PODS Moving & Storage Review: Moving at Your Pace

Company Overview

PODS began operating in 1998 as a portable storage and moving provider built around flexibility and customer control. They focus on giving people an alternative to the fast-paced, full-service model by delivering containers that customers can load on their own schedule before the company handles pickup, transport, and delivery. Their services cater to individuals and families planning local or long-distance moves, as well as homeowners who need temporary or long-term storage during renovations, relocations, or life transitions. With availability across most U.S. states, along with select international markets, they aim to support both straightforward moves and more complex situations that require extended timelines or demand storage options.

Their offerings center on three main areas: portable storage containers in multiple sizes, transportation services for local and cross-country moves, and on-site storage for home projects or business needs. Customers can keep containers at home, at secure storage centers, or have them moved directly to a new address. This model appeals to people who want more control and less time pressure, and it also reduces the need for coordinating moving crews or rushing to meet strict deadlines. Add-on options like moving supplies and connections to third-party labor partners help round out their service without pushing them into traditional full-service territory.

Over the years, PODS has maintained a strong presence in the moving and storage space and is often included in industry rankings for convenience-focused moving solutions. They hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are widely recognized for their flexible approach. Their reputation is shaped by both the convenience of their container system and their ability to serve customers who prefer a more relaxed, self-paced moving experience with fewer surprise costs.

Company’s Features & Solutions

Moving services

• Local moving containers: They deliver a portable moving container to your home, let you load at your pace, and then transport it to your new address. This setup helps people avoid the usual tight timelines that come with traditional moving crews
• Long-distance moving: Their long-distance delivery network covers most U.S. states. After loading your container, they handle the transport through their own logistics system, giving customers clear scheduling and straightforward delivery windows
• City moves and tight-space delivery: Their containers work well in driveways, small lots, short streets, and residential buildings that limit access to large trucks. They coordinate placement for customers dealing with narrow streets, city streets, or dense areas where a moving truck may not fit
• Business and commercial relocations: PODS offers containers for office moves, equipment transfers, and phased relocations for companies that prefer flexible loading schedules and minimal downtime

Portable storage solutions

• On-site residential storage: Customers can keep a container on their property for projects like renovations, cleanouts, or seasonal needs. This eliminates the need to drive back and forth to a storage unit
• Secure PODS storage centers: When on-site storage isn’t possible, containers can be taken to a nearby PODS facility featuring controlled access and monitored security
• Multiple container sizes: They offer 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers built with weather-resistant materials and steel-framed walls to protect belongings from extreme temperatures during both storage and transport. Each container size aims to meet different capacity needs, so customers never feel like they have much stuff left behind

Convenience and flexibility

• Flexible scheduling: Customers can choose container delivery and pickup dates based on their timeline. There is no need to load everything in one day, and containers can be kept for weeks or months if needed
• No-rush loading and unloading: Their model allows customers to pack gradually without the pressure of hourly moving crews or strict deadlines
• Online account management: Customers can request service changes, schedule pickups, and view delivery details through their online portal

Additional support options

• Third-party labor help: While PODS does not send movers, they partner with vetted labor providers through HireAHelper to support packing, loading, and unloading if needed
• Moving supplies and locks: Customers can order boxes, packing kits, and disc locks directly from PODS. These items are delivered to the home before or with the container
• Vehicle relocation (partner service): For long-distance moves, they connect customers with trusted partners who handle car shipping separately from the container transport

Specialty moves

• Military relocations (PCS and personally arranged moves): They support moving needs for service members through flexible scheduling and container-based transport that fits personally procured move (PPM) guidelines
• College student storage and transitions: Their containers serve students who need temporary storage services between semesters or when transferring between campuses
• Home renovation projects: Containers can stay on-site for remodeling, garage cleanouts, or temporary furniture removal

Business and commercial solutions

• Construction and jobsite storage: Contractors can store tools, materials, and equipment in secure containers placed directly at the jobsite
• Retail and inventory overflow: Retailers use containers during store remodels, seasonal peaks, or inventory transitions
• Disaster recovery storage: Businesses and homeowners can request containers for emergency storage needs after storms, floods, or fire damage

Costs, Fees, & Pricing Models

How booking and pricing work

• Request a quote online or by phone: You start by entering your ZIP code and basic details on their website or by calling support. They then give a quote based on container size, move distance, and how long you need the container
• Cost components: Pricing generally includes:
  • Delivery of the container to your location
  • Storage time either on-site or at a PODS center
  • Transport to your new address (for moves)
  • Additional days beyond a basic rental period
• Move distance and storage duration matter: Local moves often cost less because transport is limited. Long-distance moves add linehaul charges based on miles. If you keep a container longer than a standard rental period, daily storage fees apply
• No fixed published rates: They do not show standard prices on the main site. Instead, you get a customized quote, which means pricing varies widely by region, size, and season

What affects your cost

• Container size: Larger containers cost more because they take up more space and weight on a truck
• Delivery and pickup timing: If you need containers delivered or picked up on short notice, you might pay higher fees
• Storage location: On-site storage often has fewer handling fees, while storing at a secure facility may add daily storage costs
• Distance moved: Long-distance moves carry linehaul pricing that increases with miles

Freebies and common upsells

• Included with most moves
  • One delivery of the container to your location
  • A standard rental period for storage
• Common upsells
  • Extended storage time
  • If you need to keep a container weeks or months beyond the standard period, daily storage fees apply
  • Packing supplies
  • Boxes, tape, and moving kits are available but cost extra
  • Third-party labor
  • Hiring help for loading and unloading comes from partner labor services and isn’t included in the base cost
• Financing Options: There is no direct financing plan advertised on their official pages. Based on research done, customers may use third-party credit or financing tools (like credit cards with payment plans), but these are not provided by the company itself

Payment methods

• Accepted payment options typically include
  • Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
  • Debit cards
  • Some customers report using PayPal through online portals, but this can vary by location or portal capabilities
• Cash and checks: These are rarely accepted as standard. If customers use them, it is usually arranged on a case-by-case basis

Fine print, fees, and extra costs to watch for

• Storage-over-day fees: Once the free rental period ends, extra days are charged daily
• Delivery or relocation fees: If containers must be relocated due to scheduling changes, additional charges may apply
• Long-distance mileage costs: These vary significantly based on distance and can increase the final cost
• Access limitations: If access to your property is difficult and requires equipment or special handling, extra fees may apply

Advantages

• Flexible timelines that reduce pressure during the move: Their container-based model gives customers more freedom than traditional movers because loading and unloading can happen over several days or weeks. This flexibility helps people manage a move around work, childcare, or unpredictable schedules without the stress of same-day deadlines
• Multiple container sizes for different home types or unique needs: With three container sizes available, customers can match capacity to their home and avoid paying for more space than they need. This sizing variety makes their service accessible for small apartments, medium homes, and larger moves that would otherwise require multiple truck trips
• Ability to combine moving and storage in one great solution: Customers who need temporary or long-term storage can keep their container on-site or have it taken to a secure PODS facility. This approach removes the need to rent a separate storage unit and transfer belongings twice, making transitions between homes or renovation stages easier to manage
• Wide service coverage for both local and long-distance moves: Their network reaches most U.S. states, which helps customers coordinate moves without switching providers along the way. This consistency is useful for people relocating across regions or planning multi-step moves over longer periods
• On-site access that makes packing and organizing easier: Having the container parked at home allows customers to sort, stage, and pack at their own pace. People managing decluttering, downsizing, or complex household transitions often find it more convenient than loading everything in a single rush

Disadvantages

• Costs that vary greatly by location and season: Because pricing is not standardized, customers may find it difficult to predict costs without requesting a quote. This variation can add uncertainty for people who are budgeting closely or comparing multiple moving companies
• Limited control over pickup and delivery timing: While customers choose their preferred dates, the actual pickup and delivery windows depend on route scheduling. This may create planning challenges for those who need precise timing or have strict building rules about when loading areas can be used
• Not a full-service moving option: Packing, loading, and unloading are not included, and hiring labor partners adds extra cost. This can be a drawback for customers who want a hands-off experience or who are unable to manage loading heavy items themselves
• Space requirements that do not work for every property: Containers need driveway access or a designated placement area, which is not possible in all neighborhoods, rental buildings, or urban streets. Customers in city centers may face restrictions that limit their ability to use the service

Customer Experience

Customer feedback for this provider varies across major platforms, showing a wide range of experiences. On Trustpilot, they currently hold a 4.3 out of 5, reflecting generally positive satisfaction from many users. On Yelp, however, the rating sits much lower at 1.4 out of 5, with customers reporting more critical issues. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) shows a 3.73 out of 5 customer rating and an A+ accreditation, indicating strong compliance and responsiveness despite mixed consumer reviews.

Positive feedback

Many positive reviews highlight how convenient it is to load and unload at a relaxed pace, especially for people juggling work, family responsibilities, or long-distance relocations. Customers also frequently praise the delivery drivers, often noting their skill, careful placement of containers, and courteous behavior. Several users appreciate the simplicity of the process once the container is on-site, calling out that the service helps reduce stress compared to traditional moving crews. Others mention that items arrive intact, communication is clear in many cases, and the container system works well for both short and long distances.

Critical feedback

Negative reviews tend to focus on scheduling problems, such as last-minute cancellations, delayed pickups, and deliveries that arrive later than promised. Customers often mention communication challenges, including difficulty reaching support, inconsistent information from agents, and automated tools that make problem-solving harder. Billing concerns are also common, with some users describing unexpected charges, promotional prices that increase after the first month, or disagreements over grace periods and pickup timelines. Complaints also include issues with transit times, limited visibility into where containers are during long-distance moves, and frustration with policy misunderstandings that lead to extra fees.

Across review platforms, they show a consistent pattern of responding to both positive and negative reviews. Their replies typically acknowledge the customer’s experience, request account details to follow up privately, and offer to resolve billing or scheduling problems. This active engagement suggests that they attempt to address concerns directly rather than ignoring complaints, although the effectiveness of resolutions varies based on reviewer reports.

Customer Support

This company provides several official ways for customers to get help before, during, and after a move. Their support structure includes phone lines, online account access, live chat, a help center with FAQs, and specific contact avenues for business clients.

Direct support channels

• Phone support for general moving and storage: Customers can call their primary support number at (855) 706-4758 for assistance with quotes, scheduling, cancellations, delivery questions, and other service needs. This line connects you with Customer Care during business hours
• Long-distance and specialized inquiries: For moves that are longer than 50 miles or involve specific requirements, this same phone number is used to coordinate logistics details with a specialist
• Business support team: Commercial customers can reach a designated Business Solutions Team at (866) 440-2621 during weekdays to tailor services to organizational or corporate needs
• Live chat and in-platform messaging: When signed in to MyPODS.com, customers can use a live chat or text option for quick responses from support agents. A chat button typically appears in the lower right corner of the site when agents are available
• Email and web contact form: While they do not list a dedicated support email on their main contact page, customers can submit questions through an online contact form on the official site. Media inquiries and accessibility issues have specific email contacts listed for those purposes

Help center and resources

• FAQ libraries: Their online FAQs cover scheduling and delivery questions, changes and cancellations, container preparation, permitted items, and timeline expectations. These resources help customers educate themselves before reaching out for support
• Account management portal: Through MyPODS.com, customers can view their bookings, update delivery and pickup dates, track service windows, and handle routine scheduling changes without needing direct agent assistance
• Cancellation and change policies explained online: Their cancellation policy outlines how to cancel or reschedule orders and what costs might apply if changes are made without adequate notice. This information is available on the official site and clarifies customer obligations and timelines

Responsiveness and accessibility

Support accessibility varies by method. Phone lines are the primary channel for detailed or urgent inquiries, and live chat typically appears during business hours. Third-party community reports suggest that response times can vary and that some customers experience long waits or difficulty connecting with a live agent. Many customers find that using live chat paired with phone support increases the chance of quicker resolution.

Conclusion

This provider stands out for its portable container system, flexible timelines, and the ability to combine moving and storage into one solution. These features give different types of customers — from families planning long-distance moves to homeowners managing renovations — more control over their schedule and less pressure to complete everything in a single day. Their range of container sizes, nationwide availability, and on-site or facility-based storage options offer convenience for people who want a slower, more organized approach to relocating.

Their key advantages revolve around flexibility, multiple container sizes, and the convenience of packing at your own pace. Many customers find that skilled delivery drivers, clear container placement, and the option to manage timelines help reduce stress during complicated transitions. At the same time, reviews point to important drawbacks, such as inconsistent communication, scheduling delays, billing confusion, and price variations that can catch people off guard. These mixed experiences highlight the importance of understanding how the company’s model works, especially for those on tight timelines or strict budgets.

Your final decision depends on whether their container-based system aligns with the way you prefer to move. If you want to explore how other providers compare or need more guidance before choosing the right service, visit our full list of moving company reviews. For side-by-side evaluations, try our comparison tool to see how different companies measure up. And if you want tips on planning your move, navigating logistics, or avoiding common mistakes, explore our collection of educational articles for more helpful insights.