Moving Pods vs. Storage Units: Which Option Makes Sense for Your Move?

Homeowners often need extra space during a move. Whether you're downsizing your home, staging your house for sale, or waiting on the keys to your new place, storage helps make the transition a smooth one. Both moving pods and storage units offer a practical solution, providing a safe place to keep your belongings while you coordinate logistics. However, since each one offers strikingly different advantages, deciding which one’s the right fit for you can be a challenge. In this blog, we’ll explain the strengths of each approach, breaking down the pros and cons of moving pods vs. storage units, to help make your move as easy as possible.

What Are The Benefits of Moving Pods?

Portable On Demand Storage (PODS) units are large, rectangular containers delivered to your home. They come in different sizes, based on the size of your house. You rent them from a specified period of time, up to six months in some cases, depending on your moving schedule. When you’re ready, the company picks it up and transports it to your new house. Then, after you’ve finished unloading, the company comes and takes it away. Moving pods offer several advantages, such as:

Convenience. The containers are not only delivered straight to your front door, they can stay as long as you need, allowing you to pack at your own pace.
Accessibility. Because pods are kept at your house, you can access them any time you want. Rather than making a long trip to a storage facility, your belongings are right outside your door.
Security. Pods are made of high-quality steel and sealed against the elements. Locks are provided by the homeowner, which means you’re the only one who can access your belongings.
Ease of Use. Rather than worry about hiring a truck and moving crew, the company coordinates transportation and logistics on your behalf. They can even hold the pod for as long as you need, in case the move takes longer than anticipated.

Finally, unlike a storage unit, moving pods only have to be loaded and unloaded once. Instead of arranging multiple trips from your home to a storage unit and back again, moving pods save time and energy.

What are the Downsides of Moving Pods?

While they’re undeniably helpful, moving pods are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are a few drawbacks to consider before renting one.

Legal Restrictions. Some neighborhoods and HOAs prohibit moving pods because they restrict views, block driveways, and obstruct parking.
Costs. Compared to storage units, the costs of renting a moving pod long-term can accumulate quickly. What’s more, if your pod’s too big for your driveway, you'll need to purchase a parking permit so you can keep it in the street instead.
Effort. While pods let you load and unload at your own pace, the company doesn’t provide any packing assistance. Homeowners are responsible for lifting and carrying the contents themselves.
Lack of Climate Control. Moving pods are not air conditioned, which makes them unsuitable for objects that are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, such as artwork, antiques, photographs, electronics, and delicate fabrics. Even wooden furniture can warp and crack when exposed to high temperatures.

Keep in mind that when you hire a moving pod, you’re not only responsible for loading your belongings, but securing them as well. While these companies are usually careful, even a relatively minor bump can tip over heavy objects. Besides researching packing strategies, homeowners also need to invest in moving supplies such as straps and blankets, to fill gaps, prevent shifting, and keep their belongings safe during transit.

What Are the Benefits of Storage Units?

A storage unit is an enclosed space that can be rented out to individuals or businesses. Most storage units are housed indoors, as part of a larger warehouse. Outdoor units are available as well and it's not unusual for storage facilities to offer both. Most units are rented month-to-month, but many offer discounts for customers willing to sign long-term contracts. People normally choose storage units for:

Enhanced Security. Customers purchase the lock for their storage unit themselves, similar to moving pods, ensuring no one else can access their belongings. However, unlike moving pods, storage units usually come with a number of additional security measures, such as cameras, alarms, and perimeter fencing, designed to protect your belongings night and day.
Climate Control. Air conditioned storage units are available for items that might warp, crack, or deteriorate when exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.
Frequent Access. Storage facilities are located near major urban centers, often a short drive from your home, so you can retrieve stored items whenever you need them. They’re an effective solution for homeowners who need a place to keep seasonal items, like decorations and sporting equipment.
Affordability. Customers can rent storage units almost indefinitely at a relatively low cost, making them a long-term solution for people who need extra space for their belongings.

Compared to moving pods, storage units are available in a wider range of sizes. Some are no bigger than a closet, while others are large enough for the contents of an entire house. Because moving pods offer fewer options (the smallest is big enough to fit the contents of a studio apartment), customers sometimes wind up paying for space they don’t need ‒ a less common concern with storage units.

What Are the Downsides of Storage Units?

While traditional storage facilities are more popular and widely used than moving pods, they come with a few disadvantages. Homeowners who rent storage units often mention:

Transportation. Renting a storage unit means everything has to be loaded and unloaded twice, once at home and again at the facility. If you’re waiting to move into a new home, you might even have to repeat the process again. Besides shipping your goods, many moving companies operate storage facilities as well, so you can rely on your moving crew to help transfer belongings in and out of the unit.
Limited Hours. While a few storage facilities offer 24-hour access, most only let you pick up or drop off items during business hours, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., for example.
Fees. Many of the most convenient and valuable features of storage units (climate control, 24-hour access, drive-up access) are considered premium benefits, requiring an extra monthly payment.

Storage units are also a challenge if you’re relocating over a long distance. You’ll need to choose a convenient location and negotiate with the facility manager before setting out for your new home town. For this reason, many homeowners choose one of the storage solutions offered by their moving company. Based on the weight and volume of your shipment, a good agent can help you choose an appropriate unit and coordinate loading and transportation.

Moving Pods vs. Storage Units

Moving pods and storage units are convenient, practical solutions with their own advantages. Most people who choose moving pods:

Are looking for short-term storage
Value convenience over price
Want to minimize effort

On the other hand, homeowners choose storage units when they:

Need to store goods long-term
Want frequent access to their belongings
Are looking for ways to keep costs down

Before making your final decision, review the items you need to store. How valuable are they? Are they sensitive to heat, cold, or moisture? How long will you need to keep them in storage and how often will you need to access them? Lastly, what’s your budget? Once you know the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to choose the option that best meets your needs.

Your Trusted Partner for Moving and Storage

At Allied, we understand that moving schedules don’t always line up the way you hope, which is why we provide long-term and short-term storage services, as well as moving containers, to help you pack and move at your own pace. With over 300 locations across the United States and Canada, finding a suitable location is easy, while our moving coordinators will ensure the process runs smoothly from start to finish. Make your move less of a headache and more of an adventure. Contact us today for a free quote!