PODS vs. Moving Company: A Guide to the Best Options for Relocating

The time has finally come — you’re ready to pack up and head off to your next adventure. But first, the big question: How are you going to move all your stuff? All the moving hacks in the world can’t help you figure out which type of moving service will be best for your move, but we can. Two of the most popular options include PODS vs. moving company services. The best choice really comes down to your unique situation, including how far you’re moving, how many belongings you have, and your budget.

Each option has its perks, but they also come with trade-offs. That’s why our guide is here to break it all down for you: What it’s like to hire a moving company, what it’s like to move with PODS, and how to figure out which solution is best for your move.

After you pack up your home, a full-service moving company takes care of loading the truck and transporting all of your belongings to your new home.

Hiring a Moving Company: How It Works

Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, a moving company can help simplify the process. It’s the perfect approach if you’re looking for something hands-off. A full-service moving company offers a full range of moving services, including:

• Packing and loading your belongings
• Disassembling and reassembling furniture
• Driving from your old home to your new one

Some companies can cover an entire cross-country move, while others may only cover local ones. For pricing, you’ll either be charged a flat rate up-front or by the hour. You might prefer a flat rate so you’re aware of the entire cost ahead of time, but paying hourly might work in your favor if you don’t own a lot of items or you live in a smaller space.

Deciding to Hire a Moving Professional

Before you hire a professional, make sure that you thoroughly research the company to avoid potential scams. There are plenty of factors to consider when making your decision, like:

• Online reviews
• The company’s overall reputation
• Licensing and insurance
• Services offered

Before you start your search, be sure to check out trusted platforms, like Trustpilot and BBB, for online reviews and credentials. If you’re using an interstate mover, verify the company’s registration with this tool from the Department of Transportation. Get multiple quotes to compare, and be sure their services match all your needs.

Packing Materials Are Taken Care Of

You don't need to waste time and money buying boxes, wrapping paper, and bubble cushioning rolls when you have a full-service moving company. They’ll provide all the supplies, plus shipping materials, like blankets and padding.

Furniture Is Protected

A full-service moving company will make sure that all of your heavy furniture is intact when it is transported to its destination. They can also provide partial or full disassembly of the furniture as needed.

Your Belongings are Loaded Onto the Truck & Transported Safely

After you have packed up your home, a full-service moving company will safely load and transport all of your items, including your appliances. They will also unload the truck once you arrive at your new home. Remember, hiring a full-service moving company may never be the cheapest option, but it’s great if you want to let someone else take care of all the logistics of your move while you focus on settling in.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Moving Company

Hiring a moving company can help ease some of your moving stress and help you feel confident that your belongings will be treated with care when you choose a quality company. However, nothing is perfect. Here are the biggest pros and cons to consider.

Pros of Hiring a Moving Company

• Quality Packing Services: Rather than trying to do it on your own, hiring a moving company to handle the packing process will save you time and a lot of headaches — especially if you’re moving specialty items, like a piano or pool table.
• Don’t Worry About Driving: It's crucial to take into account the time of year you’re moving and the route you have to travel. Hiring a professional moving company means they’ll worry about the driving and any difficulties that arise.
• Companies Come With Insurance: Moving professionals mean insurance. f any items get damaged during the move or if anyone is hurt on the job, the company’s business coverage will take care of it.

Cons of Hiring a Moving Company

• Higher Costs: You definitely pay for the convenience of a full-service moving company, so it might not be a great option for anyone on a budget.
• Tight Schedules: Some companies only operate on a certain schedule and may not be able to accommodate your requirements. You will need to coordinate with the moving company to ensure that their schedule coincides with your preferred time frame.
• Reputability: Skimping on research for a full-service moving company can mean trouble. It can be avoided with thorough research and lots of verification, though.

PODS uses PODZILLA — a state-of-the-art level-lift system — to keep your moving container (and your belongings) level while being moved on or off the truck.

Renting a PODS Moving Container: How It Works

Now, how does PODS work? Rather than worrying about moving all of your items in one day, PODS gives you an entire month to get it all done — or more if you need it! Just like with full-service movers, you don’t have to worry about driving a big truck across town. And you might just save money on your move. Here’s how the process works.

Get Your Quote & Book Your Container

The first step in the PODS moving process is getting the right size container. Choose between three container sizes: 8-foot and 16-foot for local and long-distance moves, and 12-foot containers for local moves. Plus, you can rent multiple containers and have their deliveries staggered so there’s never more than one container on your property at a time.

Have Your Container Delivered & Picked Up With the Help of PODZILLA

Next, have your container delivered to your apartment complex or driveway, where you’ll have a full 30 days to pack and load on your own schedule. Once you’re ready, schedule a pick-up and have it delivered either to your new home or to a secure PODS Storage Center.

With PODZILLA, you can rest easy knowing your belongings will stay safe. This level-lift system moves your container on and off the PODS truck while keeping everything balanced, meaning minimal shifting and sliding around the container. All you have to do is provide the necessary clearance: A path the length of two parking spaces and a 15-foot height clearance.

Pros and Cons of Renting PODS Moving Containers

PODS can help alleviate some moving stress, but nothing is perfect. Here are some of the pros and cons to be aware of.

Pros of Renting a PODS Container

• Complete Flexibility: Having a moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway allows you to pack and load on your own schedule, at your own pace.
• No Worries About Driving: With container drop-off and pick-up, you can rest easy knowing you don’t have to worry about driving a big truck across town or between states.
• Temporary Storage: Your PODS container serves as a safe storage solution throughout your move, plus it keeps all those boxes at bay.
• Packing & Loading Assistance: Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services.

Cons of Renting a PODS Container

• Space Requirements: You’ll need to ensure a suitable spot at your place so the container can be delivered and picked up.
• Not Available Everywhere (Yet): PODS isn’t available in every single state, including Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
• DIY Limits: If you’re not into heavy lifting or packing puzzles, the “do-it-yourself” side of a PODS move can feel like more of a workout than a convenience — especially when placed side-by-side with full-service movers.

Between PODS and a full-service moving company, PODS is likely the cheaper option — especially when you factor in discounts.

PODS vs. Moving Company: Moving Costs

How much does PODS moving cost? Between PODS and a full-service moving company, PODS is likely the cheaper option — especially when you factor in discounts — but don’t just take our word for it. Check out the cost of PODS vs. moving company costs.

PODS vs. Moving Company Cost Estimates (>500 Miles)*

PODS vs. Moving Company Cost Estimates (<500 Miles)*

*Based on estimates from PODS and MoveBuddha for a 2-3 bedroom household (800-1,200 sf) as of September 2025. Costs don’t include insurance or taxes. Prices will vary based on specific locations, dates, size of household to be moved, and available discounts. For a detailed quote, call PODS at 877-350-7637.

PODS vs. Moving Company: The Wrap-Up

Whether you’re moving long-distance or just have to move on a time crunch, there are plenty of reasons why a full-service moving company is the way to go. If you’d rather save some money and have more flexibility and control, then PODS just might be the better option.

With PODS, you’ll get flexible moving and storage options that fit your needs. Have a PODS container delivered right to your driveway for convenient loading and unloading. One month of storage is built into the cost of every PODS move, so you can pack and load on your own schedule. Once you’re ready, have the container picked up and delivered to your new home or to a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it.

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