U-Haul or PODS? Which one is better for moving? Both compare favorably but each has slight advantages over the other. Depending on your move, one might suit you better. Check out our comparison of PODS and U-Haul and figure out which company works best for your move.
U-Haul at a Glance
Via Angi's Website 4.5 Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. 4.5 Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. U-Haul Full-Service Packing Yes States Serviced 50 Protection/Insurance Options 4+ Via Angi's Website Why We Picked It Pros & ConsU-Haul
U-Haul has helped people move since 1945 and can accommodate nearly any move. Whether selecting a truck, truck and trailer, or U-Haul’s U-Box, you can find the right way to move. U-Haul can also supply you with equipment, like hitches to add to your vehicle, and moving supplies like blankets.
U-Haul will drop off your U-Box and pick them up when you want. You can also decide to move the containers on your own or with a U-Haul trailer built to carry the container. You can also bring your items to a U-Haul facility and pack a U-Box there. You can store the container at the U-Haul facility or have it shipped to where you want.
Pricing
The initial rate for one container starts at $99, which includes 30-day use. Rates start at $169 for U-Haul to drop off and pick up the container.
U-Haul can do full-service load and delivery starting at $564.70 for one container. Prices will vary based on how many containers you need.
U-Haul Services Offered
- Home cleaning
- One-way truck and trailer rental
- In-town truck and trailer rental
- U-Box moving containers
- Climate-controlled storage
- Ground-level outdoor storage
- Car, boat and RV storage
- Trailer, van and truck rentals
- Moving supplies
- Trailer hitches and accessories
- Optional third-party labor
U-Haul State Availability
Available in all 50 states
Featured Partners
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1
International Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
2
American Van Lines
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
2
American Van Lines
888-479-0314
Get Free Estimates
From Participating Partners
3
Blvd Moving
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
3
Blvd Moving
844-669-0407
Get Free Estimates
From Participating Partners
4
Mayzlin Relocation
Deposit required
Yes
Service availability
Excellent
Full-service packing
Yes
4
Mayzlin Relocation
888-722-0682
Get Free Estimates
From Participating Partners
Fine Print
Delivery rates vary depending on the delivery method. The container needs to rest on a flat, level surface. With a 2,000-pound capacity, those who want to use a U-Box need to consider the impact to a driveway or surface where they plan to have the container sit.
How U-Haul Stacks Up
| Company | Company - Logo | Full Service Packaging | States Serviced | Protection/Insurance Options | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul |  | Yes | 50 | 4+ | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
| Atlas Van Lines |  | Yes | 50 | 2 | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
| United Van Lines |  | Yes | 46 | 3 | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites |
PODS at a Glance
Get estimates from participating partner sites 4.3 Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. Full-Service Packing No States Serviced 44 Protection/Insurance Options 2 4.3 Our star ratings are based on a range of criteria and are determined solely by our editorial team. PODS Full-Service Packing No States Serviced 44 Protection/Insurance Options 2 Get estimates from participating partner sites Why We Picked It Pros & ConsPODS
PODS offers flexibility with its containers, which is great if you don’t know how long you need to store something. Its rates skew slightly higher than others but reviewers like their weather-resistant steel containers.
PODS containers come in three different sizes: eight feet, 12 feet and 16 feet. An eight-foot container can typically fit a studio or room of 500 square feet or less. A 12-foot container can hold two to three rooms or between 500 and 800-square feet. A 12-foot container can hold a two-bedroom home or 1,200-square feet.
Pricing
Using PODS for a local move can cost between $350 and $550, but long-distance moves can cost between $500 and $7,000.
A 16-foot PODS container can cost $249 per month, a 12-foot container $219 per month and an 8-foot container at $209 per month. PODS also charges $10 for insurance, $130.50 for delivery and $99 for pickup.
Services PODS Offers
- Eight-foot, 12-foot and 16-foot containers
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Vehicle transport
- Optional liability coverage
- Moving blankets and supplies
- Container moving kits
- City service
- Short and long-term storage
- Online moving and storage calculators
- Moving checklist
PODS State Availability
All except AK, MT, ND, VT, WV and WY
Fine Print
PODS has some additional fees, like the delivery and pickup charges, plus the availability of containers can get tricky during the summer months.
How PODS Stacks Up
| Company | Company - Logo | Full Service Packaging | States Serviced | Protection/Insurance Options | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PODS |  | No | 44 | 2 | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
| Atlas Van Lines | | Yes | 50 | 2 | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
| United Van Lines | | Yes | 46 | 3 | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites |
Key Differences Between U-Haul and PODS
- U-Haul provides international shipping while PODS does not
- Vehicle transport: U-Haul has vehicle transport options, PODS partners with vehicle transport companies
- U-Haul U-Box comes in only one size and is constructed with plywood, which U-Haul says breathe better and reduce mold and mildew growth. PODS uses steel containers
- PODS features three container sizes
- PODS has a rollup steel door, U-Boxes have a weather-resistant cover
- PODS offers discounts
- PODS has 184 locations, U-Boxes are available at more than 20,000 locations
- U-Box reservations have more scheduling availability
Key Similarities Between U-Haul and PODS
- Both provide low-cost moving and storage options
- Both offer no-contact delivery and drop-off
- Both have storage facilities
- Both have multiple coverage options
How U-Haul Stands Up Against PODS
| Company | Company - Logo | Full Service Packing | States Serviced | Protection/Insurance Offered | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | | Yes | 50 | 4+ | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites | |
| PODS | | No | 44 | 2 | Get Free Estimates | Get estimates from participating partner sites |
Best Moving Company Overall
U-Haul edged out PODS in our analysis based largely on the expanse of services it can provide. Both companies compare similarly, in fact, we ranked these companies first and second respectively in our Best Moving Containers list.
PODS outclasses U-Haul in customer service in our rankings but U-Haul’s additional options vault it past PODS. U-Haul can provide vehicle shipping, shipment tracking, international moving and full-service packing, which PODS can’t. Those options pushed U-Haul up our list.
We gave U-Haul more points for its container and storage options, insurance options and states served. The best moving company is going to be the one that serves your needs the best. It’s important to do your research and find a company that has all the services you need for your move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many U-Boxes will you need?
U-Haul provides an estimator tool and recommends three containers for a two-bedroom home.
What can’t I pack?
PODS advises that toxic chemicals, gas, liquids, substance, material or waste, lawn mowers, motorized vehicles and illegal items cannot be placed in a container. PODS also recommends that heirlooms, irreplaceable artifacts, deeds, legal notices, forms of currency and items that are not your personal property are not placed in a container. Human or animal habitation is also prohibited.
U-Haul advises against placing motorized items in a U-Box unless all liquids have been drained.
U-Haul advises against placing these items in a U-Box:
- Jewelry (including watches and precious stones)
- Financial records, deeds & documents
- Currency and securities
- Works of art
- Antiques
- Stamps
- Furs or garments trimmed with fur
U-Haul prohibits the following items:
- Living organisms
- Flammable/combustible liquids (gasoline, alcohol, paint thinner, etc.)
- Hazardous materials (corrosives, bleach, ammonia, etc.)
- Compressed gases (propane tanks, oxygen/acetylene tanks, scuba diving tanks, etc.)
- Perishables (plants, produce, food, etc.)
- Explosives (ammunition, fireworks, firearms, etc.)
