Choosing Moving Containers for Long-Distance Moves: Understand the PODS Process and Who It Fits Best

Security, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness — three things that come with moving containers for long-distance moves (and the biggest reasons they’re becoming so popular). Compared to traditional moving options, companies like PODS provide a hybrid moving approach that can be tailored to your unique situation. You can even have your belongings transported directly to your new home or keep them stowed in a secure storage facility for as long as you need. Is it the right fit for you, though? Our guide is here to teach you everything you need to know about moving long-distance with moving containers.

Q: What is the cheapest option for moving long-distance? A: A DIY move with a rental truck is typically the cheapest option for moving long-distance; however, you’ll have to manage packing, loading, and driving the truck yourself. Not to mention the parking if you’re moving to a larger city. If you hire PODS for your moving and storage needs, you can rest easy knowing a professional driver will handle all the hassle of driving.

Using Moving Containers for Long-Distance Moving (Step-by-Step)

Moving containers are a great option for long-distance moves, but how does it all work? Here’s a step-by-step guide to using moving containers for long-distance moves with PODS.

1. Choose Your Moving Container Size

The first step is choosing your moving container size. This will depend on factors like your home size, how much you own, and whether or not you want to store. PODS offers two container sizes for long-distance moves:

• A standard 8-foot-long PODS container can fit the contents of a studio or a 500-square-foot apartment. The total dimensions are 8’x7’x8’, and it’s perfect for a small move or as an extra container for larger ones — no more needing to worry about extra guest bedroom furniture!
• A larger 16-foot-long PODS container, on the other hand, can fit the contents of a 3- to 4-bedroom home, or about 1,200 square feet. The total dimensions are 16’x8’x8’.

Q: Is it cheaper to use PODS or a moving company? A: It’s typically cheaper to use PODS rather than a full-service moving company.

PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance to handle all of the heavy lifting.

2. Hire Packing and Loading Assistance (or Not)

Moves are already stressful, but adding the time spent packing, loading, and organizing before you move to your new home … only to turn around and do it all over again once you’re there can be a hassle. That’s where hiring a professional moving service can help.

They’re highly trained to handle various types of items, ensuring that your belongings aren’t damaged in the process. They can also pack fragile items, disassemble, and reassemble furniture. If your items do get damaged, you can rely on any insurance the moving company carries to replace or repair anything that comes up.

PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance to handle all of the heavy lifting. Since they’re trained professionals, they know how to pack and organize your PODS storage container in the most efficient way possible. Say goodbye to the exhaustion of packing, and hello to a huge weight off your shoulders!

Q: How much is PODS for moving long-distance?  A: Ultimately, the cost of moving containers for long-distance moves with PODS will depend on the size of the container chosen, the distance of your move, and the specific time of year. Call 877-350-7637 to speak with a moving expert.

3. Pack What You Can in Advance

Since one month’s storage is already built into the cost of your container rental, it’s helpful to pack as much as possible before the container arrives.

If you are planning on packing a lot of bulky items, such as coats and jackets, here’s an efficient hack that you need to try out: Vacuum-sealed bags can help you save space in your boxes! One of the most important items you should pack well in advance when moving is your seasonal clothing — we’re talking weeks in advance.

Make sure to label each fragile box so that anyone helping with your move knows how to handle it properly. When transporting fragile items into a portable storage container, make sure they’re secured within the container so things don’t shift during transit.

4. Have Your Moving Container Delivered to Your Driveway

The hydraulic lift system used by PODS, known as PODZILLA, allows drivers to easily place the moving container in your driveway and pick it up when it’s full. With its exceptional maneuverability, the level-lift system helps drivers keep the PODS storage containers relatively level while allowing them to move your stuff around with ease.

To use PODZILLA effectively, you need a clearance that’s about 12 feet wide and 15 feet high. This includes ensuring that no vertical obstacles, like utility lines and tree branches, are in the way of the hydraulic lift. Make sure those parked cars are out of the driveway and tell the kids to move their basketball hoop!

Find out why Move.org ranked PODS as the best moving container company in 2025!

5. Load Up Your Container

The last thing you want is a meltdown on the day you move in because you didn’t pack your items accordingly. Before you start the moving process, try creating an inventory of all the items you’re placing in your container.

Once you have an inventory and you’re all packed up, it can help to make a visual representation of how you plan to load your container. Diagrams can help you figure out the proper way to carry heavy objects, such as boxes and furniture. You can also flag the items that you'll need to load first and have them ready and easily accessible on moving day.

Placing heavy, sturdy, and bulky items inside the container first will create a solid base for other boxes. From there, you can strategically stack lighter items on top as you move along.

It’s also helpful to place first-night essentials close to the door (Think: Mattresses, box of bedding and pillows, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, a nightlight for the kids, etc.) so you can clean and set up your sleeping area when you arrive. No pressure to unload the entire container on day one!

6. Schedule Moving Container Pickup and Delivery

Once you’re all set and ready, PODS can easily deliver your moving container to your new home. If things aren’t exactly worked out yet and you need additional time before the move-in date, you always have the option to store the container in a secure PODS Storage Facility until you’re ready to make the move.

The 30-day billing cycle starts the day your container is delivered to you, allowing plenty of time to load it up, have it transported, and unload it at your new home.

7. Unload Your Moving Container

You have a lot of options when it comes to managing your move with PODS. The 30-day billing cycle starts the day your container is delivered to you, allowing plenty of time to load it up, have it transported, and unload it at your new home. The container is left on-site until you’re ready — and don’t forget about hiring a professional to assist with the unloading process!

Quick tip: To make the unloading process easier, match up the labels on your boxes with labels on the doors inside of your new home. This creates a visual guide for everyone to follow — especially great if you have friends, family, kids, or professional movers helping out.

Prior to the scheduled pick-up, make sure that the container is completely clean and empty. You must also remove the lock prior to the start of the process, and make sure that the container is placed in a location that's easy to access (follow the same clearance rules you followed for your initial drop-off).

If you’re not ready to move into your home right away, you can keep your loaded container at a secure PODS Storage Center for as long as you need.

Pros and Cons of Using Moving Containers for Long-Distance Moves

Moving containers for long-distance moves offer a lot of flexibility, with the ability to store your belongings in a secure space and the option for longer-term storage. However, the process isn’t completely perfect — everything has its flaws.

Pros of Using Moving Containers for Long-Distance Moves

• Cost-effectiveness: Rather than hiring a full-service mover and paying the larger fees associated with long-distance moves, moving containers are more cost-effective.
• Flexibility: With a monthly rental period from companies like PODS, there’s no immediate rush to unload your belongings right away.
• Storage: If you’re not ready to move into your home right away, you can keep your loaded container at a secure PODS Storage Center for as long as you need. 
• Transportation: No need to worry about driving long distances, as PODS handles the driving for you.

Cons of Using Moving Containers for Long-Distance Moves

• Labor: Unless you have enlisted packing and loading assistance with PODS, using a moving container can be labor-intensive during the packing, loading, and unloading process.
• Limited space: You can rent as many containers as you need for your move, but you’re limited to what they can hold.  
• Space for delivery: Placing the container requires space and clearance that some people simply don’t have, especially in urban areas. Even with PODS City Service, you might face difficulty compared to those in the suburbs.

Who Should Use Long-Distance Moving Containers?

Check out Move.org’s expert interview with Riaz Karim of PODS to learn more about current moving trends.

Moving long-distance with PODS portable moving containers is flexible with built-in storage options.

PODS Long Distance Moving May Just Be the Perfect Solution for Your Needs