What PODS Does and Who Uses It

PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) is a container delivery service where the company drops a storage container at your location, you load it yourself, and PODS either stores it in a facility or delivers it to a new address. You rent the container by the month, and you control when it arrives and leaves. Unlike a moving company that packs and transports for you, PODS gives you the container and the timeline — you decide what goes in, when, and where it goes next.

People use PODS for several situations: moving to a new home while the old one hasn't sold, storing furniture during a renovation, keeping belongings during a temporary job relocation, or holding items when downsizing. Because you load and unload the container yourself, PODS costs less than full-service movers but requires more physical work from you.

PODS operates in most U.S. states and some Canadian provinces, though availability varies by zip code. You can check whether PODS serves your area on their website before getting pricing.

Key Takeaways

  • PODS charges a monthly rental fee for the container plus a delivery fee each time it moves to a new location, so moving the container multiple times increases total cost.
  • You load and unload the container yourself, which means PODS is cheaper than full-service movers but requires your own labor and equipment.
  • The container stays at your location or in a PODS facility depending on your plan, and you can keep it as long as you pay the monthly fee.
  • PODS does not pack items or load the container, though they do find it and transport it; damage during transport is covered under their liability terms.
  • Availability and pricing vary significantly by location and season, so getting a quote for your specific zip code and dates is the only way to know actual cost.

How Pricing Works: Container Size, Location, and Duration

PODS charges three separate costs: the container rental fee (monthly), the delivery fee (each time the container moves), and optional insurance. The monthly rental varies based on container size, your location, and how long you keep it. A 12-foot container costs less per month than a 16-foot or 20-foot container, but the price difference between locations can be larger than the difference between sizes.

Delivery fees explore when PODS brings the container to you and again when they pick it up or deliver it elsewhere. If you need the container moved to a second location — say, from your old house to a storage facility to your new house — you pay a delivery fee for each leg. This is where PODS can become expensive for multi-step moves.

Most PODS contracts require a minimum rental period, often 30 days. If you need the container for only two weeks, you typically still pay for a full month. Longer contracts (6 months, 12 months) sometimes offer a lower monthly rate, but you are locked into paying for the full term even if you finish early.

Container Sizes and What Fits Inside

PODS offers three standard container sizes: 12-foot, 16-foot, and 20-foot. The 12-foot container holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. The 16-foot fits a two-to-three-bedroom home's furniture and boxes. The 20-foot accommodates a full three-to-four-bedroom house or significant renovation debris.

PODS provides an online calculator where you list items (bed, couch, dining table, boxes) and it estimates which container size you need. This tool is useful for getting a rough sense, but the only way to know for certain is to measure your items or speak with PODS directly. Overestimating the size is safer than underestimating — if your items do not fit, you cannot add a second container mid-rental without paying additional fees.

The container itself is weatherproof and lockable, so items inside are protected from rain and theft. PODS does not climate-control the container, so items sensitive to heat and humidity (electronics, documents, artwork) may be at risk during summer storage in hot climates.

Storage at Your Location Versus PODS Facilities

You have two options for where the container sits: on your property (driveway, yard, parking lot) or at a PODS storage facility. Keeping it on-site means you can access your items anytime without scheduling, but it takes up space and may violate your lease or HOA rules. Some landlords and homeowners associations prohibit storage containers, so check your lease or community rules before booking.

Moving the container to a PODS facility costs a delivery fee, but it frees up your space and removes the visual presence of a large container. Facility storage is useful if you are moving and need to store items for several months while your new home is being prepared. You can retrieve items from the facility during business hours, though you cannot access them as freely as you would on-site.

If you choose facility storage, PODS handles the transport and stacking. Your container is stored indoors or outdoors depending on the facility and your location. Ask PODS whether your specific facility is climate-controlled or outdoor storage — this affects how well your items are protected.

Loading, Unloading, and What PODS Does Not Do

PODS delivers the empty container to your location and leaves it for you to load. They do not pack items, wrap furniture, or load boxes — that work is entirely yours. You have the container for a set number of days (usually 2 to 7 days depending on your contract) to load it. If you need more time, you can request an extension, though this may incur additional fees.

When you are finished loading, you call PODS to pick up the container. They find it, transport it to storage or your new address, and deliver it to the destination. During transport, PODS is responsible for the container and its contents. Their liability policy covers damage caused by PODS' negligence or accidents, but it typically has limits and exclusions — read the terms carefully before signing.

If you need help loading or unloading, you must hire movers separately or ask friends and family. Some PODS locations partner with local moving companies that offer loading services for an additional fee, but this is not a standard PODS offering.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

PODS includes basic liability coverage in their standard contract, which means they are responsible if their equipment or handling damages your items. However, this coverage has limits and does not cover everything. Fragile items, high-value goods, and items damaged by weather or pests may not be fully covered.

PODS offers optional additional insurance that you can purchase for a monthly fee. This coverage is broader and has higher limits, making it worthwhile if you are storing valuable items, electronics, or antiques. Review the specific coverage details before choosing — some items (cash, jewelry, artwork) may have sub-limits even with additional insurance.

Your homeowners or renters insurance may also cover items in storage, depending on your policy. Contact your insurance company before renting a PODS container to understand what is and is not covered under your existing policy.

Comparing PODS to Other Moving and Storage Options

PODS is one of several portable storage companies; competitors include U-Pack, CoolBox, and Zippy Shell. Each has different pricing, container sizes, and service areas. PODS is the largest and most widely available, which means more locations and more frequent delivery schedules, but not necessarily the lowest price.

Full-service moving companies pack, load, transport, and unload for you — they cost more but require almost no work from you. Self-storage facilities (like Public Storage or CubeSmart) rent you a climate-controlled or outdoor unit that stays in one place; you transport items yourself and access them on your schedule. PODS sits between these two: cheaper than movers, more convenient than self-storage for multi-location moves, but more work than either.

If you are moving once and storing items in one place, a traditional self-storage unit may be cheaper. If you are moving to a new city and need items transported, PODS or a full-service mover makes more sense. If you are renovating and need temporary storage on-site, PODS is often the most practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access my items while they are in storage?

If the container is on your property, yes — anytime. If it is at a PODS facility, you can retrieve items during facility business hours, but you need to schedule a time with PODS. You cannot access items stored at a facility after hours or on weekends unless the facility is open.

What happens if I need the container longer than my contract?

You can extend your rental by calling PODS and paying an additional monthly fee. Extensions are usually month-to-month after the initial contract ends, so you have flexibility to keep the container as long as you need it.

Does PODS move the container if I change my mind about the destination?

Yes, but you pay a delivery fee for the new route. If you originally planned to move the container from your house to a storage facility but then decide to move it to a new address instead, PODS can do that — you just pay the delivery cost for the revised route.

What if my driveway or property cannot fit a PODS container?

PODS containers are large (12 to 20 feet long) and require a flat, stable surface. If your driveway is too narrow, sloped, or unpaved, PODS may not be able to deliver safely. Contact PODS with photos or measurements of your space — they can tell you whether delivery is possible before you book.

Is there a penalty if I cancel my PODS contract early?

Most PODS contracts require you to pay for the full minimum rental period (usually 30 days) even if you cancel early. Some promotions or regional offers may waive this, so ask PODS about their cancellation policy for your specific quote before signing.