Moving Pods vs. Moving Companies: What’s Best for Your Move?
Find out which is the best move
Highlights
Moving companies handle every aspect of a move, but this comes at a higher cost.
Moving containers are great for people on a budget who need a flexible timeline.
Traditional movers have experience in packing and handling valuable items.
Moving containers are conveniently picked up and dropped off at your doorstep.
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving a few blocks away or across state lines, moving can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. But there are lots of ways to turn moving into an easier task. But which is better: a moving company or moving pods? We’ve done the legwork and broken down the differences between these two options so you can make a decision that best suits your needs.
Moving Companies vs. Moving Pods: Key Differences
Traditional moving companies can tackle your entire move from start to finish, offering a hassle-free experience for homeowners and renters. But even if you do all the packing yourself, hiring a moving company can still be pricey, depending on how many miles the move is.
Moving pods are shipping containers you rent, pack, and store on your property for however long you need. And then you schedule to move them when you’re ready.
What Is a Moving Company?
A moving company does everything associated with moving household items from your current location to your destination.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They are experts at packing and handling items | Moving companies can be expensive |
| Movers have equipment to load and unload items safely | You have limited control over the transportation of your items |
| Movers save you time to focus on other aspects of the move | Finding a reputable moving company can be difficult |
Best for:
Households with a substantial amount of large items
People who cannot lift heavy items and are at risk of pain or injury
People who are concerned about damage to valuable items
Pros of a Moving Company
Professional movers are experts who can quickly load and unload all your household items. Most full-service companies can also supply you with packing materials or even do all the packing for you, potentially saving you hours of extra work.
A moving company will also disassemble all your furniture quickly and secure any valuable items you may have. And once you reach your destination, the movers will unload your items and reassemble the furniture. This will help keep stress at bay and leave you time to deal with other aspects of moving.
Cons of a Moving Company
All these benefits come at a price, though. If you’re wondering how much do movers cost, it’ll depend on distance and if you add packing services to the list. Moving locally (within 100 miles) costs between $880 and $2,550, while moving cross-country can range from $2,700 to $10,000 or more. Moving companies consider factors like distance, weight, number of items, moving time, packing supplies and services, the number of movers needed, and time of year in their calculations.
Also, because you’ll likely share a moving truck with another household (more so for long-distance moves), you won't have much control over when your items arrive at their destination. Finally, you have to do your due diligence. There are a lot of scams in the moving industry, so when researching moving companies near you, make sure to check their credentials thoroughly.
What Are Moving Pods?
Moving pods are durable shipping containers you pack yourself, use as storage, and move when you’re ready.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Containers are cheaper than a traditional moving company | Parking containers can be challenging if you don’t have a private driveway |
| You have a more flexible timeframe to move items | You’ll need to load and unload the pod yourself |
| You can use a pod as storage | If you pack incorrectly, you may damage some of your items |
Best for:
People on a budget
Individuals who want more control of their moving schedule
People who want to store their items for a specific period of time
Pros of Moving Pods
Moving pods cost between $500 to $5,000, making them less expensive than traditional movers. The price is calculated by shipping container rental cost, size, and distance of your move. The company you choose will conveniently drop the shipping container at your residence.
You’ll then pack and load the pod on your timeline and store items as you go. Once you’re ready, you will schedule delivery of the container to your new address. The company then picks it up and promptly takes it to your destination.
Cons of Moving Pods
While convenient and cheaper than using a moving company, in the battle between moving pods versus moving trucks, they are not the least inexpensive option. If you don’t have a private driveway, you may need a special permit to park your moving container in the street. HOA and building rules will apply if you live in a condo or apartment.
When packing shipping containers, you’re responsible for all the materials and equipment you’ll need. If you don’t pack your items well, they may be damaged during transport.
Moving Companies vs. Moving Pods: Every Facet, Compared
Let’s review which moving system is your best option when it comes to cost, convenience and additional factors.
Cost: Moving Pods
Moving pods can be considerably cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company because there’s no need to hire labor—although some moving pod companies do offer the service. Even though you’ll need to acquire your packing supplies and equipment, you can still cut down on costs overall.
Ease of Move: Moving Companies
When you hire a reputable moving company, you will not have to lift a finger from the time they show up until you reach your destination. They’ll disassemble, pack, and load your items on the truck, remove the packing materials, and reassemble everything at your new location. Moving companies will handle all your items with professionalism and great care.
Item Damage: Moving Companies
Movers are experts at packing and unpacking valuable items, preventing damage during transportation. They also know how to pack the truck efficiently and in a way that prevents the items from damaging each other during the move.
Flexible Timetable: Moving Pods
With moving pods, you have more control over scheduling your move. You decide when to rent the shipping containers and pack at your leisure.