Moving to a new home can be an expensive endeavor, and we understand that most people want to cut as many unnecessary costs as possible. To save money on their move, many folks will rent a PODS container. These DIY containers typically cost about a fourth of what most full-service moving companies charge, but there are some factors you should consider before renting one of these portable storage containers.
The Pros
- PODS are usually large enough to fit most (if not all) of your belongings for the majority of medium-sized homes. This includes your sofas, TV stands, beds, dressers, tables, and much more.
- PODS are secure in transportation. You won’t have to worry about losing any of your possessions during the move or having them stolen.
- The timeframe for your move is flexible. You usually have 30 days to load and unload your stuff with a portable storage container, which means you won’t be hassled by having to schedule dates and times for movers to come to your house.
- They’re more convenient than renting a truck. Seriously, who wants to rent a big moving truck and drive it to a whole new place? Even if you’re just moving across town, trucks can be hard to navigate (especially on narrow, winding streets).
- The convenience is strong with portable storage containers. All you have to do is load and unload your belongings. Everything else is taken care of for you—the container is dropped off and picked up at your old home, then it’s dropped off and picked up again at your new home once it’s unloaded.
The Cons
- Not all containers are created the same. Quality can vary from company to company, so be wary of who you choose. While some companies promote their containers as made of steel, you may get one made of wood and tarps.
- Not all homes will have space for the delivery and pickup of a PODS container. If there’s not enough room to maneuver the truck and the container, this can hinder the delivery process. Hindrances like a steep driveway, sprinkler heads, bushes, concrete curbing, or even basketball hoops can keep you from renting a portable storage container.
- You have to keep track of your own stuff. Portable container companies (like PODS) don’t inventory your belongings, so if something goes missing, you’re probably out of luck. You’ll also need to keep track of where you put your stuff in the container
- If you have quite a few belongings (or if you’re sorting your stuff for storage or donation), you may need to rent a second container. This can double your cost, not to mention your time, effort, and even aggravation.
- Not all companies offer long-distance service. Of course, this is fine if you’re moving to the other side of town, but having to find a different company can be a pain if you need to move to another state.
PODS, specifically, offer several options for the size of container you need, including 7-foot, 12-foot and 16-foot. The 16-foot is ideal for homes with three to four rooms, and it’s comparable to a 20-foot truck.
A few tips for packing a portable storage container:
- Distribute weight evenly. If you have large, heavy items, be sure to spread them out rather than group them together.
- For items you’ll use sooner rather than later, pack them toward the front of the container for easy access. Items you might consider “essential” would be mattresses, pillows, blankets, bathroom essentials, or even clothes.
- Have important documents? Don’t put them in the container—be sure to carry them with you in the event of unexpected loss or damage.
Don’t want to entrust your belongings to a portable storage container? No worries! Swamp Rabbit Moving is here to help. We provide fast and friendly moving services in Greenville and Charleston, and we also will offer storage options soon if that’s something you need. Our rabbits will be sure to take extra care with all of your belongings to ensure a quick and safe delivery to your new home. So, if you’re in the Taylors, Greer, Summerville, or West Ashley areas, be sure to give us a call for your next move!