How PODS Works: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
First time using PODS? Here's every step in the process — from getting a quote to final container pickup. No surprises, no jargon, just what actually happens.
Get a Free PODS QuoteThe PODS Process: 7 Steps
Get Your Quote
5–10 minutesGet a free quote at pods.com (instant for local moves, call for long-distance). You'll need: origin and destination zip codes, home size (number of bedrooms), approximate move date, and number of containers needed. Long-distance quotes require a phone call — the representative needs to confirm container availability and calculate the transport fee for your specific route.
- Online quotes are instant for local moves
- Call for any move over 50 miles
- Quotes are free — no credit card required
Book Your Delivery Date
Book 3–21 days aheadAfter getting your quote, confirm your booking with a deposit. You'll choose a delivery date and receive a 4-hour delivery window. PODS will call 24 hours before delivery to confirm. Make sure your placement area is clear — measure beforehand to confirm you have a 60ft × 10ft space.
- 4–6 weeks ahead for June–August moves
- 2–3 weeks ahead for off-peak months
- Confirm with your building/HOA before booking
Check HOA rules and building policies before booking. Some prohibit containers. Urban street placement requires permit processing time.
Container Delivery
4-hour window on chosen dateA PODS truck arrives and uses a crane arm mechanism to lift and place the container in your designated spot. You don't need to be home — just ensure the space is clear and accessible. The container is placed on the ground, level (within limits — steep slopes are problematic). You receive the container unlocked; you provide your own disc lock.
- You don't need to be home for delivery
- Provide your own disc lock ($10–$25, disc/puck style)
- Container arrives empty and weatherproof
PODS needs 60ft × 10ft minimum. Steep driveways (over 12%) may be problematic — confirm with PODS beforehand. Overhead clearance needed for crane arm.
Load at Your Pace
Days or weeks — your scheduleThis is PODS' key advantage. Load when it suits you — over a weekend, or over 2 weeks. Pack strategically: heavy items on the floor, furniture against walls, boxes stacked in the center. Use moving blankets and straps to secure items. Access the container 24/7 while it's at your address.
- Pack heavy items first, on the floor
- Use vertical space — stack boxes to the ceiling
- Label boxes clearly for easy unloading
- Hire day labor (TaskRabbit/Dolly) for loading if needed
Don't exceed the weight limit (4,200–4,700 lbs depending on size). Don't store flammable items, hazardous materials, or perishables.
PODS Picks Up the Container
4-hour window on chosen dateOn your scheduled pickup date, PODS retrieves the loaded container. The pickup fee ($75–$150) is charged at this point (or included in your all-in billing). The container is transported to a PODS storage facility. For local moves, it waits there until you're ready for delivery to your new address. For long-distance, it ships to a PODS facility near your destination.
- Confirm pickup date 24 hours ahead
- Ensure the container is accessible for the truck
You can also request PODS to move the container directly to your new address the same day for a local move — coordinate this when booking pickup.
Storage & Transit
Days to weeks to monthsLocal: Container is stored at PODS facility. You can schedule delivery to your new address anytime, paying one month's rental per month stored. Long-distance: Container ships via third-party freight carrier. Transit takes 5–14 business days. You can track status online. During transit, you continue paying monthly storage.
- Track long-distance containers via PODS online portal
- Access to container at PODS facility during business hours (confirm availability)
Long-distance transit is 5–14 business days — not overnight. Plan your travel to the new home accordingly.
Delivery to New Address
4-hour windowPODS delivers the container to your new address. A destination delivery fee ($75–$150) applies for long-distance moves. Unload at your pace. When finished, call PODS to schedule the final pickup. The container is retrieved — and your move is complete.
- Schedule delivery when you know your new address is ready
- Unload immediately to avoid additional monthly storage charges
- Final pickup fee ($75–$150) applies
Address changes after container ships incur a rescheduling fee ($50–$100). Confirm your destination address before the container leaves origin.
Space Requirements & Placement
Minimum space needed
Length: 60 feet (roughly one car length + container)
Width: 10 feet minimum
Height clearance: 15+ feet for crane arm operation
Surface: Hard surface preferred (asphalt, concrete, gravel)
Slope: No steeper than 12% incline
What works & what doesn't
- Standard residential driveway
- On-street with permit
- Apartment complex parking lot
- Urban street (city permit required)
- Steep driveway (12%+ grade)
- High-rise apartment (no ground space)
What PODS Handles vs What You Handle
PODS handles
- Container delivery and pickup logistics
- Transportation from origin to destination
- Storage at secure PODS facility
- Scheduling and coordination
- City street permits (you pay the fee)
- Container placement with crane arm
You handle
- ✕All packing and loading
- ✕All unloading at destination
- ✕Providing a disc lock for the container
- ✕Packing materials and moving blankets
- ✕Your own travel to the destination
- ✕Confirming HOA and building permissions
Rain and Weather: What to Know
PODS containers are weather-resistant — steel walls, composite floor, and weather-tight seams. They are not 100% waterproof in heavy sustained rain. Moisture can seep in at door seams. Protect upholstered furniture and mattresses with plastic wrap or waterproof covers for outdoor storage longer than a few days. For items sensitive to humidity (certain antiques, electronics), use sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes.