Moving Pods vs. Moving Truck: Which Is Best for Your Move?

If you’re debating whether to reserve a moving pod vs. moving truck for your upcoming move, you’re in the right place. Moving comes with many tough but important decisions, including renting a portable container or a moving truck to transport your belongings. Both are popular options with their own pros and cons, so consult a professional moving company if you need a recommendation. 

Moving Pods vs. Moving Truck: Key Differences

Moving pods and moving trucks are popular options for moving, but there are some key differences between these two moving methods. Moving containers, commonly known as PODS, are steel crate boxes that are delivered to your home. Once you load your belongings into the container, your moving provider will pick up the container and transport it to storage or your destination. 

The difference with a moving truck is that in addition to packing and loading your belongings, you must also pick up the truck and transport your belongings on your own. Renting a moving truck is usually the more affordable option, but it’ll also require more time and energy on your part. If you need help with either moving option, be sure to hire a local moving company to assist with packing and unpacking your home’s belongings.

What Are Moving Pods?

Portable storage containers are a growing way to move your furniture and belongings from one place to another. Moving pods are weather-resistant, made of steel, and easy to load, making them ideal for local and long-distance moves. 

A pod move works like this: A steel box crate of your chosen dimension is delivered to your home. Then, you pack it with your belongings. When it’s time to move, the moving service provider will transport your pod wherever you want it to go—whether that’s to a temporary storage facility or your new home. Lastly, you unload your belongings, and the pod is picked up. Shipping a moving container costs $2,000 to $5,000, depending on its size and distance traveled.

Best for: 

• Individuals who want to store their belongings before, during, or after a move

• Homeowners who need more time to pack and load 

• Long-distance moves 

Pros of Moving Pods

Check out the advantages of moving pods.

• Storage-friendly: Portable moving storage containers can double as storage space, giving you a place to leave your belongings before, during, or after a move. Once you pack and load your belongings, your moving service provider will pick up your container and transport it to a storage location. 

• Flexible timeline: Many companies give customers a minimum rental period of 30 days. If you have a busy schedule and need more time to move, a moving pod could be ideal. 

• Convenient: Moving containers are ground level, making them easy to load. Unlike with a rental truck, you’re also not responsible for picking up, transporting, or dropping off your container once the move is over. 

Cons of Moving Pods

Check out the disadvantages of moving pods.

• More expensive: While prices will vary based on container size, distance, and company, renting a shipping container costs more than a moving truck in most cases. 

• Responsible for packing and unpacking: While a moving container spares you the hassle of driving, you’ll still be responsible for packing and loading them onto the container. 

• Space necessary: If you don’t have ample driveway space, you may struggle to find suitable parking for your container. You may even have to obtain a parking permit if you live in a busy city. 

What Is a Moving Truck?

A moving truck is a truck you can rent to move your belongings from one home to another. You’ll coordinate a date and time to pick up your rental truck, and then drive the truck home, pack and your belongings, transport it, unpack everything, and drop the rental back off. If you don’t mind doing the heavy lifting, this option can be the most affordable option compared to a moving container or the cost of movers. 

Another option is to rent a moving truck and hire professional movers to complete the packing and unpacking part of the process. The average cost of renting a moving truck is $1,000, but prices vary depending on moving truck size, distance traveling, and whether you hire movers.

Best for: 

• Local moves 

• Individuals looking for a budget-friendly move 

• Homeowners who don’t mind driving, packing, and unpacking on their own

Pros of Moving Trucks

Check out the advantages of moving pods.

• More affordable: A rental truck is the most affordable option for a local move. Factors like distance, vehicle type, and rental period will impact your final cost. 

• Complete control: While professional movers are trained to pack and transport customers’ belongings safely, some might have greater peace of mind driving their own belongings. 

• National rental locations: Moving cross-country and want to rent a moving truck? Most rental companies have locations across the U.S. so you can return the truck once you reach your final destination. 

Cons of Moving Trucks 

Check out the disadvantages of moving pods.

• Full DIY move: Renting a moving truck means all aspects of your move will be up to you. You’ll want to be sure you’re comfortable driving a large truck filled with heavy and fragile items. If not, consider hiring professional movers to assist.

• Physically tiring and time consuming: Moving on your own can be exhausting since you’ll have to drive, pack, and unpack without the help of professional movers. Consider enlisting the help of family and friends to make the load lighter. 

• Additional costs: While renting a truck is usually more affordable, moving truck companies often charge additional fees for gas, insurance, and possibly taxes. Make sure you’re aware of all fees before reserving a truck.

Moving Pods vs. Moving Truck

Let's review how these moving options compare to one another.

Price: Moving Truck

Renting a moving truck costs anywhere between $30 and $3,500, with a national average cost of $1,000. On the other hand, shipping a moving container costs $2,000 to $5,000. While the exact cost for either option will depend on several factors, it’s usually more affordable to rent a moving truck.

Convenience: Moving Pods 

It may cost more to use a storage container for your move, but the perk of convenience can’t be understated. You have ample time to pack up your container, which is perfect if you have a busy schedule. You also have the luxury of not worrying about transporting your belongings to their destination. Not to mention, moving pods can serve as a storage space for before, during or after the move. 

Safety: Moving Pods

Moving containers are durable and have a decent amount of security, which protects your belongings during storage and moving. It can also be dangerous to load heavy items on your own, and then drive a large truck. Moving pods can minimize the risk of injury with ground-level access and professionals who transport the container once you’re done packing. For your safety, it’s best to hire a local moving company if you’re moving large, heavy items.

Space: Moving Truck

On average, a moving truck offers more storage space than a moving pod and comes in a wider variety of options. Moving trucks range in size from 10 to 26 feet, accommodating everything from a studio apartment to a five-bedroom house. Moving pods, on the other hand, range from 8 to 16 feet. However, you can rent and ship multiple moving pods, whereas you might be limited to one moving truck depending on the number of drivers you have helping.

Efficiency: Moving Truck

Efficiency comes down to the distance you’re moving. A moving pod is better for long-distance moves because you can ship your belongings ahead and travel to your destination at your leisure. For a local move, a moving truck is more efficient. The truck only sits in your driveway for a few hours, and you can transport it to and from moving locations as needed. In contrast, a moving pod might take up space in your yard or driveway for several days before it’s shipped, and some areas have regulations against storing pods in a driveway for extended periods of time.