is peace of mind. Moving is stressful no matter what you do, but the 30-day PODS reservation time makes things feel much calmer.

Here’s a snapshot of everything you get with PODS:

30-day loading/unloading period

Instead of marathoning your move over a weekend, or stuffing your belongings in a truck, you can spread everything out over 30 days. Your PODS unit will hang out at your place while you load one box at a time.

PODS quote pricing

We called PODS to get a feel for its pricing. Overall, it feels pretty fair. We pretended we were a four-person family moving from New Orleans to Dallas. This is the quote we got:

You’ll notice that there aren’t too many dollar signs in this review. This would all be so much easier if you could know pricing right away. Sadly, you’ll need to fill out an online form or hop on the phone and get a quote straight from PODS.

If you read the last section, you might feel worried about hopping on the phone. But you shouldn’t be. We know calling strangers is the worst, but the PODS representatives are extremely nice and helpful. Just make sure to ask about what kind of deposit you’ll need to pay up front.

You can call here to get your PODS quote.

Insurance options

It probably won’t happen, but there’s always a chance you might find a hole in your TV when you open your storage unit. In the off-chance that happens, it’s nice to know you have some insurance options. PODS offers two levels of protection, one to protect their stuff (the pod itself), and one to protect yours.

Container Only Option

• Covers any damage (including lightning and fire) to your container
• Only covers damage while the unit is on your property
• Perfect if you’re using a third-party moving company to fill your pod

Content Protection Option

• Covers any damage to the container or items in your container
• Doesn’t cover water damage (PODS units are waterproof)

Something to remember: you automatically get $10,000 worth of Content Protection Option insurance when you move long distance. You can increase or decrease that coverage, or even just get rid of it if you want.

Availability

PODS isn’t available everywhere just yet.

Here are the states that are PODS-less:

• Alaska
• Montana
• North Dakota
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Moving supplies

You also can buy moving supplies from PODS that will make your moving experience smoother. Who really wants to buy a bunch of bubble-wrap anyway? Here are a few of the supplies PODS sells:

• Tape for securing boxes
• Bubble wrap (try not to pop it too much, we know it’s tempting)
• Lifting straps to save your back from unnecessary pain
• Lots of different moving boxes
• Covers for mattresses

The main thing you can’t purchase directly from PODS is a moving dolly. We highly recommend tracking one of those down so your fridge doesn’t destroy you. You can get a good dolly for pretty cheap on Amazon.

PODS moving experience

If everything goes according to plan, your PODS experience should be a smooth one. You order your unit, it shows up on time, you fill it up, and it arrives at your new home within a few days.

So, what happens if it doesn’t go smoothly?

For lack of a better term, PODS customer service kind of sucks right now. There are too many disappointing testimonials¹ out there to think otherwise. The lack of guaranteed delivery dates can really throw a wrench in moving plans. We’re optimistic that will change as the company grows, but in the meantime, don’t expect a ton of customer support.

But don’t worry—it’s not all bad. Assuming you don’t have to get on the phone about any problems, you should expect a seamless experience with PODS. After all, the best customer service is the kind you don’t ever have to use.

Packing your PODS container

The first thing you want to do is find a place to park your moving unit. Depending on what size pod you get, you’ll want to map out a place to park your unit. (Whatever you do, just make sure it’s a legal place to park. Or else you might amass a million tickets while you move.)

Keep an eye on how heavy things are while you’re loading.

Unless you have your own industrial scale, you won’t know what everything weighs for sure while you’re loading, but just keep a rough estimate going in your head. Remember, the bigger the pod, the more restrictive the weight limit.

If you come close to reaching the max weight limit, pat yourself on the back for lifting thousands of pounds. That’s impressive.

Moving

You’ve set your appointment and now it’s time to start moving. Your moving unit should magically appear outside your home on the day you request it. Start loading everything up (you can take your time—you have up to 30 days).

Once you finish, let the PODS people know and they’ll come to pick it up. Then your stuff goes on an adventure and will find its way back to your new home.

You’ll set a timetable for a delivery with PODS and your stuff will arrive at your new place (eventually). Start unloading and let PODS know when you’re done. Congratulations! You have moved.

Storing your stuff

Not ready to move in but not sure where to put your stuff for now? You can always keep your unit stored at a PODS facility. It’s the same process of loading up your unit, but instead of moving it to your new house, PODS will move your stuff to a storage center. It’ll cost you $149.99 a month for a 12-foot container, and $159.99 for a 16-foot container.

Those aren’t the best prices you’ll encounter in the wonderful world of storage, but you do get the whole PODS experience of them delivering a storage unit to your doorstep . . . once you have a place to call home.

Recap — Is PODS a good moving container company?

If driving a moving truck has got you feeling all kinds of anxiety, then PODS will make your life much easier. Sure, it will cost more than a moving truck would, but the peace of mind may be worth it for you. Hopefully, you can avoid any problems and not have to deal with shoddy customer service.

Now let’s do a quick and dirty PODS recap. Here’s everything you need to know:

• Services: They move your stuff, or they store your stuff.
• Quotes: Getting an accurate quote is easy! Just call them up.
• Moving: Couldn’t be more simple. Your unit gets picked up at your old house, and then gets delivered to your new house.
• Storage: Storage is an option, but it’s a bit on the pricey side.

If simplicity is your goal, PODS can make your life much easier. It makes moving not quite as awful as it usually is, and any stress-saver is good in our book.

Not won over by PODS? There are other moving container options we’ve taken a look at such as ABF U-Pack and 1-800-Pack-Rat.

^Sources

1. ^{Consumer Affairs, “PODS”}