PODS, or Portable On-Demand Storage, is a budget-friendly alternative to hiring a full-service moving company or driving a rental truck for a DIY move and is one of our top recommendations for national movers. This moving container company allows you to pack PODS storage containers yourself and then have PODS transport them to your destination or put the containers into storage for delivery at a later date. Our PODS guide shares how to manage your storage needs, prepare for moving day, and more.

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The Process

Moving with PODS begins with deciding whether renting a PODS container is right for you. You can explore PODS’ variety of containers online, get an estimate, and book your moving dates.

PODS offers three container sizes: a small eight-foot container, a 12-foot container, and a 16-foot container. The small container is comparable to a typical storage unit and is best for packing studio apartments or college dorm rooms. The medium container can fit the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. The large container can fit the contents of a two-bedroom home. You can mix and match different sizes as necessary.

PODS can deliver multiple containers straight to your home once you’ve cleared space in your driveway or by your street. After filling the containers, a PODS driver will pick up your belongings and transport them to your new home or a PODS storage center. You can empty each container at your own pace and then call for a final pickup of the empty pods.

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Reserving Parking

You must designate a spot for your PODS rentals before booking. The area should be flat and level, and there must be an unobstructed path that’s at least 12 feet wide, 15 feet high, and 20 feet long. Containers should rest on a paved surface, and the surrounding area must be free of sprinklers, shrubbery, low-hanging branches, snow, ice, and wires. PODS may charge an additional fee to place containers on unpaved surfaces.

PODS recommends that you reserve three spaces next to each other for a single container if you don’t have a private driveway. The container will fill one spot, and the spaces on either side will provide room for maneuvering the container into place. Check with your building management when you’re scheduling your container delivery.

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Preparing For Your POD

Pack as much as you can before PODS delivers your containers. PODS recommends scheduling delivery for the day before you plan to load and scheduling pickup for the day after you plan to unload. This will give you plenty of time to move.

Ensure you have the right packing materials. Consider clear plastic bins for fragile items, which provide more protection than cardboard moving boxes. You will need to provide your own shelving, ropes, or straps for tie-down. Label everything as you pack.

You will need to provide your own lock for each PODS container, and PODS drivers won’t pick up your containers unless they’re locked. PODS recommends a 1 3/4” padlock or a 2 3/4” disc lock. You can purchase these locks at PODS or a home improvement store.

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POD Packing Tips

You can load containers yourself or hire professional movers to load your belongings for you. If you’d like to hire help, PODS can recommend licensed, insured movers with specific experience packing PODS containers.

If you pack containers yourself, put heavy items on the ground level and stack them upwards to use as much vertical space as possible.

Below are some additional tips to consider when packing moving containers:

• Spread your heavy items over the floor of the container as you go.
• Pack your belongings in boxes or bins. Don’t cram loose items into containers. 
• All items should be dry when they go into the container, especially if you plan to store the container. Don’t pack your container when it’s raining.
• PODS have eye hooks that are positioned every four feet. Use rope or straps to tie down your belongings when you reach these hooks.
• Leave room for the rolling door to operate when you reach the top of the container.
• Put an upright mattress, box spring, large piece of cardboard, or several flattened boxes taped together into the container. This will create a barrier that will prevent items from falling against the door and jamming it or spilling out of the container when you open its door.

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Preparing for Delivery

You will schedule your PODS container pickup at your old location and your PODS container delivery at your new location at the same time. You don’t have to be present at either location for service, but ensure your PODS containers are locked and that you’ve provided detailed delivery instructions. Container deliveries begin at 7 a.m. each day until all units have been delivered. PODS will offer more specific three-hour delivery windows the night before your appointment.

Secure a space to park your packed containers at your destination. Drivers will call you when they’re on the way and will ask to confirm delivery instructions. You can keep your PODS container at your home for as long as you’d like, but note that all billing is monthly.

If you choose to store your containers, a driver will deliver them to a PODS storage facility. You can access your container whenever you want, but you’ll need to schedule an appointment at least a day in advance. PODS will need time to move your container from its secure indoor storage location to an area where you can easily access it.

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Returning Your POD

You can schedule a final pickup once you unpack your container and remove the padlock. Monthly fees are not prorated, so schedule pickup before you’re due to be charged again.

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Our Conclusion

Portable self-storage units allow you to pack and move at your own pace, and PODS offers reliable service. We recommend scheduling as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the containers and delivery dates you need. U-Pack and U-Haul provide alternative portable self-storage options.

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FAQ About Moving With Pods

Should I tip the PODS driver?

You don’t have to tip the PODS driver. Tipping is “not expected, as delivering great service is our biggest reward,” according to the PODS website.

What are the benefits of using PODS?

Here are some of the benefits of using PODS:

• You provide your own lock, so only you have access to the contents of your PODS containers.
• PODS will refer you to trusted local movers for loading and unloading if you want help.
• You can have your unit put into storage if your plans change.
• You can load and unload at your own pace.
• You don’t have to rent or drive a moving truck.
• You don’t need to be present for container pickup or drop-off.

What cannot be moved in a POD?

You cannot move motorized vehicles, lawnmowers, hazardous materials, or toxic materials in a PODS container. You can’t transport any humans or pets in the container, either.

What is the weight limit for a POD?

A small 8-foot container has a weight limit of 5,200 lbs, a medium 12-foot container has a weight limit of 4,700 lbs, and a large 16-foot container has a weight limit of 4,200 lbs, according to the PODS website.

Are PODS good for long-distance moves?

PODS are a good choice for long-distance moves, as you don’t have to worry about driving your own truck. You can also store your containers for as long as you need. PODS is available in 44 states and Washington, D.C., Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

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