PODS v. Movers?!?

Where To Start?

Stressed about how to plan your move?  Are you finding yourself ruminating on these questions:

Should I hire movers?
Do I rent a truck and do it myself? 
What about a POD? 
Can I just throw everything in storage and call it a day? ​

And even if you know which option to go with, how do you select the right company?  

Move Indy is here to help demystify the moving process and help provide answers to all these questions!

Does One Size Fit All?

Everyone’s situation is unique and requires a custom solution.  For some, renting a POD for a month between real estate closings will make the most sense.  For others, paying for climate-controlled storage is a better option.  While some people may have the ability to load a POD or truck themselves, others cannot and prefer to hire a full-service moving company. In many cases, a combination of these approaches will be the best solution.  It is entirely dependent on your particular set of circumstances and requirements.

In this blog, our primary focus is on the difference between PODS and full-service moving companies.  We will  discuss each, as well as things to consider when making your decision.

What are PODS?

PODS stands for “Portable On Demand Storage”.  In short - these are containers that are delivered to your property, allowing you to load & unload them yourself.  Many moving & storage companies offer PODS; they will deliver, pick-up and store them for you.  When you are ready to unload, you schedule delivery and they are transported to your residence.  When considering if PODS are the best option for you, here are some areas to consider:

Labor Requirements for Loading/Unloading

Length of Storage Required

Temperature Requirements

Sizes/Quantities of PODS Needed

Additional Supplies/Equipment Needed
​
Delivery Location

Labor Requirements

While it may look easy, there is both an art & science to loading a container correctly.  It’s important for your items to be packed tightly to protect them from shifting & breaking during transit.  Additionally, it’s imperative to keep an even weight distribution throughout the POD.  These containers are lifted during pickup/delivery and must be stable enough to withstand this process.  Lastly (and most importantly) - this is a lot of hard work!  Be sure to account for the manpower & time it takes to load & unload your life’s belongings!

Time/Temperature Requirements

How long do you need to store the items?  Is it overnight?  A week?  A month?  Several months?  Is it undetermined and likely to change?  Be sure to research each POD company carefully.  Find out how they bill and what their delivery options are.  Ask how quickly you can schedule delivery.  Can they promise next-day delivery, or will it take a week or more? 

​Do you have items that require a climate-controlled environment?  Extreme heat or cold (or the fluctuation between the two) can cause damage to some wood finishes. 

​If your items are padded and stored in a humid environment, the excess moisture could cause musty odors or even mold. 

​If your items require a climate-controlled environment, be sure to ask if this is an option and what the pricing is for this type of storage.​

Sizes & Quantities of PODS

Nothing is worse than getting to the end of moving day only to discover all your items won’t fit in the PODS!

​Did you know that PODS come in a variety of sizes?  6ft, 8ft, 12ft, and 16ft are the most common.  Will you be able to determine which size is the right option for you? Do you know how to determine how many PODS it will take to transport your items?

If you over-purchase, you’ll be paying for extra space you don’t need.  If you under-purchase, well….then you’re dealing with the situation described above (NOT FUN!).  Be sure to find out what sizes each POD company offers.  Remember to also ask if each size has a climate-controlled storage option.  If you need help with this, we advise enlisting the help of a local moving company like Move Indy!

​Did you know most moving companies offer free in-home estimates?  This is the best and most accurate way to determine how much storage space you need.  Move Indy would be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation in-home estimate!

START YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

Additional Supplies

Now that you’ve selected the size and quantity of containers, it’s time to think about additional equipment.  Move Indy strongly recommends wrapping your furniture in moving pads (this includes your upholstered furniture!). Items must be packed tightly to keep them protected during transit.  Wrapping these items in moving pads prevents dents and scratches, as well as gouges and tears in your upholstered furniture.  If you don’t own moving pads, you will need to purchase or rent them.

In addition to pads, Move Indy recommends using straps to secure your items in the container.  This becomes
even more crucial if your container is not packed entirely full (or packed tightly).  Be sure to ask your PODS provider if their container comes equipped with a place to fasten the straps (metal rings or e-track), as many do not.  

​Finally, it’s also important to consider any special dollies or equipment that will be needed to move heavy and/or large items.  Pay close attention to appliances, pianos, safes, and things of that nature.  You may need to rent a box dolly, appliance dolly, 4-wheel dolly, or other specialized equipment.

Delivery Location

This is an often overlooked, but nonetheless important detail: where will you store the PODS?  The PODS will be delivered to your residence and likely remain there for several days (or sometimes weeks) before being picked-up. ​

Do you have the physical space to house these PODS without interfering with your daily activities
​(blocking driveways, garages, roads, etc.)? 

Does your neighborhood have a strict HOA with rules preventing onsite storage? 

Are there any city ordinances or regulations to consider? 

Can the PODS be placed in an area that is convenient for loading/unloading, or will it require a long walk? 

​These are all important things to consider when weighing your options.

​Summary on PODS

When considering your options, it’s important to take the aforementioned considerations into account.  When getting a quote on PODS, be sure you are quoting the correct size and quantity to store ALL your items.  If your items require a climate-controlled environment, be sure your quote includes this cost.  Also make sure to understand the delivery options and monthly storage charge.  And finally, be sure to include any additional equipment rental and/or purchases that may be required.

FULL-SERVICE MOVING COMPANIES

Many consumers face “sticker shock” when getting a quote from a professional, full-service moving company.  Keep in mind, not all movers are created equal!  Be sure your moving company is licensed, bonded and insured (like Move Indy!).  We also recommend looking for local companies who hire and train their own staff.  And while the cost to hire a full-service mover may be higher than some anticipate, when you combine ALL the costs of renting a POD or UHaul (mentioned above), many people are surprised to discover the costs can be relatively similar.

So what are the advantages to hiring a professional moving company?

​Most professional moving companies provide free, no-obligation in-home estimates.  This allows them to provide an accurate estimate of your costs, which includes providing the appropriate number of movers & trucks.

It's All Inclusive

​When it comes to moving day,  they will also  provide all labor, equipment and materials needed to move you efficiently and safely.  This means they will provide the movers, trucks, moving pads, wrap, straps, dollies, and anything else that is required to complete your move.  If you’ve had an in-home estimate, all costs should be included in your quote.

Disassembly & Reassembly

Professional movers also have a great deal of experience disassembling and reassembling furniture.  They can disassemble your items to pack them more efficiently and safely in the truck.  Additionally, most moving companies will include the time it takes to pad & wrap your furniture in their quote.

Financial Protection

Most professional moving companies also offer some form of financial protection for your items.  In most cases, this comes in the form of valuation.  Valuation provides a predetermined amount of compensation (based on the item’s weight), should your item be damaged while in their custody or care.  Some companies also offer additional insurance.  Keep in mind, you do not get this level of protection from a PODS provider or rental truck company.  If you damage something while moving it - that cost is on you!

Combined Services

Finally, many moving companies also offer additional services.  Move Indy offers residential moving, commercial moving, packing, junk removal, storage, and cleaning services. 

These services are discounted when bundled with your move.  This can help you achieve your moving goals at a MUCH lower cost!  Ask your potential moving companies what additional services they provide and if there are discounts for bundling.  Click on the images below to see more info on Move Indy's services!

MOVING

PACKING

CLEANING

STORAGE

JUNK REMOVAL

What Else Can a Moving Company Do?

Many customers are surprised to learn that it’s not an ‘all or nothing’ scenario.  At Move Indy, we will work with you to tailor a solution that fits your needs & budget. 

If a full-service move is outside your budget, we can be hired to only move the largest and/or heaviest items.  We will work with you to alter the scope of work so the moving costs remain within your budget. 

​For example: some customers move the boxes themselves, while hiring Move Indy to move the heavier furniture pieces.
​

MOVE INDY also provides LABOR ONLY service to load/unload PODS & Uhauls

The Bottom Line

It’s all about what’s best for YOU and YOUR situation.  Make sure you are comparing ‘apples-to-apples’ when it comes to PODS v. Moving Companies.  It’s important to factor in ALL the costs.  Seek out a good local moving company (like Move Indy!) to help explain your options.  Even if you don’t use their services, they will be able to help you understand your options and pricing.  They can also be a great resource for other local service providers.

Good luck and happy moving!

Caleb A. Coffin, Owner
Move Indy
​Moving & Storage