PODS® Reviews
PODS seemed to be the most efficient way to conduct our move, from a cost basis as well as given their one-month storage included in the base rate. I'd recommend them, however, with several caveats: 1) They are very dialed-in on the front-end sales and online scheduling/tracking/billing technology side of the equation, so everything gets done (for the most part) on time as expected, including drop-off, pickup, re-delivery, and final pickup of the empty container on the other end. 2) They are inconsistent in terms of driver attitude, willingness to be careful when delivering and picking up the PODs, flexibility re: placement in slightly difficult situations. We actually used two large PODS delivered and picked up on separate occasions around a week apart, and we really liked the flexibility to change the re-delivery dates for our PODS while still keeping the cost within the 30-day storage window. I would strongly recommend that users of PODS measure their planned placement at their location VERY carefully, including overhead obstructions you might not have considered. This is not always easy if you're moving to a new, unfamiliar place as we were. Plus, even at our home where the move originated, it was a tight squeeze to get the POD into its place in an otherwise VERY long and wide driveway given overhangs from roofs on either side and grass, etc. Thus a significant amount of tear-up of grass resulted from the PODS placement by the driver. And we STILL needed a 15-foot UHaul truck, plus a 12-Foot UHaul trailer hauled behind a totally full private SUV and another SUV full of stuff (plants, dogs, etc.) to complete this move, so the PODS cost must be supplemented by around another $1500 in cost for the UHauls, gas, etc. Too much stuff - and this was AFTER we thought we had downsized quite a bit!
PODs customer support was horrible. They messed up the date, I was told 2 different things by 2 different people as to timing and deliver and they really could not have cared less that we got the service we paid for. They attempted to throw the actual people who moved and delivered the POD under the bus, when the deliver folks were amazing. On the other hand, the actual company that delivered our PODs were wonderful, they made sure to fix the delivery and pickup and communicated the entire time. They were wonderful.
The services provided were not adequately explained. Apparently each location is franchised and fees add up with multiple transports. Additionally, although pour location was listed on the website the local franchise did not want to deliver there. Pods main office intervened and the CSR was very helpful. All in all PODS seems great for local moves and storage but for the cost and aggravation I could have thrown out all our furniture and bought new!
Our POD was delivered on time as scheduled and was fairly easy to pack. It was picked up as scheduled ans transported to the warehouse. Unfortunately, they did not deliver to our new zip code, so we were offered the option of unloading our POD at the warehouse and transporting the contents to our new home. My only complaint is that it was not clearly communicated to me that I would need to call back and schedule to have the container transported from warehouse to warehouse after it had been picked up from the old house, so we were without our belongings for an extra week+ due to that misunderstanding. I was under the impression that that had already been scheduled when I reserved the POD from Departure to Destination. It was expensive, but our stuff arrived in one piece and we didn't have to drive it halfway across the country ourselves, so I'm still pleased enough.
Horrible from beginning to end. Delivered a POD with a hole in it, filled with water. Was supposed to have a lock, they forgot it and told me to go buy my own. Damaged lawn/sidewalk when placing it and tried to use the clause in contract “they are allowed to go off the driveway if not enough room”. 40’ wide driveway not enough room??! and then fought my damage claim! Failed to pickup on delivery date due to a ‘system issue’ and said they had to push it out another week and delay delivery a week - as they “had no drivers available”. That was another battle to resolve. Delivered POD to final destination with a tear in the side and door that was bent and wouldn’t roll up. Clearly, mishandled in transit. Never offer any compensation for the hassles but charge hefty a la carte fees - fee same whether storing off site at your own property or their facility (how is it not less if you’re using your own property and not their facilty), charge fees for pick up, charge a drop off fee, and of course the travel fees. As if you can pick it up and drop it off yourself! Would never recommend or use again!
