Household Tips

After pricing our long distance moving and storage costs, we decided to load our mini van with the more valuable items and neccessities, and we SOLD everything else! Screw all that moving BS. We are not pack rats, and we will replace the items we left behind, and be much happier. I would bet that many people move a truckload across country that is nothing but CRAP!

I had a really great experience with Door to Door http://www.doortodoor.com . I really appreciated that there were no hidden costs, and every person that I interacted with was very understanding and helpful. This is the first time that I have moved where I did not spend time yelling at customer service reps and fighting about my bill. I highly recommend this service to any of you who are looking for a moving pods service.

My husband and I recently sold our home in Phoenix and had to wait 3 months for our new home to be ready. After much research we chose a mobile storage company called UNITS. They have a fiberglass container with a translucent roof and hard wood floor. Climate controlled warehouse which is a must in AZ summer. Spoke with the owner. Much less than PODS. No hidden fees. Very happy with service, price and quality of product. Recommend to anyone. Website www.unitsstorage.com

I think it depends where you are moving to. I moved from New York to Maryland and about a year later moved back to New York and used the same moving company. You would think the price would be the same but it was not. Supply and demand.

are they available to move from windsor to huntsville both are in ontario

their insurance does not cover tv's or other electronics..what a joke

Make sure your driveway is wide enough. The wonderful staff at PODS neglected to inform me about this potential problem. I even asked about how much space was needed and was told that a PODS container will fit in a parking space. While this is true, the unloading mechanism on the truck requires a lot more width than just a single parking space. When my driveway proved too narrow to accommodate this, The enterprising PODS delivery driver decided it would be best to just drive off with the container rather than leave it curbside. Apparently, PODS requires that a permit be obtained for this. I would have been glad to arrange for this had the driver arrived at the schedule time, between 8AM and 11AM, which he did not. Thus, at 4:15PM, I had -15 mins to get to my town's municipal building. Customer service is apparently powerless to help me with this issue as well. They claim that I may be able to get the container delivered Monday, or I may have to wait until another container becomes available. Does this mean that PODS has re-allocated they re-allocated my container in the 60 minutes since the abortive drop-off? Either way, it's now my responsibility to contact customer service again tomorrow to ensure that PODS does not give my container to somebody else. Anyway, as with all business transactions, caveat emptor. Actually, I was just remarking to myself about how uncharacteristically pleasant my moving experience has been so far. Not anymore, thanks PODS!

Rude driver. Here in Ocala FL. They want you to wait for 3 hour window but they don't want them to wait for ten minutes.

I've used a number of portable storage options. So far, my favorite by far is located near Philadelphia. Portable on demand storage fees can add up, but FlexBox was fast and cheap. They also have a head to head comparison and resources posted on their site that help make the decision a "no brainer."

I used penske , got a 26' truck for 5 days and a car trailer for 407.60 moving from texas to florida.

This was my first time hearing about PODS as a service and in the past we've used a truck, to move from location to location. So this was our first time and it was a great experience. I would definitely recommend PODS because you get great customer service, they pick up the POD as soon as you are done with it and they'll bring another one if you need it. They've got PODS in two sizes, and the staff is responsive, they're friendly and it's extremely convenient. We had a total of three PODS and we had one POD for about a week and a half the second POD for about a week and the third POD for just two days.

We were very careful to watch out for 'hidden' fees as well, although using Door to Door storage pods - http://www.doortodoor.com - there weren't any to look out for. That being said, keep a very close eye on all the costs, including re-delivery fees which can easily sneak up on you.

Watch out for PODS hidden costs. I got an online quote, and although I looked carefully for hidden fees they quoted me $270. What I didn't know was that it would cost another $160 to deliver to my new house, and $112 to pick up. The total price was DOUBLE what I thought it would be.
On a different note, I have been very happy with them on a customer service level. Easy onlinen account managing, nice employees. But shop around, I was upset that they weren't more upfront about the cost.

PODS really sucks. BEWARE!!! I thought the convenience would make the cost worth it - I could not have been more wrong. First - the company was supposed to pick up our load on the 18th of December - the guy ran off the road on the way to pick up and subsequently the load was picked up on the 30th of December. I called PODS to ask them to please not charge me the $500 storage fee - which they agreed to... and charged me anyhow. They were delivering to Salt Lake City and I informed them I needed curbside delivery which they agreed to. Once the PODS arrived - I scheduled delivery at which point they informed me that they could not drop off curb side - and wanted to know when I could arrange to rent a truck and pick up my stuff at their warehouse - WHAT? I asked them to have movers bring my goods to me - it went all the way up to their corporate - with a resounding NO being their response. I had to get permission from the city for the drop off on the 20th of Jan . Bootom line - they SUCK!

I'm trying to put together a process and questions to ask in regards to PODS or any other company.

So I started by finding and then taking out my telephone book to see which companies were advertised as local. I found 1 of the bunch of franchises that are available.

Then I checked each website to see availability in my area. It looks like in my small town area there are 4 companies. I will look into each of them.

My next step is to create a list of questions. Based on the posts I've read, here are some of the questions... I'd love to have more of yours to add to my list, then I'll eventually repost all them in one post here (thanks for this venue to do this)

1) Choose 3 companies that service you locally and contact your local local BBB and Attorney Generals office to learn about complaints. Keep in mind that big companies will have more complaints.
2) What is the bring it to the door fee?
3) What is the fee for miles driven to the destination?
4) What insurance is available? What does it cover?
5) What is the pick up when empty fee?
6) How much is the storage? Is it prorated by the day or week? Is it only available "by the month" or billed on the first of each month, etc?
7) How long can I keep the unit before I'm charged an "over use" charge? What is the over use charge?
8) What is the extra charge to deliver the pod from storage to _________?

So what other questions should I be asking?

how do the pod people calculate the pricing schedule? how much does a new pod cost to buy?

Great program. After we load our things, will you deliver to out new home?
Thanks have as great day

I just used UNITS Mobile Storage in Atlanta and they were great. I had seen the inside of some others and Units were much cleaner AND the lowest price. I think the guy who wrote about the others spending on advertising is right. Seems like Units spends their money on a quality container and great personal customer service

Door to Door also has promotions with their moving pods, such as $50 off a move. It's listed at the bottom of the page - http://www.doortodoor.com

If you live in a city, there are lots of options for portable storage, including smaller companies that do the same thing as PODS at much cheaper rates. Shop around and you'll be pretty amazed.If anything else, compare rates with http://www.doortodoor.com and http://www.upack.com to see how they compare.

You MUST look at Units! www.unitsstorage.com The storage unit itself is superior to PODS with NO MOISTURE OR MILDEW. They quote you upfront All costs and it is much cheaper. I used them when back East and their customer service was wonderful!!

I'm a soon to be graduate student in Berkeley but I live in Philly... anybody have any idea how much it will cost me to move across country with a PODS or something similar?

Moving PODS are a great vehicle to help with moves. They are ideal for remodeling projects or if you need temporary storage space. In light of these services, no other storage or rental service can touch them. As was mentioned earlier, PODS is the most well known company of the moving pod companies; however, it is also the most expensive. Some of the other companies offer more competitive rates like U-Pack and Door to Door. I suggest you look into those services. As far as customer service, you will find this varies from company to company and the actual location, your best bet is to read reviews of the company and go from there.

Best,
Frank Miller
http://www.movingcontainersetc.com

I am moving from buffalo, ny to honolulu, hi. I would like to know what would be the cheapest and safest way to transport ny things. Thank you.

PODS is Horrible. Their customer service is terrible. Be careful of all the hidden pickup and transportation fees. It cost us $60 to have it dropped off, $80 to have it driven 10 miles, and then another $60 to have them pick up their pods when it was empty. OH yeah and be aware that if you need them to pick up close to the end of the month and they cant scheduled until the next month you get charged an entire months rent. We got charged an entire months rent for 1 day because they could not pick it up for a week after i ordered it removed.

My husband and I just used a POD to move and it was great. The delivery and pickup was right on time and it was very convenient as we could take our time to pack it. Nothing was broken in the move and the drivers were very nice. We put a thermometer in the POD and it never got over 104 degrees during hot days in Houston while closed up. It made our move much easier and we would definately use a POD again if we had to move. We highly recommend them!

I just ordered one. Normally I check the internet about any major purchase, but I didn't this time. It's supposed to be delivered tomorrow. After reading about the complaints, I am really afraid. Wish I had checked before I ordered it.

Actually, the walls are marine-grade plywood covered in aluminum, and the roof is made of a translucent plastic (to allow in light). It is also able to withstand winds of up to 110 MPH when it is partially full. As far as "baking in the sun", that is why they offer the option to store the container until it is moved to your new location.

needed 3 months storage during a transfer, pods worked great and everything arrived in one piece.

PODS has an "Unsatisfactory" rating on the BBB web site due to so many complaints.

It was time consuming arranging for a POD delivery. Speaking to the reservationist at the national number explained what was necessary to set up the delivery. However, on the day, the driver indicated that he could not deliver the POD. I spoke again to a reservationist to try and resolve the miscommunication. The next day was much the same. Communication was definitely a problem.
There is a disconnect between scheduling and delivery. I lost two days in the process and it was both frustrating and stressful. Would not recommend this service until they improve the communication between the national reservation and the local delivery people.

Haven't shipped to my destination yet (only in storage) but a few cautions: 1) their delivery "window" can be way off. If they give you a 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. window, for instance, they can show up at 10 a.m. (you are supposed to have it ready for pick-up by 7 a.m., but can't find where that is written in the email they sent me with the time). 2)Customer service is great until you have a problem, then they make it obvious that they just don't care 3)The POD itself has an opaque plexiglass-type roof and thin metal walls/roll-down door. If you live in the South, your items may bake in the sun until they are picked up. I have also heard they are pretty easy to cut through for criminals (I know a person who left one on his lot while building and they cut right through the sides.) 4) Buy lots of bungee cord and rope. Even though they lift it up so that it does not shift, things will bang around in transit.

I've never really had a problem with moving pods personally. Although, I've only used them a couple times moving back and forth from college.

Is Door to Door a national company? I am moving to Southern Ca. Any tips on making this a better move would be wonderful.

I'm moving from the Detroit area to southern California. I had plan on taking a bedroom set and kitchen items. The quotes that I have received have me wondering if it is worth moving the furniture, even though it is a nice bedroom set. I may be better off selling everything and starting over.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to move this summer without breaking the bank? I am alone and not crazy about the idea of driving a u-haul across country alone. I also have a car.

Before using PODS you better see for yourself all the complaints about them...especially the one where they take more money from a credit card...check Consumer Complaints PODS and u will see all the problems...yikes....I will not use them.

Door to Door moved me from NYC to Los Angeles for $1700. PODS wanted more than twice that for essentially the same service. Obviously, there's a lot more in the secret sauce than just the transport cost alone.

It's always about price Tom. That's bottom line starting point, THEN conveniences and what not are factored in ALSO related to cost. You must be a pods rep to be so offended, but that's the truth.
With Pods being twice as much as other options, if anyone is willing to shop - that's a HIGH premium for convenience. I don't know how pods earns the business of anyone without disposable income (a myth that doesn't really exist) -cheers

I totally agree with Tom. We have a similar service up here in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada called Mobile Cubes that is a similar idea to Pods. I used them to go from Edmonton to Vancouver a while back and although it is a little more than a moving company they give you a month or longer to load up your stuff therefore you know it was packed with care, and you are free to head to your new destination and all it takes is a phone call to have your belongings brought right to your drive-way. Moving is one of the most stressful things in life and these services make it alot less stressful and convienent. So if it isnt worth your money to make your life easier use a U-Haul or whatever and drive their crap trucks and then fly home to get your personal vehicle at a later time... cost more in the long run dont you think??

To those of you who are considering using PODS to move, a word of advice: When you call in to get a quote, make sure you ask the agent to go over COMPLETE pricing. Meaning the price for delivery, the monthly rental amount, the price to move the container to the new location, and the price for Final Pick Up. They have decided, in their infinite lack of wisdom, to omit ALL of the pricing EXCEPT for the monthly rental amount, when giving a quote. The reason for this being is because that is supposedly how all of the other companies are giving quotes.

so i have to move like 35 miles and i am goin back to moms and dads i they dont have room for my stuff and they live in the country. so how does it work where pods just leave the pod on their property?

I received an estimate today for 7'7'8' Pod...from Winston-Salem, NC to Monrovia,CA...
$3,912.58.
CA-CHING! No way!

I don't think you have a clue what towing a trailer across country is going to do to your car or what the cost is.If you can't afford pods don't use them but keep the bitching to yourself plenty of other people can afford to make there lives easier by using pods and have no complaint's. I think the reason most people complain is they really want to use pods but can't afford it.it isn't always about cost you don't seem to understand that

it would be difficult for the other lady to use mobile attic since they are not in cali.

If you're looking for better rates and a much, much, much better container - call Mobile Attic! They are incredible!! Number on their website says 888-912-8842 (888-91-ATTIC) Hey - they're cheaper than PODS without the coupon!

Yeah, I just got a quote for $3100 from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC. And that was for one small Pod. I can drive to CA and back with a trailer for less, including hotels and $4/gallon gas. I told them I don't care when the stuff leaves or gets here, but apparently they don't try to combine loads. So big or small, you pay basically the same rate.

The great thing about blogs is you don't have to tell the whole truth behind your story.I love the story about the truck going thru the septic tank cover. I bet money this guy forgot to mention he told the driver where he wanted the pod placed on his property.

It pays to do your homework when you are entrusting your valuables and a paying substantial fee.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/pods.html

A point in fact! Not all zip codes are serviced. Wanted to rent, but was told online Sorry!

I also worked for PODS I think people also do not take into consideration what their time is wort when renting a U HAUL truck as well as motel and food expense as 1000 mile trip is generally done in two days.Also how hard it is to load, drive , and unload in the short time span you are given with the truck.If you rent the truck 600 to 700 plus the fuel 500 for 1000 mile trip plus meals road expense and your time I think they are closer than you think.NO storage locker companies prorate months who would rent them in the third week of the month ?

The pricing is zip code based. The easiest way to get a quote would be to call PODS, and an agent will be happy to discuss pricing with you. (Please make sure to have the zip code you are moving to)

I'm still confused! I'm not moving cross country just 5 miles down the road.

Tom is right.....The origination (beginning) & destination zip codes are serviced by different franchises...The same truck that delivers it to your home is not the same truck that delivers it cross-country. Therefore, once we pick up the container from your origination address, it goes to the storage center which services that zip code. Then, it is transported be a flatbed air ride truck (which can hold 3 containers) to the destination storage center that services the zip code you're moving to. THEN, from there, it gets delivered to your new address using the PODS truck (which holds only one container). If that same flatbed truck took it directly from point A to point B, it would end up costing more.

So if I have them take it to the storage facility for a few days then I won't have to pay the $ 180 for the Final Pick Up?

The pod needs to be dropped off that requires a driver who does not work for free. it requires a pod which is not free it requires fuel for the truck and all the other crap it takes to run a business then the driver has to come back and pick it up when your done loading it. the reason they take it to a warehouse is that pods drivers are local drivers and can not go more than 100 air mile radius from there home base.( thats a d.o.t. regulation) from there an "over the road" driver takes it to your local warehouse were it is schedualed for delivery by another local driver in your area. You have no concept of the infrastructure
required to make your move.and by the way the lift is what puts the pod on the truck they don't jump on by them selves. for the sake of the pods people in your area im glad your not using them

Bottom line is that it should cost about 60% of what they charge. A $1100 move 300 miles away should cost about $650 or so...based on what you get (need). All you need is a box picked up, transported safely, and delivered. The try to "sell" their value by talking about the fancy lift system they use...who cares...just take care of the box, don't break anything...and you should be able to do that without the expensive lift system. Also they ad steps in by taking the box to a distribution center in town A and then to one in town B before delivery...it should just go from house to house. Those two things (fancy lift system and stop overs) are what is adding to the price.
The system seems to be OVER designed.

You should consider many things when trying to figure out which is best.Time,effort,the cost of diesel fuel,tolls,First consider time you have the pod for a month pack what you dont immediatly need and send it on ahead so its there when you arrive.effort the pod is 4 inches off the ground and can be placed as close to your house as you need.diesel fuel is $4.35 per gallon right now figure at best 13 miles per gallon in a rental truck.I dont know what route you would take but tolls are usually more expensive for trucks it is based on weight and number of axls.The point to all of this is do the research a truck still maybe your best option

They have 7 foot pods available now for one way trips

Apples and oranges

To the lady who thinks a 12 foot pod is equal to a 12 uhaul trailer i think you should do A little more research. Having worked for both pods and uhaul and not to mention over 11 years as a commercial Truck Driver there is no comparison to a trailer and a pod.Pods are 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide( as I look at the one in my back yard)A uhaul trailer might be 5 feet inside height and might be 6 feet inside width. I would also be curiuos to know if you have a trailer hitch that can haul 3500 lbs minimum and a vehicle that can handle that much weight.If so have you ever driven with such a large trailer such a long distance and are you aware of what that type of journey will do to you vehicle.

I used Mobile Cubes here in Alberta, Canada and although you feel that maybe a U-HAUL is more cost effective but with Mobile Cubes you dont have to drive the crappy old trucks that U-HAUL provides, you dont have to pay for diesel, and you dont have to load it all up a ramp. The customer service was top notch and they also helped with a couple heavy objects at no extra cost.

I just got a quote from PODS going from LA to Cleveland for $3000.

Seriously? I can haul the stuff on my own for $500 in a U-Haul trailer.

Guess who gets my money.

I just got a quote from PODS to move me from Bradenton, FL, to Greenville, SC. it was $1800.00 They are nuts!!!!! Just crazy!!! I could not get a smaller Pod besides a 16', I only have one room to move, something a large size trunk could handle, but they would not give me anything smaller. They are out of their minds!!!!!

The pricing is zip code based. For a quote for a long distance move, call PODS, and an agent will be happy to dicuss pricing with you.

I'll admit that PODS isn't always the cheapest way to go. But it IS the best and most convenient. For example, if you get a U-Haul,you have to push, pull & drag your furniture up a ramp to get it in the truck, AND you have to drive it yourself, as well as pay for the gas. A PODS brand container only sits 4 inches off of the ground, so it's less work loading. PLUS, we take your container to the destination, and deliver it to your new location. Which means you are free to enjoy the drive to wherever you're going. Calling in for a quote will not obligate you in any way...it will just give you a better idea as far as pricing, and how the process works. Good luck to you.

I am planning to move from New Jersey to Omaha, NE around the 1st week in November. I did think that the most cost effective would be a pod...but after reading the comments, I'm not sure. Please advise.

I was just checking out the pods web site, I was on their site to get a quote, when I put the zip in for Camden, TN. they said they don't deliver to that zip code. Thats when I found you, Thank you for all the info, I will not be using pods.Have a great day. and Thank you again

PODS are far from affordable. Perhaps a cross town move in Nashville is, but any sort of substantial move e.g., 900+ miles is going to fun upwards of $2300! In fact, I was interested in renting a 8x8x16 POD for a 3 bedroom, 941 mile move: $2310.04....and that's WITH a 5% discount. Save your money and sanity and rent a do it yourself moving vehicle as they still seem to be the most affordable method (e.g., same move of 941, depending on company $422-$712)

PODS is very expenisve and they do not pro rate their monthly storage fee. I kept my pod empty for 2 weeks because of this. I recently moved from TN to TX and decided to call PODS again just to see how much they would charge, WOW, over 2 grand!!!! I found movers that did my move (1 bed room apt) for 1200, and I didnt have to lift a single item... I would shop around, PODS is very expensive!

It depends on the area....Call PODS,give them the starting & the destination zip codes, & they can tell you what the restrictions are (if any) for both areas.

I have a friend moving from Kansas City to Baltimore. We have been researching moving companies and reading reports on Rip Off Reports.com. I suggested using a POD and having her car shipped seperately. What is the turn around time for having the POD picked up? She lives in a loft in downtown KC and there is limited off street parking. I am not sure if POD would be a possibility? Could some one give us advice???

I was about to order a Pod, but decided to read further. The list of complaints on comsumers website deterred any further action from me. I will certainly look at the competitors, as others have suggested here, but will double check complaints about each company before finalizing my plans.

I had posted comparisons between PODS brand containers & those of a few competitors...It had absolutely nothing to do with anyone's move. I also said that I would be more than happy to correct my information if it was wrong. So I fail to see how I said that it was the Poster's problem......

Christina
Congratulations on your move from Boston to Vermont. Please e-mail me at wjone9@aol.com I think I could help you with finding a company that covers northern Vermont. Thanks

Wow. We're about to move, and the article initially had me sold. After seeing how Melissa has responded to those with suggestions for improvements or complaints, I'm reversed and will be seeking a competitor.

Melissa, if you're open to listening at all: you're in a service industry. When someone voices a problem, you should explain how to help them resolve it, not go to lengths to explain why it is their problem and not yours. If your initial reaction is to respond and tell me how I've got it all wrong - that's my point. Your demeanor is not helping your company.

We just used PODS for our move from Michigan to Florida. The people at the home office, and both local franchises were great to work with and everything went very smoothly. We were very satisfied with the service and will recommend them highly for people considering using them.

I am moving from CA to FL and I am thinking about using a POD or PODS. My house is 4300 sq ft and I wanted to know how many PODS I would need and approximately how much it would cost. I moved from FL to CA 8 monhts ago and my mover was a nightmare. Not to mentioned that living in CA is a nightmare so I am trying to find the most cost effective means of moving back.

So you are heading to the Kingdom!
I just moved to Lancaster Pa,after living for 7 years
in the northeast kingdom.Email me I may be able to help.
josajan@gmail.com

I am moving from Boston to northeastern Vermont in early May and I wanted to use PODS but they don't service Vermont. Are there any other POD-type companies that do work in Vermont?

If you THINK any of my information is incorrect, by all means, let me know. I'll be more than happy to look into it, and make any corrections. Never once have I intentionally posted ANYTHING on here that was misleading.

As a matter of fact I DO work for PODS. And the information about the other companies comes from THEIR websites, as well as THEIR employees.

Do ya think Melissa works for PODS????
If you're going to review the competition, at least
be honest & get your facts straight.

I'm back, with the comparisons I promised...

PODS brand container:

This is a steel-framed container with a marine-grade plywood interior & aluminum skin construction. It has a translucent top, only sits 4 inches above ground, and has tiedowns every 4 ft. The door is a lightweight steel roll-up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SIZES: 8H X 8W X 12L Typically accommodates 2-3 fully furnished rooms

8H X 8W X 16L Typically accommodates 3-4 fully furnished rooms

8H x 7W x 7L Typically accommodates LESS than 1 room...mainly for boxes & smaller furniture items (end tables, chairs, boxes, etc.) This size is ONLY available in certain select areas, but is available for all long-distance moves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The patented "Podzilla" raises & lowers containers with little shifting. Lift has ability to place containers where other methods can't.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Locations in 47 states, 3 countries, & 8,607 cities

Customers can get quotes & place orders on the website as well as maintain their account. All ordinances & regulations communicated as well.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PACK RAT:

This is a corrugated steel panel construction, which is LESS sturdy. It allows for condensation build-up on the interior. Assembly of the containers is completed at each warehouse, which allows for inconsistent container construction as opposed to PODS “factory assembly line". Container has open seams due to assembly techniques that allow insects/pests to get in. Floor is 6 inches from the ground, making loading more difficult. Container is 130 Cubic ft, which is smaller than stated on the website.

SIZES: 7H x 8W x 12L

7H x 8W x 16L

Company is unable to make long distance moves from a company-owned store to a franchised location.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Advertised discounts do NOT apply to onsite storage -- only if they are being taken to the Pack Rat warehouse for storage.

Only available in 19 states & DC

U-PACK:

Steel Containers

SIZES: 6W x 7H x 8L

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Delivered with an all-terrain forklift, but container must still be placed on a "hard & level" surface. Forklift limits where container can be placed. In some locations, clearance for semi trucks must be available.

Scheduling on a peak day (Monday or Friday) increases the price by $100.

Customer has up to 3 business days to load or unload container without incurring additional fees.

Continent wide coverage, though portable containers may be limited in availability

Website gives quotes, but orders must be placed by phone. Account cannot be managed online.
______________________________________________________________
SMART MOVE:

Polymer construction

Size: 6ft 11in H x 5ft 9in W x 6ft 9in L (262 Cubic Feet of space)

One container typically can hold the belongings of a small apartment, dorm room, or one to two rooms in a home. The website recommends that you order 5 at a time.

Payment must be made by credit card the day prior to delivery or with check by phone 5 days prior to your vaults being delivered

You need to sign for the containers when they are dropped off and when they are picked up for delivery to your new home. If you cannot be there, you need to make arrangements with someone to sign for them.

Has coverage in 59 cities across the U.S.

Asks for your first name, last name, and home phone # online to obtain a quote, but an agent must call you back to give you pricing -- Cannot obtain quote online.

Shipped by UPS Freight

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MOBILE CUBES:

Serves Edmonton & surrounding areas of Canada. No other information available on the website

Just read all the post, down all the way to the bottom. Just called pods and they claim 95% of every delivery is on time, within 3 hours. They avoided the "what if" the promised time of 1st delivery was fouled up, and avoided the question of "does the local rep setup his own timelines" . So if you read between the lines, you can see there are NO guarantees with Pods. I asked them "if all times are broken and I have to wait several days to get my stuff delivered, then how will I be compensated?" they told me, "we'll have to transfer you to another department for that answer". SO the short of the long is, they know they have issues and they are not going to take care of you when something happens. Call them and see what answers you get.

What I can say is U-pack was 1/3 the price. To walk up a ramp to save a couple thousand bucks,
yeah I'll take that deal !

I would like to add another company that many may not know about. Go Mini's Mobile Storage has over 220 dealerships all over the US and Canada and Mexico. Each dealership is locally owned and managed. This gives a very personal approach to how everything is done.

Pods is a good company and they were the first, however Go Mini's has been around for 5 years and has just been recognized as the Fastest Growing company in the Tranportatiuon sector by Inc Magazine.

JOE M- You're quite welcome....I'm more than happy to shed some light on how the process works.

In my last post, I explained how billing works for a long distance move. For a local move, however, the pricing structure is different. The initial charge (which includes the initial delivery & the 1st month) comes on the day we actually deliver the empty container to the origination (beginning) address. The billing cycle begins on the day of initial delivery, & continues through the same day the following month. If this is a direct move, (Point A to Point B), the charge to move the container comes on the day we move the container to the new address. There is also a Final Pick Up fee to pick up the empty container.

If you need storage in between moving out of the old house & into the new one, we will pick up the container & take it to one of our local storage centers (the charge for this is included in the initial delivery, if you select this option). The charge to move the container to the new address comes on the day we deliver it to your new home. There is no Final Pick Up fee for containers that have been kept at the storage center.

In the next few days, I will be be posting comparisons between PODS brand containers & the competitors mentioned above.....Stay tuned.....

I just want to say the price you quote would just be for dropping the pod off. So for me to move less than 1 mile away would cost a total of $573 for a 12' and $595 for a 16' and I still have to load it myself. I can get 2 guys and a moving truck for half that and have it packed for me. The ONLY advantage I can see with pods is no time constaints.

PODS is the industry leader in portable storage. Pack Rat, Door to Door, Units, etc. can't compare to PODS when it comes to service, placement of container, scheduling, etc. I've used PODS several times and wouldn't use any other company. I needed a POD for an emergency and they were able to deliver same day (within 2 hours of time of order) were as Pack Rat couldn't get a container to me for 2 days. PODS is the only way I will ever move.

Another good company that is nipping at PODS heels is Mobile Cubes based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They will transport their Cubes Canada wide. www.mobilecubes.com

I am a professional, have been for life, literally! Gandfather started moving co. 1928. There are few industries that have received as many black eyes as mine. You have a great article here with many strong and good points. There are things that a professional mover can do that you shouldn't try to accomplish with a P.O.D. but I am not posting this to make a sell. P.O.D. are an idea whos time has come, and movers have dropped the ball. Look out PODS the competition is on your heels, unfortunately its not us. Two more companies worth a look are Smart Move, and PackRat. Sorry don't know web addresses. Good luck with all your moving endeavors.

J.M.D.

I've been researching moving alternatives for our 3br house. This is for a local move, 30 miles max. I'm sold on PODS for a number of reasons. First, UHaul rates are $40 per day, plus mileage, plus fuel in obscenely old vehicles that are 3' off the ground. I like the concept of taking a couple weeks to pack, and a few days to unpack. I figure for the $400-$500 I'm going to be paying PODS, I know where my contents are, I know they're secure, and I don't have the hassle of having to load and unload a truck all in a day or two. I also like not having to pay fuel charges for run down equiptment or worry about breakdowns/towing/reloading.

There are a couple of alternatives locally. I won't mention them - that's VERY rude to do. If you want to advertise for another company, start your own website and promote them, don't hijack someone else's site just to advertise a competitor.

I really like how the POD is loaded and unloaded flat. That's a huge plus. I'm a bit concerned about the width of my driveway - I think it's JUST 12' ... but I can't put it on my front yard, so I'm gonna have to have some professional feedback on that.

If I had to hire a mover (I swore I'd never move again - or do it myself if I did) - I'd be paying AT LEAST $500 for a local move, and not have any control over it. Not to mention horror stories about prices changing before they unload, late deliveries, (possibly illegal alien) workers, etc. I like being able to control HOW the POD is loaded, WHEN it's loaded and WHERE stuff gets put in the POD for orderly unloading to the new place.

I haven't even ordered yet, but PODS gets my vote already. Thank you Jim and Lynnette - and thanks to Melissa for the help in answering questions in this manner. You've sold me already!

Joseph,

When you get a quote online, you have to click the "EXPAND" button (or link)to get the full breakdown of all charges.

Secondly, it's not a five day grace period to load the container...The initial charge is five business days before we deliver the container from where you were moving from, and the transit charge is 5 business days before we transport the container to the destination storage center. But you are not only given 5 days to load the container, unless there is a regulation in the area you live in...in my area, I would only be allowed to keep the container onsite for 4 days. As far as the transit time, the containers are transported by independent carriers, and the time it takes varies, depending on where you are moving from & to.
I'm not sure if you set up your order online or through an Agent, but we always recommend that you schedule at LEAST a week in advance, as dates are subject to availability.

Hello and thank you so much for your info on PODS. Will be moving to Texas sooner than later and this looks like the perfect way for me to go. Love your site, keep up the good work!!

I used PODS for a local move in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It had to be the worst experience that I have ever been through. They were late, the driver was kind of rude, and it took a week to originally get my POD. Im going to keep this short and sweet because PODS has already wasted enough of my time.

This service may be good for some people who have large amounts to move. I find it terrible if you want to move small quantities.

I went to the PODS web site and got a quote of over $6,000.00 for moving approximately 45 18-gallon buckets from Santa Barbara, CA to Freeport, NY. I can have a full moving company transport that amount for less than half that cost and they'll load it up for me. Everything is already packed. To say the least, PODS is not cost-effective for small moves.

Also, their web site is not very friendly. I didn't see choices for the different size containers (although there are only 2 sizes). They don't break down the charges for you (the storage fees, the initial deposits, etc). You have a 5-day grace period for keeping the container while you load it, but it takes 8 days to deliver it, in my case. That means I'll get charged for a month because I went over the five days. From the moment of the container delivery, I only need a few hours, a day at most, to have it picked up and shipped. PODS is not flexible enough to adjust to a quick turn-around. It would take over a week to 10 days between delivery and the time they can pick up for delivery. Apparently, this is all calculated in business days. I had to call them to find all of this out. The number on the web site takes you into a black hole of messages that suck out your initial enthusiasm. I chose option 3 to get pricing information and it just looped back to the original greeting after you made some choices. I finally used a phone I found on this page in order to talk to someone with a pulse.

I don't want to put them down since they seem to provide a good service for some individuals. However, both their business model and their web site could stand some significant improvement.

Joseph Martin.

We decided to go with PODS for our move and we scheduled to have one delivered today. Our experience has been HORRIBLE!
Our lives are hinging on this move, our home is packed up, and we have put everything on hold. We scheduled eveything down to the exact time when we needed everything.
Corporate called us today at 4:00 and said they wouldn't be delivering the pod and the soonest they could get it to us would be the 27th. That would mean we would be paying for an apartment in our new state that we aren't able to live in and our pod wouldn't arrive in our new state until MUCH later than is acceptable. Also, pods already billed our credit card for $2180 for the service and now they aren't even delivering it!?!
I told them that this wasn't acceptable. We scheduled it for today. We needed it by tomorrow. Not six days later!!! She tried to call the driver in our city and he refused to return her calls. Then he called me and claimed the roads were bad. Funny, but it was a sunshiney day out and the roads were perfectly clear! Then he claimed that there were accidents that put him behind schedule. There are several ways to get to our home.
Then he claimed an equipment failure.
So when I asked if he could deliver it the next day he told me I needed to take that up with corporate.
So, I called corporate again and they said he wouldn't deliver it sooner than the 27th (and who's to say he won't pull the same garbage that day as well?) and that HE makes his schedule. They have no control over what he does.
When I asked why he couldn't push back his other clients and get it to us in the order the pods were scheduled, they just said that it was up to his discretion.
So, when we asked for a refund, we were told that the accounting offices were closed for the weekend and then it would take 24-48 hours for them to process the refund when they re-opened and then another 4 days to get it into our account and with the holidays, well, it would take longer.
So, we've received nothing but excuses, the driver wouldn't return any of corporate's calls from 4:15 on, and we don't know what to do, how to handle this situation, we are out $2180, and my husband has to start work at a new job in a new state in a few days. Meanwhile, our home is in boxes, we have no where to go, and PODS has completely screwed us over. Merry Christmas to us.
Buyer beware. These guys are unreliable, unprofessional, and they don't care what they do to your lives. Stay far away from them!

Pod was great until we were done with it. We had one for about 2 years, stored on our site. It's been empty and we've been trying to get them to pick it up since October. They just don't show up. Now they complain about a problem with the c-card they're billing us monthly on, while the continued charges since they haven't picked it up contribute to the problem. WE JUST WANT TO GET RID OF THIS THING!!!!!

Hi! We moved recently from Cincinnati to the DC Metro area. Our experience with the POD overall was great! Our stuff reached safely. The only problem that we faced is that we moved into a busy apartment complex, so it was hard for us to have an empty space on either side of the POD (as recommended by them) - and if there are cars on either side when the container is picked up, there is an additional charge for having to come another time. We spent many an anxious moment wondering if the person who had parked his/her truck next to the POD would move it in time - so we now figure that PODS work best when you are moving into an area where you have more space/can control who does or doesnt park right next to the POD. Not the best for big city moves, especially since they cannot tell you approximately when the POD will be picked up and will charge you for having to come another time.

Hello. Just thought I would reply to this site. I did check it many times in the past when my wife and I were looking at moving. We ended up going with a local (New England) company for our move. The company is Travel Box and it is along the sames idea of Pods but bigger storage boxes and cheaper. I have seen both good and bad experiences on here. Well i cant say what would have happened if we used Pods our experience with Travel Box was great. The 20' unit was great it had a roll up door and the local feel to our sales rep was a plus. our box was delivered to our driveway and then picked up levekl and taken away. they have some type of machine that is pretty wild. I dont know the name of it but all went well. Just thought I would put in my two cents.

I have to say that my experience with PODS IS COMPLETELY NEGATIVE!!! We rented 1 POD and 2 Door to Door Storage units for our 14 mile move - upon receiving our DTD units we had a few scratches and 1 broken vase (These units had glass tables, lamps, beds, desks in them) I was pleased with the way things arrived. Now for the PODS delivery: There is so much damaged and broken that it makes me cry~! Our sons dresser was broken into splinters, my husbands antique desk and chair destroyed - we've yet to move beyond the entry door to find out what else awaits. Box after box that we can see is smashed downward. We called the company to come out to view the damages - we got the company line "you must have not packed well". When in fact everything was packed tightly and securely (I've moved many times in my life and am familiar with packing) - a friend commented that there was no way that these items could have been destroyed like this if the POD wasn't either dropped or had another POD dropped on top of it. The company "rep" stated that this was done just from the 'normal movement'and there is nothing they can or will do about it. (Great customer service!) I've never known a two year old dresser becomes match sticks from a little shaking. I strongly suggest if you are looking for a movable storage unit to reconsider - if you're looking to have it sit in your driveway while you're remodeling that's one thing, but DON"T let them move it with contents!!!!!!!!! One additional item to note - they do not prorate your storage fees...in other words if you have the storage for 1-29 days you still pay for 30. (Not sure how they legally get away with this, but apparently they currently do).

Buyers BEWARE!!!!!!

Can and have pods been towed for being placed in restricted parking places ie: condominiums,apartments, ect. Thank you.

I'm going to move and store some things from my apartment at Virginia Tech. PODs has been my first choice. I just want to thank the author for curing my foreboding curiosity of how they are going move the individual POD boxes. Thanks for the haha Bond quality pictures and take care

Damian

I thought the idead of PODs would be awesome but when it came to moving across the country(cali to florida) it was actually more expensive(more than a 1000.00) than a moving company. A moving company that would pack, load/unload even offer a month free storage. sounds retarded that you pack the bin, unload and its more expensive than a moving company.

I love PODS. We have been going through a disasterous home renovation project. The POD has been a lifesaver.

An earlier posting asked about steep driveways, which I have one, and I failed to mention that concern when I placed the order for the POD. Tt turned out to be no problem, the opening of the POD was right at my front door and close to the garage door as well.

As for ABF U-Pack, I just asked for a quote via computer, and the response was "U-Pack Moving cannot offer a quote for your interstate move at this time." I have no idea what that was suppose to mean. Perhaps not every company will come to our area, a small town with mountain roads, but PODS was not hesitant at all. 2nd POD now full and ready to go!

Still enjoying it...

I am a 61 year old woman, going through a divorce (after 30 years) and moving to a home I purchased over 450 miles away. I am doing all the packing, loading and unloading of the PODs myself and love how I can do it when I want to. I have no one pushing me or forcing me to a time schedule. It feels private and not embarassing that my house is a disaster during the moving process. The level entry into the POD makes it very easy. Strangely, I am truly loving the challenge of loading the POD; it's like a giant puzzle, getting each and every thing to fit in all the many little and big spaces. I never thought I'd enjoy all of this, moving from a place I've lived in for 32 years, but the POD is making it all very possible. I just filled my 2nd POD and have the 3rd one scheduled to arrive in a few weeks. Unloading doesn't take nearly as long as all the packing and loading. I am actually finding this fun. As for the funiture, which I am moving last, I haven't decided who to move it--the loading and unloading--which I simply cannot do by myself and I "refuse" to ask my soon to be ex to help me--wouldn't be fair. I guess the neighbors know I am moving out, especially with two PODS having been delivered, but I invite the curious ones to look inside. I don't know if this is costing more than a moving van service, however, I simply like that I am in control, my things are not mixed in with others, and I can take my time at both ends of the POD shipment.

Good Luck and enjoy!

Hello all,

I am an over-the-road driver, and I haul PODS for a living. I do not deliver them to houses, I take them from the warehouses and haul them on one-way moves. I am not employed by PODS, my company is under an exclusive contract fo haul them. Here are some answers to questions:

Julie-that shouldn't be a problem, just make sure that they are aware of your steep driveway, so they can put a more experienced deliverer on your POD. I am not guaranteeing, but it shouldn't be a problem.

NM- UPack and PackRat have better rates because they "borrowed" what they could get away with off the PODS system. Unfortunately for the customer, they couldn't use the patented "Podzilla" system. This equipment guarantees that your POD will be very close to level at all times. It lifts up straight, and this is very important to keep your "stuff" from getting broken. The competitors usually tilt the units up to a 50 degree angle. It has the potential to really mess up a packing job.

Tess-ABF does not have ground loading like PODS does, it is cheaper, but a lot harder to load.

Keith= You need to take a chill pill. First off, every one-way move takes 7 days-period! This allows for the scheduling of the move. I am sorry for the Rep that told you differently. They were probably over-zealous. Also, around the holidays, things slow-down. Over-the-road drivers like to spend time with their families on the holidays (we spend 3-4 weeks away from home at a time!). Therefore, it is difficult to get one-way moves coordinated in a timely manner during holiday periods. Be patient, your "stuff" will arrive, and in the same condition that you packaged it. As for the measurements, I will not call you a liar. I haul these all the time, they seem to measure 8'x8'x16' every time. If you are worried about 6" in width, and 3" in height, you are obviously over-stressed. Calm down and have a Bud-Light. All will work out.

BF=Across town-Across country, there is little difference. The important thing is to pack very, very well. Regardless of the distance of your move.

Paul=PODS does not have loading/unloading personnel. They simply refer you to people that do it. You can hire a couple of "guys" from your local temp service. It might be cheaper this way, but be warned, the people that PODS refers load/unload regularly. Temp service guys do not, so they will need more supervision to make sure your "stuff" is not broken.

I hope I have answered some questions here. I have been hauling PODS over-the-road on one-way moves for well over a year now, and have been driving an 18-wheeler for 7 years. I have logged in excess of 750,000 safe miles with no accidents.
I will be glad to answer any questions if you email me at tnfiretech@breakthru.com Just put "PODS" in the subject line, so I know it is not spam.
God Bless

We are considering using a pod for our move. However, our driveway is rather steep. The bottom is fairly level. Will the company be able to put the pod at the bottom of our driveway (50-75 feet before it levels off)

I'm moving in 2 weeks and, so far, U-Pack seems to have the best rates. Anyone have experience (good or bad) with this company?

We used PODS back in 2004 to help with a local move. This concept is great! It was very convenient as we were able to move at our own pace. It also saved us a fortune by moving the items that we were physically able to move. I was worried that they would bang up our stuff, but it was done so smoothly that NOTHING inside that POD moved not even one bit. Pretty neat! I highly recommend this for anyone considering U-haul, anyone selling their home and has a need to de-clutter to list it or someone like us- looking for some savings and are physically able to move a lot of your household goods.

I just recently moved from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Calgary, Alberta, Canada and we have a great company here called Mobile Cubes. They are based in Edmonton and they will do all local and western canada moves for a reasonable price. for more information go to www.mobilecubes.com.
Very professional with great customer service!

ABF U-Pack Moving Pods are sooooo much cheaper. Check out their site: www.upack.com

For all of you that think pod is a great idea I will let you know the hell I am going through with there company. First thing always remember you are being recorded and do what ever you can to get a copy of all your recordings for reference.

My pods experience started with a phone call to have a pod delivered got my quote got a reservation number and got a delivery date in New Jersey for my pod to be loaded, a pickup date to take the container away and a destination to move to in Ohio 593 miles away, Well at least thats what I though as the incompetent sales rep did not enter that information. I also asked how long would it take to get my container to my new address and was told 5 days so I planned my pick up of their container figuring it would get there in 5 working days well it has been 7 working days and my belongings have yet to make it to the same state as I am

When they say the container is 8x8x16 this is incorrect information the container I received was 7'6" wide 7'9" tall and 16' long ON THE OUTSIDE! internally it was much smaller so if you do you use a pod dont plan on buying boxes that will fit snug as I was told all of their containers are custom built so there is size variance.
I can go on much deeper as to the platinum service calls that were made to me to apologize for some of the most unhelpful reps delays in service over charges for incompetence on behalf of their reps not inputing data contrary to my recorded voice telling them to do it. But i can sum it up by saying this go rent a U Haul and pay for an extra 2 days in the long run you will be much happier that your stuff will get there when you need it to be.

Feel free to email me if you would like more info on the 593 mile move from hell with pods
Keith Zablocki
Keithz76@yahoo.com

I think the POD sounds like a great idea. I called for a quote.The only thing is that we are moving from an apartment that has street parking and I was told it cannot be parked on the street.We have an indoor garage for our cars.It is just not big enough to get the pod in.I see other companies that have similar storage units parked on the street.I guess I will go with a different company.

Heaven forbid they should be out to make money...What ARE they thinking?

Bottom line....If you don't like their prices, don't like their policies, then don't use them....'Nuff said.

PODS are not as economical as made out to be. It may only be $200 to have the pod delivered, but then it costs another $125 or so to have them move it and you have to keep it for at least a month or so the website makes it seem. That's only for the 12 ft and it won't hold much.... and there is no discount for a second one.

It's a great concept ... just wish it were a little cheaper.

I stumbled on this page when doing some searching and, although it reads like an advertisement, it does contain some nice info, and a lot of good dialogue. Although, I had to laugh at one comment by MAC up there ^^ "...and you know that if YOU loaded it, that none of your valuables will be broken." This is absurd. Yes, I am vice president of marketing for a major moving company. Less than 2% of our moves have a claim in excess of $100.00. Studies show those that move themselves have damage in excess of $100.00 over 60% of the time. The POD concept can be great for moving accross town...but if you're moving long distance, it is not the way to go.

Thanks for all the great info on PODS, and posting of all the feedback. I stumbled on your site but plan to bookmark it now to see the other great info you have.

Had been researching PODS and others online for Ann Arbor, MI area. PODS online gave me a quick quote of 267.64 for storage on 1st mo and 189.74/mo afterward; but when I called them it was upped to 415.00 for 1st mo and 234.00/mo afterward. They said it was because I might be moving and they had to base the price on an out-of-state move. Wahuh? "Isn't it the same storage unit? Yes, but" Whatever. I booked two relocubes with ABF - $250.00 drop fee for both and $125.00/mo storage rent per cube. I can then move it whenever I want with a separate moving rate (Ann Arbor, MI to SLC, UT- end of july - $2676 total).

Andy:

I cannot tell you why they do business the way they do....I can only tell you what their policy is. They just do not prorate. It is up to the customer to make the decision of whether or not they want to use the service. PODS is not for everyone...You just need to be able to determine whether or not it's practical for your needs, and whether or not you are willing to accept their guidelines.

Paul:

As far as the packers go, PODS does not "provide" them...they REFER them. The customer is provided with the names & telephone numbers of up to 3 different packers. It is then up to the customer to call them & get an estimate, if they so choose. But the packers do not work for PODS...the ones that are referred are completely separate companies. The only association that they have with PODS is the fact that they have experience with loading (and unloading) the containers. Also, just because they are referred doesn't mean that the customer HAS to use them. It is their option to either go with the one that is referred, or find their own.

Yesterday I posted a note about the experience my ex has had regarding POD prices. Something I just found out today was that she also asked if they could provide help in unloading the two PODS after they were delivered to her new home. They said "Sure, we can provide people. It will cost $1,300." That's a pretty outrageous quote just for unloading two containers. As I said previously, I think their prices are w-a-y out of whack.

You were amazingly helpful. Thanks for all your research!!
Tina

My ex-wife recently used PODS to move from Maryland to Florida and, while the convenience is nice and the service has been good, I think the prices border on consumer gouging. My ex signed up for two large PODS, packed her goods into them, and since she wasn't sure exactly where she was going to living in Florida, she had them sent to a storage depot in Melbourne, FL that she thought would be close to her final location. Since then, she found a place in Palm Beach to live. I thought the price for shipping and movement and temporary storage in Melbourne was high but she went ahead with it because of the convenience. But, after the two PODS had been in storage Melbourne for a few weeks, she requested that they be shipped to her new home in Palm Beach. The company is asking for an additional $1000 just to move the two PODS the 100 miles. I think that price is unconscionable.

Melissa - so by informing someone that you plan to enforce and unreasonable policy on them before they sign, that makes it ok? What I've pointed out here is that I simply think it's not "doing right" by the customer. In my case, I will have to incur the additional full month because my new home will not be finished before the next billing cycle begins. So even though I will only use it 3-4 extra days, I still pay for an additional FULL month.

Even cable, phone and insurance companies prorate and/or refund when you cancel service. And they're absolutely NOT thought of as customer friendly. So why doesn't PODS do that?

DJ:

I reiterate: "It's not like it's hidden in the fine print that people may very easily overlook (or just don't bother to read)...Customers are advised of this policy before they place the order."

IN OTHER WORDS, the billing cycle is EXPLAINED BY THE AGENT when the quote is given, and BEFORE THE ORDER IS PLACED. And it is also explained on the website if the order is placed online. The customer is fully aware of the billing policy: they just don't like it if they forget to schedule a Final Pick Up, end up going into the next billing cycle, and then find out that PODS doesn't prorate. How is it robbing someone if they were aware of the policy from day one? It isn't. The customer is made aware of when they need to schedule, when they need to cancel, what they need to do in order to not go into the next billing cycle, etc..etc... ALL of that is explained to them. And as far as "taking advantage", no one is FORCING them to order a container. They either want to use it, or they don't. PODS offers a service that people need. While they are in business to help the customer, they are also in business to MAKE MONEY. There is nothing wrong with growth & expansion. If people don't like the way they do business, then they don't have to use the service.

Hello all, great discussion. I have read most of the posts, but not all of them. I jumped down to the end after reading about 18 months worth or so it seemed. I think Andy has a legitimate gripe, Melissa. No, it isn't logial to rob people. How is that logical? If PODS, as so blatantly claimed by the CEO no less, is expanding to Canada and Austraila, then I think we have the right to examine on whose back that growth is happening. Such incredible growth often is suspect. Not always. In this case it seems that PODS discovered a niche market that is innovative and for local situations cost effective. I, too, have had moving nightmares that I will NEVER have again regardless of what it means in terms of where or what I am moving. People should not be abused during one of the most stressful and difficult events of life - moving from state to state. PODS does sound like a good company at least for local storage, but I think it is unfair to ask people to read the fine print. For crying out loud, we have things to do in this life that require help. If I read all the fine print in every document that comes around I would be blind. The fine print should be abolished. We need to go back to local people helping local people. Don't go global PODS. Give someone else a chance to help their own.

Andy:

The billing cycle begins on the day of delivery, and continues through the same day the following month. They have guidelines & policies, just like any other business. It's not like it's hidden in the fine print that people may very easily overlook (or just don't bother to read)...Customers are advised of this policy before they place the order. After being told of this AHEAD OF TIME, people still get upset when they find out that they can't change it. As I've said before: Ask LOTS of questions BEFORE you order, & always READ THE CONTRACT.

Just a warning for those considering a POD storage system. They do not prorate the monthly storage fees because that's not their "policy." Billing begins on the day you receive your POD and continues on that cycle. So for example, if it was delivered on the 21st of May and you could not empty and return the POD until the 25th of August, you would be charged another FULL MONTH storage fee for Aug 21-Sept 21 even though you'd only use it an extra 4 days. I talked to three different people on the phone and they would not adjust this unreasonable policy.

This one works for long distance moves, cbpr.
Tried it for a quote and it works :)

Thanks for all the help :)

Iceman:

Which franchise do you work out of?

I work for this aforementioned company call PODS Ent, Inc. I have to tell you, since joining them back in 2004, I've seen just in our area, grow from 5 trucks, and 100 containers, to 22 trucks and 4000 containers! Talk about demand! Other competitors may be out there, but with us having natiowide contracts with Home Depot, Red Lobster, Halloween Spirit Stores, ReMax, Coldwell Banker, etc. You can see why we are the beast in moving and storage. I've started out as a driver and now currently run two of the 6 warehouse/locations we have here. We have officially ran out of space inevery warehouse, and it won't be long (next year) where we could have up to 12 in the Chicagoland area!! Hope to see the many that use us soon...

MS:

All calls are recorded, so you might consider calling in & asking them to please review the call, & also find out if it's possible to actually listen to the quote you were given.

Teee:

They are going into the busy season, & the dates are subject to availability, so I would recommend going ahead & scheduling to make certain that you have it the date you need it. If you need to reschedule or cancel any delivery or pick up, you would need to call them by 4:00 PM EST the day BEFORE you are scheduled. What zip code are you moving from? In order to obtain the most accurate quote, you would need to provide both the origination & destination zip codes. If you have the destination city, but not the zip, they can only give you a ballpark figure, since the pricing is zip code based. Keep in mind, however, that if you don't have the destination zip code, it's possible that they might not service the area you are going to. But you should at least call in to get a general idea as to what the pricing is.

As far as mold & whatnot, the majority of the warehouses are climate controlled (ask BEFORE you order), so mold really isn't an issue. PODS does offer Contents Protection (or insurance, in other words), but you can only add that BEFORE the container is delivered.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Good luck!

WOW! HELP!!!
I thought I was ready - and I was looking for the phone number to call "PODS", and came across this site... Well, needless to say, I am just sick.

Went to Consumer Affairs site too.

I guess my question is -
Are these folks just overreacting???

Are they just not understanding what the contract says?

I'm confused and appalled at the comments!!!
My other big problem is we are just Not sure where we are moving yet.

Either Las Vegas NV or GREENSBORO,GA 30642.
(Comments welcome about THAT TOO!)

I was initially going to use a company called 'DOOR TO DOOR', but apparently they won't deliver there to GA. Only Atlanta area.

I have a lot of stuff. Nice stuff... Antiques.

Humidity and mold would probably be a problem if that is actually bad...
Can anyone advise me???

I looked into PODS for a storage unit to place ON my property while remodeling work was being done. I also looked into a competitor "Go-Mini's" which is in my area (Miami, FL). Go-Mini's was considerably cheaper and the delivery went smoothly. I kept the unit for 4 months and when it came time to have it picked up, all HECK broke lose! I was advised that there was a $49.99 pick up charge. When I questioned it, I was told it was on my signed agreement. When I told the employee to have the driver bring a copy of the signed agreement and I would gladly pay the charge, he back-pedaled and said that it wasn't on the agreement, "because the fees vary". Then he said he told me it would be $49.99 for pick up when I rented it. How could he tell me it was $49.99 when "fees vary"? He got really nasty, refused to give me his last name or the owner's name.

Then he told me that they won't pick up the unit and that I'm responsible for any damage to it!

I know it's only $49.99 but it's the principle of the thing. If they don't have their act together and didn't get a signed agreement from me, and don't even list a pick up charge on their agreement then they should just let it go and learn a lesson for the future.

As it stands now, they've lost a customer and any referrals from me. I'll be hiring someone to dispose of the unit and file a claim in small claims court for the disposal fees.

I wish I would have used PODS!! Sometimes cheaper is NOT BETTER!

Again, READ THE CONTRACT. The billing cycle begins on the day of initial delivery, and continues through the same day the following month. All of this is explained, whether you placed the order online, or through an agent. Whoever told you otherwise was in error.

We were ripped off by PODS. Depending on who we talked to, we got a different story. We rented online - the pod was delivered, the driver professional - everything seemed good. Had the POD a week, then didn't need it anymore, so cleaned out all our stuff and told PODS they could come get it. The PODS operator assured us that we would only be charged the delivery/pickup charge and the weeks' worth of storage at our home. Well surprise when we got our credit card bill! We were mis-charged so badly that it comes out to be 2 months rental! We've called PODS repeatedly and to no avail. We are always sent to the same operator who insists on being unreasonable and rude. We are disputing the charge with Amex (who is very good about companies that mistreat customers) and filing a complaint with BBB.

Better luck to you.

T. Jennings:

The majority of those people who complained are ones who DIDN'T READ THEIR CONTRACT, and when things weren't the way they assumed, they weren't happy. I will recommend the same thing with PODS as I would with any other business: Ask LOTS of questions BEFORE ordering, and always, ALWAYS read the contract.

3 words...Better Buisness Bureau!

They have 143 complaints right now.. and an unsatisfactory rating..

Hi Tim -

You can see that I wrote this article on August 9, 2005. That was 20 days after I took the pictures you see above of my neighbor's POD being picked up & delivered. Seeing it in action is what peaked my interest in how the company worked. So I researched PODS and posted everything I learned about their moving & storage service here.

It was after the President of PODS posted a comment here on June 23, 2006, that I contacted him to see if the PODS company would be interested in offering a discount to our readers.

He put me in touch with his sales team who determined (based on the large volume of traffic this one article alone was getting, even back then) that it was enough to warrant setting up a discount program. I've been asking for a discount on long-distance moves, but they don't offer that at this time. Hopefully they will in the future.

So yes, as a service to our readers, we have set up a discount program for those who wish to use PODS. They currently use that code to track all referrals sent to them through The Fun Times Guide and send us a small commission.

Hope that helps.

P.S. And you're right... we don't delete comments about competing companies because we WANT people who've used various moving & storage companies to share their experiences. This information is invaluable in helping others make their own decisions about which company to choose.

Good info and I am glad you aren't deleting info on competitors but I find it hard to believe you aren't getting a kickback from PODS. With a promo code of TFTG (The Fun Times Guide), you obviously have arranged something w/ the company

We just got a quote from PODS for moving across country and it was about $800 more expensive than just using United Van Lines and having them move the stuff out of oour house and into our new house. Perhaps over time PODS has increased in price. It didn't work out for us. Thanks anyway.

Interesting posts. I live in the Washington, DC area. I looked at PODS and a few other competitors. It seems like there are a lot of interesting companies offering this service. There is a company called 800 Pack Rat that has large containers like PODS and another called BoxCart that has the smaller containers. I really liked the people at Pack Rat but went with BoxCart because I didn't have much to store.

Elizabeth:

They are going into their busy season, so I would advise going ahead & ordering now, to make certain that you'll have it when you need it. You still have until 4:00 PM EST the day before initial delivery to cancel or reschedule.

I have tried all of the other companies mentioned on this page. POD is the only one that will serve the area I am moving from. How far in advance does anyone recommend I call them? In the past I have done moves using movers and Uhaul moves and I do not want do go through either of those again.

PROMO CODE FOR AAA members: AAAA
Not sure how much of a discount this one gives, but it took off almost $100 off of my $2100 quote from NV to CO. You need to provide your AAA membership number when you call in though.

Shana: If you were only charged for just the few days that you're going to be using it, then PODS wouldn't make any money. Let's be realistic: While they are there to help the customer, they also want to make a profit at the same time. That's just business...

Just ordered my POD. Crossing my fingers everything goes well. I do agree that it doesn't seem right that they charge you for a whole month, even if you only have it for a few days. I am a little worried we might go over our 1 month by a couple of days and be charged for a second month. Let's hope all works out well....though judging from the way our house is going (we are building), that might be a miracle at this point!

FYI - when I tried to get a quote from Door to Door, I got a message stating they do not support moves within the same metropolitan area.

Michael:

If it's a 10% grade or less, there shouldn't be a problem. Otherwise, if it's over 10%, then the truck could "bottom out", and cause damage to your driveway, as well as to the truck. I would suggest you measure it, and if still in doubt, call PODS, and request that they call the warehouse to see if a driver can come out & look at it to make certain the container can be placed there. Good luck!

I was frustrated that PODS changed their storage fee for the same container in the same warehouse based on your zip code. I understand a different delivery fee, but the storage fee makes no sense.

So, I called Door2Door. They are running a free delivery special and charge for storage by the day, so there is no full month vs. partial month issues. They were also willing to call the warehouse and rearrange a packed schedule to make an immediate delivery.

The pricing is guaranteed and the delivery was a smooth process. I will let you know you the rest of the process goes.

- Jesse

We have placed an order for a POD - our question is that our driveway (the only place our city will allow the POD to be placed) is slightly graded - will this pose an issue?

Jodie:
I would suggest you call in & talk to an agent. Ask them to call the warehouse that services the origination zip code to see if they would be willing to deliver to your new address, as well.

WHAT? NO STRAPS.

I chose to use a MOBILE ATTIC for my move. A POD might go on a truck nice and easy but then it has to go on the road! It had only a few cheap hooks screwed into the wood frame for holding stuff down. NOT GOOD! The MOBILE ATTIC is built for moving with a bunch of steel connections and nice nylon straps. They are a smallerc company but the product is the best around.

Hi. I looked into using PODS for a move from Brentwood, Ca (94513) to Livermore, Ca (94550)which are only about 20 miles apart and my quote was for $850.00. This is a little extreme. I thought they were reasonable. They said that this move was being considered a long distance move...come on...20 miles is not long distance! Do you know anything about this? Or any work arounds?

I saw someone said they got an AAA discount.

Do you know of any discounts for long distance?

Forgot to tell yu about the price. PODs was 2400 for delivery in Portland, transportation on a semi to Denver and 1 month storage at a climate controled warhouse with security, and 24/6 acess, as well as insurance of the contents and unit. If you had to add up desiel gas for a 24" Uhaul, cost of uhaul and trailer, Stress of where you are able to park a uhaul towing a trailer overnight for security, the stress of winter driving thorhg the Rockies in the winter and not being able to enjoy the trip and do a litle side stop when you desire, it is well worth it. Also the units have a metal roll up door, with metal coating on the outside, beams all around inside with eye hooks for tieing down, hanging bars for clothing, a heavy duty plastic material roof and a water proof interior (even after sitting in outside in rain in Portland for a week, and being transported in a snow storm). The other companies units are wood, and did not appear as heavy duty. If you need to transport any distance for security this is the way to go. The other units appeared to be all made of ply wood.

PODs IS THE WAY TO GO. My husband and I just moved from Portland Oregon to Denver Colorado. We were not looking forward to driving a 24" Uhaul and towing a SUV. We had a POD delivered a week before we left and loaded a little bite every day. They delivered and picked it up when they said giving us a window of three hours time frame. The unit never tilits so things are stable as long as they are packed and tied down properly for tranportation of 1500 miles. It required one week of time to have the POD delivered to Denver. It made it to Denver a day late due to a snow storm that shut down the Interstate. We called the PODs number to set up an acess at the warehouse in Denver and the unit was ready for us when we got there. The seal on the unit, intact, which was placed there by the driver when he initaly picked the unit up in Portland. When we opened it we were glad to see everything intact even after the truck had to climb and descend may steep mountains (the contentail divid). You are the only one that has a key to your lock so no one else can gain access. I highly reccomend using a POD and will us it again, lord forbid, if we ever have to move. All the people we have dealt with, those on the phone, the internet, the drives and the people at the warehouse are all very nice, professional and courtieous.

I am about to move from Richmond to San Antonio and price-shopped everyone from PODS, Door-to-Door and Smartbox. Door to Door couldn't move to San Antonio, PODS is charging $4,751, and Smartbox is $2,911 for shipping and storage. I will let everyone know how it works.

i have used a company in wisconsin that is called movable storage co. they have a portable container business that worked great for me, they moved me from madison to appleton for much less money than pods. they have a great service for climate controlled storage too.

For those looking for a discount on the POD System of moving, my neighbor used her AAA and received a discount on two pods to move from CA to Missouri. Hope this helps.

Does anyone know who actually manufacturers the containers?

ANNIE B: You can always empty out the container at the warehouse....You just need to call at least 24 HRS. in advance to schedule access to your container.

LAUREN: They are also expanding into Australia. :0)

The reason you were able to get SMARTBOX out there immediately was because: 1. They are not as well-known as PODS. & 2. PODS was swamped with requests after Katrina hit, and were doing their best to fill as many orders as possible. And dates are subject to availability, so as much as they would have liked to accomodate every request, understandably, it was impossible.

We used a company called SMARTBOX to move from New Orleans to Charlotte after Katrina. They have convenient 8x7x5 foot boxes and they delivered them right to our house. The best part was that when I called around to PODS they were more expensive, but couldn't get bring me the POD for 6 weeks, while SMARTBOX could deliver right away. When I moved to Charlotte, the owner even gave me an Entertainment Guide to use for free!

Now that we are moving back to New Orleans SMARTBOX is the only company we will call.

I used a company called SMARTBOX to move from New Orleans to Charlotte after Katrina. They seem to be able to move people all over the country. They had great customer service, telling me exactly how many 8x7x5 boxes I needed and even brought an extra box in case I needed it (which I did.) The best part was the price-(I checked PODS, and they couldn't even get me a box for six weeks, and even then was about $300 more than SMARTBOX.) Once we got to Charlotte, we spoke to the local franchise owner who even gave us a free Entertainment Guide to make our transition smoother. You can't imagine how great that felt to us!

Now we are about to move back to New Orleans (Slidell) and won't think of using anyone other than SMARTBOX.

I've done some comparison of PODS to Door to Door. My quote for a move from LA to Denver from PODS was $2132.23 for one 8x8x16 POD. My quote from Door to Door was $2603 for two 5x8x7 containers.
However with Door to Door, that price INCLUDES insurance up to $1200 on MY Stuff! Not just their container. For an extra $67 I could have up to $7000 insurance on my stuff!
With PODS the insurance was 34.95 for up to $5000 coverage with a $50 transit fee, which covered my belongings and not just their container. Total costs compaired: $2217.17 for a POD or $2670 for Door to Door's 2 containers. I also took into consideration someones previous post about having more than one container, and them getting separated, lost and having to pay storage on them when it was the companies fault. I don't like that idea, and I'd rather them only have one container to keep track of than 2 or more. Now everything these days is about saving money, especially on moving expenses. I also had a quote from a professional moving company, and that would have been close to $6000, or with Uhaul $3400 PLUS gas, and the trouble of trying to get the truck and two cars over the Rocky Mountains in the winter. To say the least I bought the insurance up to $5000 for the POD, and it will be delivered on Wednesday! Thank you for this site, and the ability to read everyone elses experiences with the moving companies out there. This is exactly what I was looking for, in making my moving decision!

PODS has now moved into Canada and are currently operating in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, check the website for specific cities, www.pods.com. I believe that Vancouver, British Colombia is also expected to be operational by next month.

Bot Mi Box and door-to-door don't seem to service the Detroit Mich. area/

I saw on the PODS site that they offer an additional service: movers to load and unload your POD. Has anyone used this service?

IN DOING RESEARCH FOR MY SISTER MOVING FROM FLA TO UPSTATE NY...I CAME ACROSS YOUR SITE AND THE INFO IS MISLEADING ....I JUST PUT IN THE ZIP CODE SHE WILL BE MOVING TO FOR A QUOTE ON PARKING A POD THERE (SINCE SHE WAS ALREADY TOLD AWHILE AGO THAT PODS DOES NOT SERVICE FLA TO UPSTATE NY) AND NOT ONLY WILL THEY NOT DO THE MOVE BUT SHE CAN'T EVEN GET ONE TO RENT. IT SAYS AREA NOT SERVICED AND SHE WILL BE ABOUT 35 MILES FROM THEIR MAIN OFFICE HERE IN LIVERPOOL NY. SO MAYBE THE VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE NEEDS TO BE REDEFINED. THEY WON'T MOVE IT FROM VENICE FLA TO WILLIAMSTOWN NY NOR WILL THEY ALLOW HER TO RENT ONE IN WILLIAMSTOWN. IF YOU HAVE DIFFERENT INFO...PLEASE LET ME KNOW..THANK YOU, ANNIE

Thanks for the info on PODS competitors. I have moved a bunch of times, but it's always been paid for & arranged by the military. I have had only one bad incident, when Korean movers stole my video camera (and even worse, the tapes of my memories).

I am getting out of the military. I am stationed at one base and my husband another. He is going to pack up his stuff into a POD so we don't have to pay rent the 6 months he is gone. I am packing up my stuff into a POD for the time he's gone, and going on a long road trip until he gets home. Then we'll have the PODS delivered to wherever we both decide to live near his base. thanks for the competitors names, I'll check them out too.

When my father used 'pro' movers to go from Las Vegas to Florida it was awful. They came over and toured his house and gave him an estimate. Then when they brought the truck and loaded/packed everything they gave him a new MUCH higher quote to actually get everything to FL. If my dad hadn't been strong and told them, "Fine, unload the truck and put everything back" they would have gotten an extra $5K from him to move a 4BD house across country. As it was it was already $6K. I think he's the only person in history who hasn't fallen for it; the driver had to call the president of the company, who argued with my dad over the phone, and finally gave in.

My mom had a horror story moving from Raleigh NC to Dallas TX. She had a lot of antiques and glass items that were completely destroyed. Even though she paid for moving insurance the company won't reimburse her- she's even gone to the State Atty General, but because it was an interstate move and there is no way of know where things were broken, no luck.

I have 4 pods (each = 280 cu.ft.) available for sale. They have been in a climate controlled storge unit for two years and can easily be moved to a truck, using a forklift w/4 ft. blades (which I could help arrange for). I'm located in Sun Valley, Idaho. Contact info: nomsg7@msn.com

We tried the PODS solution for our move to Colorado. It has been a horrific experience and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. 1st) We had three PODS that were in three different locations (one known, the other two PODS mistakes)that we had to spend numerous hours on the phone and duplicate notorized faxes over three weeks trying to get the three PODS together to be delivered to Colorado on the same truck. Once that was resolved there were numerous conversations and delays in call backs by PODS to confirm the total amount due for delivery. Once we got that, and made sure all the monies were available for a direct deduction from our bank account, PODS then added a charge for the next months storage (which is a week away), took it out of the account and therefor reduced the available funds for the delivery charge. We have been in our homes for two weeks without our belongings. Once the PODS are delivered, we will need to drive to Colorado Springs and load by load bring our property to our homes. Given that we moved to the mountains of Colorado and PODS is not insured for our area, they can only be delivered to Colorado Springs. As if all this were not enough, with every day the PODS are delayed we are getting more and more snow and face the real possibility that the weather will prevent our getting our belongings out of the PODS until spring (six months from now).

Before you call PODS to help you with a move it is critical that your intended destination Zip Code be within the service area of a PODS warehouse. Key to this is their telephone message containing the words "certain select destinations". If you are moving to a location outside the nearest warehouse service area, a move of those goods will ultimately require unloading the POD and reloading in an Albert Moving vehicle or similar. I want to save others from facing this very expensive difficulty and will be glad to exchange e-mail with anyone seeking information. lfkestner3@msn.com

I was considering using PODS until I read the accounts on this website: www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/pods.html. Here is the negative side of PODS, for anyone that is interested. I think I'm going to try Door-to-Door instead.

I just wanted to comment on my experience with PODS. I moved from Detroit to Nashville and I couldn't have been more pleased. I actually had my "house shipped" to Nashville 2 months before I moved. My stuff stayed in a warehouse until I was ready for it. Although I did have to pay a monthly fee for them to keep it and get storage insurance, it was nice to know that my stuff was safe and I could go in and out of the PODS whenever I needed to until I found a new home. Very professional people to deal with and I highly recommend it for a cross-country move.

Door to Door is perfect for your 3 bedroom homes and under. In almost every market that Door to Door services, they will beat the prices offered by PODS.

Do you know if PODS has temp control storage? And do you know how the monthly fee for long-term storage? We will be traveling for 2-3 years before we will settle back into a home.

TY.

Haven't read ALL comments, but I must agree that it sounded like a totally one-sided ad or company-sponsored press release. The fact that you offer a discount does nothing to dispel that.
At the moment, I have storage with both PODS and Door-to-Door (long story). The Door-to-door people are more accessible, nicer and easier to work with as well as cheaper. I had no idea how much stuff I had, so they brought several containers and simply took back the empties, while I paid for storage of the full ones. They are very solid and secure and like the PODS are loaded level and nothing moved. I don't like it that it is really hard to get a local number for PODS. And I like the cute little awning the Door2Door bins have, if you're packing on a hot or wet day.
Thanks Door-to-Door for making a tough time a little easier.
Kate

We are planning to move from CA to Texas...all the promotional codes seem to be for only local moves. Aren't there any offered for long distance moves? All the codes I tried listed in the other comments don't work. Remax has a 5% promo, but only good for Sept> Does anyone know of other sources for discounts?

Trisha:

I would like to know how it goes with the relocubes as I am moving from Seattle to Wisconsin and am trying to decide which way to go.

Nice site here, no doubt. Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents out. I haven't yet used PODS, but it looks like I will be since Door-to-Door doesn't service Wichita, KS. We are looking to move from the Kansas City, MO area down there. We'll be using PODS to store our 'clutter' so we can get our house ready to sell, then put it in storage. Once we're ready to go, we'll have them move it down there for us. Here's hoping that everything goes well!! According to what I've read here, it sure sounds promising!

Jeff

True, the PODs are convenient but I caution you on the costs and quotes. We were give a quote over the telephone and when we received the invoices we had been overcharged by $271.00. We are still trying to get reimbursed. Get your quote in writing!! Customer service at their 1-888 number is terrible and their accounting department is even worse.

Hi Brendan,

So glad you were able to find some helpful info here.

To answer your question... no there is currently no promo code available for state to state moves.
So sorry. Just "local" moves at this time. (That code is: TFTG)

Good luck with your move!

Hey. Thanks so much for this site and for all the comments. I am looking to use this POD for moving from Utah to Seattle. I got a quote of $2500. as opposed to around $3500 for a moving company to do it themselves. I wouldnt mind paying the extra money to have the movers do it, but need it to be stored for 3 months while I find a house in Seattle. I think that the $200 per month extra for storage is reasonable as there is only packing and unpacking as opposed to finding a storage and have 4 moves (packing, deliver into storage, packing, deliver to house) I really wish that the PODS offered the option of movers. (this would also help for insurance)
Right now my biggest hesitation with doing this, is if I pack it myself instead of a mover, and something does break, it is very hard to determine fault. I can pay for the insurance, but if they say that it is my fault in packing, i lose. I have no control of their handling of the POD once it leaves. I think that I am still going to get it and pay for the insurance and will leave feedback on this site as to my experince with the insurance, and if anything was broken.
Lynette, is there a promo code or discount code for state to state moves. PLease email it to me at bhupf@yahoo.com THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Hi, sure am glad this site is here.
We are moving from the Califoria Central Valley to the Flathead Lake area of Montana, next year and, am anticipating needing to store household items while the house is on the market. I am wondering about the storage of PODS and the warehouse. Can you go and look at them? How secure are the PODS while in storage.. ?
Anyone with any experience to relate.. ?

I'm moving from South Carolina to Idaho. I discovered relocubes (www.upack.com). The scenario is the same - they bring the pods, you load and then lock with your own padlock, they pick them up and take them to the new place. They will also store them for you if needed. The cubes are smaller than the pods, but for the equivalent amount of space, they are much cheaper. They quoted me $3000 for three cubes (slightly bigger than a 16-foot truck) and Pods quoted me $6000 for a 16-foot pod.

hi there
i think it soooo great to have the pod service and i will love to offer is to people here in barbados . so if anyone know's how i can please let me know asap. you can reach me at suger97@hotmail.com. it would be a great help .

I got the response; PODS doesn't sell the containers, they only rent them. No problem; thanks for your help!

I happened to stumble across your site via Google, but I will be sure to check out your other articles as well. You've been most helpful!
~Lynne

Hello, there!

My motorcycle dealership is interested in PURCHASING a POD-type storage unit for permanent outdoor use. Might anyone have any leads?

Thank you!

Hello All,
First let me say that your comments on the PODS containers have been very insightful. Most of you have many good things to say.
For those of you that have used them, I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind looking at it from a different perspective. My family is considering renting one and I'm interested in the cons as well as the pros :-) Would some of you respond by listing what you would want them to improve.

Thanks

I am thinking of using the pod to deliever my personal effect to my shippers pickup location.Iam moving out of the country.Any suggestion.

I would like to know how much PODS would charge to bring a 16' unit to the storage co. I am presently storing all my belongings at, which because of insurance reasons, will not let you unload their units yourself. This means I need the delivery truck and driver to stay while the POD is being loaded with my belongings (2 or 3 hours maybe), then deliver the POD to my son's home which is only about an hour away. I want to keep the POD at my son's home for 3 months, then have it delivered to my new home which will be in the same city. Right now, I am paying $270.00 a month to Father and Sons Storage. Plus, I will have to rent a big moving truck to haul my belongings to my new home. I will have to pay $810.00 for the 3 months storage and about $200.00 to rent a moving truck and the gas. That comes to about $1010.00. I am hoping and praying that it would be a lot cheaper to use the POD instead of my current storage unit.

Anne -
I checked with PODS and got this reply:

Good Morning Lynnette,
I tested the code TFTG and it does generate a 10% discount for local service. This discount is not offered for long distance service. If you continue to have trouble with the code call Customer Service [1-866-846-0900] and an Agent will prepare a quote for you.
Best Regards,
Mary Juen Covert
Corporate Client Services Manager
PODS Enterprises, Inc.

Hope that helps, Anne. Perhaps you were trying to apply the code to a long-distance move?

I attempted to use the TFTG promo code for a discount, but the pricing didn't change. any other functioning promo codes?? Thanks!

How do I BUY a POD?

The moving disaster from JJ Stone brought back the nightmare move I experienced just last Nov. After supervising careful loading of my things, I lost control of the care of my items when the moving men took my stuff from VT to CN, unloaded it into a storage unit where it sat 3 weeks and was then thrown onto another truck, boxes upside down and wet,etc. I will NEVER pay money to a company to load, move & unload my things again.

I'm checking into PODS and am glad to hear mostly good things. I have also driven a 28 ft truck, and between the huge gas costs, the unfamiliarity of driving such a 'beast' and having to impose on family to drive my car along with the cats, a pod seems to be the best of both worlds.

It's not cheap, but less than weight-based movers who don't care if they drop or "lose" your items. And easier on your piece of mind than driving a gas-guzzler big truck (that also can break down & leave you stranded!)

Hi Elaine,
I've been doing a bit of research about moving expenses and I found this that might help you:

SOURCE: American Moving and Storage Association, as reported in the Tennessean on 7/3/06.

I just got a quote from PODs for moving my stuff from Miami, FL. to Ohio. It is over $3,000, I am only taking the contents of about 2 rooms. This is my first interstate move on my own, so I have no idea if this is a good price. Can anyone tell me? I am still waiting on quotes from two other symilar companies.

I found this site while looking for customer reviews on the POD system. The write-ups sound promising, however, there are many moving scams out there. Would like to avoid a nightmare (misplaced pod?,pod mishap at the warehouse? pod held for hostage until you pay higher rate? etc.). For people who have used PODs to move state to state, how was your experience? Would you use them again?

Need one for a packout, to put contents of small home in storage pod, refinish floors in home and return the contents to home!

Many thanks for the info!! We had a professional moving co. recommended by eBay's Rent.Com site move our family of 4 from Raleigh, NC to Tucson, AZ about 3.5 yrs ago - what a disaster!!

First of all, they didnt estimate the move correctly - they filled a full 32' semi, and left 1/3 of my stuff still sitting on the yard.

I watched them take my antique dining chairs and other small furniture and toss them into big boxes for which we were charged $20 each, instead of wrapping them with a blanket. We could all see the truck was being poorly packed and tried to get them to redo it, but only the driver spoke English - the moving men only spoke Russian. No communication was had. We had lost control over any of it, and I dissolved into those stress tears we all hate.

When our truck arrived in Tucson, we were missing parts of bedroom sets, our coffee table, 2 sets of dining chairs arrived but no tables ... You get the picture. Am still paying $90/mo storage on the stuff that didn't make it into the truck!

We needed 2 weeks from door to door, so they took the truck from Raleigh to their main depot in NYC for storage without telling us ahead of time. Then when moving in day arrived, we waited for the truck starting at 9am. Around 5 pm., after many calls to the Co. asking "where is the truck?" and no real answers, the Driver himself called and said the truck was still in NYC and it wouldn't arrive for 6 more days because he another run to do first!! I was a total wreck at that point. We had had such a wonderful, relaxing trip across the country only to awaken to The Nightmare Move.

So, add living in a motel room , eating out, etc. for an extra 6 days, our total moving costs exceeded $12,000 in Dec., 2002. Moving fees are normally based upon weight, so forget moving your library, gym or anything else that will cost more to move than to replace.

After reading this "blog", I believe I would gladly rent 3 extra-large PODs, and some local man-power if needed, before ever considering hiring another "Professional Moving" company.

It's not really THAT economical- yeah, it's only 281$ for a month rental & drop off, but then it's another $300 for them to transport it and pick it up an hour's drive away.

Before you expand into Canada, Peter, can we get some PODS in Mechanicsville, MD? ;)

Thanks for the great reviews on pods. For the record, we are now in 45 states servicing over 200 million of the US population, we have serviced over 500,000 customers, and now have over 104,000 pods in service. We are expanding to Canada and Australia later this year. We are also proud to say we run over a 93% satisfaction rate nation wide.
Peter Warhurst
President/CEO
Pods Inc

I need a storage solution as I am having some of the joists and sills replaced under my house soon. I have just researched the PODS and feel that I may go that way to store belongings rather than a regular storage facility. I like the idea that everything will stay on the property and I can load and unload at my leisure. Thank you for all the input everyone. It helped me make my decision.

Thanks for the helpful site! I think its pretty funny how people are assuming you are the corporate site for PODS, asking you for quotes and such!

We are building a new home, and this sounds like the perfect place to store our belongings between when we must move out of our apartment and when we can move into our new home!

Thanks for the pictures!

Too expensive, cheaper to rent-a-truck, load at leasure, and drive it yourself..

They're 'already'....into gougeing customers I'm sorry to say.

Typical 'Boom - Bust' corporate synerio.

HOME DEPOT WILL GIVE YOU A CODE TO USE
I THINK IT IS HDPT OR CALL LOCAL STORE FOR CODE GOOD LUCK

Go to this webiste for the promo code: http://www.pods.com/homebuyer/

I live in a townhouse with no drive and a small side yard. Is it legal to put a POD on the public street in front of my house?

Help! I think I will be getting a pod in the next few weeks and every $$$ counts right now. Can someone/anyone tell me where I can find/get a PROMO Code for the Pods? When I talked to them, they said they couldn't tell me where to find one but it is usually for about 10% off (or more). At least that would pay for the taxes and a half a tank of gas to get to my next destination!

If you are a horder like I am, just beware that PODS are addictive. Soon you will have one permanent parked in your driveway like I do. Or perhaps you'll have two (my second large one is on its way)....I wish I could just throw sh*t out....LOL

I am Planning to relocate and need to store household items for a month or so, are the Pods humidity controlled? Worried that clothes and matresses will become musty.

I rented an 8x12 Go Mini which is the same thing as a POD to move out of my apartment. It only cost $208. My realtor reccommended them to me, she said they were reliable and that this way of moving was a lot easier...she was right. Moving is awful but the mobile storage container idea made it a little more tolerable.

My wife and I are going to relocate from CA to TX. I got a quote for a single POD and it will be $3900.00 for 2 PODS $5700.00 We think this is great cause we can load at our leisure. It is much higher priced for a moving Van and a hassel to Rent a moving truck and try to drive my other cars and trailer I have. Anyone thinking of Moving far should check out a POD and compare to other moving companies.

We are relocating to a small town in Washington State from Long Beach, CA. When I looked into a typical moving van it was $2,700 for $3,000 we could use the POD system for 1 month and we don't have to drive, tow one car behind a huge truck while driving the other. Better for me I won't have to tow the camper since my husband can do that if he's not driving the van. Plus when I think of the gas I'm saving at 3.51 per gal here in CA I think it turns into a good deal. I think this site is really helpful because of the testimonials. I will be checking out the "competition" mentioned but very few places provide service to smaller towns.

Thank you for the info. We are in the weird predicament of a two week difference between the closing of the sale of our old home and the closing of the 'new house'. The description you have given and the testimonials make me feel a little better about all the havoc that is going on in our lives right now. Thanks a million.

To update my previous post, our POD experience was perfect! They got it into the tight spot no problem, took it away when we wanted it gone, and brought it back when we wanted it. Emailed us every time there was a scheduled move. A very good service.

I live in Springfield Missouri and there is no PODS here, however there is a company called Go Mini's that does the same thing. They use a flat bed truck to deliver the container. They may be in your area of the country, maybe you will want to compare prices.

Dan

This is an update from Cate from March 24 posting about our experience renting a POD. So far, it has been perfect! I ordered by phone, not online, & all questions were answered right away. POD was delivered the next day. It was fascinating watching their process to set it in the driveway. The POD is VERY clean inside. I am so glad we got the 16 foot rather than the 12 foot! For heaviest pieces of furniture, I called a local moving company. They sent 2 men at a reduced rate as no truck was needed. Very reasonable $$. We are taking our time loading the rest. (Right now the POD is for storage so the house is empty in rooms we are having the wood floors refinished.) This is working out so well, and the POD is very secure. Once floors are finished, we will move certain items back into the house as we are putting it on the market to sell. Nice option when you want to "stage" your house for sale. We will send the POD to their local warehouse for storage until the house sells, then have them bring it back, load the rest of our belongings and have them move the POD to our new home several states away. No complaints at all so far. I will post an update when we get to the next stage.

Great program. After we load our things, will you deliver to out new home?
Thanks have as great day

In reply to Ken 4/11/06... Ken if you think $6,000 is expensive for your move, then you better get a moving company. You get a Pod and you can load it at your leisure, and you know that if YOU loaded it, that none of your valuables will be broken. You can also visit the Pod at the Warehouse (before ship date, that you decide on) too add or take away contents. The cost is quite reasonable for all the convienance they offer. Don't forget...it is like walking into a shed, NOT a ramp to go up and down with every article you put into the pod. Good Luck with your decision.

I just asked for a quote for a move from florida to las vegas and the quote was almost 6000.00 give me a break...thats a ton of money and reg movers dont even cost that much,,,,,,,,,,PODS are overpriced if that is a correct quote....

In reply to Saq on 2/27/06...as for the insurance that PODS charges, no matter what you rent/buy, from houses to cars to storage units you have to carry insurance to cover your belongs. Read the fine print, is the $6.95 to cover their propery (the POD) while it's in your possession/in your drive way, I find it hard to believe that their charging you insurance on their property when it's in their warehouse.

Jim and Lynnette, Thanks for the PODS postings. Looks like it may be ideal for us! Prior to selling our home, we need to empty most rooms so the wood floors can be refinished...then move some things back in the house until it sells....then load everything and move several states away. The convenience and time flexibility look to be just what we need. I will post back after all is done and share the results.

This is so helpful! Thanks so much, Jim and Lynnette. I was searching for a little info on PODS, so that we can clean out our garage in more than one day without having to remove stuff and put it right back in when it gets dark. (Don't you hate that?!) I don't have to do any more searching now, other than to go get my price quote. LOVE your website, and I will start checking in to read some of your other articles. (Just read about 6 Degrees of Separation/Kevin Bacon...very interesting!) Thanks, again...Jamie

In response to MAC on Feb 22nd. Yes the containers are watertight. MI-BOX has a PRICE GUARANTEE! They will match any special prices by competition ANY TIME of the year.They will also GUARANTEE SERVICE. If they are more than 1 hour late, delivery is FREE. They currently service all of Chicago & Suburbs but are expanding this year.

I checked the price to move a large pod to Columbus Ohio from Seattle (About $6,000). Can anyone tell me if that's reasonable? How does it compare to a "traditional"over?

Hi

Thanks for the great information regarding PODS. There is better pictures on your website than on their own corporate website!

I have a double wide driveway off an alley in the rear of our property and I was concerned that the POD would not be able to be placed because of the tight situation. I had no idea that the POD moving apparatus is totally independent of the truck. Am I correct in my understanding that the POD can actually be rolled a short distance on the this hydraulic framework, such as to position it on an angle that might not be possible for the truck to get into? I guess I will find out tomorrow (March 5, 2006) morning when my POD arrives.

Thanks again for providing valuable information about your experience.

Anyone thinking about removing a cement, inground pool may want to check out my website documenting this process.

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ephil.detweiler/PoolDemolition.html

Phil

Hi all,

Nice dialog going on here. Noticed a request for listing competitors. I don't mind being so bold as to suggest the company I work for: Door to Door Storage www.doortodoor.com

We are in many major cities and would love a chance to be compared to PODS. Mobile Storage is awesome. New players are coming into the market all the time. It has distinct advantages over other forms of storage and moving.

We would love the opportunity to earn your business.

I like the concept and the service ( I am debating to get them to move us). One thig that I have been bothered by is their insurence on the container. If I buy the 6.95 a month insurence, I have to buy it for all that time the container is sitting in their storage facility. The insurence is for the protection of the container only and not my contents, which is an other insurence that they offer. I have no problem paying for this insurence but I certainly don't want to pay for it while they have it in their possesion and I have no control over its safety. Seems like they want to protect their container even when it's in their possession by insurence that is paid by me. They should take some responsibility of protecting their container when they are storing it. This is not the insurence about my contents of the container but their container. If anyone has any experience buying this insurence or have any bad experiences with them please let me know. Thanks

I just checked out Mi-Box, and they only have 12' containers! They are not nationwide like PODS. It may take a few years to become nationwide, and only if they could offer a larger Box! Are Mi-Box'es water tight?

I need to rent the 1200 sq ft pod to load myself & have delivered to Downey, Ca. I am not sure when, hoping early summer. I need to know the cost.

PODS has nothing on these guys. Great Service and FREE quotes online. www.getmibox.com Problem is they only service Chicago and Suburbs for now.

According to their website:
PODS Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Portable On Demand Storage has become the leading provider of mobile mini-storage and moving alternatives for residential and commercial customers.

What does PODS stand for?

I need a pod at my home 3 27 06 for 2 days then I need you too store it for 6 weeks and then take it to Perry georga 31069 my zip 33521 how much

I've queried both websites and they "do not currently service" my area, but PODS advertises on our local TV, so I guess it't a matter of time. Does anyone know the monthly fee to have one left at the customers property?

Mark -
That's fair. I personally don't have any experience with any other pods-type storage & moving companies with services nationwide.

If you do, please share.

if you guys and this site were for real, then you would list the competition.

Do you know of any way I can purchase a toy pod like the ones you see for u-haul for children.
Thank you
Jackie

We moved in Chicago and used a similar company called MI-BOX Moving & Storage. Very professional, cheaper than PODS and ON TIME! Excellent service, contents were level and nothing broken or missing...watch out PODS

My dearest friend became a widow last night. She is beside herself & I'm searching for a plan to help. She is several states away, and desperately needs to move closer. I so hope this will help.
Thanks so much for all the info.

K -
I trust that you are directing your comment to "ILL Mitch" above?

Lest people think your comment was directed at me, the author of the main article, now seems as good a time as any to say:

For the record...
...I don't know anyone who works for PODS.
...No one at PODS has ever contacted me -- of course, we'd be thrilled if they were to buy an ad on our site :o)
...I only know people who have used the PODS service.
...I write about things I like, and I think PODS are one of the greatest things around.

Enjoy!

THis is nice, but such a transparent advertising gimmick by PODS.com to look like real people. Major Deception.

the POD has taken over everything in my life. I am helpless to stop it. It has cloned me. I end up waking up in it. Help me

Cyndee --
The phone number for PODS is:
888-776-7637

Please email me with how to contact company to order PODS. I can read the 1-800 ??????? pods.

Please fill in the missing digits for me.
Thanks.

thanks for the info. I just sold the family home of 50 yrs. and need to use the pod to transport everything to my home in the nearby city and sort everything with the pod in my driveway for a month I can empty the home quickly as required by the sale agreements. Hope this can be done and I will check with http you provided. I am by myself with this as 93 yrs. old mom not much help. Thanks again for the incite. Kathleen

Hi!
Stumbled upon your site while researching pods! Thanks for all the info! We are moving from Ohio to California soon and this looks like a good option for us. I like your site!
Thanks
Lisel

Michael -

I can share with you what I've found...

Supposedly, you can rent PODS for up to a month for one low fee.

And yes, the containers can be used simply to store your items, rather than to haul them to another location.

It's QUICK and EASY to get a free quote online (I did it)... just go here: http://www.pods.com/

In the upper right corner, enter your Zip code. When it asks for the "destination Zip code", just enter your Zip code again -- from there you select that it will stay on your property, choose which size you want, etc.

When you're done, the price will pop right up on the screen.

Let us know how PODS works out for you...