How Those Storage Pods Work...

What Are PODS?
PODS (portable on-demand storage) is a moving and storage system where they drop off, pick up, and transport your stuff -- virtually anywhere you want. Basically, it's a combination moving truck and storage unit in one.

They make a great alternative to renting a moving van for the following reasons:

• They alleviate some of the legwork by physically transporting your "stuff" from one location to the other.
  
• You don't have to drive a massive truck around town, maneuver it into tight spaces, back it up into your driveway, and fill it up with gas when you're done.
  
• The PODS themselves remain at ground level for easy loading and unloading.
  
• You're not on any time constraints, so there are no "late fees" or "overage charges" for taking longer than you thought.
  
• Only you have a key to your POD which means you are always in full control of your possessions.
  
• They're cost-effective.
  

How It Works...
First, get a FREE quote online. How? Just enter your Zip Code, pick an approximate date you plan to move, and enter the Zip Code for the place you want them to move it to. Then click "Get Rates" and you can see right away how much it would cost to use a 16ft POD. Or, you can change the dropdown to 12ft and see what it would cost to use the smaller POD.

It's quick!... so you know right away whether this is a feasible option for you or not. There's no obligation, and you don't even have to talk to anybody to determine EXACTLY what it's going to cost. (Personally, I don't like when you have to fill out all your info online, only for someone to call you back at their convenience... not yours.)

NOTE: You can click "Back" at any time. The PODS online form is a great way to view the terms & requirements, accessories & options, and all costs associated with your move.

When you're ready to order your POD, simply enter a few details (like exactly where you'd like them to place the POD on your property) and they'll deliver a weather-proof POD to your home.

You are free to pack at your own pace and load things onto the storage POD at your leisure. You never have to worry about time constraints or deadlines. You can take up to one month with no additional fees.

Whenever you're done packing, just call them to have your container scheduled for pick-up on the next available day. They will deliver it anywhere you'd like -- across town, or across the country -- from coast to coast.

How Much Do PODS Cost?
As an example, I got a quote for one 8'H x 8'W x 12'L POD to move across town here in Nashville (from Zip Code 37064 to 37211). The price: $231.60 including tax.

The best part: Instead of a one-day rush job to get packed and loaded and delivered to your destination, you have use of the container for as many days as needed to complete your move. You can take your time (up to one month), without incurring additional fees. (Most people keep them 2 to 4 weeks.)

• The 8x8x12 POD accommodates an average 1,200 square-foot home.
• The 8x8x16 POD accommodates an average 1,500 square-foot home.

More about the POD container itself, and their patented Pozilla lift & transport system

How Are PODS Transported?
Following is a photo expose illustrating exactly how PODS are transported from one location to another. This shows exactly how things went at my neighbor's house:

One thing that surprised us was the fact that the POD is not actually tilted at all during the process of loading the POD container onto the truck. Instead, their patented hydraulic lift system picks up the POD level and sets it down level.

Since the POD remains fully upright the entire time, you don't have to worry about your stuff that's packed "on top" ending up tossed into the corner, or eventually making its way to the bottom! There is virtually no "shifting" of the contents inside. We like that!

Some excellent videos showing the PODS container -- inside & out -- and how they're loaded

What About The Competition?
PODS isn't the only self-storage container on the block... there are competitors, but PODS seems to have cornered the market in this day and age. This, despite the fact that it's a relatively young company -- only in business since 1998.

In fact, PODS are so durable and reliable that they are actually used in a number of different situations, outside of "moving". For example, PODS often serve as emergency shelters and workstations during storms and at other times of emergency.

And business owners often find PODS useful at job sites to maintain excess inventory, storage, and safekeeping.

See why PODS rate so highly and what others are saying about PODS.

In Summary
Overall, PODS are great for short-term or long-term storage needs -- whether you're moving or not! And the POD containers themselves provide the ultimate in convenience, safety and affordability for individuals and businesses.

If you like, they'll even store your POD at their dry and secure storage warehouse facility, where you can have access within 24 hours with a just phone call.

But we like PODS best as an alternative to traditional moving vans.

The only downside is not having the strength of additional moving men to help you get the heavy items from your driveway into your new home -- especially if there are stairs involved!

...But that's what friends are for, right?

To Try PODS Yourself...

UPDATE: Looking for pods coupons?...
  Use this link to save 10% on local moves and 5% on long-distance moves with promo code TFTG.