Is It Cheaper To Use Pods Or A Moving Company?

Is It Cheaper To Use Pods Or A Moving Company?

It’s a wise decision to do your homework when considering the cost of moving. There are many options for getting your belongings from point A to point B, but they don’t all cost the same. Have you noticed PODs are becoming more and more common? You may have asked yourself how much they cost and if they’re more affordable than a moving company.

If you’re moving in or out of Salt Lake City, there are several moving options, whether it’s a full-service moving company, renting a moving truck yourself, or using a POD service. All have their advantages and disadvantages, and which one is right for you depends on your budget, availability, and personal choice. We get it at My Small Moves – moving is one of life’s most stressful events. That’s why we’re here to explain the costs and considerations of these options, so you can decide what’s best for you.

What Are Pods?

Pods are portable storage containers that are brought to your home. You can take as long as you like loading them, and then the company will take them to your new place or hold them until you need them again. This method is more flexible, and is especially helpful for people who want to move slowly or need temporary storage.

What Does a Moving Company Offer?

When you work with professional movers in Salt Lake City, like My Small Moves, you receive a skilled team who takes care of loading, driving, and unloading your belongings. We handle the hard part for you, so that you can concentrate on getting situated in your new home. My Small Moves in Salt Lake City brings an free-unlimited supply of packing tape, shrink wrap and moving blankets. They wrap and protect all your furniture before moving it and are skilled at moving your furniture down stairs, tight turns and long distances. Our Salt Lake City Movers also disassemble and reassemble furniture at no extra charge. We also include free use of our wardrobe boxes to hang clothing in; no one likes wrinkled church and business clothing. 

What Does a Full Service Moving Company Offer?

Full service moving companies include packing your belongings in boxes for you, loading, driving, unloading and unpacking your belongings. This can be helpful for those who lack the time, or who have physical limitations. 

Cost Breakdown: Pods vs. Moving Companies in Salt Lake City

Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you know where your money is going:

Pods:

• Rental Fees: Most pod companies charge a monthly rental fee.
• Delivery and Pick-Up: These are usually charged separately from the rental.
• Transportation: The farther you move, the more you pay.
• Labor: You either do it yourself or hire help separately.

Moving Companies:

• Flat or Hourly Rates: Costs are generally quoted upfront and include labor.
• Truck Rental: Included in the price.
• Insurance: Many moving companies include basic coverage.
• Convenience: Less physical effort and time on your part.

Here are some Price Averages for Portable Storage Units in Salt Lake City:

The cost to rent a portable storage container (POD) in Salt Lake City varies based on factors such as container size, rental duration, delivery logistics, and whether the container is used for moving or storage. Here’s an overview of pricing from various providers in the area:

PODS (Portable On Demand Storage)

• Monthly Storage Rental: Starts at $149/month, with delivery and pickup fees averaging $74.99 each.
  
• Local Moves (within ~50 miles): Approximately $220–$813, depending on container size.
  
• Long-Distance Moves (100–250 miles): Ranges from $250–$2,107.
  
• Cross-Country Moves: Costs can range from $2,068–$7,448.
  
• Additional Fees:
  
  • Storage Fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days often free).
    
  • Damage Coverage: $10–$439.95/month, depending on the protection plan.

PortaBox Storage

• Container Sizes: 5′ to 40′ (accommodating from 1–2 rooms up to a 6-bedroom home).
  
• Monthly Rates:
  
  • 5′ x 8′ x 8′: $50
    
  • 8′ x 10′ x 8′: $100
    
  • 8′ x 20′ x 8′: $200
    
  • 8′ x 40′ x 8′: $400

Utah Mobile Storage

• Container Sizes: 12′, 16′, and 20′ (insulated steel containers).
  
• Monthly Rates:
  
  • 12′: $100
    
  • 16′: $105
    
  • 20′: $110 (Note: This size is for onsite storage only and cannot be moved while loaded.)

Conexwest

• Container Sizes: 10′ to 45′, including specialized options like high cube, open side, and refrigerated units.
  
• Monthly Rates:
  
  • 10′: $109
    
  • 20′: $119–$209
    
  • 40′: $139–$199
    
  • 45′: $169

DefPro Container Rental

• Container Sizes: 10′, 20′, 40′, and 40′ High Cube.
  
• Monthly Rates:
  
  • 10′: $75–$110
    
  • 20′: $100–$150
    
  • 40′: $140–$180
    
  • 40′ High Cube: $160–$200

Budget Container Sales

• Container Sizes: 10′, 20′, 30′, and 40′.
  
• Monthly Rates:
  
  • 10′: $70–$115
    
  • 20′: $95–$145
    
  • 30′: $125–$185
    
  • 40′: $155–$215

Go Mini’s

• Container Sizes: 12′, 16′, and 20′.
  
• Features: Offers more interior space and tie-down points compared to some competitors.
  
• Pricing: Specific rates not listed; however, they claim to offer better prices and service than PODS.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it’s recommended to contact these providers directly, as rates can vary based on specific needs, delivery locations, and rental durations.

Convenience vs. Cost

For local moves within Salt Lake City, hiring Salt Lake City movers may actually be more economical than using a pod, especially when you factor in the cost of renting equipment and the time you’ll spend packing and loading.

Although PODs can seem more economical on its face, the hidden costs can mount in a hurry. The physical toll, risk of injury and time commitment can often be underestimated. If your time is valuable or you have a tight schedule, hiring the best moving company Salt Lake City has to offer can be the smarter investment. 

Situations Where Pods Might Make Sense

In certain scenarios, pods can be an excellent solution:

• Flexible Schedules: If you’re between homes and need temporary storage.
• Small Loads: Moving a small apartment or dorm room.
• DIY Enthusiasts: If you prefer to handle everything yourself.

Why Choose My Small Moves in Salt Lake City?

Here at My Small Moves, we’re the Salt Lake City movers you can trust. Everything is professionally packed & wrapped by our experienced staff to make sure you receive your goods undamaged and on time. We are a value-based-pricing-company, who like to meet your requirements and exceed your expectations around every corner.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Local Knowledge: We understand Salt Lake City from the inside.

Scheduling Your Way: There is no waiting around for pickup and delivery!

Straightforward Pricing: Our fees are listed online. As of May 2025, we charge $119/hr for a 2 man crew and $169/hr for a 3 man crew with a 2 hour minimum. All tools and supplies are included in our pricing. No extra fees for moves including stairs, tight corners or long walking distances. No extra fees for use of our wardrobe boxes or for disassembling and reassembling furniture.

Customer Centric Service: We take care of your goods as our own.

We are licensed, insured, and we background check all employees for your safety and the safety of your belongings. 

Our team is friendly, professional and skilled. 

Hidden Costs of Pods to Consider

When comparing pods vs moving companies in SLC, keep in mind that there may be hidden costs associated with pods that are missed by many:

Equipment Rental: Dollies and furniture pads are usually extra.

Parking Permits: City permits might be required to park a pod on your property.

Elemental: Weather during loading/unloading.

Security issues: Pods sitting outside could be more at risk of theft.

The Verdict: Which Option is Cheaper?

If you’re trying to save money, PODs may be a good option if you don’t mind doing all of the work and handling logistics. But when you consider convenience, time, and potential costs, using Salt Lake City movers such as My Small Moves can offer better value. 

Final Thoughts

Both routes have their advantages, but the best value and most stress-free option for a local move is often just to hire a moving company like My Small Moves. With our affordable rates and free amenities, skilled team, and great customer service, we are one of the best moving companies Salt Lake City offers.

Still undecided? Get in touch with My Small Moves for a free estimate and let us demonstrate what a stress-free move is like.