How to Pack a PODS Container: 18 Dos and Don’ts for Portable Storage Containers

Whether you’re spring cleaning or moving apartments, you’re going to be reminded about just how much stuff you own. Accumulating furniture, clothing, and various odds and ends that somehow simultaneously have no place and can’t be parted with is one of the great conundrums of the human experience. But gloriously, that’s why portable storage containers exist. And better yet, that’s why we’ve made this guide for how to pack a PODS container to take all the guesswork out of the process. 

Regardless of if you need a temporary or long-term place to stash your things, PODS offers a variety of storage options to fit any situation. Want to store things close by for easy access? Keep your container right in your driveway. Need things out of the way for a while? Keep your container in a secure PODS Storage Center. Looking for storage that moves with you? Check that off the list, too! Whatever your storage needs, PODS has you covered.

How To Pack a PODS Container: 18 Dos and Don’ts  

All you need to know are a few tips for packing a PODS container: basics about what can be stored in the containers, what the PODS prohibited items are, and how to get the most out of portable storage. So without further ado, here are 18 dos and don’ts for using portable storage containers.

1. Do Plan Ahead

Whether it’s making use of clever packing hacks for moving or reserving your portable storage containers far enough in advance, it’s important to have a plan in place from the get-go. When you take the time to consider potential issues that might arise, it allows you to handle problems more easily (or avoid them altogether).

2. Don’t Go In Blind

3. Do Get an Appropriately Sized Container

Choosing a storage unit is a real Goldilocks situation: You want to pick the one that’s just right. While it may be tempting to save some money, using a moving container size that’s too small will ultimately lead to frustration — either trying to squeeze your belongings in or having to size up in the end. Similarly, going for one that’s unnecessarily spacious is money you don’t need to spend, and extra space can actually make it harder to keep your breakables safe and secure.

4. Don’t Have Your Container Delivered Just Anywhere

When having a PODS container delivered to you, be sure to speak with the driver before or upon arrival, so you know where they can place it (newly paved driveways or uneven surfaces are a no-go) and can decide which direction you’d like the door facing. Communicating with the driver ensures the container isn’t left blocking your car from the garage or inconveniently stationed too far from the door you’ll be bringing items out of — or any other unfortunate scenario.

And how long can you keep a PODS container in your driveway? A PODS container rental has a month of storage built in, but you’re welcome to extend that rental time period, if necessary. That’s one of the benefits of working with PODS: flexibility. 

5. Do Communicate With Your Building Management

If you live in an apartment complex, save yourself a headache by giving your landlord or management company a heads-up that you’ll be using a portable storage container. Whether someone has to let the driver onto the premises or you need permission to leave your portable storage container in a particular place, you’ll want to make sure both you and your building management have the discussion before the container arrives.

Are PODS containers waterproof? While containers are weather-resistant, it’s best to pick a sunny day for loading up your portable storage containers. Moisture that collects on the outside of your packages can seep through boxes and lead to mildew or rot later. No thanks!

6. Don’t Load Items While It’s Raining 

No one wants to move in the rain, and when it comes to how to pack a PODS container to store things away for weeks or months on end, you really don’t want to. Moisture that collects on the outside of your packages can seep through boxes and lead to mildew or rot — the last thing you want to find when you eventually pull things out of storage.

7. Do Put the Heaviest Boxes on the Bottom

This is packing 101 but still important to remember! Think of packing a PODS storage container like bagging groceries: You don’t want bread or eggs on the bottom of the bag, the same way you don’t want fragile goods or breakables below heavy book boxes or pieces of furniture. Not only does packing a unit from most to least dense save your teacups from turning into powder, it also helps you to make the most of your storage space. 

Also, when deciding where to put what in portable storage containers, try to strategically place items you may need to access close to the entrance of the container. That way, you can easily get those things from storage without having to dig through everything else first.

8. Don’t Put All the Heavy Things on One Side

The key words here are weight distribution. You want to pack your PODS container in layers, so the weight is spread evenly throughout. Start with heavy items on the bottom in the back of the container, then stack lighter items, followed by the lightest items at the top. Rinse and repeat for the middle and front of the container. Otherwise, when the container is picked up and relocated to your new home or a storage facility, heavy boxes in one section of the container could shift and smoosh lightweight boxes in another.

9. Do Secure Your Belongings

Another well-known but important tip when it comes to how to pack a PODS container: Secure your belongings! Wrap your breakables in bubble cushioning roll before loading them into boxes and use furniture pads to protect larger pieces. After you’ve loaded the first “wall” of items, secure it to the container with loading straps, bungee cords, or rope before continuing to load. This will help keep everything in place in transit.

How to pack a PODS container 101: Check your boxes twice for any perishables or plants — these shouldn’t be kept in a storage container.  

10. Don't Store Perishables

Don’t forget your lunch in your storage container! We kid, we kid. But seriously. Can you think of anything less pleasing than opening the door to the smell of rotten food? Even for canned goods or other shelf-stable products that last for a long time, you’re better off using or donating them than storing them. Also, don’t leave any plants or other living things in the container — they're not known to do well without sunlight or water.

11. Do Keep Important Papers and Irreplaceable Heirlooms With You at Home

Are PODS containers safe for moving? Yes! However, while important papers and family heirlooms that you’re not quite sure what to do with may seem like the perfect items to store away, you’re better off keeping them with you. Some sensitive pieces, like vintage works of art, may require climate-controlled storage (which is not available with PODS containers). And when it comes to highly valuable and irreplaceable keepsakes, it’s best to find a place to display them at home or pass them on to another family member who will have more use for them. 

12. Don't Use Storage as Your Trash Bin

At the tail end of a decluttering effort, you may lose steam and want to just bag everything up and throw it in the closet. But what good would that really do? Though portable storage containers are incredibly useful for both short-term storage and long-term storage, be wary of using them as a catch-all closet where you stash things that you could actually just toss, gift, or donate.

PODS containers are designed to be weather-resistant, but if you’re storing anything sensitive to extreme temperatures, you may want to opt for climate-controlled storage.

13. Do Use Climate-Controlled Storage for Certain Items

And for most things that people store, it isn’t an issue. But if you’re storing items that are sensitive to high heat or humidity — such as a rare book collection, vinyl records, musical instruments, and artwork (like mentioned earlier) — climate-controlled storage is the move. 

14. Don't Pay for Climate-Controlled Storage if You Don't Need It

Likewise, if you’re not storing anything that is susceptible to warping, mildew, or other reactions to extreme temperatures, there’s no need to spring for climate-controlled storage. Similar to choosing the right-sized unit, only pay for what you need. If you’re wondering “Are PODS containers climate-controlled?” the answer is no. Are PODS containers waterproof, though? Even without climate control, the steel-framed containers are designed to be weather-resistant.

15. Do Get Contents Protection for Your Stored Items

Access to PODS Storage Centers is only available by appointment, and they are locked overnight. However, it’s always wise to ensure your valuables are insured, especially when they’re not on your person. If you have homeowners insurance, check with your provider to see what may already be included in the off-premises personal belongings coverage. If those particular valuables aren’t included, find out if paying for contents protection makes sense for you.

16. Don't Store Hazardous or Dangerous Items

As mentioned earlier, perishables, important documents, and heirlooms are some examples of what not to put in a storage container. But it’s also important to avoid anything that may cause harm to your other belongings, people handling the storage container, or the container itself. PODS prohibited items include toxic chemicals, large batteries (think: electric bikes, power tools), equipment that may have gasoline, or illicit goods. If you’re not sure if something belongs in storage, consult the PODS FAQs page or your storage rental agreement. You can also reach out to PODS directly by calling (855) 706-4758. 

What Is Not Allowed in Storage?

• Perishables
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals
• Lawn mowers
• Motorized vehicles
• Family heirlooms or irreplaceable artifacts

What Is an Example of Improper Storage?

The biggest example of improper storage is placing prohibited items in your storage container (see above). Loading your container incorrectly is another big one — stacking heavy items on top of light ones, not securing your things, and failing to distribute the weight evenly throughout the unit can lead to damage or overall instability.

Be sure to label all of your boxes for easy unpacking down the road — an overlooked but crucial tip for how to pack a PODS container. 

17. Do Make a Record of What You're Storing

Clearly label any boxes and containers and keep a concise list of what you’re storing as you load it into your container. This tip for how to pack a PODS container will help you avoid pointless trips to the storage center when that winter coat or Halloween costume was in the back of the guest closet all along. This is especially important if you plan to use multiple portable storage containers.

18. Don't Forget to Lock Your Storage Container

Are PODS containers secure? Yes, but only if you lock them. Whether you're keeping your container on site in your driveway or at a PODS Storage Center, you want to make sure it's secured and locked with a good disc lock. Don't give anyone the key (or a copy of the key), and be sure to put it somewhere you can find it later. No matter how safe your neighborhood is — don't risk it, disc it (disc lock it, that is).

TL;DR: How To Pack a PODS Container Like a Pro

Now that we’ve covered all the basics for how to pack a PODS container, you’re off to the races for a less stressful move. Here’s a recap of the dos and don’ts for easy reference — you might want to screenshot this part for moving day: 

Do:

Storage Units and Storage Containers — FAQs

Now that you know the dos and don’ts of storage, you’re officially ready to free up some space in your home. Still have some questions? Check out these answers to frequently asked storage questions.

Q: How do you pack a storage container?
A: It’s best to start by loading heavy, sturdy items first, like desks and tables. From there, you can work your way up by strategically placing items and making sure the weight is as evenly distributed as possible. Remember that heavier things should be stacked at the bottom, with lighter things at the top. 

Q: How do you pack a storage box for moving?
A: For individual boxes, be sure to have packing paper (newspaper works perfectly), packing tape, and a permanent marker on hand. From there, you pack the same way you’d pack your storage container. Make a solid base with heavier items, and then stack lighter from there. Remember to not overload your boxes, though. You still have to be able to pick them up (without everything falling out!).

Q: How to pack a shipping container with household goods?
A: Storage packing, or packing up your household goods for long-term storage, is a whole different beast than packing, say, a suitcase for vacation. Here are a few tips: 

• Packing clothes: Rather than using vacuum-sealed bags to save on space, when packing clothes for storage, it’s best to launder them, fold them regularly to maintain the integrity of their fit, and stash them in plastic bins.
• Packing fragile items: When packing storage boxes full of china, be sure to wrap each piece individually with packing paper or newspaper, and then stack them by size, so they fit snugly in their box — that will help keep them safe when moving them into and out of storage.
• Packing electronics: As for packing electronics, pack them up in their original boxes if you can, with all their cords in one place, being sure to take the batteries out and opting for climate-controlled storage, if needed.

Q: What shouldn’t you put in a storage unit?
A: Wondering what not to store in storage? PODS prohibited items include perishable, living, or hazardous materials, such as:

• Food
• Plants
• Toxic chemicals
• Lawn mowers
• Illegal items

When thinking about how to pack a PODS container, you should also avoid storing extremely rare or valuable items in a unit. If you do, be sure to opt for a climate-controlled storage facility and obtain storage insurance.

Q: What can you not put in a shipping container?
A: Just like a storage unit, you cannot put hazardous materials in a shipping container. You should also avoid putting items such as perishables, antiques, family heirlooms, and important documents (e.g., birth certificates or house deeds).

Q: Will my stuff get ruined in storage?
A: If packed and loaded correctly, your belongings will not get ruined in storage. Be sure not to load your storage unit in the rain or otherwise let moisture accumulate on your items when loading them, otherwise they may mildew, rot, or warp. 

Q: Can you put electronics in a PODS container?
A: Yes, you can put your electronics in a PODS portable storage container. If you’re using it for long-term storage or during extreme weather, though, you may want to opt for climate-controlled storage instead, as some electronics are affected by extreme heat or cold. Snap a photo of the connections and pack it with your electronics to save yourself a headache down the line. Remove any batteries and unplug any cords before storing. Whether you’re using the container for short- or long-term storage, the best way to pack up your electronics is by placing them back in their original boxes. 

Q: Can you pack cleaning products in a PODS container?
A: While you can pack most household goods in your PODS storage container, stashing cleaning products may not be the best idea. PODS prohibited items include hazardous or toxic chemicals, so you should not pack bleach or ammonia in your storage container. You can absolutely stash your brooms or mops in there, though! 

Q: How do you wrap furniture for a PODS container?
A: When prepping your furniture for a move, cover items in moving blankets and use stretch wrap to secure them in place. You can also use stretch wrap to protect soft furniture (like fabric couches) without using moving blankets. Place each mattress in a mattress protector, and pack appliances in cardboard boxes (if you have the original boxes, even better).  

Q: How long does portable storage last?
A: In other words, how long can you keep a PODS container in your driveway? If the driveway is part of your property, you can rent it for as long as you need. If you live in an apartment, though, or the driveway is shared, you’ll need to check with your neighbors or management company. PODS storage container rentals include a month of storage (on-site or in a storage center), but you can continue to rent the container on a monthly basis for as long as you need.

Q: Is PODS more expensive than storage?
A: Storage costs vary from one storage facility to the next, but you can get a personalized quote online or call (855) 706-4758. One of the main perks of renting a PODS container is that you don’t have to also rent a truck to cart all of your things to a storage facility (an additional expense). Your PODS container is delivered to your driveway for convenient packing and loading, then picked up and taken to a storage center or your new home (if you’re using it to move). 

PODS offers flexible moving and storage options, whether you want to store a PODS container in your driveway, at a secure facility, or have it transported to your new home in another state.

Is PODS the Best Option for You?

If you like the idea of a storage container delivered right to your driveway, convenient loading with a month of built-in storage, the option to have your container picked up and stored in a secure facility, or even transported to another part of the country — then PODS is the best storage option for you. Looking for flexible storage? Start by getting a quote from PODS. 

Sofia Rivera is a Brooklyn-based lifestyle editor and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. Her work has appeared in Boston magazine, Apartment Therapy, and more. You can most often find her redecorating her apartment, trying out a new recipe, or trekking all over the city.