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Compare PODS® to U-Pack
Jun 12, 2026
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Will PODS® or U-Pack work better for your long-distance move?
Both PODS® and U-Pack® offer portable storage for moving to another state, but there are significant differences between their services.
Let’s compare the features to help you determine which solution will work best for you.
PODS® vs. U-Pack: Finding the best fit
While both companies offer similar moving services, there are some key differences. The chart below provides a side-by-side comparison.
U-Pack | PODS® | |
| Offers long-distance moves | Yes | Yes |
| Offers local moves | No | Yes |
| Online instant quotes | Yes | No |
| Pay only for space used | Yes | No |
| Storage available | Yes | Yes |
| On-site storage | No | Yes |
| Service in all 50 states | Yes | No |
Coverage areas
PODS® serves mostly metro locations in 46 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C. and offers international services in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
U-Pack has service centers in all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Canada and Puerto Rico.
Both companies have two equipment options for long-distance moves.
Equipment options
PODS® has 8-ft and 16-ft moving containers for out-of-state moves. Select locations also have 12-ft containers available for local moves only.
U-Pack offers ReloCube moving containers or space in a 28-ft moving trailer. Learn more about how PODS® and U-Pack equipment compare.
Ease of getting a quote
The quoting process with U-Pack is easy. You can get a free instant quote online for most moves, or you can call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. Prices include equipment, delivery, transportation and liability coverage.
With PODS®, you can start the quoting process online, but you must call or chat online during business hours to get a final price. Costs for delivery, transportation and equipment use are separated on PODS® estimates, and liability coverage (container and/or contents) is available for an additional fee.
Curious about rates? Learn how PODS® prices compare to U-Pack.
Billing and payment structure
PODS® bills 3 times during the first 30 days. You’ll make payments for initial delivery, transportation and final drop-off/pick-up. Typically, the first installment or deposit is due seven days before the move, and you’ll pay for the containers delivered, whether you use them all or not.
With U-Pack, there’s no deposit, and no payments are due until belongings are in transit. U-Pack only charges for the containers used (or the space filled in a trailer), even if you reserve more than you need.
Prefer to pay for the move over time? Check out U-Pack’s financing options.
Storage and transit times
PODS® rates include the first 30 days of use, even if you don't need that long to load your belongings. That 30-day period generally covers the entire container rental timeframe, including loading, transit and storage. Additional storage is billed monthly.
With U-Pack, every ReloCube move comes with 30 days of free storage, with the 30-day period starting after your belongings reach the destination service center. Just let us know you need storage when you reserve! Additional time is available if needed.
Compare U-Pack to PODS® for your out-of-state move
U-Pack has nearly 30 years of experience in long-distance moving, and we’re ready to make your move stress-free. Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 or use our free online quote form to see how our prices compare to PODS®.
Let us know if you have questions about how U-Pack services work or how we stack up to other P0DS® competitors.
PODS® is a registered trademark of PODS® Enterprises, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.
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