How Does a Moving Container Service Work? A Guide to Moving With PODS

So, "how does a moving container service work?”  It’s actually pretty simple! PODS delivers a portable container right to your driveway. You load it on your own schedule, then have it transported to your next destination. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, PODS gives you the flexibility to move at your own pace. And if there’s a gap between homes, you can store your belongings in a secure PODS Storage Center for as long as you need. Container moving and storage in one? Now that’s a flexible way to shorten your to-do list.

Choose Your Container and Schedule

First things first: Get your quote and choose the container size (or sizes) that make the most sense for your stuff. Depending on your move, you can even mix and match container sizes to help get the fit just right. Keep in mind that the 12-foot container is available for local moves only, while the 8- and 16-foot containers are available for both local and cross-country moves.

Not totally sure how many containers you’ll need? No sweat. You can stagger your deliveries instead of trying to nail down the perfect number right out of the gate. And if you realize you ordered more containers than you need, no problem. Just call (855) 706-4758 by 4 p.m. local time, at least three days before your container is scheduled to be delivered, to cancel part of your order at no cost.

Load Your Container at Your Own Pace

PODS drops off the container to you, allowing you to pack and load at your convenience. Thirty days of storage is built into the cost of every move, so you can take your time loading everything up just the way you want it.

Unlike full-service moving, you aren’t required to coordinate your entire move around a crew’s loading schedule. Plus, if you don’t want to do the heavy lifting yourself, PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. PODS can also refer you to vehicle transport services if you need help transporting your car.

So, how does a moving container service work? A container is delivered to your driveway and you load it up. Then have it delivered to your new home or keep it in a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it.

Where Does Your Container Go?

Once your container is loaded, PODS picks it up — but you have options about where it’s delivered.

Keep It at Home or Store It

You can have your container delivered to your new home if you already know where you’re settling. If you need more time, have it transported to a secure PODS Storage Center. When you’re ready, PODS can deliver it to your new home.

This is especially useful if you haven’t found your next home yet. Rather than loading everything up, placing it all in a storage unit, and then loading it all back up when you’ve found your home, you only have to move everything once.

How Does PODS Handle City Moves?

Moving in a dense urban area can create challenges when there’s little or no room for a container. That’s where PODS City Service comes in.

With this service, the container stays on a specialized PODS truck rather than being placed in your driveway. A PODS driver remains with the container while you load or unload using the truck’s hydraulic lift — no driveway necessary, no navigating busy streets with a big moving truck.

Moving from the suburbs to the city or vice versa? City Service can also be combined with standard PODS service. For example, you can load a container at your suburban home, have it transported, and then use City Service to unload once you’re in the city.

How Does a Moving Container Service Work for Complicated Moves?

A shipping container moving service may sound similar to PODS, but PODS is designed around portable moving and storage rather than simply transporting a container from point A to point B. With PODS, you control the packing and loading schedule. You can be connected with assistance — but only when you need it.

If your next home isn’t decided, your belongings can go to a PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for delivery. If you’re unsure about the number of containers, you can stagger deliveries and cancel unneeded containers within PODS’ cancellation requirements.

This flexibility makes a portable storage and moving container useful for moves involving home sales, temporary housing, renovations, delayed closings, or other changing circumstances.

How PODS Helps With Moving Container Services

PODS combines transportation, storage, and flexible scheduling into one solution — so a complicated move doesn't have to fit into a single, rigid timeline. Where a traditional container placement isn't practical, PODS City Service offers another way to load and unload.

How Does a Moving Container Service Work? — FAQs

Q: How do shipping containers work for moving?
A: A moving container is delivered to your location so you can load your belongings inside. The container is then picked up and transported to your new home or a storage facility. With PODS, you handle loading and unloading on your schedule while PODS handles transportation.

Q: What items can't go in a moving container?
A: PODS prohibits items such as hazardous materials, flammable or toxic substances, perishables, and other restricted goods — the same categories you'd want to avoid in a storage unit. Check your rental agreement for the complete list before loading your container.

Q: How long can you keep a PODS moving container?
A: You can keep a PODS container at your property or have it stored at a PODS Storage Center for as long as you need, subject to applicable rental terms and availability. Thirty days is included in the cost of every move.

Q: Do I have to load and unload a PODS container on the same day?
A: No. One of the benefits of PODS is that you can load and unload on your own schedule rather than working around a traditional moving crew’s fixed timeline. Depending on your service, you can take the time you need to complete each stage of the move, with storage options available when you need more time. 

Take the pressure off with flexible container moving and storage that lets you set the pace for your own move without feeling rushed.

Move on Your Own Timeline With PODS

Give your move flexibility with PODS portable moving containers — delivered to your driveway, loaded on your schedule, and taken to your new home or a secure PODS Storage Center when you’re ready. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading assistance. Once you’re ready, have your container picked up and delivered to your new home, or keep it at a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}