The PODS Company has been a prominent brand for storage and moving containers in the United States since the 1990s. They call their product “PODS,” which stands for “Portable on Demand Storage. The storage pods themselves are steel box crates 7, 12, or 16 feet long, with a roll-up, locked, ground-level entrance and weather-resistant as well as impact-resistant cladding. Once you’ve packed your PODS Moving Container rental, the firm will physically move it for you, and they offer both local and long-distance moving services.
So whether you’re a corporation or an individual, you pack it, and they transport it.
Advantages of Using PODS
Using PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage) offers several advantages, especially regarding moving and storage solutions. Moreover, their ease of use and convenience eliminates the need for traditional moving trucks, simplifying the moving process.
Here are some key advantages:
- Depending on your duration needs, using PODS can be more cost-effective than hiring a full-service moving company.
- PODS rents its units every month, meaning you’ll be billed every 30 days. You can schedule a pickup once you’ve loaded your container.
- According to the company’s website, PODS containers can be composed of wood, steel, aluminum, or high-impact-resistant polymers. They’re built from a blend of these materials to provide improved durability, safety, and weather protection for your valuables.
- The cost of a PODS moving container varies significantly based on factors such as the distance the unit must travel to and from your location, container availability in your area, and the time of year.
- PODS containers are delivered by a vehicle with the company’s proprietary Podzilla loading and unloading lift technology. The equipment allows you to drop down and pick up a pod practically anyplace with street access on level ground.
How A PODS Container Is Rented – The Procedure
Renting a PODS moving container is a straightforward process that offers convenience and flexibility for your moving or storage needs. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country move or simply need temporary storage space during a renovation, PODS simplifies the entire process.
To give you a more detailed understanding, let’s expand on each step of the procedure:
1. Know what you’ll need it for and how long you’ll need it
The first step in renting a PODS moving container is to clearly understand how you intend to use it and the duration of your requirements. Are you looking to store your belongings, move them to a new location, or both? This initial decision will help you tailor your rental experience to your needs.
2. Select a delivery location, date, and container size.
Once you’ve determined your needs, it’s time to customize your rental. You’ll need to select several crucial details, including the delivery location, the date when you want the container to be delivered, and the size of the container. These choices are pivotal in ensuring that your PODS container aligns perfectly with your moving or storage plans.
3. Load the PODS moving container when it arrives.
With your container details sorted, the next step involves the physical aspect of the process. After reserving one or more PODS containers, the provider will schedule the delivery to your doorstep. This step allows you to load your items into the container quickly.
4. Pickup and delivery at the desired location
Once you’ve loaded your belongings into the PODS container, the provider will arrange for pickup. This is where the convenience of PODS truly shines. When you’re ready, PODS will promptly pick up the container and transport it to its intended destination. The container can be delivered to your new home if you’re moving.
Sizes of PODS Moving Containers
7-Feet PODS Container
The 7-feet container is approximately 7’x7’x8′ in size and provides 385 cubic feet of space for your belongings. This portable container size is suitable for modest moves involving a room’s worth of belongings.
The area provided by a moving container of this size is comparable to that of a 10-foot-long rental vehicle, and the container’s weight restriction is 5,200 lbs. This size of PODS moving container is a popular choice for students who travel to and from college.
12-Feet PODS Container
Their medium 12-feet container measures 12’x8’x8′ and has a capacity of 689 cubic feet. It is equal to a moving truck around 15 feet long and can be used to move home with two or three rooms. The container has a maximum weight capacity of 4,700 lbs. Therefore, this small storage unit is ideal for an apartment transfer.
16-Feet PODS Moving Container
The largest POD container has 857 cubic feet of inside area, making it a comparable moving option to a 20-feet long truck. The moving container is approximately 16’x8’x8′ in size and is best suited for three or four-room relocation. Despite being the company’s most giant container, it has the lowest weight limit of 4,200 lbs. The 16-foot container will be a popular choice for interstate moves. Their steel container is well-known for being a sturdy and safe moving container.
How Much Does It Cost You At Least?
Renting a PODS container has a range of prices. The size of the container, the length of the rental, and the relocation distance are all things to consider.
The two primary categories of fees are container rental and transportation costs. A 12-feet container, for example, costs $110 a month to rent. If you want to keep renting it after the 30 days are over, you’ll have to pay again. The $110 does not include transportation fees, such as dropping off, picking up, and transporting the container to your new location. The latter’s fees are significantly dependent on the distance traveled.
Remember that these costs do not yet include local taxes, insurance, or other subsidies. Fill out a form on the PODS moving container website or contact a customer service person directly to get an exact quote.
Top 5 Best Moving Container Companies
1. U-Pack
Compared to other finest moving container companies, U- Pack’s prices are so cheap that you’ll save about $400. U-Pack also has a pay-for-what-you-use policy, which means you only pay for the space you utilize. You can even order extra containers and return them for free if you don’t need them. U-Pack also has excellent customer reviews and offers immediate online quotations to make things easier for you.
We compared U-Pack’s quotes to hundreds of different moving container businesses’ estimates. We looked at small and large residences, short and long distances, cross-country excursions, and everything. What did we discover? U- Pack’s pricing is around 15% less than those of competitors on average.
If you’re uncertain about the number of containers you’ll need, it’s a good idea to get an extra one for added security. You won’t have to pay any return costs if you don’t use it (although delivery fees may apply). It bills you based on how many containers you fill up rather than how many orders you place.
2. PODS
Mobile storage and moving containers have become synonymous with PODS. Because of its familiarity, many people refer to all moving containers as “PODS.” PODS has established itself as one of the best moving pod solutions in just over two decades of operation. It’s a trendy choice among individuals on a limited budget.
According to an estimate we received, a 400-mile two-bedroom move with PODS would cost $2,000 and $3,500. The more items you have to transfer and the longer you travel, the more money you’ll spend. There is some variation based on where you are traveling to and from.
PODS are offered for local and long-distance moves across the United States. They provide three different container sizes: 8, 12, and 16 feet. Typically, 12-feet containers are rented only for local relocation. All containers have a steel frame and are waterproof, which adds security and stability to your move. With all PODS rates, including a one-month rental, you’ll have plenty of time to plan your load-up, unload, shipment, and delivery.
3. SmartBox
SmartBox is ideal for a small relocation, such as a one-bedroom apartment or a college dorm room. If you’re a college student looking to relocate, SmartBox is the ideal alternative, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Its containers are usually small (about 5 x 7 x 8) and meant to fit into a one-room apartment. The business offers a price-matching policy rated the best for a modest move. However, if your move is huge, seek an alternate firm on our list that meets your needs.
The business may supply up to 8 movable pods in a single trip. Furthermore, the company’s website says that it can move a 5-bedroom home with ease, meaning that a typical home should fit easily in all of its pods in a single travel.
Even though SMARTBOX is now only available in 23 states and Washington, DC, we believe its price matching and comparable service alternatives will encourage you to give it a try.
Also read: The 10 Best Pet-Friendly Cities to Move with Your Furry Friends
4. 1-800-Pack-Rat
You can easily store your belongings with 1-800-Pack-Rat. For your storage needs, they have both residential and commercial options. In addition, this organization will deliver the storage unit to your home, allowing you to load it at your own speed and on your schedule.
They also provide relocation services for local and long-distance relocations (and military moves). They provide service to the majority of the United States (97 percent of it). The container can stay at your residence for as long as required.
Third-party moving companies are also available through 1-800-Pack-Rat. Moving containers are made of various materials, including wood, generic metal, and steel. The second-best container company (PODS) uses a steel frame to construct its containers. 1-800-PACK-RAT, on the other hand, takes things to a whole new level. The steel frame of 1-800-PACK-RAT is complemented with steel walls and doors. The company doesn’t specify whether its containers might withstand a missile strike, but 1-800-PACK-RAT stands a good chance.
Recommended read: Your Comprehensive Blueprint for Successful International Relocation
5. Zippy Shell
With their unique metal cage containers that make parking on busy city streets easy, Zippy Shell is revolutionizing how people move from city to city. In addition, the organization makes it simple to hire moving personnel and acquire additional insurance choices for their containers. As a result, zippy Shell is an excellent choice for young professionals relocating to a new city.
Zippy Shell’s containers are street legal and can be parked like automobiles, eliminating many permission hassles.
The company supplies a 15-foot container. The containers’ internal capacity is slightly lower than those of competitors. Zippy Shell makes it simple to add loading and unloading assistance, and their primary service provides 30 days of storage. They also offer a variety of insurance solutions to cover your belongings in the event of an accident.
We strongly recommend that anyone considering using a container for their next move should consider adding Zippy Shell to their list
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