U-Pack vs PODS: Which Should You Choose For Your Move

Choosing a moving container can be difficult. While the name PODS might be familiar to you, there are also others out there, including the popular U-Pack. To learn more about PODS and U-Pack, as well as some other moving containers, check out this guide.

U-Pack vs PODS

Before we get into what each container are, we should quickly go over a comparison of each:

As you can see, both companies are pretty varied considering they offer similar services. Let's go over what each company does.

PODS

PODS is an excellent option for a moving container that is versatile enough to work for whatever your needs are. Here’s how PODS work:

• Get your POD (or PODS) and load it up on your schedule
  • There is no set schedule for when you must have it loaded up
    • There is no time crunch or pressure to get things loaded
  • Receiving your POD couldn't be easier; it is contactless, and it is delivered right to your house
    • When you’re done PODS will pick it up and deliver it to your new home
• You can also store your stuff in one of PODS’ storage facilities if you need to
  • This is a great alternative because it works just the same as above; the POD is dropped off and you load it up
  • The difference is that it is then taken to a storage center instead of your new home
• PODS will move you either across the country, Canada, the UK, Australia, or even right down the street
  • They offer both local and long-distance moves, so no matter where you need to go you are covered
    • PODS only operate in 44 states, so not every state is covered

Unlike U-Pack, PODS offers 3 different container sizes; 7 foot, 12 foot, and 16 foot. The 7-foot container is good for one room (such as for college dorms) and is the equivalent of a 10-foot moving truck. The 12-foot container is good for 2 to 3 rooms and is the equivalent of a 15-foot moving truck. Finally, the 16-foot container is good for 3 to 4 rooms and is the equivalent of a 20-foot truck.

Note: We were not able to set up any quotes without entering in personal information, and we began receiving emails from PODS without giving out our emails.

While PODS is pretty great, the downside is they are not located everywhere. Out of curiosity, we set up a move out of Houston, Texas to Laramie, Wyoming. They recommended going with U-Pack for that move.

For PODS, you do have to pay for every container you order (regardless of whether or not you use it). Luckily, they have calculators on their websites that help you determine the amount you need so you get what you need.

U-Pack

U-Pack doesn't have the different container sizes as PODS does, but they do offer two options for moving; a Relocube and a trailer. Here’s how they work:

• The Relocubes are 6’3" x 7’ x 8’4” and are about 300 cubic feet
  • Can move everything in a room
  • They fit in one parking spot, so they are easy to bring in and out
  • After the Relocube is loaded, U-Pack loads them into a storage facility until you’re ready for them at your new home
• The trailer is all about flexibility
  • The trailer can be parked on either the street or your driveway and you can load up as much room as you need to use
  • When you are done, you will lock up your stuff with a locking divider so no one else can tamper with your belongings

We did a quote for a local move to Laramie, Wyoming (about 1,068 miles away). They estimated 13 feet of space for a 2-bedroom home and quoted us $2,039. This included tax, ramp, as well as fuel. If you're looking for an easy quote system with no hidden cost, U-Pack fits the bill.

Another nice thing about U-Pack is they are available in all 50 states. With that being said, U-Pack does not offer local moves.

Another awesome thing that U-Pack has is that you can order as many Relocubes that you think you might need, and if you ordered too many you won’t have to pay for them. Unlike PODS where you have to pay for the container, no matter what, U-Pack is flexible in how they operate so you can load up what you have in whatever containers you use and send the rest back.

PODS Vs U-Pack Insurance

Of course, just like moving with a rental truck or with professional movers, you will need insurance. Let's go over your insurance options for both PODS and U-Pack:

PODS Insurance Options

Container Only Insurance

• This only covers the container as it sits at your home
  • Covers weather, fire, hail damage, anything like that

Content Only Insurance

• This only covers your stuff that is inside the POD
  • You pay for water damage regardless - no exceptions
  • This also covers theft (as long as it's in PODS care), rioting, explosions, and damage to the container
  • Unfortunately, nuclear warfare is not covered, so if we have a nuclear war you are liable for your stuff
    • Chemical warfare is also not covered

Honestly, PODS coverage options aren’t really that great. We found it odd that they specified that nuclear warfare wasn’t covered in their insurance options but to each their own. The content policy is certainly better than the container only policy, but not by much.

U-Pack Insurance Options

Catastrophic Liability

• Covers everything that you have in your container
• If anything happens U-Pack covers your items at $3.00 per pound apiece
  • Maximum of $75,000 for Relocube
  • Maximum of $60,000 for trailer
• This is standard and is included in your quote

Carrier Negligence

• If U-Pack messes up and damages your items after you’ve loaded them, they will pay you $0.10 per pound apiece for damage or loss
• Additional coverage is:
  • For $75 coverage increases to $1.00 per pound apiece for a max of $2,500 for Relocube and $20,000 for trailer
  • For a $125 charge, coverage increases to $2.00 per pound a piece for a max of $5,000 for Relocube and $40,000 for a trailer
  • For a $175 charge, coverage increases to $3.00 per pound a piece for a max of $7,500 for Relocube and $60,000 for trailer
• Starts once the unit has been picked up and ends once the unit has been dropped off at a new location

U-Pack has great coverage options, and the fact that catastrophic liability is already included is awesome. This not only protects your stuff it also protects you from any mishaps.

Our Pick - U-Pack

Between the two, PODS and U-Pack, the better of the two is U-Pack. They don't charge for any extra container you might have gotten, and if the containers don’t work for you then you can also utilize their trailer option as well. Their insurance options were also great which gives you peace of mind in knowing your stuff is well protected and taken care of, just in case of the worst.

The one downside to U-Pack is that they don’t offer local moves. Obviously, there are plenty of other options for local moves, but it is disappointing that U-Pack can’t be one of those options. Regarding long-distance moves, U-Pack is available in all 50 states unlike PODS, so you can truly go wherever you need to.