How Much Are Moving Pods in Texas? Moving Options in 2025

Introduction to Moving and Storage Units

Moving pods are a popular solution for relocation, offering flexibility and convenience. Whether using mobile storage units for a local move, storage during renovations, or a cross-country move, portable storage units are becoming the norm versus traditional storage unit buildings. Portable storage container companies provide temporary storage solutions for homeowners and businesses; The storage unit, storage rental services, and container delivery are included.

Moving Pod Uses and Applications

• Long distance moves- As an alternative to a professional van line performing the move, portable storage containers give the customer the flexibility to save money on the packing and loading, with the container company either contracting transportation or using their network to move the pod from one location to another.

• Local moves- Consumers are increasingly using mobile storage units for local moves, especially if there is a gap between move-out from their old residence to the new one.

• Storage for renovations- Homeowners as well as property managers rely on portable storage containers to temporarily store belongings and furniture while remodeling, providing flexibility and ease of access on-site.

• Business applications- Many businesses are turning to pods containers to house seasonal or seldom-used items, arranging for re-delivery (think Christmas decor for malls or commercial property).

Understanding the costs and services of moving container companies is essential for a successful move or storage solution. So let's compare costs, storage options, and services provided.

Understanding Moving Container Companies

Moving container companies offer a wide variety of options and services, from complete DIY to full-service models. Consumers should survey their needs and do proper research to understand what solution makes the most sense. Some things to think about when considering portable storage:

1. Length of time needed- If you're needing storage for a short period of time, compare if each company offers weekly rates or only monthly.

2. Construction of the container- Most containers are constructed of metal, but some are wood structures, so you'll need to check each company and what works best for your needs(security and weather resistance).

3. Accessibility- If you need quick access or not.

4. Amount of belongings- Many pods container companies have varied sizes of containers, so understanding how much space is needed will help you make the right choice.

5. HOA rules and regulations- Some neighborhoods allow for storage in the driveway, others do not.

6. Move distance and logistics- Some moving container companies provide the transport, others leave the coordination to you.

7. Packing, loading, and unloading- Some companies, like 3 Men Movers, can provide the labor do perform the loading of the storage unit. Others can refer you to outside sources, but the coordination is up to you.

Comparing Moving Container Companies

Each mobile storage company provides a unique blend of sizes, services, and costs, so let's compare each company in each of these areas and best options.

Container Size Offerings

How much space you'll need is the first crucial decision, so understanding who offers the size that best fits your storage and moving needs is paramount.

Container Size Offerings by company
Size	Small 8' X 8' X 7'	Medium 12' X 8' X 8'	Large 16' X 8' X 8'	X-Large 20' X 8' X 8'
Capacity	up to 500 sqft	500-800 sqft	800-1200 sqft	1200-1500 sqft
PODS	X	X	X
Upack			X
1800 pack rat	X	X	X
MOVITS by 3 Men Movers				X

Based on examining size offerings, here are your best options based on size:

• Best option for smaller projects: Tie (PODS & 1-800 Pack Rat) offering 3 sizes and flexibility.

• Best option for two-plus bedrooms: MOVITS, offering the largest sized container, potentially saving the cost and hassle of arranging multiple containers.

Storage Solutions

Another key factor in selecting the right moving storage unit company is what are your needs for storage. Do you want and does your HOA allow for storage in your driveway? Are you looking for an extended period of storage after your current house sells and your new one is being built? Are you looking to move to another state but don't know your housing situation yet? Understanding your specific needs will help you compare your best options.

Storage Solution Offerings by Company
Company	Onsite	Offsite	Storage Rental cost (home)	Storage Rental Cost (facility)
PODS	X	X	$150-$170/month, bills 1 month, then weekly	$200(8ft)-$350(16ft), bills 1 month, then weekly
U-Pack		X		More of a logistics company, charges by space used
1 800 Pack Rat	X	X	$219/month, monthly rate only	$250-$320(size and area) monthly only
MOVITS by 3 Men Movers		X	N/A	$299/month(20ft), or $100/week

Based on comparison, the best options are:

For DIY storage units with on site storage: PODS and 1800PackRat are the best options.

For Offsite storage: MOVITS is the best option due to larger capacity and flexible weekly rates for shorter term storage needs.

Tips When Considering Storage Options

• If storing at the moving container companies facility, ask if the building is climate controlled, or stored outside.

• Ask about handling fees and your accessibility to the temporary storage of your belongings.

• Ask about the container sizes available and what would best fit your needs based on amount of belongings to store or move.

• Ask if their containers are steel frame containers, or constructed from other materials.

• Check the company's website for promotions on extended storage and savings off of delivery or first month's rent

Comparing Prices and Services

While customers can expect to pay a range of prices for moving and storage services, depending on their specific needs, understanding what you're paying for and what value you're getting are key factors.

Delivery and Pick Up Costs

Each company charges a varying rate for delivery and pick up of their respective storage unit, so let's break down the average fees from our research.

Breakdown of Delivery & Pick Up Costs By Company
Company	Delivery (per container)	Pickup	Deposits	Insurance/other fees
PODS	$75-$150	$75-$150		optional insurance ($10-$450/mo)
U-Pack	Part of moving quote	Part of moving quote
1 800 Pack Rat	Included in Move Quote	Included in Move Quote	$500 deposit refundable, due 5 days before delivery
MOVITS by 3 Men Movers	Included in Move Quote*	Included in Move Quote*	none	none

These costs are just averages, and may vary by market. Here are some tips to help prevent unwanted surprises when shopping for mobile storage units:

• Ask for a personalized quote up front and one that includes all charges (delivery fees, pickup fees, fuel, handling, and any insurance options).

• Check weight limits and capacities before you finalize your container rental. Going over limits can trigger some surcharges or require you to rent more than one container.

• Read cancellation policies and policies around weekly/monthly billing and early or late returns.

• Check your HOA and city ordinances for approvals or permits ahead of time.

Add On Loading and Moving Services

Some mobile storage container companies provide other services, some do not, and some are full service moving companies. Let's compare and break down add on services provided by each.

Breakdown of Add-On Services Offered by Company
Company	Load/Unload	Cost	Packing	Cost	How Coordinated
PODS	X	$300-$500 for 2 movers/2 hours	NA	NA	You- book via 3rd party e.g. HireAHelper
U-Pack	X	$300-$500 for 2 movers/2 hours	NA	NA	You- book via 3rd party e.g. HireAHelper
1 800 Pack Rat	X	$300-$500 for 2 movers/2 hours	NA	NA	You- book via 3rd party e.g. HireAHelper
MOVITS by 3 Men Movers	X	$599 for load and transport, 3 movers	X	Starting at $189/hr, 2hr min. and 3 packers	Booked through 3 Men Movers

Based on comparisons for add on services, the best option is: 3 Men Movers, who use a flat fee for delivery, loading, and transport of $599. The charge is the same when they re-deliver too. They can coordinate, load, and store your belongings, as well as having the added luxury of packing the belongings as well. You literally make one phone call, versus many, and have the ability to get all services from one point of contact, instead of coordinating many.

Tips For Hiring Third Party Moving Help

There is a lot of coordination that has to happen when you consider hiring third parties to perform the loading and unloading, including:

• Are they licensed and insured against damages? Understanding if they are will protect you financially and save you hassle.

• Are their movers day laborers, or highly trained movers? Many companies use day laborers who have not had the proper training to load or unload with skill.

• Will they bring all of the necessary tools, packing materials and equipment to properly protect and move your belongings into the container? If not, then look for a different solution, because it will take longer and items will be damaged.

• What is the hourly minimum for their help? If the third party help takes time, you may end up paying more than for full service movers.

• Always, always inspect the ratings of the help you are hiring. Any service or mover that is reputable is more than ready to show off good reviews to clients.

Moving Containers and Cross Country Moves

Moving containers are a popular solution for cross-country moves, offering a convenient and flexible storage option, as well as a cost savings versus nationwide van line moves. In addition to the several factors listed above, you'll want to consider the time window you need your stuff back or at your new place, and what your comfort level is with the move taking potentially days, if not a couple of weeks to complete.

Let's break down the time and cost for an average coast-to-coast move using mobile storage units:

Company	Coast-to-Coast Move Time	Cost	Pros	Cons
PODS	7-14 business days, based on route and container availability	$3000-$6000	larger network, promos can reduce costs	wider delivery window versus van line
U-Pack	4-8 business days, with guaranteed delivery window	$1700(one cube), $2350(2 cubes), $5700(3 cubes)	shorter window	due to size constraints, you'll need more containers
1 800 Pack Rat	7-10 business days	$3700-$4200	shorter window on major freight lanes	specific surcharges not published
MOVITS by 3 Men Movers	NA	NA	NA	NA

For people who need a shorter window of delivery, U-Pack is the best option, but if you're trying to balance budget with delivery window, then it's a toss up between U-Pack and 1-800 Pack Rat.

Finding Pods Cheaper Alternatives

Finding cheaper alternatives to pods moving containers requires careful research and comparison of prices and services - professional movers, short term storage, and moving services are important factors. Some cheaper alternatives include:

• A combination of rental truck and self storage facility, which can be great for local moves and storage for renovations and gapping the time between old and new home.

• Other freight solutions like ABF freight offers a trailer drop off, which you then load and they coordinate logistics to the new location. Great alternative to van lines, but increases the length of time to transport.

• Friends and family with the ability to provide free storage for your stuff. Great for the budget on local moves, but not much flexibility or convenience for anything but short term storage and short distance moves.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Comparing prices and services among moving container companies is essential for finding the best option, and while the DIY options vary slightly from company to company, the tradeoffs typically involve money or time. Some final tips to help:

• Consider distance and delivery window that best suits your needs

• Consider time loading and effort versus hiring movers and cost.

• Consider your needs for how much stuff you have and if your belongings need a climate controlled facility.

• Weigh your physical abilities to do it yourself versus hiring full service movers to load the container for you.

• Consider a one-stop shop like 3 Men Movers to save time and hassle coordinating all of the moving pieces.

For additional information or to check on pricing and storage options for your area, consult the PODS website or Google "mobile storage companies near me" to contact someone that best fits your needs.