Q: What type of lock should I use?

We recommend a 2 ¾” (70mm) Disc Lock or a 1 ¾” Padlock. Locks can be purchased from PODS or at your local home improvement store.

Question 1

What type of lock should I use?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a 2 &frac34;&rdquo; (70mm) Disc Lock or a 1 &frac34;&rdquo; Padlock. Locks can be purchased from PODS or at your local home improvement store.

Question 2

Can I ship my car in a PODS container?

Accepted Answer

Cars and motorized vehicles cannnot be placed in a PODS container but there are two trusted partners that we can recommend for vehicle transport:

Mr. Car Shipper

1-877-866-2892, Email: podscustomer@mrcarshipper.com

Acertus
1-877-231-4142, Email: podscustomer@acertusdelivers.com

Question 3

What can't I load in a PODS container?

Accepted Answer

Items that are considered hazardous materials, flammable/combustible liquids and solids, compressed gases, perishable, biological substances, explosives, radioactive, and illegal are strictly prohibited from being stored and/or moved in a PODS container. This includes but isn’t limited to:

Items with non-removable lithium batteries (e-bikes, power tools, children’s toys, electronics, appliances, etc.); lithium batteries must be removed from these items
Lawn mowers
Motorcycles and dirt bikes
Motorized scooters, golf carts, off-highway vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft
Machinery, generators, grills, smokers, and fire pits with oils, fuel, gases, liquids, and/or other substances
Ammunition
Items containing corrosives, mercury, bleach, ammonia, etc.
Propane tanks, oxygen tanks, aerosols, etc.
Fireworks and flares
Solvent-based paints, varnishes, and finishes
Nail polish and nail polish remover
Cleaning supplies
Weed killers, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.
Pool chemicals
Alcohol and tobacco

Other items we do not recommend storing and/or moving in a PODS container:

Food
Pet food
Birth certificates, social security cards, passports, visas, and other personal records
Medication
Medical equipment
Firearms and other weapons
Heirlooms
Irreplaceable artifacts
Precious metal, jewelry, stamps, watches, furs, stones, artwork, and other high-value items
Currency in any form
Credit and debit cards
Financial documents, securities, deeds, legal notices, etc.
Media or data stored on hard drives
Live plants
Items that aren’t your personal property

Additionally, human and/or animal habitation is strictly prohibited. Refer to your rental agreement for more information.

Question 4

How can I access my PODS container once it’s at the Storage Center?

Accepted Answer

You can access your PODS container as often as needed with no additional charges. Before you can visit your container, you'll need to schedule the visit to our Service Center with ample notice (usually 24-48 hours). Container access can be scheduled through chat or by calling our service team.
Reach out to our Customer Care Team at (877) 770-PODS for assistance.

Question 5

What is considered Hazardous Materials?

Accepted Answer

“Hazardous Materials” shall include but not be limited to any hazardous or toxic chemical, gas, liquid, substance, material or waste that is or becomes regulated under any applicable local, state or federal law or regulation.
For further information on hazardous materials please refer to your Rental Agreement. If you are not a current customer, feel free to chat with one of our agents online after you run a quote.

Question 6

What if I can’t open my container door?

Accepted Answer

If you're having trouble opening your container door, items may have shifted during transit. Please visit our container help page for assistance. If you still need help with your door, you can reach out to our Customer Care Team who will schedule a time for your local PODS team to assist you.

Question 7

Is there a weight limit?

Accepted Answer

The maximum weight limit for our containers are:
8’ Container = 5,200 lbs 12’ Container = 4,700 lbs 16’ Container = 4,200 lbs
Customers do not have to calculate their content's weight, so the weight limits should be used as a guideline when packing the container. If you're concerned that you may be approaching the maximum weight, pick out your heaviest items and look for comparable items online. Most retail websites will list the weight of their items. The total weight of your heaviest items shouldn't exceed 75% of the total allowed weight. Heavy items to consider are appliances, sofas, large entertainment centers, bookcases, bedroom chests, safes, exercise equipment, pianos and pool tables.

Question 8

What does the inside of a container look like?

Accepted Answer

Although the container's interior may depend on the model and size you receive, our containers are open spaces without obstructions or shelving.
There are wooden beams every 3-4 feet and in some models, tie down hooks are installed on the wood beams.
Pictures of a partially packed container can be found on our Loading page.

Question 9

How do I make a claim under this coverage?

Accepted Answer

To report damages, customers can call the toll free number 1-866-351-3724.

Question 10

Does PODS offer Contents Protection Coverage options, or coverage for damage to the container? How much are monthly rates for these coverage options?

Accepted Answer

PODS offers two types of protection options - Container Only Option (COO), and Contents Protection Option (CPO). Below, you will find basic information on both options including price ranges.

1. Container Only Option (COO): Pursuant to the terms of the PODS’ rental agreement, you are responsible for any damage to the container while the container is in your care and possession. This option gives you the opportunity to protect yourself against financial loss in the event the PODS container itself suffers any damage. PODS charges one low price per month for this coverage. Damage to the container however will not be covered if the damage was caused by your willful or intentional acts or items stored in the container prohibited by the PODS’ rental agreement.

2. Contents Protection Option (CPO): Events may occur that may cause damage to your items stored in our PODS container and also damage to the container itself. Your items may have little or no coverage under homeowners or renters insurance policies. Additionally, PODS is not responsible for damage to your stored property and our rental agreement requires you to maintain coverage for your personal property stored in our container, so it is important to find coverage for your possessions. You are also responsible for any damage to the container under our rental agreement. As a solution, we offer CPO. Your contents and the container will be covered from a variety of risks under this option. Certain exclusions and limitations apply. Please either call a PODS sales agent for full coverage details or you may consult the PODS’ CPO brochure for more information.
PODS’ Contents Protection Option (CPO) gives you the choice of how much coverage you would prefer based on the declared value of the contents you intend to store in a PODS container. The prices range from $38.95/month for a declared value of $5,000, up to $516.95/month (US) for the maximum declared value of $300,000. Please call a PODS’ sales agent for full pricing details.

Question 11

Are there shelves included in the Container?

Accepted Answer

There are no shelves in the PODS containers.

Question 12

Does PODS offer coverage for damage to the container?

Accepted Answer

Yes, PODS offers Container Only Option (COO). Pursuant to the terms of the PODS&rsquo; rental agreement, you are responsible for any damage to the container while the container is in your care and possession. This option gives you the opportunity to protect yourself against financial loss in the event the PODS container itself suffers any damage. PODS charges one low price per month for this coverage. Damage to the container however will not be covered if the damage was caused by your willful or intentional acts or items stored in the container prohibited by the PODS&rsquo; rental agreement.

Question 13

What is not covered by the Contents Protection Option (CPO)?

Accepted Answer

Damage resulting from improper packing, normal shifting or intentional acts by the customer to the contents or the container is not protected. PODS will also not assume liability for burglary and/or theft of personal property for on-site containers. Additional details are outlined in the Contents Protection Option Addendum.

Question 14

What does Container Only Option cover?

Accepted Answer

The Container Only Options will cover losses or damages to the container due to lightning, windstorm, hail, fire, smoke explosion, vandalism, riot, malicious mischief, falling objects, or auto accidents that may require a police report. For further information please refer to the Container Protection Options page.

Question 15

I would like to cancel or make changes to the coverage on my PODS container

Accepted Answer

In order to cancel, add, or decrease the amount of CPO or COO, please call one of our customer care representatives at the number at the top of the page. Coverage can only be added or increased prior to the initial delivery of the empty container to your location. If you have coverage and wish to cancel, please keep in mind that once the coverage is cancelled, it can't be added back to the account.

Question 16

How is a PODS container moved?

Accepted Answer

The PODS delivery truck is equipped with our revolutionary hydraulic lift system, PODZILLA®, designed to reduce shifting of your contents. It securely transports the PODS container to and from your location.

Question 17

Are there any restrictions for using PODS?

Accepted Answer

PODS containers are permitted at most locations. If PODS is aware of regulations in your area, you will be informed at the time you place your order.

Question 18

Are PODS containers water-proof?

Accepted Answer

PODS containers are weather-resistant. The container is designed to protect your items against typical weather conditions such as falling rain and snow.

Question 19

Are there eyelets or Tie Downs in the PODS containers?

Accepted Answer

Most of our containers have eyelets every 4 feet and our newer containers have e-track slots. The customer is responsible for providing their own straps.

Question 20

Are PODS containers for sale?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not sell PODS&reg; containers. When customers are looking for a flexible storage option, though, most people find us to be a great solution for their needs.

Question 21

How many PODS containers should I order?

Accepted Answer

PODS containers are designed to accommodate a typical household. Larger households will require multiple containers. In general, each 8&rsquo; PODS container (Interior: 6&rsquo;6&rdquo;x6&rsquo;x7&rsquo;6&rdquo;) may accommodate 1 room, each 12&rsquo; PODS container (Interior: 11&rsquo;6&rdquo;x7&rsquo;x7&rsquo;6&rdquo;) may accommodate 2-3 rooms, and each 16&rsquo; PODS container (Interior: 15&rsquo;6&rdquo;x7&rsquo;x7&rsquo;6&rdquo;) may accommodate 3-4 rooms. As every household is different, the customer is responsible for assessing the container capacity for their belongings. PODS container sizes are approximate.

Question 22

What is the wind resistance of a PODS container?

Accepted Answer

PODS containers have been determined to withstand wind velocities of up to 110 mph winds when fully loaded, depending on weather conditions and container placement.

Question 23

Do PODS containers have reflectors on them?

Accepted Answer

Our containers have reflective tape on each corner of the container.

Question 24

What types of property are not covered?

Accepted Answer

PODS will not be responsible for valuable items that are listed in the rental agreement and should not be put into the container. A few such items are: jewelry, furs, firearms, computer programs, antiques, collectibles, credit cards and certain other invaluable and irreplaceable items. A detailed list of exclusions is outlined in the Content Protection Option Addendum.

Question 25

What are your containers made from?

Accepted Answer

PODS containers are made of a steel frame with specially designed, aluminum skin panels. PODS containers also provide ambient, natural light to illuminate the inside of the container. Plus, there is a light-weight steel roll up door.

Containers and Storage

Let's get moving

Containers and Storage

Let's get moving