PODS Rental 101: A quick guide on renting Portable Storage in Omaha.
Here's a brief guide on what to know about renting Portable Storage from PODS.com. We also provided you with a few sample quotations from different companies that offer similar services that you can check out.
| What and Who are PODS? |
| How to rent |
| Size Options |
| Restrictions and Limitations |
| Pricing and Sample Quote |
| Competitors |
| Other things to note |
WHAT ARE PODS?
PODS or Portable On Demand Storage is a term popularized by PODS.com, a moving company that started their business around the 1990’s providing secured steel containers with a roll-up door and a place for your own padlock. The container is delivered to your doorstep and once filled up, you can either:
- have the container delivered to your new home or any address of your choice
- keep it within your property as additional storage space, or
- store the container in the nearest PODS Storage Facility
HOW TO RENT
If you are moving or storing the container locally (within the same city), all you need to do is create an account in MyPODS.com and schedule the pick-ups and deliveries.
If you are moving to a new city, however, you need to call (855) 706-4758 to have a Service Associate assist you. And according to most reviews online, they have the best Customer Service Associates.
Keep in mind that service dates are subject to availability so it is best to schedule your deliveries and pick-ups (and transit time if moving long-distance) at least 7 days in advance.
SIZE OPTIONS
PODS.com offers you 3 container sizes:
| 7 Feet (Small) | 12 Feet (Medium) | 16 Feet(Large) |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| The 7-foot container measures 8’ x 7.5’ x 8′ providing you with 385 cubic feet of storage space. It provides a space similar to a 10-foot long moving truck which is ideal for smaller moves with about a room’s worth of items. | The 12-foot container measures 12’ x 8’ x 8’ with 689 cubic feet of storage space; equivalent to a moving truck that is approximately 15-feet long. This can be used to move a home with 2 or 3 rooms. | Lastly, the 16-foot container measures 16’ x 8’ x 8’ with 857 cubic feet of storage space, comparable to a 10’x15’ storage unit or a 20’ rental truck. This is a popular choice for moving a home with 3 to 4 rooms. |
RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Weight Limits for each container size:
- 7-Foot Container = 5,200 lbs
- 12-Foot Container = 4,700 lbs
- 16-Foot Container = 4,200 lbs
The weight limits should be used as a guideline when packing the container, but there’s no need to calculate the actual weight of the container’s contents. Heavy items you need to consider are appliances, sofas, large entertainment centers, bookcases, bedroom chests, safes, exercise equipment, pianos and pool tables. If you’re concerned that you may be approaching the maximum weight, what you can do is pick out your heaviest items and look for comparable items online. Most retail websites will list the weight of their items. The total weight of your heaviest items shouldn’t exceed 75% of the total allowed weight.
Content Restrictions
Hazardous Materials such as toxic chemicals, gas, liquids, substance, material or waste cannot be placed in a PODS container. Cars, motorized vehicles, and lawnmowers are also not allowed to be transported in PODS containers. Most importantly, illegal items cannot be placed and transported in a PODS Container.
PODS will not be responsible for valuable items that are listed in the rental agreement and should not be put into the container as well. A few such items are: jewelry, furs, firearms, computer programs, antiques, collectibles, credit cards and certain other invaluable and irreplaceable items.
PRICING AND SAMPLE QUOTE
- All the prices vary depending on location. Usually it has to do with mileage from the storage center to the location.
- Sample scenario: Renting a 16-foot container to move from a 3-bedroom home at zip code 68118 to 68114 (distance is approximately 6.5 miles)
- Total quote = $475.95
COMPETITORS
- U-Pack - unfortunately, we cannot make a price comparison with the same sample scenario because they only offer long-distance service.
- Miles Mobile Storage - $340 for a similar scenario quoted by PODS
-
ASAP Site Services - $872.93 for a similar scenario quoted by PODS
-
American Trailer and Storage - $410 total to use as on-site storage only
Our 20’ ISO Standard-Steel Containers rent for $110.00 /4 weeks. We deliver the unit right where you need it, when you need it. Delivery and Pick-Up costs are $150.00 in the Omaha Metro. However, we are not able to move containers once they are loaded. Our containers are designed strictly for on-site storage.
OTHER THIGS TO NOTE
Aside from the restrictions and limitations, here are other things to take note of when renting PODS:
- The PODS need a 12-foot width clearance and 15-feet of height; they can’t be placed on steep inclines and need a flat area.
- Pursuant to the terms of the PODS’ rental agreement, you are responsible for any damage to the container while the container is in your care and possession.
- It’s rare, but in some locations, the 7-foot container is not available.
- PODS containers are permitted at most locations. If PODS is aware of regulations in your area, you will be informed at the time you place your order.
