For local moves, the cost of renting a PODS container typically falls within the range of $225 to $850.
For long-distance moves, PODS pricing tends to be more variable, with costs spanning from $450 to $7,600.
In this article
What is the Cost of Renting a Moving Container?
The price of moving containers can range from $270 to $7,500 and up. It’s quite a window, but it’s important to remember that the total cost depends on how far you plan on moving, where the container will be stored, the size of the container, and any insurance costs for your belongings.
Moving containers (also known as moving pods, or storage containers) are a great option for moves that require a little more flexibility. If you’re trying to choose between cross country movers and moving pods, it helps to know the price.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the factors that go into the cost of a moving pods, and why they might be the best option for your move.
Cost of Moving Containers
| Moving Container Company | Available Containers Size | Container Material | Moving Available | Price (AVG. Cost) |
| U-Haul | 257 cubic feet Up to 2,000 lbs | Wood | Local, long distance, and international | Local Move: $659 Medium Move: $1,350 Long Move: $2,784 |
| PODS | 7 foot, 12 foot, 16 foot | Mental | Local & Long Distance | Local Move: $650 Medium Move: $1,571 Long Move: $3,223 |
| U-Pack | 336 cubic feet Up to 2,500 lbs | Metal | Local & Long Distance | Local Move: $800 Medium Move: $1,553 Long Move: $2,348 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 8 foot, 12, foot, 16 foot | Metal | Local & Long Distance | Local Move: $726 Medium Move: $1,247 Long Move: $3,460 |
| SmartBox | 280 cubic feet Up to 3,000 lbs | Wood | Local & Long Distance | Local Move: $278 Medium Move: $1,486 Long Move: $3,000 |
How Much Does PODS Cost?
Using Pods for a local move (anything under 100 miles and within the same state) can cost you at least $270. On the other hand, a long-distance move can cost at least $7,500.
This is because PODS only allows larger sizes of containers to be used for long distance moves, and the price to actually haul your container depends on the distance between point A and point B.
PODS (short for Portable, On-Demand Storage) is a company that provides high quality moving containers for your move. The cost of a PODS moving container depends on the length of your move, and the distance to and from your specified locations. The price will also be affected by the size and number of containers you choose.
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1. Local Moving With PODS
Local moves are below 100 miles and within the same state. For our example, let’s look at how much a move from Charlotte, NC to McAdenville, NC would cost using a PODS moving container:
- The smallest size of available container was 12-ft, with a recurring charge of $144.99 per month.
- A $49.99 fee is charged when the empty unit is delivered in Charlotte.
- Another $49.99 fee will be charged for transporting the loaded container from the old location to the new location.
- An additional $49.99 fee for pickup of the container at McAdenville.
- Payment info will be required from a customer once the delivery location has been verified. As indicated in the quote, the customer will pay $194.98 a day before the initial delivery, which includes the recurring monthly rental rate as well as the unit delivery fee.
- The customer will then be charged $44.99 every month until the empty container gets picked up by PODS.
If your relocation is kept within a month, the overall cost would be $225 to $850. If you’re moving local, you’ll need to answer some questions on the PODS website before receiving your moving quote.
2. Long Distance Moving With PODS
Any move that involves traveling more than 100 miles or across state lines counts as a long distance move. Let’s look at a move from Charlotte, NC (28208) to Pittsburgh, PA (15212) for a better understanding of how much PODS costs for long distance relocations.
As stated by PODS, only 7-ft and 16-ft containers are allowed for a long-distance move. Below is the quote for a 7-ft storage unit:
- The PODS moving container rental will cost $174.99 per month. A $49.95 monthly fee will be charged to the customer.
- A $130 fee is charged to deliver the empty unit to the specified location in Charlotte.
- The cost of hauling the moving container is $699.04.
- After it gets from point A to point B, another $130 fee is charged to get the unit delivered to the exact location in Pittsburgh after long-haul transportation.
- A $50 item protection fee is also included.
If you don’t need the container any longer than a month, the overall cost will be $1,233.98. There will be an additional $224.94 charged every month until the empty container gets picked up by PODS.
Remember, you may be required to call PODS for a quote if you are moving from one state to another or across state lines.
3. Storage With PODS
If you’re using a container for storage at a PODS facility, expect to pay at least $344.97.
Every rental quote from PODS is personalized to the individual renter. For instance, some customers may choose to rent a moving container for storage purposes at a PODS facility.
This option is the most affordable for those looking to rent storage for temporary purposes.
To give you an idea of how much this will cost, here’s the quote for a customer in Charlotte, NC who needed temporary storage for 30 days:
- The smallest option available for storage at a PODS facility is a 12-ft container for $164.99 a month.
- It costs $89.99 to deliver the empty container to the customer’s location.
- It costs another $89.99 fee to ship the loaded container back to the customer’s home when they no longer need to keep their stuff at the PODS facility.
Renting a PODS unit for storage for a month costs an overall price of $344.97 with tax included. Don’t forget, a regular fee of $164.99 will be required each month until the customer no longer needs the unit in storage.
Factors Behind the Price
When you use PODS for storage or moving, they’ll provide a quote that outlines how much you can expect to pay. But what’s behind the price tag? Here’s a breakdown of all the factors behind the final price of your PODS container.
Local or Long Distance?
You can use PODS for both local and long distance moves, but the price depends on a number of factors, including how long your move takes, how many times PODS will have to pick up and drop off your container, and fuel and transit costs.
Remember, if you want to use PODS for a long distance move, you’ll have to call them ahead of time for a quote. Fortunately, their customer service makes it a breeze, but you’ll still need to actually place a call.
Container Size Matters
Another consideration for price is the size of the pod you will need. A bigger size means a bigger price tag.
7-Foot Containers
These container sizes are ideal for individuals that need to move a smaller amount of household items. They come in at approximately 7’x7’x8’, giving you plenty of room to store all of your items safely, so long as you aren’t moving a mansion.
These containers are about 380 cubic feet and are capable of holding an entire room’s worth of furniture. In comparison to a moving truck, 7-foot containers are the equivalent of renting a 10-foot truck. These containers are ideal for:
- Studio apartments
- Smaller homes
- College students
- Moving estates
- Temporary storage
12-Foot Containers
A step up from the 7-foot container is the 12-foot container, which is sized at around 12’x8’x8’.
These containers are perfect for households with several bedrooms as well as for moving from larger apartments.
The inside of the container measures about 680 cubic feet, giving you more than enough room to fit your items. If you compare these containers to the size of a moving truck, you would need a 15-foot-long truck to match its size. Containers this size are most ideal for:
- Large apartments
- 2 or 3-bedroom homes
- Relocating offices
- Temporary storage
16-Foot Containers
One of the largest options available is a 16-foot container. These pods measure around 16’x8’x8’, providing plenty of space for all your belongings. These are common choices for homes with multiple rooms, but they’re also popular for office spaces.
16-foot containers have over 850 cubic feet of interior space. If you compare the size of these pods to moving trucks, the truck would need to be 20-feet long to match its capacity. Containers these size are most ideal for:
- 3 or 4-bedroom homes
- Relocating offices
- Temporary storage
Here you’ll discover the Comprehensive Guide to 16-Foot POD Moving Costs
Insurance
With insurance, you won’t have to worry about items going missing or getting damaged without being covered or compensated for your loss.
If you’re only using a single storage container, you may feel less inclined to get insurance coverage. However, you’ll definitely need coverage if you’re storing valuable items, or plan on using multiple pods.
To ensure that everything goes as planned, keep track of all dealings with your storage company and make sure all of your belongings are present and accounted for before it’s time to move your pod to its destination.
Additional Fees
Although PODS is fairly transparent in its pricing, there are certain additional fees you may encounter based on your specific situation.
- Applicable local taxes will not be included in the initial quote you receive from PODS. These can increase your final bill based on the tax rates in your location.
- A fuel subsidy is removed in some relocations, and it varies from one location to another.
- Remember, a recurring fee every 30 days is required to continue the rental of the moving container.
- Delivery fees may be required of you when PODS moves your container to a new location or when they pick up or drop off an empty unit.
Top 6 Benefits of Pods
Homeowners don’t always stick to the same moving schedule, which means that flexibility is a must when planning a local or interstate move. No matter where you’re going, storage containers provide a ton of benefits:
1. Convenient payment schedules
When you pay for a container, you don’t have to worry about making large lump-sum payments. You’ll be able to speak with professionals and set up a convenient payment schedule that works for your budget.
2. No hidden fees or surprise costs
Some professional movers around you may charge you extra for additional services. Fortunately, when you rent a pod, there are no surprises.
3. Flexibility
When you rent a shipping container, you get to choose the size of the container, when it’s delivered, and how long you’ll need it. Payments are usually month-to-month, so you can decide at a moment’s notice to return your container.
4. Temporary Storage
Who says you need to be moving if you’re renting from PODS? You may find pods useful during renovation projects that require items to be removed from the home for a short period of time, such as during a bathroom or kitchen remodel or renovation.
5. No transport worries
If you have a ton of items to move in and out of the home, you don’t have to worry about getting all your stuff to and from a storage facility. Pods can be easily transported, so you can have your container dropped off and picked up at your convenience.
6. Your items are protected
The great thing about pods is that your items are kept in a steel container that is resistant to weather, keeping everything safe and free from harm. Companies like PODS offer safe and secure storage.
How Renting a PODS Container Works
Renting a PODS container couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to know ahead of time, and what the process will look like when you decide to use a moving container.
1. Decide Whether It’s the Right Choice
Do you think you’ll need a full-service mover, or are you risky enough to DIY your move? Maybe you’re doing a renovation or you just aren’t sure how long you’ll be keeping things in storage. If your move allows for greater flexibility, choose PODS to avoid an unnecessary time crunch.
2. Plan and Schedule Your Delivery
This is when you choose the size of the container, when it’s coming, and where it’s being dropped off. If you’re moving long distance, you’ll need to make an actual phone call, but don’t worry – PODS representatives will make the entire process super simple. And if you’re moving local, you can just use their website.
3. PODS Makes the Dropoff
Voila. A fresh PODS container is dropped off at your doorstep. Congratulations, now you have as much time as you need to load it all up. It really is as simple as it sounds.
4. You Make the Call
Once you’ve loaded up your container, you just have to notify PODS that your job’s all wrapped up.
5. PODS Picks it Up
After you’ve called PODS, one of their trucks will arrive to collect your moving container. PODS will use their patented hydraulic lift system, the PODZILLA, to lift your container right up off the street and onto the truck.
This lift system minimizes how much your stuff moves around. After pickup, your container will live in a secure facility until you’re ready to complete your move.
6. When You Need the Container, Give PODS a Call
When you give the signal, PODS will deliver your container to your new location – or your same location, if you just needed some temporary storage during a remodel. When they drop off your container, you get to take your time unloading it.
7. Call PODS to Pick Up the Empty Container
When you’re done unloading the container, give PODS a call. They’ll come to pick up your old pod, and it’ll be taken away for the next happy customer.
Packing A PODS Container: Tips
Packing a PODS container is just like packing a moving truck, except it’s actually a lot easier. It’s all done at ground level, and you don’t need to worry as much about weight distribution.
Large furniture and bulky items should still be spread out, rather than concentrated in a particular place.
Also, make sure essential items are packed toward the doors of the moving container for easy access once you’ve reached your destination. You should prioritize belongings like desk items, blankets, mattresses, (some) clothes, bathroom essentials, and pillows.
Lastly, important documents such as passports, birth certificates, medical records, and vehicle titles are to remain with you instead of being packed into the container. PODS are secure, but you want to be extra careful when it comes to these types of documents. Don’t let them out of your sight.
Pro Tip
If you have any fragile items in your container, make sure they’re well cushioned, and if possible make sure they’re on the very top of everything else. To avoid anything falling or getting knocked around, pack to leave as little open space as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Pods
How long can you keep moving pods?
Depending on the company, you need to rent the pods for at least a week; some companies may have a minimum of a month for their rental time. But, you can keep the container as long as you need it. The longer you have it, the more you’ll pay (of course), so you’ll want to keep your budget in mind.
Do out-of-state movers offer PODS?
The availability of PODS or similar portable storage container services among out-of-state movers can differ from one company to another. Some out-of-state movers do offer PODS as a part of their services, while others do not. To ascertain the specific offerings and whether they provide portable storage solutions like PODS for your out-of-state move, it’s recommended that you directly contact your chosen moving company.
Do I need to fill my entire PODS unit?
No. PODS containers come in various sizes, but they also provide eyehooks that can be used to hold down any partial load in the unit. This means you can partially load a container and use packing rope to keep everything securely in place.
Are PODS waterproof?
Yes – and then some. PODS units are constructed with aluminum skin panels that are specially made for safety and durability. These moving containers are engineered to be extremely weather resistant.
Will companies pick up pods on weekends?
It depends on the company. Many companies recognize that most people do their moving tasks on the weekend, so they will make sure that they can pick those items up on Saturday or Sunday if necessary. Ask your pod company when you go to schedule your dates.
Can I put my moving pods on the street?
It depends on your municipality. In some instances, you may need to obtain a permit to have the pod on the street for more than a day or two. It typically takes up two parking spots worth of space, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the local authorities ahead of time to get the proper permits – and to prevent them from towing it away or fining you.
Are there any restrictions for what I can and can’t load into a container?
Anything alive is a definite no-go. Additionally, you are not allowed to store lawnmowers, cars, waste, illegal items, and hazardous materials in PODS containers. For security’s sake, we advise against storing deeds, heirlooms, currency, legal notices, artifacts, and other people’s items in a PODS container. Check your rental agreement to see other restrictions.
How much does renting a PODS container cost?
Moving with a PODS container can cost anywhere from $294.96 to $1,233.98, with an average cost of $650. It all depends on the size of the container, the length of the move, and how long you’ll need to hold onto the container.
Can moving containers be used as portable storage?
Yes. Some companies allow you to rent their moving containers for use as temporary and portable storage. PODS, for example, will charge a monthly rate for one of their moving containers. If you need it out of the way, you can call them to haul it to a secure area. They’ll bring it back to your place when you need it.
What affects the home delivery of containers?
A moving container provider can only deliver a unit to your home if it satisfies the following criteria:
- You have an accessible driveway for parking.
- Your city allows it.
- Your HOA allows it.
Can I get assistance loading my moving pod?
Yes. There are companies that offer hourly moving labor that can help you load and unload your pod even if it is being used as temporary storage for your household belongings.
What moving container size do I need?
Every move is different. Here’s a handy guide for finding the right container size for your move.
Moving Container Sizes
| Container Size | Approximate Dimensions | Best For |
| 7-Foot Container | 7’ x 7’ x 8’ (About 380 cubic feet) | Studio apartments Smaller homes College students |
| 12-Foot Container | 12’ x 8’ x 8’ (About 680 cubic feet) | Large apartments 2 or 3-bedroom homes Relocating offices |
| 16-Foot Container | 16’ x 8’ x 8’ (About 850 cubic feet) | 3 or 4-bedroom homes Relocating offices Temporary storage |
What is the best method to pack a moving container?
Make sure the weight of your items is evenly distributed when loading and packing a moving container. The heaviest items should be loaded in the bottom of the container, while lighter ones should be packed on top. Every available space must be filled with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, towels, or other items that can help in avoiding shifting.
Which moving container provider is the best for me?
There’s no right answer to this one. You’ll have to get moving quotes from various moving container providers so you can get the cheapest provider for the highest quality of service. U-Haul, PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and SmartBox are all great companies, and they may have different deals or availability for your location.
How much is the cost of a U-Pack rental?
Using a U-Pack ReloCubes moving container for a long-distance move will cost an average of $2,231. ReloCubes are charged based on individual containers per 30 days of rental duration.
Two options will be presented to you when you request a rental quote from U-Pack: ReloCubes or Trailer space.
We advise obtaining quotes for both options to get the best deal. The cost of the U-pack trailer and ReloCubes depends greatly on the location and destination, date, distance, availability, and storage needs after the move.
Why Choose Pods Over Traditional Movers for a Long-Distance Relocation?
Choosing pods over traditional long-distance movers for your relocation is a fantastic option! With pods, you get the flexibility to pack and schedule at your own pace, making the whole process much easier.
And guess what? It’s often more cost-effective too! You can save money by avoiding full-service moving labor.
Plus, you’ll have more control over how your precious belongings are packed and protected, so no need to worry about anything. Some pod services even offer one-way options to make your move even smoother.
Ready to Load Up?
Pods are quickly becoming one of the most popular methods for moving. They’re flexible and easy to schedule, and in today’s rushed world, an option that let’s you take your time and load at your own pace is a breath of fresh air.
If you’re ready to move – or just haul some stuff into storage for a little while – get in touch with a moving container company today.
