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How Those Storage Pods Work...

Logo for the shipping PODS storage container and moving system from Pods.com. I've always wondered how those PODS storage rentals work.

An actual storage POD container. Questions I Have:

    • How long can you have them to load/unload?

    • How quick is the turnaround time to pick-up and transport your stuff?

    • Where do they deliver?... which states?... cities?

    • Are they cheaper than a moving van?

    • Do past customers recommend them?

Well, the other day my neighbors across the street moved out, and they used the PODS storage & moving system. Fortunately, on the day the PODS truck came to transport their stuff from their "old" house to their "new" house, I was ready!...

Armed with my notepad & pen in one hand, and my camera in the other, I set out to discover the Pros and Cons of using the PODS system during a move.

What Are PODS?

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

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

    • They alleviate some of the legwork by physically transporting your "stuff" from one location to the other.

    • You don't have to drive a massive truck around town, maneuver it into tight spaces, back it up into your driveway, and fill it up with gas when you're done.

    • The PODS themselves remain at ground level for easy loading and unloading.

    • You're not on any time constraints, so there are no "late fees" or "overage charges" for taking longer than you thought.

    • Only you have a key to your POD which means you are always in full control of your possessions.

    • They're cost-effective.


 

How It Works...

PODS truck. First, get a FREE quote online. How? Just enter your current Zip Code, pick an approximate date you plan to move, and enter the Zip Code for the place you want them to move it to.

Then click "Get Rates" and you can see right away how much it would cost to use a 16ft POD. Or, you can change the dropdown to 12ft and see what it would cost to use the smaller POD.

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

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

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

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

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

 

How Much Do PODS Cost?

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

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

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

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

Here are the complete facts about the different sized PODS and how much "stuff" each POD will hold.

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

 

How Are PODS Transported?

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

house_with_pod_storage.jpg aligning_the_pod.jpg
lining_up_pod.jpg pod_with_generator.jpg
loading_up_storage_pod.jpg man_loading_storage_pod.jpg
he_spotted_me.jpg pod_scooted_on_truck.jpg
steering_the_pod.jpg final_loading_storage_pod.jpg
house_without_pod.jpg storage_pods_delivered.jpg
truck_driving_with_storage_pod.jpg pods_delivers.jpg

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

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


 

What About The Competition?

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

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

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

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


 

In Summary

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

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

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

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

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

 

To Try PODS Yourself...
 

Have a question?
Want a FREE no obligation quote?
Call PODS at (866) 846-0900
Or, use their online form.

UPDATE:  Looking for pods coupons and promo codes?...

  Use this link to save 10% on local moves and 5% on long-distance moves with promo code TFTG.


Lynnette

You'll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times. I'm the publisher of The Fun Times Guide (24 niche websites... and counting!) I like to write about unique ways to do things and share other "outside the box" ideas that most people wouldn't think of.




  • Calisunshine13
    This article is BS. It reads more like an advertisement than investigative journalism. There are no cons listed, like how it costs a ton more than renting a moving truck or that you need to have a place you can leave the unit, which might be difficult in an apartment.
  • Erin
    Ok, I know how ppl use caps lock and everyone hates it, but... If you are MILITARY do NOT use Pods. They will "lose" your weight ticket and good luck getting your money then! In that situation now and screwed sideways. Ran over and busted my curb, delivered my Pod late. But mostly my dity move is now totally out of pocket, because they lost the wieght. DO NOT USE PODS.
  • Darlene Harrison
    Does the Pod system for moving have referrals to local (St.Louis, MO loading and Little Rock,AR the eventual destination to unload) professional movers? Neither myself or friends are at a point in life to handle the work of loading and unloading.
  • Paul
    The quote of $231.60 is a joke, as it only includes the first delivery of the pod and the first month of storage. Then, for every month of storage is gonna be at least another $150/month plus tax. So, if they kept their stuff in storage for three months, it would have cost them another $300 for two more months of storage and $65 for the delivery of the pod back to the final moving location. So the total is more like in excess of $600.
  • Pat
    Did you read the article? The woman said she was moving across Nashville, not putting stuff in storage...so the total would be more like $231.60
  • nothappynonsense
    well, i did what you said. after filling in the info for the move, the next screen came up asking me for more info and for me to call. not gonna happen
  • Anita Dumpster

    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!

  • lauren
    I think that is a given... most people try to pair down as much as possible... but as sad is it may sound - there is no way I am getting rid of my bedroom furniture ... I hate IKEA quality, and I don't feel like I could replace certain furniture pieces for what I could poss get for mine. Glad you made it across the country! Getting ready to do the same. Cali bound in 2 mo!
  • Rachel

    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.

  • Karen

    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

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