PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT are two of the best moving container companies in the industry. PODS has more locations and gets better reviews. But thanks to generous price matching and hefty discounts, 1-800-PACK-RAT scores big where it matters the most: low final prices. We give 1-800-PACK-RAT a slight edge with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars (PODS comes in at 4.2 stars).
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT: Compare Moving Containers
January 07, 2021
4 min read
Winner: 1-800-PACK-RAT is our winner because it has lower pricing (after discounts) and higher quality containers.
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Pricing that works for you
1-800-PACK-RAT offers competitive pricing for your container move—and if you find a lower price from a comparable competitor, they'll match it.
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PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT pricing
PODS has lower initial prices than 1-800-PACK-RAT, but 1-800-PACK-RAT often has lower final prices (because of discounts and aggressive price matching). PODS typically has lower prices for small homes and short distances, while 1-800-PACK-RAT is usually more affordable for big houses and long distances.
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK RAT price comparison
PODS | 1-800-PACK-RAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $3,160 | $3,290
|
| Discounts |  Yes | Yes |
| Price matching | Sometimes | Yes |
| Taxes included in quotes |  No
| Sometimes |
Data as of 8/10/2020. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing moving costs for four home sizes across three distances.
We collected 48 quotes from PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT to see how their prices match up. To identify each company’s strengths, we requested quotes for six distances and four home sizes.
Both companies offer discounts (1-800-PACK-RAT has the most), and price matching (1-800-PACK-RAT is more aggressive). Taxes aren’t part of your quotes, but 1-800-PACK-RAT sometimes gives you a tax estimate upon request. PODS typically declines to provide tax estimates even upon request.
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK RAT price comparison by home size
Data as of 8/10/2020. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing moving costs for four home sizes across three distances.
PODS has lower rates for smaller homes, while 1-800-PACK-RAT has better prices for bigger ones. PODS’s average cost of $2,310 for one to two rooms is about $560 lower than 1-800-PACK-RAT’s fee of $2,870. 1-800-PACK-RAT’s average cost of $3,700 for three to five rooms is about $320 lower than PODS’s average cost of $4,020.
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK RAT price comparison by distance
Data as of 8/10/2020. Offers and availability may vary and are subject to change. Average cost calculated by comparing moving costs for four home sizes across three distances.
PODS has significantly cheaper rates for short moves, while 1-800-PACK-RAT is slightly less expensive for long distances. PODS’s average cost of $1,160 for a 100-mile move is approximately $860 cheaper than 1-800-PACK-RAT. 1-800-PACK-RAT’s average cost of $3,540 for moves over 450 miles is about $20 less expensive than PODS.
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK RAT discounts and price matching
PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT have discounts and price matching that affect your final costs. 1-800-PACK-RAT beats out PODS in both categories. 1-800-PACK-RAT has more deals than PODS—and price matches more consistently. PODS offers discounts primarily for Move.org readers and long-term storage, while 1-800-PACK-RAT has a ton of discounts for everyone from teachers to first responders.
While PODS sometimes offers price matching, it can depend on the customer service rep you talk to. On the other hand, 1-800-PACK-RAT offered PODS price matching virtually every time we spoke to them when we posed as customers.
The result is that PODS has lower initial fees, but 1-800-PACK-RAT has cheaper final prices.
Winner: 1-800-PACK-RAT
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT availability
It will be easy for you to find a PODS location. PODS has about three times as many sites as 1-800-PACK-RAT. While 1-800-PACK-RAT has 62 facilities in 30 states, PODS has 184 locations in 44 states.
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT locations
Data as of 9/22/2020.
Winner: PODS
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT customer experience
PODS customers generally leave better reviews than 1-800-PACK-RAT customers. 1-800-PACK-RAT lines up with the industry average of 3.3 out of 5 stars, while PODS is a full half-star higher than the norm with a rating of 3.8 stars. While both companies typically get praise for their professionalism, customers routinely give PODS much higher reviews than 1-800-PACK-RAT’s customers. They especially love PODS' customer service.
Winner: PODS
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT containers
PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT have the two best containers on the market—but 1-800-PACK-RAT takes our top spot. Though both companies have three container sizes, the PODS container is made with steel frames while 1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers are entirely made of steel. That extra layer ensures even more protection for your stuff. (More security equals more peace of mind.)
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT container comparison
Data as of 9/22/2020.
Winner: 1-800-PACK-RAT
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT services
PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer comparable services. Both companies have three container sizes, provide portable storage, and service local and long-distance moves. PODS has more locations (184 vs. 62), but 1-800-PACK-RAT has better containers (all steel vs. steel frames).
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT services comparison
PODS | 1-800-PACK-RAT | |
|---|---|---|
| # of locations | 184
| 62
|
| # of container sizes | 3
| 3
|
| Container material | Steel frames
| All steel
|
| Local and long-distance moves | Yes | Yes
|
| Portable storage | Yes
| Yes
|
Data as of 9/22/2020.
Winner: Tie
What is portable storage?
Moving containers double as storage units (hence the term portable storage). Your storage options include keeping the shipping containers at your home or a moving container company’s storage facility.
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT coverage options
PODS has more coverage options than 1-800-PACK-RAT. While each moving container company has identical prices for similar coverage amounts, PODS offers up to $300,000, and 1-800-PACK-RAT caps out at $75,000.
PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT coverage prices by declared value
PODS data as of 3/3/2015.1 Pricing for US Contents Protection only and subject to change. 1-800-PACK-RAT data as of 4/3/17.2 Pricing may vary by location and are subject to change. Individuals should review their rental contract—including addendums—for a complete description of the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Winner: PODS
Our pick: 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT squeaks out a win over PODS because of its pricing and container quality. 1-800-PACK-RAT has lower costs (after discounts), provides tax estimates upon request, and consistently offers price matching. The moving company also has better container quality thanks to its all steel construction.
Want high quality and low prices?
Other moving container picks
PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT have a lot to offer—but they aren’t the only container companies out there. Learn more about the competition:
Moving container FAQ
Do moving container companies offer portable storage?
Yes, moving container companies offer portable storage. Besides providing local moves and long-distance moves, portable moving container companies let you use the containers as portable storage units.
Are there moving services that offer hourly moving help?
Yes, there are moving services that offer hourly moving help. The best moving labor companies are HireAHelper, Dolly, and TaskRabbit.
Is a moving truck cheaper than a portable storage container?
Yes, a moving truck is generally cheaper than a portable storage container. However, a storage container becomes more affordable than a truck over longer distances because you don’t have to pay for fuel, food, and lodging.
Do PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT have more than one container size?
Yes, PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT have more than one container size. Each company has three sizes. The smallest container sizes often fit one room of belongings while the largest container sizes can fit up to four rooms.
What is the moving cost of PODS vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT?
PODS has a lower initial moving cost than 1-800-PACK-RAT ($3,160 vs. $3,290 for an average move), but 1-800-PACK-RAT often has lower final prices because of discounts and price matching.
Sources
1. 1-800-PACK-RAT, “Contents Protection Plans,” April 3, 2017. Accessed September 21, 2020.
2. PODS Enterprises, LLC, “Contents Protection,” 2016. Accessed September 1, 2020.
