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Are PODS Cheaper Than U-Haul?

What’s the cheaper option: Pods or U-Haul U-Box? Learn the answer along with differences between the services both companies provide.
Are PODS Cheaper Than U-Haul

In this article

When comparing Pods to U-Haul portable moving containers, a service known as U-Box, the moving prices are pretty much the same. No one company is cheaper than the other if you’re only interested in moving containers. There are, however, other factors to consider.

Both options are about 5% less than what you would typically pay for a cross-country move, so you’re saving money from the very beginning of your move when choosing either U-Box or Pods. Both come in at an average of $2,840 for the typical move, which makes it pretty easy to plan your budget.

Their pricing also means that you’re going to need to look at other factors when it’s time to make a decision on which company to work with, such as:

  • Availability
  • Customer Experience
  • Container Quality
  • Container Size Options
  • Services Offered
  • Insurance Coverage

1. Availability

While you may have an easy time finding U-Haul moving containers, you won’t have as much ease searching for locations for Pods. Pods aren’t available in every state and there are less than 200 locations as compared to U-Haul’s 20,000 locations.

If you’re in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Washington DC, West Virginia, or Wyoming, you’re going to have to go with U-Haul or some other moving container company for your moving or storage requirements.

2. Customer Experience

This may not seem like a big deal at first, but you’re going to want good customer service when working with a moving company of any kind. Pods tops the list when it comes to ratings of moving container companies, with a solid 3.8. U-Box, in comparison, has a 2.8.

3. Container Quality

While both companies provide quality storage containers for a cross-country move, you may find Pods a bit more to your liking if you want the absolute best quality. Because U-Haul has its hand in so many baskets when it comes to the moving industry, their plywood-constructed containers may not be the best of the best.

Because Pods are solely focused on providing moving containers, you’ll be getting very high quality steel-constructed moving containers able to withstand just about anything thrown at them.

4. Container Size Options

If size is something you’re concerned about, you may consider looking at the sizes available when you are transporting your items using moving containers. U-Haul only offers U-Box moving containers in one size – small (7 ft. 11 in. x 4 ft. 8 in. x 6 ft. 11 in.).

With Pods, you get an option for small (6 ft. 6 in. x 6 ft. x 7 ft. 6 in.), medium (11 ft. 6 in. x 7 ft. x 7 ft. 6 in.), or large (15 ft. 6 in. x 7 ft. x 7 ft. 6 in.) containers. These options give you a bit more flexibility than U-Box, but you can save money fitting your belongings into one U-Box instead of medium Pods container.

5. U-Haul & Pods Services Offered

Pods and U-Haul also offer similar services, though there are some differences between the two of them. With both companies, you will be able to get portable storage containers brought to your home or commercial business facility. Because U-Haul also offers full long-distance moving services, you could also get the help of professionals.

6. Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is also offered by both companies, though Pods offers more choices for coverage. With U-Haul, you can get up to $20,000 in protection for your items while at Pods you can get up to $300,000 of coverage. The deductible for each is the same, but monthly costs are much cheaper when getting U-Box coverage.

One major difference in the insurance coverage for both companies is stay-at-home coverage, which is not offered by U-Haul. Pods, however, does offer at-home protection, so moving containers stored at your home will be completely covered.

What About Renting a U-Haul Truck?

As you may remember, U-Box moving containers are a U-Haul product, so you can get the services U-Haul offers even if you decide not to use a moving container. Moving trucks are available for rental by U-Haul, but you won’t be able to rent a truck from a Pods location.

Moving containers have several benefits over moving trucks if you’re planning a DIY move – let’s get into them.

  • You won’t have to drive. When you rent a truck, you’re the one transporting your stuff and will need to know how to maneuver the roads and find the best routes.
  • No steep ramps to get up and down. Loading trucks can be difficult, as you’re going uphill, but with moving containers you won’t have any ramps to worry about.
  • You’re in control of timing. With moving truck rentals, you’re on the moving company’s schedule and any last minute changes can cost you. With moving containers, you can take all the time you need.
  • Ideal for all types of moves. Local and long distance moves are a breeze with moving containers. Your stuff is packed and delivered when you need it and they’ll be transported as far as you need them to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can moving containers be used for storage?

Moving containers are made to keep your items safe, so they can absolutely double as storage containers. You can store items in these containers at your home or at a local storage facility. You can rent containers for as long as necessary, making storage of your things simple.

Are PODS suitable for long-distance moves?

Yes, long-distance movers often find PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage) to be a convenient option. PODS offer flexibility and ease during the moving process, allowing you to load and unload at your own pace. They’re secure and can be transported across long distances, making them a popular choice for many.

How can I cheaply move cross country?

If your goal is to move long distance while spending as little money as possible, then you’re going to need to plan for a moving container. Moving containers are by far the cheapest option and you gain the ultimate flexibility. When your move is over 400 miles, and especially when it is over 2,000 miles, this is the cheapest option.

Are there things I should leave behind when moving?

Homes can easily become filled with plenty of items that will need to be packed, but some things you can leave behind or get rid of include clothes, excess papers, furniture, and some items in your cabinets. Bedding can also be better left behind as well as bulky or old furniture pieces.

Which Should I Choose: Pods or U-Haul?

If your two choices are between Pods and U-Box, it’ll be up to you to decide which option is best for your household move. The prices are similar between the two, but considering the other factors will be your best bet to finding the right moving container facility for your local or long-distance move.

Dani James

Dani James

Dani James is a copywriter and blogger with more than eight years of experience writing for movers, real estate, and anything to do with getting from point A to point B. When he’s not finding new ways to save on moving costs, he can be found at home with his cat, binge-watching Marvel movies, and looking for new apartments he can’t afford.
Green Group

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