PODS

PODS

 1.1/5 (112 reviews)

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Overall Rating1.1 out of 5
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About PODS

PODS, or Portable On Demand Storage, helps customers with local, long-distance, residential, business, military and government moves. The company offers moving and storage services across 44 states, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Since it started in 1998, PODS has completed over 5 million deliveries. There are over 220,000 PODS containers in service, according to the company.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Flexible storage rentals
    • Affordable options
    • No driving required

    Cons

    • No packing or loading services
    • Unavailable in some states

    Bottom Line

    PODS is a good option if you're budget-conscious and don't want to transport your things yourself. Some long-distance moves can get pricey, but reviews consistently praise the company's convenience.

    Top PODS Reviews

    Verified

    ... I could not be happier with the service and was surprised at the reasonable cost… He explained everything he was going to do and then, unlike politicians, he actually did it, ...

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    Verified

    Our move went smoothly. I received calls the night before and ten minutes before each arrival. The driver arrived on the day and time as promised. The storage unit was in good con...

    Read full review

    About PODS

    PODS is a company that rents out containers to those who are interested in a partially do-it-yourself relocation. PODS is available in most states; it doesn't offer services in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Wyoming. In addition to moving and storage services, the company also sells a number of supplies, including:

    • Packing paper
    • Tape and dispensers
    • Lifting straps
    • Rubber mover bands
    • Moving boxes
    • Mattress bags
    • Stretch wrap
    • Locks
    • Moving blankets

    How does PODS work?

    PODS offers customizable moving and storage options using its containers, which come in three different sizes. You can choose to keep a PODS container on your property, store it at a local PODS storage center or have the container transported to a local or long-distance destination. PODS recommends getting a quote and scheduling service at least seven days in advance. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before container delivery.

    PODS moving services

    PODS has three container sizes: 7-foot, 12-foot and 16-foot. The full dimensions of each container are in the table below. PODS delivers the container to your address for loading. You decide whether you want to keep the PODS container on-site, have it moved to a local PODS facility for storage or have PODS move it locally or long-distance. You're responsible for loading the PODS container; the company can connect you with third-party professionals for packing and loading assistance.

    DimensionsMaximum weightGood for
    Small container7' x 7' x 8'5,200 poundsStudio apartment
    Medium container12' x 8' x 8'4,700 pounds2- to 3-room home
    Large container16' x 8' x 8'4,200 pounds3- to 4-room home

    How much does PODS cost?

    The cost of moving with PODS containers is based on the number of containers you rent, the size of the containers, the distance of the move, the length of the rental and the time of year. You can expect a local move with PODS to cost up to $550. Most long-distance moves cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Monthly storage costs start at $149 a month. See estimated costs below.

    PODS serviceEstimated cost*
    Local move$350 to $550
    Long-distance move$1,000 to $3,000
    Monthly storage$149

    *At the time of publishing

    To get a PODS quote, fill out a form online to be contacted by a customer service representative. You can also call its customer service line to receive a quote over the phone. PODS offers discounts to members of the military.

    PODS FAQ

    Is PODS insured for moving?

    Yes, PODS is insured for moving. The company offers two coverage options:

    • Container-only insurance: This insurance covers damage to or loss of a moving container due to fire, smoke, vandalism, falling objects, car accidents, lightning, windstorm or hail.
    • Contents insurance: This insurance covers both the container and the items inside the container. Note that it doesn’t cover damage or loss due to improper packing, burglary at your home or water damage.

    Prices for coverage range from $10 per month to several hundred dollars per month, depending on the level of protection.

    Are PODS climate-controlled?

    No, PODS containers are not climate-controlled. They have a steel frame and aluminum panels, and they are weather-resistant.

    Are PODS waterproof?

    PODS containers are weather-resistant. According to PODS, they are designed to protect contents from rain and snow.

    Are PODS allowed on the street?

    It depends on the location. Contact your local municipality to find out if you need a permit to have a PODS container on the street.

    Are PODS cheaper than U-Haul?

    Generally, yes. Both options are cheaper than full-service movers.

    How long can you keep a PODS container?

    You can keep a PODS container for as long as you need it. The company rents out containers on a monthly basis.

    Is PODS good for moving?

    PODS is worth a look if you’re relocating and don’t want to pay full-service moving prices. The company provides containers, moves your items from one location to another and offers storage at local facilities. It doesn’t, however, do any packing, loading, unloading or unpacking. We like that PODS is widely available in the U.S., has three different sizes of containers, has a reasonable cancellation policy and works with both homes and businesses.

    PODS Reviews

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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: May 31, 2023

    We reserve delivery of the container 3 weeks prior to our need. Not only the delivery never happened, no one had a decency to call back and try to help. Very unpredictable, unprofessional company. They make their own schedule and don't care how they affect customers' needs. Our delivery was cancelled 30 min before, even so we were promised that they will be coming for sure. I will NEVER recommend this company to anyone. Absolutely nothing but but HORROR!!!!

    PODS response

    Hi, Daunta! We certainly don’t like to see this. If you’d like to chat, please email socialmedia@pods.com with your customer ID and additional details.

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    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: May 24, 2023

    Container was in storage in the PODS warehouse. Containers rental date was on the 7th of the month. Container was requested to be picked up before the rental date on the 30th of the previous month. PODS said they could not pickup till the 11th which was after the rental date because of their Holiday hours. PODS charged me another months rent since it was after the rental date even though the pickup was because of PODS Scheduling. I would be cautious of PODS Billing and Scheduling practices and policies.

    PODS response

    We’re disappointed to see this, John. We encourage you to send us an email at socialmedia@pods.com with your customer ID and additional details so we may best assist.

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      Resolution In Progress
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: May 9, 2023

      We rented 2 PODS back in 2021. We went to the facility several times and confirmed not just our belongings but the whole pod was molded. There were claims created several times, we took pictures and videos, and emailed them to claims adjuster Alex ** back in March of 2022. I’ve called every month afterwards and no response. The claim was submitted to an insurance agency and that information came from customer service. I’ve since been transferred to a third party claim adjuster who have no record of my claim. We needed items for my wife who gave birth in July of 2022. We’ve since replaced and had to go without. Please do the right thing and help us resolve this!

      PODS response

      We can understand your frustration with the outcome of our investigation. We encourage you to send any additional photos or documentation that may help further your claim to Laureen.

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      Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
      Original review: May 2, 2023

      We contested a $350 charge because PODS left their pod out for longer than needed. They froze my pods account and sent the $350 to a collection agency, so I had no choice but to pay the $350. It has taken several phone calls, lasting up to 1 hour each, to remove the freeze so they can tell the collections agency the account is already paid. It should have never been sent to collections in the first place!!! The total charge was $5,000+ (for a cross country move) and they sent it to collections over $350. NOT TRUSTWORTHY.

      PODS response

      Hi, Alfred! We certainly don’t like to see this. If you’d like to chat, please email socialmedia@pods.com with your customer ID and additional details.

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      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: April 25, 2023

      We had a horrendous time with this company with our move last June. Most of that is resolved (took many months), so I am not going to go into that. When we had so many things go wrong in using this company, my husband finally got a hold of a corporate individual, who promptly promised us $450.00 dollars for all the trouble we went through. I have the individual’s name and claim number. Another employee verified that the claim was still pending (mind you, it has been a year) and several times, I was told that someone would call back with the status of the claim. I have never received a call back. This is unacceptable. This company promises you the moon, but in my case, never delivered.

      PODS response

      We appreciate you reaching out, Debbie, and we're disappointed to read you've had this type of experience. We want to be able to have this looked into further so we can clear up any confusion and best assist moving forward. Please email socialmedia@pods.com with your customer ID.

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      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: April 19, 2023

      We booked PODs for a move from Missouri to Alberta. Initially, we charged the wrong amount and called PODS, and this was rectified. Next, we received a call from PODS to inform us that the driver was on their way to pick up the POD from our original location. However, the date needed to be corrected (they mistakingly wrote the wrong pickup date), and we had to rectify this on the phone. However, PODS apologized and finalized the correct pick-up date (which was already finalized and paid for months before).

      Weeks later, we continue to wait on a phone call or any form of communication from PODS that our items are ready. We have been living without clothes, furniture, and basic necessities this entire time. Our last interaction with customer service (4/19) took 80 minutes, only to be informed that a supervisor would call us back in 3-5 days.

      We have multiple Apple Air Tags in our POD and have tracked the move. At one point, our POD stayed in the exact location (Spokane, WA) for eight days. When we called PODS, we were informed that the POD was at the border waiting. Last time I checked, Spokane was not a border city for Canada. This level of deceit further contributes to our continued issue that we still do not have possession of any of our items, and we are awaiting a supervisor to call us.

      PODS response

      Hi, Caitlin! We'd like to connect with you to learn more and address your concerns right away. Can you please email socialmedia@pods.com with your customer ID?

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      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: April 17, 2023

      I received a quote from PODS. I booked the POD for 1 month as I was doing renovation work in home. POD never moved from driveway. When reviewing charges I find I was over charged from quote by $16 for pick-up and over charged $16 for delivery. After calling support, I was told quote base on zip code not address. My zip code is only 2-3 miles in any direction from my address. How in the heck can the justify changing the quote and overcharging my card without letting me know!

      PODS response

      Hi, Jacquie! We strive to be transparent with our pricing by outlining all charges in your order confirmation. To view that document, please visit MyPODS.com and log in to your account. If you'd like us to help walk you through your order confirmation, please give us a call at (888) 314-5136.

      2 people found this review helpful
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: April 7, 2023

      I’ve had nothing but problems, delays, and frustration. I was offered a significant discount due to all the poor communication and missteps. I called to have the POD delivered to my new place and of course the amount stated when I called to arrange the delivery was not the discounted amount. I’ve emailed the supervisor 3 times this week that quoted the discount and can’t get a response. Why is it so difficult for this company to do what is right and fair by honoring their agreements and following through?!?

      PODS response

      Hi, Aves! Your concerns are important, and we're here to look into them. If you change your mind, please provide your customer ID and we'd be happy to assist. Thank you.

      2 people found this review helpful
      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: April 5, 2023

      I clicked on 1 star only because I have to. Everything was great until it was time to have my household goods redelivered to me. Be prepared for hidden fees. I am paying about $650 more for redelivery than I thought. Their customer service will not work with me.

      PODS response

      Hi, Kim! We strive to be transparent with our pricing by outlining all charges in your order confirmation. To view that document, please visit MyPODS.com and log in to your account. If you'd like us to help walk you through your order confirmation, please give us a call at (888) 314-5136.

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      Verified Reviewer
      Original review: March 31, 2023

      This company is a completely scam so be warned and don’t trust them with your stuff! They quadrupled the cost of the quote mid move (without anything changing on my end), they delayed our delivery of our unit by one week forcing us to get a hotel, and they refuse to let you talk to any supervisors, instead they force you to put in an “incident report” that conveniently never gets reviewed.

      If you ask for a supervisor, they send you to a voicemail. Mr James R. M. on the customer advocacy team hasn’t responded to an email to me in over 2 weeks since trying to dispute these issues. If they can leave you on hold and refuse to let you talk to management for that long it’s a huge red flag. Stay away from this company. They will literally hold your stuff for ransom.

      PODS response

      This certainly isn't how we want you to feel, Alexandra. We'd be more than happy to check in with our team and get an update on their review of your account. Can you please email socialmedia@pods.com with your customer ID?

      2 people found this review helpful

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        PODS Company Information

        Company Name:
        PODS
        Company Type:
        Private
        Year Founded:
        1998
        Address:
        13535 Feather Sound Drive
        City:
        Clearwater
        State/Province:
        FL
        Postal Code:
        33762
        Country:
        United States
        Website:
        www.pods.com

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