How much does PODS moving cost?
How much does PODS moving cost?
$3,000 – $8,000 average cost (long-distance move)
$300 – $600+ average cost (local move)
$169 – $359 PODS storage cost per month
PODS moving cost
PODS moving costs $3,000 to $8,000 on average, depending on the container size, distance moved, storage time frame, location, and season. The cost of a moving pod includes container delivery and pick-up, transport, and 1 month of storage at your home or an indoor storage facility.
| Distance (miles) | Average PODS moving cost* |
|---|---|
| <100 miles | $300 – $600+ |
| 100 – 300 | $800 – $2,500 |
| 300 – 500 | $2,000 – $3,200 |
| 500 – 1,000 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| >1,500 | $4,500 – $8,000 |
*Including container transport and one month of storage for a 2- to 3-bedroom household.
PODS local moving cost
PODS moving containers cost $300 to $600+ for local moves of less than 100 miles, depending on the location, moving distance, and container size. PODS local moving prices include container delivery and pick-up, plus 30 days of storage.
PODS long-distance moving cost
PODS long-distance moving costs $3,000 to $8,000 on average, depending on the distance, container size, and number of containers needed. Costs are typically on the higher end of the range for cross-country moves.
The cost for a shorter move of 100 to 500 miles ranges from $800 to $3,200. However, this distance still falls into PODS' long-distance moving category.
PODS moving cost factors
The following factors impact the cost of a moving container pod:
Home size – The size of your home and total volume of your belongings dictates the number and size of moving containers needed, which affects your total cost.
Distance – The greater the distance, the higher the moving cost due to fuel and transportation fees.
Time of year – Summer is the peak moving season. There are more moving containers and open moving dates available during other times of the year, often resulting in lower prices.
Container availability – PODS' pricing fluctuates based on container availability. Container demand and availability varies by location and season.
Container rental & storage time – PODS' moving fees include one month of storage, including the time the container spends in your driveway for loading at the first location and unloading at the destination. Additional storage time costs $169 to $359 per month, depending on your location and the container size.
Professional movers vs. DIY – Professional movers charge $50 to $100+ per hour per mover. Consider hiring local movers at your departure or destination locations to help with loading and unloading your belongings into the moving pod.
PODS moving insurance
PODS requires that you have moving insurance coverage for your belongings and for the container itself. The company offers two insurance options:
Contents Protection costs $35 to $470 per month, depending on the coverage level, with coverage ranging from $5,000 to $300,000. This option has a $100 deductible and covers your belongings and the container for loss or damage due to accidents, vandalism, and burglary but not due to improper packing or normal shifting.
Container Only Protection costs $10 per month and covers loss or damage of the PODS container due to accidents, vandalism, fire, and other causes. This option is ideal if your homeowners or renters insurance already covers your belongings.
Check your homeowners or renters insurance to find out if it includes moving insurance coverage.
PODS moving supplies
PODS offers additional packing and moving supplies at an extra cost, including boxes, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, mattress bags, and moving blankets. The table below shows PODS' prices for various supplies.
| Moving / packing item | Price |
|---|---|
| Moving boxes (medium) | $42.99 per bundle of 20 |
| Moving boxes (large) | $43.99 per bundle of 12 |
| Moving blankets | $29.99 – $75.99 per bundle of 12 |
| Mattress & chair covers | $12.99 – $13.99 |
| Stretch wrap | $16.99 – $28.99 |
| Bubble wrap | $25.99 (1'x60' roll) |
| Padlock | $14.99 |
PODS vs. other moving companies
In comparison, professional long-distance movers cost $1,300 to $9,500 on average, and local movers cost $900 to $2,800, depending on the home size, location, and moving distance. Professional movers load and unload your belongings as part of their fee, while PODS charges extra for loading and unloading services.
Renting a moving truck costs $30 to $130 per day for DIY local moves or $200 to $500 per day for long-distance moves.
| Moving method | Average local move cost (less than 100 miles)* |
Average long-distance move cost (more than 1,000 miles)* |
|---|---|---|
| PODS moving container | $300 – $600+ | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Professional movers | $800 – $1,800 | $3,000 – $9,500 |
| Moving truck rental / DIY | $30 to $130 per day | $1,000 – $3,500 (plus fuel costs) |
*For a 2- to 3-bedroom household
PODS storage cost
PODS storage costs $169 to $369 per month per container, depending on the location, rental time frame, and container size. Storage prices also depend on whether you store the container in your driveway or in a PODS indoor facility. Delivery and pick-up fees are $79 each.
| PODS container size | Rental cost per month |
|---|---|
| 8' | $169 – $309 |
| 12' | $199 – $339 |
| 16' | $219 – $359 |
In comparison, a traditional storage unit costs $65 to $200 per month for a non-climate-controlled unit or $100 to $250 per month for a climate-controlled indoor unit.
How does PODS storage work?
PODS delivers a storage container to your home or business and parks it in the driveway or a parking spot. You load the container and keep it in your driveway for as long as needed, or PODS can pick it up and store it at a local indoor PODS facility where you can access it at any time.
PODS offers storage containers in multiple sizes. However, PODS' containers and storage facilities are not climate controlled.
PODS moving FAQs
How do moving pods work?
A moving pod is an 8- to 16-foot metal container, similar to the box compartment on a moving truck. PODS and other moveable storage container companies typically follow this process for local and long-distance moves:
The company delivers the storage container to your home and parks it in your driveway.
The container remains in your driveway while you load your belongings into it, or you can pay extra for local movers to load the pod instead.
After you've finished loading the container, the company picks it up, transports it to your destination—whether that is across town or across the country—and parks it in your new driveway for unloading.
After you've unloaded the container, the company picks it up from your driveway.
Check local zoning and HOA regulations for both locations to confirm parking a moving pod in your driveway is allowed and for how long. Some cities limit the length of time the container can remain in your driveway.
How big are moving pods?
PODS moving containers come in three sizes ranging from 8 to 16 feet. Moving the contents of a home larger than 1,200 square feet may require multiple containers, depending on how lightly or heavily furnished the home is.
| Size | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 8-foot |
|
| Medium* | 12-foot |
|
| Large | 16-foot |
|
*Available for local moves and storage only
Are moving pods climate controlled?
No, moving pods are not climate controlled. Moving and storage containers from PODS, U-Pack, and U-Haul are made of steel and aluminum, offering protection from rain, snow, and up to 110 mph winds. However, the containers are not temperature or humidity controlled.
Are moving pods waterproof?
Moving pods are weather-resistant and water-resistant but not waterproof. The containers are designed to protect your belongings from falling rain and snow but can occasionally develop leaks at the seams. When reserving a moving pod, confirm the moving insurance covers leaks and water damage.
Is PODS cheaper than a moving company?
PODS is typically cheaper than a moving company for local moves and some long-distance moves, depending on your home size and how far you're moving. However, keep in mind you'll need to load and unload the moving pod yourself or pay extra to hire local movers to do it for you.
In comparison, the cost to move out of state can reach $10,000+ if you hire a professional moving company.
Getting estimates from moving companies near you
Follow these guidelines when getting estimates from moving pod companies, storage unit companies, long-distance moving companies, and local movers near you.
Compare prices from at least 3 moving companies.
Select moving or storage companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Read moving company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm the company is available on your desired move date.
Ask about moving insurance requirements, fees, coverage, and deductibles.
Get a detailed written contract. Be sure to read the fine print to avoid unexpected charges.
Questions to ask moving companies
Ask moving pod companies and movers these important questions to ensure you hire the best company so your move goes smoothly:
How long have you been in business?
Are you available on my preferred moving date?
How do you calculate your moving prices?
What size moving pod do I need for my home?
Will I need more than one container for my move?
How much storage time does this price include?
How much do you charge for extra storage time?
Does the quote include loading and unloading services? If not, how much extra do those services cost?
What moving insurance coverage do you offer, and what is the deductible?
How do you handle claims for losses or damage?
How long will it take to transport my container to my destination?
Do you offer shipment tracking?
What is your cancellation policy?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.