PODS Portable Storage: How It Works for Moves and Long-Term Storage
PODS delivers a storage container to your home, you fill it on your own schedule, then they pick it up and move or store it. Here's what to know.
At a Glance
Get a quote at pods.com
~33sQuick Tip
PODS pricing can vary significantly depending on the time of year. Summer months (May through August) are the busiest and most expensive. If your timeline is flexible, fall and winter moves tend to cost less.
Choose your container size and schedule delivery
~36sWarning
Check with your homeowners association (HOA) and your city or county before scheduling a delivery. Some neighborhoods prohibit containers in driveways or require permits. PODS can sometimes help with permit applications.
Load the container at your own pace
~34sQuick Tip
PODS sells packing supplies on their website and you can add them to your order. Alternatively, you can buy moving blankets and disc locks at hardware stores.
Schedule pickup and delivery to your new location
~25sYou Did It!
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PODS — which stands for Portable On Demand Storage — is a service that delivers a large storage container directly to your home. You load it at your own pace, and then PODS picks it up and either delivers it to your new address or stores it at a PODS facility until you are ready for it. This approach is different from renting a moving truck, where you have a very limited window of time to load and unload.
The biggest advantage of PODS is flexibility. You can load the container over several days or even weeks, which is much less physically demanding than a single-day moving push. If you are downsizing, renovating, or in between homes, PODS can store your belongings at a secure facility near you for as long as you need.
PODS containers come in three standard sizes: 7 feet long (good for a small apartment), 12 feet (good for a one-to-two bedroom home), and 16 feet (good for a larger home). All containers are weather-resistant and can be kept on your driveway during loading.
Pricing varies based on container size, how far your belongings are being moved, and how long you need storage. A local move typically costs between $300 and $600 for the container delivery, transportation, and pickup. Long-distance moves cost more. You can get an instant quote at pods.com without giving your phone number, which is a convenient feature.
PODS is available in most major metropolitan areas in the United States. In very rural areas, it may not be available. One thing to be aware of: some homeowners associations (HOAs) or local municipalities have rules about keeping containers in a driveway. Check your local rules before ordering.
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