PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube: Which Offers the Most Benefits?

PODS transformed the moving market when its portable storage container was released, but with that came competition — including the ReloCube from U-Pack. With over 25 years of experience and six million moves, PODS has quite a solid reputation for being an efficient and reputable provider of moving and storage containers. U-Pack has built quite a name for itself in the moving industry, too, though. So, which is better? Well, it depends. Our guide is here to take you through the basics of PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube so you’re able to make the best decision for your unique move.

PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube

While U-Pack also offers freight trailer moving services, for this article we’ll be comparing the containerized moving: PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube.

Here’s what we’ll explore in this side-by-side comparison:

• Containers
• Storage options
• Moving options
• Flexibility
• Other services
  
  
  • Packing and loading assistance
  • Car shipping referrals
  • Corporate relocations
  • PODZILLA

PODS moving and storage containers offer roll-up doors that make it easy to access your belongings with little clearance outside.

PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube: Containers

When it comes to moving and storing your stuff, having options is key. From deciding what to pack first to hauling it all away, the containers from PODS and U-Pack ensure you’ve got plenty of choices.

How Much Clearance Do You Need?

PODS moving and storage containers offer roll-up doors that make it easy to access your belongings with little clearance outside, but they sacrifice some space on the inside of the container. U-Pack containers have barn-style doors that require clearance outside the container to swing open, but you gain back space inside the container. Now, what about container sizes?

PODS Container Sizes

• 8-foot option
• 12-foot option (local moving and storage only)
• 16-foot option

U-Pack ReloCube Sizes

• 6-foot option

If you have a lot of belongings to move, remember that it would take 3 U-Pack ReloCubes to reach the capacity of just one of the 16-foot portable storage units PODS offers. Even the 8-foot container from PODS is approximately 15 percent bigger than the option from U-Pack, which gives you the perfect amount of space if you aren’t moving as much. 

PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube: Storage Options

Both PODS and U-Pack allow you to keep your container on your property or in a storage facility, but there are a few key differences between them:

PODS Storage Options

• One month of storage is built into the cost of every PODS move, allowing plenty of time to load and unload during your move.
• Have a PODS storage container delivered right to your driveway, then have it picked up and delivered to your new home.
• You can store your container on-site at your home for easy access or in one of the 240+ secure PODS Storage Centers.
• Containers stored at PODS storage facilities can be accessed, but you have to schedule your visit at least 24 hours advance.

U-Pack Storage Options

• Storage is optional when you use U-Pack for a long-distance move.
• You have up to three business days to load and three business days to unload the ReloCube.
• U-Pack offers door-to-door delivery, or you can save money by loading and/or unloading your ReloCube at a local U-Pack Service Center.
• U-Pack doesn’t currently offer on-site storage at your home, but you can store your items in a secure service center.
• You won’t have access to your items until they’re delivered to your new home.

PODS offers both local and long-distance moving options, while U-Pack only specializes in long-distance moves.

PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube: Moving Options

PODS has container options available for both local and long-distance moves, while U-Pack only specializes in long-distance moves. Plus, there are the container size options we discussed earlier. Here’s a quick rundown:

PODS Moving Options

• Three container sizes are available for local moves: 8 ft.,12 ft., and 16 ft.
• Two container sizes are available for long-distance moves: 8 ft. and 16 ft.
• Both local and long-distance moves are available.

U-Pack Moving Options

• One container size is available for all moves: 6 ft.
• Long-distance moves are available.

PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube: Flexible Moving and Storage Options

When you move with a container from PODS, your first month of storage is already built into the cost of your move, with the option of keeping the container on your property or in a secure PODS storage facility. If you need more time, you can pay for additional storage on a monthly basis. If you’re using more than one container, you can have the deliveries staggered and can even cancel extra containers if you realize you don’t need them. Just provide at least three working days notice for a full refund.

Storage is an optional add-on when you move long-distance with U-Pack and is billed on a 30-day cycle. You get up to three business days to load and three business days to unload your container once it’s dropped off. The ReloCube container will be picked up and either dropped off at your new home or at a storage facility. If you choose to store your ReloCube at a secure U-Pack Storage Center, you won’t be able to access your belongings until you have the container delivered to your home. U-Pack also offers flexible cancellation options with $0 fee for cancellations more than 7 days from your move date.

If you need vehicle transportation services, PODS can refer you to car shipping pros — giving you one less thing to worry about during your move.

PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube: Other Services

Packing and Loading Assistance

Although PODS doesn’t offer packing and loading, they can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Not only can hiring help make the overall process go a lot more smoothly, but it can also help you fully maximize the space in your container. Moving professionals know PODS moving and storage containers inside and out — and they can help you make the most of your container rental while ensuring your belongings are secure.

U-Pack offers something similar and can refer you to HireAHelper for help with loading and unloading your container.

Car Shipping

You can’t transport motorcycles, lawn mowers, or other vehicles in a PODS container, but PODS can refer you to car shipping pros to take care of those items. Acertus and Mr. Car Shipper are the two car shipping providers preferred by PODS. They’ll help you choose your vehicle pickup location, and all you have to do is hand over the keys and wait for your vehicle to be safely delivered to your new home.

While U-Pack will transport smaller motorized vehicles like motorcycles and ATVs, car shipping is not available. Similar to PODS, U-Pack refers customers to Mr. Car Shipper for vehicle transport during long-distance moves.

Corporate Relocations

PODS can even handle all of the logistics of a corporate relocation. With facilities across 44 states and Washington, D.C., you can rest assured that your employees will be relocated with the utmost care and efficiency. For over two decades, the team of experts at PODS has been handling employee moves in the U.S.

U-Pack mentions job relocation moving services on its website as an option for those who are moving for a job and have been offered a lump sum relocation package by their employer.

PODZILLA

PODZILLA — the level-lift system exclusive to PODS — allows the delivery driver to place your container in your driveway easily. You’ll need a flat area the size of roughly two parking spaces, and a height clearance of at least 15 feet.

ReloCube containers are transported on a flat bed truck and moved on or off the truck with a forklift. ReloCube containers must be placed on a solid, level surface and cannot be placed on grass.

PODS offers a flexible and convenient moving schedule, multiple container sizes, and both local and long-distance moving services.

PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube: Final Thoughts

The affordability of U-Pack may be an eye-catcher, but it differs from PODS in some aspects — one container size, shorter packing and loading times, and exclusivity to long-distance moves. PODS offers a flexible and convenient moving schedule, multiple container sizes, and both local and long-distance moving options. Plus, one month of storage is built into the cost of every move, and you’ll have a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway. Need help with the heavy lifting? No problem. PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance.

Still debating between PODS vs. U-Pack ReloCube? Start by visiting PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.