moving pods

PODS vs. Moving Companies: Comparing Your Options

Pros and cons of moving with PODS

It’s usually the cheaper option

Temporary storage is easy and affordable with PODS’ storage facilities

You can take your time packing and loading your belongings

Comes with multiple container sizes you can customize to your move

You have to do all of the work (un)packing and (un)loading

Challenging to park in an urban area, apartment complex, or housing community

You have to get your own moving supplies

How PODS works

Using PODS, or any moving container company is often referred to as a do-it-yourself (DIY) move. Here’s how it works:

Booking: You book your move and schedule a date to have your container dropped off.

Loading: Once the container has been dropped off, you load it up with your packed belongings.

Transportation: A driver will transport all your belongings to your new home, or to a storage facility based on your needs.

Pickup: The company picks up the container and schedules a drop-off at your new home where you unload and unpack your items.

Return: Once that’s done, the company comes back to pick up the container. And that’s it!

Pros and cons of using a traditional moving company

The chances of accidents or damage to your items are lower

You won’t do any of the heavy lifting

The company will provide the moving supplies

Moving companies provide options for special items like fine art and electronics

It’s more expensive than renting a moving pod

Less flexibility to move at your own pace

Cancellations, hidden fees, and damage to items are common if you don’t work with a reputable mover

How moving companies work

Here’s how a full-service move with a professional moving company works:

Booking: You book your move and schedule a date with the moving company. They’ll provide an estimate based on the size of your home and the distance of your move.

Packing (optional): Many movers offer packing services for an added cost. If you prefer to pack yourself, have everything ready before moving day.

Loading: On moving day, the movers arrive, load your belongings onto the truck, and ensure everything is secured for transport.

Transportation: The moving company drives your items to your new home, coordinating delivery with you based on your schedule and their transit time.

Unloading: Once they arrive, the movers unload everything into your new home, placing items where you want them, with some companies offering unpacking services.

Cost of PODS vs. moving companies

PODS costs are typically lower than moving companies, but they can add up when you start tacking on extra services. The cost will depend on the distance and size of your move, and whether you need additional services.

Here’s a comparison of general costs of using PODs vs moving companies for a move:

Fortunately, like moving companies, PODS offer ongoing discounts for new customers:

Local moves: PODS gives first-timers 10% off their initial delivery and 10% off first month’s rental.

Long-distance moves: PODS offers 10% off initial delivery, 10% off first month’s rental, and 10% off long-distance transport. Call PODS to ask about promotions and compare multiple moving quotes using our moving cost calculator.

Services offered by PODS vs. moving companies

PODS primarily offers driving and storage, while moving companies provide additional services like custom crating, packing, and unpacking. Here’s a closer look at all of their service options:

Are PODS more flexible than moving companies?

Yes. PODS and other portable storage containers are usually more flexible than moving companies. Here’s why:

Pack and load on your own schedule

Schedule a flexible pickup time

Keep the container as long as you need

Control the price by handling parts of your move

On the other hand, if you want freedom to focus on work and other things in life, professional movers will offer better flexibility since they handle the move for you.

PODS vs. moving companies: Which is the best option for a long distance move

At A Glance

30 days storage included

Local and long distance moving options

Unlimited loading/unloading time

Store on property or at a facility

Labor: If you don’t want to do any of the heavy lifting and aren’t worried about costs, a professional interstate moving company is your best bet. Renting a moving container can save money, but you’ll have to put more work into your move.

Peace of mind: A professional moving company may cost more more, but the extra money gives you the peace of mind to focus on other parts of your move, knowing your stuff is in good hands.

Flexibility: If you want control over your move date with more flexibility around scheduling, then a moving container like PODS is a great option.

Pricing: Moving with a container company is a great way to save. Just keep in mind that prices can increase once you add on extras like like packing materials. Check out our list of the cheapest moving containers to keep costs low.

Quotes: Before you make a final decision about which type of moving company is right for you, use our moving cost calculator and get free quotes from the best moving companies in the country.

FAQs

Yes, in most cases, PODS is cheaper than hiring a professional moving company.

Yes, both PODS and moving companies offer basic insurance coverage. Plans and coverage options change depending on the provider so read the fine print to find out what’s covered. Both also offer the option to increase coverage if you want more peace of mind.

PODS containers are made of steel and have tamper-resistant locks plus reinforced walls that protect your items from theft and damage during a move.

In general, PODS 8-foot containers are the better option for small moves, but it really comes down to pricing, where you’re going, and what types of items you’re moving.

For local moves, PODS and professional movers are both great options.

How we chose the best moving companies

The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:

Moving services (35%):

We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.

Customer feedback (28%):

We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.

Online reviews (7%):

We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.

State availability (12%):

We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.

Additional services (12%):

We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).

Quotes/Payment options (6%):

We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.