{"id":783,"date":"2026-06-11T12:22:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T17:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/?p=783"},"modified":"2026-06-18T11:24:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T16:24:54","slug":"pods-for-moving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/pods-for-moving\/","title":{"rendered":"PODS for Moving: Costs and Benefits, Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You have several options when you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/interstate-movers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plan a long-distance move<\/a>. One of the most important decisions you\u2019ll make is the best way to transport your belongings. For example, will you hire interstate movers, rent a moving truck and drive it yourself, or rent PODS for moving?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting PODS for moving is a great way for many people to move, but it\u2019s not for everyone. The first step in determining whether to use PODS for your move is to learn a bit about what they are, their pros and cons, and some pro tips on how to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are PODS for Moving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPODS\u201d stands for \u201cPortable On Demand Storage\u201d. Basically, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pods.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rent PODS<\/a> for moving or storing your home\u2019s inventory. PODS will drop off as many containers as you need (and as many as you have room for). After you\u2019ve packed and loaded the containers, the PODS team will pick up and transport your belongings to your new home so you can unload. Once you\u2019ve brought everything inside your new dwelling, PODS will send a truck to pick up the empty containers. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, PODS offers a pretty convenient service, especially for long-distance moves. But what\u2019s the difference between renting PODS for moving versus hiring professional movers? It all depends on how much work you want to put in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Renting PODS Versus Hiring Professional Movers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want the most hands-off moving experience possible, then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/chicago-moving-company\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hire professional movers<\/a>. The best moving companies in Chicago will cut out a lot of the work and logistics, since they can provide packing and storage services in addition to handling your actual move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you might also want a DIY (or partial DIY) move. And fortunately, renting PODS for moving doesn\u2019t mean you have to pack up your home or schlep your heavy furniture by yourself. Your local Chicago movers will provide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/loading-unloading-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">loading and unloading services<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few ways your local moving company can help when you rent PODS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em>Packing.<\/em><\/strong> Your moving company will come to your home a day or two before loading the PODS to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/chicago-packing-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">help you pack<\/a>. They\u2019ll come equipped with a variety of box sizes, plus packing paper, wardrobe boxes, tape, shrink wrap, and moving blankets. Then they\u2019ll carefully wrap and box up your kitchenware, books, clothing, artwork, furniture, and the rest of your home\u2019s inventory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Loading the PODS.<\/em><\/strong> After your PODS containers are delivered to your home, your moving company will load them up and prepare the contents for safe transport.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Unloading the PODS.<\/em><\/strong> When your portable moving containers arrive at your new home, you can hire local movers to unpack the PODS and bring everything inside. Once your furniture and boxes are placed in the correct rooms, the movers will remove any shrink wrap and moving blankets and haul away the packing materials that you no longer want or need.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, if you choose to rent PODS for moving instead of hiring professional movers, let your packers and loading and unloading crews handle the heavy lifting. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are PODS Good for Local and Long-Distance Moves?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can rent PODS for moving both locally and long-distance. However, since you\u2019ll need to either load and unload the PODS by yourself or hire a moving company to do so, many people moving within the Chicagoland Area opt for hiring a local mover to handle the entire process. Since more coordination is required for a container move, renting PODS is more popular with people who move across state lines than with folks who are moving locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ideal moving process for your unique needs\u2014and your unique home\u2014depends on a variety of factors. Budget, timing, and convenience are three main elements that people who are planning a move tend to focus on. To determine whether to rent PODS for your particular move, it\u2019s helpful to understand the pros and cons of container moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of Using PODS for Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Is renting PODS for moving a good fit for you? It all comes down to what will make your life easiest during the move planning process and, of course, the move itself. There are several pros and cons to consider that can help you decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages of Using PODS for Moving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting PODS is an ideal way for many people, especially for long-distance and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.movebuddha.com\/blog\/prepare-for-a-cross-country-move\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cross-country moves<\/a>. Perhaps the biggest advantage of using PODS for moving is the convenience. If you have enough space, like a large driveway, you can have the containers delivered and picked up on dates that work for you. PODS personnel will then drive your packed container to your destination and deliver the containers to your new home, also on a date of your choosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another advantage of PODs is that they offer storage services. For example, if you\u2019re moving out of state for a new career opportunity, it might take you a few weeks\u2014or even a few months\u2014to find a permanent home in your new city. PODS will hold onto your container(s) for as long as you need and deliver them when you can move into your new address. Additionally, since PODS has partnerships with specialty movers like <a href=\"https:\/\/cars.usnews.com\/cars-trucks\/car-shipping\/best-car-shipping-companies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">car shipping companies<\/a>, they can help you coordinate some of the more challenging details of moving long-distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Downsides of Using PODS for Moving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the advantages of renting PODS for moving, there are a few disadvantages as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One challenge that many people face is the amount of room available to them. Some houses have a driveway or a paved backyard that can accommodate the portable moving containers. However, this isn\u2019t always the case for everyone, especially apartment dwellers and condo owners. If you don\u2019t have a spot for your PODS, you might have to look into special permits and have the containers staged on the street\u2014and that\u2019s if your municipality allows the containers to take up public parking spaces.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A second possible drawback of using PODS is that there\u2019s always a chance that <a href=\"https:\/\/local.yahoo.com\/moving\/article\/how-weather-can-affect-your-portable-storage-moving-pod-or-container-130021453.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your delivery could be delayed<\/a>. If the truck runs into inclement weather or transportation issues, you might not get your containers delivered on the exact date that you requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, in order to successfully use PODS for your move, you must be accurate with your home inventory. If you overestimate what you\u2019re moving, you\u2019ll be paying for a larger container than you actually need. And if you underestimate your inventory, it\u2019s possible that not everything will fit. In fact, having an accurate inventory so you can choose the right size container is one of the most important factors of moving with PODS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What PODS Sizes are Available?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PODS offers three different container sizes. Here\u2019s a quick look at the options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em>Small 8\u2019 Container:<\/em><\/strong> This size is ideal for a 500 square foot studio home or a partial inventory, as it\u2019s comparable to a 10\u2019 moving truck.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Medium 12\u2019 Container:<\/em><\/strong> About the same cubic footage as a 10\u2019x10\u2019 storage unit, this option can hold the inventory of most 800 square foot homes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><em>Large 16\u2019 Container:<\/em><\/strong> Since these portable moving containers can accommodate about a 1200 square foot home, they\u2019re ideal for three to four rooms\u2019 worth of inventory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Homes and their inventories vary greatly, and some people simply have more stuff than others. Be sure to create an accurate inventory of your home so that you order the right size, and keep in mind that your particular house, condo, or apartment might require more than one container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Do Moving PODS Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the first steps in every move is budgeting for your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/cost-to-move-across-the-midwest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">long-distance moving costs<\/a>. You\u2019ll need to obtain a custom estimate from PODS and your local movers for loading and unloading, and there are a few factors that you should keep in mind as you budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not surprisingly, the level and length of service will affect your PODS cost. The actual container rental price will depend on the PODS size, quantity, and how long you\u2019ll need the container(s). Additionally, the further away you\u2019re moving, the more you\u2019ll pay in transportation fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Long-distance moving can be an expensive undertaking. A good practice is to start requesting your estimates at least two months in advance if possible. This will help you appropriately budget\u2014and give you enough time to learn some pro tips for using PODS for moving!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Loading a PODS Container for Moving or Storage \u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a big difference between hiring one moving company to handle your entire move and opting for a container moving service. However, since interstate movers can be pricey, renting PODS or a similar container is ideal for many people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, you can have a smooth and cost-effective move when you rent portable moving containers. Here are a few tips that\u2019ll help set you up for a smooth move with PODS:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Start planning at least two months in advance. Begin by obtaining estimates from local moving companies to load and unload your container(s), plus pricing for the container rental and transportation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/moving-checklist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">moving checklist<\/a> to keep you on track and help you keep all the details on your radar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hire a professional packing company to carefully wrap and box up tricky items like delicate glassware, fragile knick-knacks, and heavy books.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Bonus tip: Throughout the move planning process, give yourself a break! Moving can be stressful, so set aside some time to be happy and get excited about starting a new chapter in your life. Make a list of fun things you\u2019ll do in your new area so you have a bunch of things to look forward to once you\u2019re settled in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let the Best Movers in Chicago Load or Unload Your PODS!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting PODS for moving is ideal for many people, especially those moving long distances. And our team loves to load and unload portable storage and containers! If you\u2019re moving to the City of Chicago, we\u2019ll handle the heavy lifting and unload your containers at your new home. And if you\u2019re heading out of town, we\u2019ll be happy to pack up your home and load it into your PODS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact us<\/a> today for more information on how we can help you have a great relocation with PODS!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You have several options when you plan a long-distance move. One of the most important decisions you\u2019ll make is the best way to transport your belongings. For example, will you hire interstate movers, rent a moving truck and drive it yourself, or rent PODS for moving? Renting PODS for moving is a great way for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":785,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,184,6],"tags":[224,8,22,221,222,86],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=783"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1652,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/783\/revisions\/1652"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/785"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.move-tastic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}