Moving Tips & Resources

Case Study: PODS vs. Full Service Moving Company

A do-it-yourself (DIY) portable container move is one of the most popular methods of moving because it is perceived as the easiest and cheapest option, but is it the right choice for you? Many people choose a portable container option (like PODS) because they do not know that professional Dallas movers can perform easy, local moves just like theyย performย interstate moves; with white-glove service and a stress-free customer experience.ย 

professional movers moving a couch vs. using a podย 

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of hiring a professional moving company versus a DIY container move with PODS. Contact us for a free moving quote.ย 

What is a professional moving company?ย 

Aโ€ฏprofessional (or full-service)โ€ฏmoving companyโ€ฏis a service providerโ€ฏthat canโ€ฏhandle every aspect of yourโ€ฏmove, fromโ€ฏpacking to unpacking. Essentially, aโ€ฏfull-serviceโ€ฏmoving company is perfect for individuals whoโ€ฏdonโ€™t have time to dedicate to the consuming details of a relocationโ€ฏandโ€ฏdonโ€™t wish to assume the physical task of moving their household goods.โ€ฏโ€ฏย 

What are portable moving containers?ย 

A portable moving container, like PODS, is aย largeย rectangular container,ย typically made of steel and aluminum,ย that gets delivered to your driveway and left for you to load yourself. That container is then picked up and taken to a storage facility or transported to your new home where you unload your belongings.ย 

an infographic comparing pod containers to professional moving companies

PROS OF USING Aย PROFESSIONALย MOVING COMPANY:ย 

The White-glove Treatmentย ย 

Using a professional moving company for your localย or long-distanceย move means youโ€™ll receiveย high-quality service. Professional movers, like Daryl Flood Moving & Storage, specialize inย providingย a superior move experience through expert care for your belongings and attention to detail.ย Professional moversย ensureย your entire home is thoroughly protected during your move,ย carefully pad wrap furniture pieces to prevent damage and take a detailed inventory of the items being moved out of your home.ย ย 

Your Belongings Are Protected Through Valuationย 

Protecting your household goods is typicallyย high onย aย consumerโ€™s listย of concernsย when evaluating moving methods.ย Unlike moving with PODS, moving with a professional moving company ensures your belongings areย coveredย in the unlikely eventย ofย damage. Each move comes with a standard valuation protection package, which covers your goods at $0.60 per pound, at noย addedย cost to you! If you have high-value itemsย (grand piano,ย antique items, etc.),ย itย is recommendedย that youย purchaseย full replacementย coverage to protect these items as well as the entire shipment.ย 

Lessย Hassleย andย Stressย 

As movers, we know how overwhelming a relocation can be. There isย a lotย to do, and it never seems like you have enoughย timeย to get it all done. Hiring professional movers can greatly reduce stressย and time requirementsย by taking the physical packing, loadingย and movingย tasksย off your plate,ย so you can focus your efforts elsewhere. Moving with a DIY container option like PODS doesnโ€™tย provideย that same peace of mind, because youโ€™re still responsible forย the physical, heavy liftingย portionsย of your move.ย On top ofย that many times you may believe based on your home size you may only need one Pod when in fact many larger homes may require 2-3 PODS and the cost ends up very close to aย full serviceย white glove move.ย 

CONS OF USING A PROFESSIONAL MOVING COMPANY:ย 

Finding A Reputable Moverย 

Unfortunately, in the moving and storage industry, there are dishonest companies called rogue movers. A rogue mover typically gives an estimate over the phone without physically (or virtually) surveying your household goodsย and they may show up in unmarked trucks and out of uniform. Theyโ€™re also known for asking for deposits or upfrontย payment forย a portion of theย move, whichย is notย standard procedure for professional movers.ย Getting a detailed list of what should be moved and packed broken down by room is very important and will always be provided by a professional moving company.ย To avoid falling victim to a rogue mover, check out our article onย how to find a quality moving company.ย 

PROS OF USING A PORTABLE CONTAINER OPTION:ย 

More Flexible Timeย Frameย 

If you arenโ€™t under a strict time frameย for your moveย or are looking to pack and load a little at a time over an extended period, the portable storage container option may align better with your move goals. Because PODS are dropped off at your driveway and youย can schedule pickup anytime, you have greater control over your move timeline thanย you would with professional movers who operate with delivery windows and deadlines.ย ย 

Sometimesย Cheaper Than Professional Moversย 

If cost is a major factor in your relocation, PODS could be a feasible option. Historically, PODS cost less than hiring a professional moving company because you arenโ€™t paying for the quality labor required to pack and load the contents of a home. However, we recommend getting a freeย in-home or virtualย estimate from a professional moving company for comparison. Theย differenceย in price for the added benefits may surprise you, especially if youโ€™re moving locally.ย 

*Helpfulย Tip:ย Understanding Moving Company Estimatesย 

CONS OF USING Aย PORTABLE CONTAINER OPTION:ย 

Homeowners Associations May Restrict PODSย Usageย 

Though PODS may seem like a convenient option, manyย homeownersย associations (HOA)ย doย not allow temporary placement of PODSย containersย because it goes against community guidelines.ย Youโ€™ll need to checkย with your HOA beforehand to confirm whether itโ€™s allowed. Additionally,ย if you have a shared driveway orย live inย a condo or apartment complex, finding somewhere to place theย containerย mayย be challenging.ย 

Limited PODS Availabilityย 

When moving with PODS or a similarย portableย container service, youย areย subject toย the availability ofย containers,ย as well as nearby storage capacity.ย This can make your already stressful move especially inconvenient.ย 

Difficultย Toย Estimate The Container Size You Needย 

Anย oftenย overlookedย aspect of usingย a DIY container serviceย is estimating exactly how much space you will need for your belongings.ย During the loading of yourย container, youย may unexpectedly find youย need more space,ย haltingย your moving efforts until you find a solution.ย However, professional movers use a cube sheet method which accurately estimates the space needed for your belongings.ย 

Using a professional moving company over a portable storage container option will ensure quality, white-glove service in the execution of your move, protection for your belongings and a stress-free customer experience. If you are interested in comparing Daryl Flood pricing with PODS, call us today at (844) 350-4284 for a free estimate or start your moving quote online!ย