Question 1

Is PODS or U-Haul cheaper for a cross-country move?

Accepted Answer

PODS is almost always cheaper for cross-country moves when you factor in U-Haul's true costs: one-way rental surcharge ($200–$600 on top of daily rate), fuel for a truck that gets 8–10 mpg on a 2,000+ mile trip ($400–$800 in gas), possible hotel nights during multi-day drive, and the mental and physical stress of driving a 26-foot truck across the country. A typical cross-country PODS move costs $4,000–$8,000 vs a U-Haul that appears cheaper upfront but lands at $3,500–$7,000 once all costs are counted.

Question 2

Does U-Haul offer storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. U-Haul has U-Haul Storage locations nationwide, and you can also use U-Box — a portable container product similar to PODS. U-Box is generally cheaper than PODS for short local storage but has less national coverage. U-Haul Storage units themselves are traditional self-storage facilities, not portable containers.

Question 3

Which is easier for a one-person move?

Accepted Answer

PODS is significantly easier for a solo move. You don't need to drive a large truck, navigate parking at an apartment building, or coordinate a return trip. The physical loading is still on you (or hire labor), but you can load at your own pace over multiple days. U-Haul requires you to drive the truck — difficult and stressful without experience, especially in urban areas.

Question 4

Can I return a U-Haul to a different location?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but one-way U-Haul rentals (picking up at origin, dropping off at destination) cost significantly more than in-town rentals. For interstate moves, U-Haul one-way fees add $200–$600+ depending on the distance and demand for trucks at each location. This fee, often overlooked in initial cost comparisons, is a major factor when comparing U-Haul to PODS for long-distance moves.

Move Scenario	U-Haul (all-in)	PODS (all-in)	Better Value
Studio apartment, 10 miles	$130–$250	$320–$480	U-Haul
1-bedroom, 30 miles	$150–$280	$340–$520	U-Haul
2-bedroom, 40 miles	$200–$380	$390–$590	U-Haul
3-bedroom, 45 miles	$280–$500	$490–$740	U-Haul

Move Scenario	U-Haul (true cost*)	PODS (all-in)	Verdict
2-bedroom, 500 miles	$900–$1,800*	$2,000–$3,500	U-Haul (small load)
2-bedroom, 1,000 miles	$1,500–$2,800*	$2,200–$4,200	Roughly equal
3-bedroom, 1,500 miles	$2,500–$4,500*	$2,800–$5,500	PODS
3-bedroom, cross-country	$3,500–$7,000*	$4,000–$8,000	Roughly equal (PODS wins on stress)

PODS vs U-Haul: Which Is the Better Value for Your Move?

PODS

U-Haul

U-Haul Hidden Costs People Forget

Local Moves (Under 50 Miles): U-Haul Wins

Long-Distance Moves: It Gets More Competitive

Decision Guide

Choose U-Haul if:

Choose PODS if:

Frequently Asked Questions