The Pros and Cons of Moving Pods

When choosing a moving method, you have many options, including the increasingly popular moving pods. Moving pods are portable storage containers, which can be rented and utilized either to store your belongings for a period of time, or to move your belongings to another location (be it a new home or a storage unit).

However, there are many pros and cons of moving pods that should be considered in deciding whether this is the right method for you.

Pros of Using Moving Pods

• You can have the pod sitting outside your home as you pack at your own rate. If you need additional time, you can simply pay for extra days.
• Pods are typically cheaper than using a full-service moving company.
• They are good for temporary storage – e.g. you can utilize a pod while you remodel a portion of your home.
• If you need to move out of your first location prior to being able to move into your second location, you can have your pod stored until you are ready to move in.
• You can drive your own car to your destination, without the worry of driving a large truck.

Cons of Using Moving Pods

• You can’t get to your stuff easily – unlike a storage unit.
• Your apartment may have restrictions on whether these pods are allowed in your complex.
• Pods are typically more expensive than renting a U-Haul (or other truck rental service) and moving yourself.
• You may need a parking permit to have these pods on the street.
• You need to have a parking spot, yard and/or driveway in both locations.
• You have no control over arrival time and conditions.
• Many pod companies will not give you a total on your bill prior to your rental, due to the fact that the rental time isn’t definite.  Because of this, many people have complained of surprise charges, including extra charges for additional time (when it was not within your control that the pod arrived late.)
• Most of the pod companies are franchised, meaning that you can have a completely different experience than another person, depending on the location that services your move.
• You cannot always get a straight answer as to the location of your pod, making it difficult to plan for arrival time and moving help.
• Unlike a full-service moving company, you still have to hire and/or find moving help to move in and out of the pod.
• Neighbors often complain about the aesthetic of the pods sitting in front of your home.

In order to decide which moving method is right for you, weigh the pros and cons of each choice.  For one person, a pod may be the right decision.  For another person, moving in the back of a pick-up truck or a rented truck may be the right choice.

No matter your choice of moving method, call around to different providers to ensure you are getting the best rate for the best service.  For the pod moving method, there are many providers, including (but not limited to): PODS (Portable On Demand Storage), UPack and SAM.