How Much Does PODS® Cost Compared to U-Pack?

U-Pack vs. PODS: Cost comparison guide

If you're comparing U-Pack® and PODS® for an upcoming move, price is probably one of your biggest questions. While both companies offer moving and storage, there are some important differences that can affect how much you pay. 

What makes U-Pack® and PODS® costs so different?

Many factors go into the cost of portable storage, but if you're comparing U-Pack and PODS® quotes, these are some of the biggest pricing details to pay attention to.

How you're charged for equipment

One of the biggest pricing differences between U-Pack and PODS® is how moving equipment is billed. PODS® charges by container size, so you'll pay for the entire container regardless of how much space you use.

U-Pack offers both ReloCube® moving containers and moving trailers. While container pricing is based on the number of containers needed, trailer pricing is based on the amount of trailer space you use.

Equipment flexibility can also affect the final cost. For example, if you reserve multiple PODS® containers and end up not needing one, you may still have delivery and pickup charges for the unused container. 

With U-Pack, there is no charge to pick up an empty ReloCube® that wasn't used for the move.

Storage costs and timing

PODS® includes 30 days of container use in its pricing, but that time includes loading, transit and unloading. So, any storage time depends on how long the other parts of your move take.

U-Pack handles storage separately, allowing you to use loading and unloading days without reducing available storage time. Even better? All ReloCube moves come with 30 days of free storage. Learn more about our portable storage service. 

How and when you pay

When budgeting for a move, it's helpful to know when charges will hit your account. PODS® generally collects payment in multiple installments, while U-Pack® customers make a single payment after loading is complete and their equipment has been picked up.

Compare prices with an example move

To help you understand how rates differ between the two companies, we looked at an example move for a 2-bedroom home from Denver, Colorado, to Houston, Texas, in December 2026. 

The prices below were accurate at the time of posting. Actual moving costs will vary based on origin, destination, home size, availability of moving equipment and dates.

• PODS®: $6221.38 for 2 16-ft containers
  • Only includes 30 total days of use
    • Additional storage billed at $712.95 per month
• U-Pack: $3,004 for 2 ReloCube containers
  • 30 days of storage included 

U-Pack prices include equipment, transportation, liability coverage, fuel and door-to-door delivery, and there’s no charge for tax.

Curious how the container sizes compare? See the details.

Check U-Pack costs for your move

Get a free, no-obligation quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a U-Pack moving consultant.

If you have questions about how PODS® costs compare to U-Pack, let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help!

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.