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Moving always brings a long list of questions, and moving cost is usually the first one people ask. If you are exploring a pod or moving container as a moving option for 2025, you may be wondering how much does PODS cost and what affects PODS cost across local and long-distance move scenarios. Since the pods moving process works differently than hiring a professional moving company, understanding container size, storage cost, and moving container costs can help you plan a move more efficiently.
How Much Do PODS Cost for Moving
This guide breaks down pods cost in 2025 for a local move, regional relocations, and even a cross-country move. You will also learn how a moving container company compares to hiring a professional moving company, how pods storage works per month, and what to know when you move with pods, especially if you are planning a move in Wisconsin.
What Are PODS And How Do They Work
A pod is a portable on demand storage container delivered to your home. The moving container is dropped in your driveway, and you load it at your own pace. Once filled, the container is picked up and relocated to your new address or to a pods facility for temporary pods storage. This flexibility makes pods moving a practical moving and storage option for many households.
PODS offers three pods container sizes, making it easier to match the storage container to the container size you need. The 8 foot pods container is ideal for small apartments, the 12 foot moving container works for a few rooms during a local move, and the 16 foot pod is the most common choice for people who use pods to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home.
Renting a pod is similar to renting a moving truck but far more convenient. You skip driving, parking, fuel, repair concerns, and installation challenges. PODS also provides month of storage flexibility, allowing one month or multiple months depending on your timeline.
2025 PODS Pricing And Moving Cost Expectations
Pods cost in 2025 depends on distance, container size, storage options, and timing. A moving container company provides pricing based on how much you are moving, how far you’re moving, and how long you keep the container at a pods facility or at your home.
Local Moves Under 50 Miles
A typical local move within Wisconsin, such as Green Bay to Manitowoc or Appleton to Oshkosh, ranges from 600 to 825 dollars. This usually includes delivery, pickup, and one month of pod rental. For customers planning a move with heavy items or needing cleaning, repair, or installation support, loading help can be added separately.
Regional Moves Around 100 To 500 Miles
A mid-distance moving container costs roughly 1,500 to 3,200 dollars, depending on container size and moving distance. Pods cost increases as miles increase, but this moving option still avoids driving a moving truck or handling complicated moving truck rental logistics.
Long-Distance Move And Cross-Country Move Costs
A cross-country move with a pod typically runs 4,500 to 7,500 dollars, depending on how much you’re moving and which pods container size you use. For these moves, PODS usually requires a call for a detailed pods quote. Distance, container cost, storage cost, and the need for pods partners at various storage facilities influence the total cost.
Container Sizes And What They Hold
Choosing the right container matters because a moving container that is too small increases stress and cost. A container that is too big raises your total cost without benefit.
8 Foot Pod Container
- Best for small apartments
- Ideal for reducing moving and storage cost
- Suitable if you use pods for limited items
12 Foot Moving Container
- Designed for 2 to 3 rooms
- Works only for a local move
- Makes sense when the container size needs to stay compact
16 Foot Pod Container
- The most common pod for residential moves
- Works for most 2 to 3 bedroom homes
- Additional month of storage ranges from 249 to 376 dollars per month
Pods offers three sizes total, giving customers flexibility whether they want portable storage, moving and storage service, or multiple pods moving containers for larger homes.
What PODS Offers And What Costs Extra
The base pods price includes delivery, one month rental, transportation, and pickup. It does not include:
- Packing supplies and moving supplies
- Labor for loading a moving pod
- Insurance for belongings and the pod container
- Upgrades during peak moving months
If you need extra help with cleaning after loading, furniture repair, appliance installation, or moving container cleaning, you can add those services through third-party providers or hire a local professional moving company.
What Affects PODS Cost The Most
Many factors affect pods cost, and pods pricing can vary widely. Here are the most important:
Distance And Weight
A long-distance move costs more than a short local move. The cost to move with pods depends heavily on how far the container travels.
Container Availability
During peak moving times, container availability affects pricing. High demand often raises rates.
How Long You Keep The Container
PODS charges per month beyond your included time. If you store the pod at a pods facility or on your property for one month or multiple months, pods storage costs increase.
Seasonal Timing
Summer is peak moving season. Moving container costs rise from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Moving Distance And How Much You’re Moving
The more items inside a moving container, the higher your total cost. A larger container size means a higher pods price.
PODS vs Hiring A Professional Moving Company
Hiring a professional moving company costs more upfront but eliminates labor, risk, installation issues, and heavy lifting. A moving company handles packing, loading, transport, unloading, and sometimes cleaning and repair needs.
A pod is cheaper for a DIY approach, but labor becomes your responsibility. Many people hire movers only for loading to avoid injury from lifting heavy furniture.
PODS is usually more affordable than full-service movers, and pods also offers additional storage options if you need extra time. However, hiring a professional moving company is easier for those with limited time, injury risks, or large amounts of furniture.
If you’re planning a move during Wisconsin winters, icy conditions can make loading a pod unsafe. Professional movers are trained for these conditions and can reduce damage or repair costs during a move.
Getting Your PODS Quote For 2025
Local moves allow instant online pricing. For long-distance move quotes, PODS requires a call. Have your container size ready along with dates, moving distance, and volume of belongings. A quote from PODS is based on several factors including pods charges, pods price, pods storage unit needs, and whether you use pods for both moving and storage.
Note that PODS also offers discounts occasionally, and pods offers additional services depending on location. Pods moving and storage solutions make them one of the best moving container companies in the moving container industry.
Making The Right Moving Decision
Pods cost ranges from 600 dollars for a local move to 7,500 dollars or more for a cross-country move. Cost of a moving container depends on container size, moving distance, one month of storage or more, and seasonal timing. Pods is our pick for people who want flexibility while avoiding the hassle of renting a moving truck.
If you need a list of the best moving companies or want professional help for installation, loading, cleaning, or repair after your move, a full-service option may fit better. Whether you move within Wisconsin or plan a long-distance relocation, each moving container company provides its own benefits.
Pods vs traditional moving companies is ultimately about time, convenience, and how much pods costs compared to hiring a professional moving company. If you use pods, you gain flexibility. If you hire movers, the moving company handles everything for you.
