Moving With Shipping Containers: Why PODS Makes It Simple

Moving can be a stressful time for anyone. Not only are you relocating your entire life, but you have to figure out how to get your belongings there safely. You might think your only options are either renting a moving truck or hiring full-service movers, but there’s actually a third option: Using shipping containers for moving!

Shipping containers, like the ones from PODS, can make sense for a lot of different moves — especially if you need storage between spaces. Not only can you load the container up on your own schedule, but you only have to do it once (versus a rental truck, where you’ll have to load, unload into the unit, load everything back up, and then unload again). Then you get to decide whether it’s delivered to a secure PODS Storage Center, or your new home. If that flexibility sounds nice to you, you’re not alone — lots of people are moving with PODS shipping containers. Here’s what you need to know.

How To Use Shipping Containers for Moving

Now we’re going to break down the process of using PODS shipping containers for moving, and why moving with PODS might be the right option for you.

Get a Free Quote

With PODS, you can always get a free local moving quote online or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving. Depending on the size of your household, they’ll recommend the container size that’s best for your move. And remember, you can always rent more than one container!

Schedule Container Delivery

When you’ve decided on the size and exact number of containers you need for your move, you’ll then arrange to have them delivered to your home. You can always stagger the delivery of PODS storage containers so you only have to worry about space for one container on your property at a time.

Load Your Container on Your Own Schedule

Now it’s time to pack everything up! One of the best features about PODS moving shipping containers is that they allow you to pack your belongings on your schedule. That means you can take your time and ensure everything in the container is correctly and safely secured inside before transit.

Schedule Pick-Up

When you’re finished loading up everything, it’s time to call PODS and schedule your container pick-up. A PODS driver will arrive and load the container onto the truck with the help of PODZILLA. From there, they’ll deliver the container to your new home or to a secure PODS Storage Center. Either way, you only have to worry about unloading your items once, and you never need to worry about unloading and reloading your items onto another rental truck.

Unload on Your Own Schedule

When you’re ready to unload, the PODS storage container will be delivered to your new address so you can start the unloading process. Remember, one month of storage is built into the cost of every move, and if you need more time to unload, you can easily add another month to your reservation.

Think you’ll need help with heavier items? PODS can get you in contact with local packing and unloading assistance.

What container size do you need for your move? PODS offers three container sizes to make it even easier for you.

Size Guide: Shipping Containers for Moving

One of the most important decisions: What container size do you need for your move? PODS offers three container sizes to make it even easier for you. 

Small Shipping Containers: 8-Foot PODS Container

Small shipping containers are a great choice if you have a smaller household or need a companion to larger-sized containers. It’s ideal for a one-bedroom apartment, or 500 square feet (i.e., college students, young professionals, families that are downsizing). In total, each container is 8' x 7’ x 8’, or about the size of a 5’ x 10’ storage unit.

Medium Shipping Containers: 12-Foot PODS Container

If you’re moving a larger two-bedroom apartment, or you just have more bulky items, you’ll want to opt for a 12-foot PODS container. These medium-sized shipping containers are available for local moving and storage only, but like the small shipping containers, can also be paired with other sizes, depending on your needs. Each of these PODS moving containers can accommodate belongings from a 500–800 square-foot apartment, is 12’ x 8’ x 8’, or about the size of a 10’x10’ storage unit.

Large Shipping Containers: 16-Foot PODS Container

Have a larger home or need space for a lot of furniture? Then you’ll want to go with a PODS container that has the space to hold everything securely. And, if you’re moving an exceptionally large household, you can also pair it with another small or medium container to ensure everything fits. Each PODS 16-ft container has room for items from a 1,200 square-foot household, is 16’ x 8 ’x 8’, and is similar to the size of a 10’x15’ storage unit. Large shipping containers can be used for local or long-distance moving.

Storage Options When Using Shipping Containers for Moving

When you decide to go with PODS portable storage containers for your move, one month of storage is built into the price of your move — making it the perfect option for ensuring you can unload on your schedule, and never need to feel rushed to return the container. You get to decide whether you want the container delivered to your new home or to a PODS Storage Center until you’re ready to unload.

Using PODS moving containers for storage is a popular option because it helps keep your belongings safe in a variety of circumstances, including:

• When the closing dates for your new and old homes don’t align.
• You need to store your items while you look for your next long-term home.
• You don’t want to unload and reload your items more than once.
• You’re downsizing.
• There’s extended travel before your move.
• You’re staging your home before it sells.

Whether you decide to store the container on your property or in a secure PODS Storage Center, it’s always easy to extend your rental period on a monthly basis. This ensures you’ll have plenty of time to unload or close on a home, without a lengthy long-term commitment.

How Does the PODS Storage Center Work?

If you decide to store your container, you’ll be happy to know there are more than 230 centers around the country, so there’s never one far from your home. Going with PODS storage gives you a double layer of protection, since your stuff stays safe inside the container, and the container stays safe inside the storage center. This reduces the chances of moisture damage and exposure to pollen, not to mention the doors to the facility are locked overnight, and you’re the only one with the key to your container.

You are always able to access your container when you call the PODS Customer Care Team to schedule your visit. And when you’re ready to have it delivered, just call and schedule your delivery date.

What container size do you need for your move? PODS offers three container sizes to make it even easier for you.

How Much Are Shipping Containers?

Moving shipping containers cost depends on a variety of factors, including:

• The size of your container.
• The distance you’re moving.
• When you decide to move (it’s more expensive to move in summer than it is in winter).
• Where you’re moving to and from.

You’ll also need to take into consideration whether you want to store your items, if you’re going to hire help with packing/loading, moving supplies, and moving coverage options. 

For example:

• A cross-country (2,700–3,000-mile) move with a PODS portable moving container can cost anywhere from $2,900–$6,600.
• A move close to 1,000 miles can cost anywhere from $2,400–$4,300.
• And if your moving distance is shorter (100-500 miles), it can cost $730–$2,300.

^{*Based on estimates from PODS for a 2-3 bedroom household (800–1,200 sf) as of September 2025. Costs don’t include insurance or taxes. Prices will vary based on specific locations, dates, size of household to be moved, and available discounts. For a detailed quote, call PODS at 877-350-7637.}

Moving With Shipping Containers — FAQs

Q: How much is a shipping container to move?

A: So, how much are shipping containers? The exact price of your move will depend on a variety of factors, like which size container you decide to go with, the distance you’re moving, the time of year you choose to move, storage options, moving supplies, and if you want to have assistance with packing and loading. You can always visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Q: Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving truck?

A: A moving truck is typically the cheapest way to move, but it’s important to take into account other costs associated with it. Things like fuel, damage/contents protection and coverage, shipping your car, and the added inconvenience of working on a stricter timeline when renting a moving van are all additional costs that can add up quickly.

Q: Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving company?

A: Overall, the price depends on your situation. It’s best to get a quote from both PODS and a moving company; that way, it’s customized to your exact move.

Q: What is the cost of a 16-ft PODS container?

A: The 16-foot container is a good choice for moving large items from a 2-3 3-bedroom home. However, the ultimate cost of your container will depend on factors like where you’re moving to, the time of year, and what storage options you’re interested in. If you want to know what a 16-ft container would cost for your move, get a free local moving quote or call PODS at 855-706-4758!

Q: Is renting a PODS container worth it?

A: Yes, if you like the freedom to load up your belongings on your schedule, built-in storage options, no tight timeline, and the option for local packing and loading assistance!

Q: How much to rent a shipping container per month?

A: The exact cost to rent a shipping container depends on the size of the shipping container you want to rent and where you are storing it.

Q: How many PODS containers do you need for a 3-bedroom house?

A: One 16-foot container is a good option for a 2-3 bedroom house. But if you have a lot of bulky items or just want the extra peace of mind when packing, an extra 8-foot or 12-foot container might be necessary.

What container size do you need for your move? PODS offers three container sizes to make it even easier for you.

Using Shipping Containers for Moving Could Be Your Best Bet!

Deciding to go with a PODS portable storage container could be the right choice if you want built-in storage options, lots of time to load up your container, and flexibility when it comes to unloading it. If you decide you want a little help with the larger items, just ask your PODS service associate, and they can put you in touch with local packing and loading assistance. Remember, you can always choose to go with more than one container and have the delivery dates staggered so you only have to worry about loading (and making space for) one up at a time. Whether you’re moving local or long-distance, using shipping containers for moving is a smart choice.

Start planning today with a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.