What should you not pack in a POD?

If you are preparing to use a PODS moving container for your upcoming move, you should know that there are some illegal items that can't be placed in a container.

What cannot be placed in PODS?

• Valuable items: PODS has certain policies regarding valuables and essentials. If you plan to move these items, it may be best to keep them with you in a separate box during the moving process. Valuable items to take with you may include:
  • Money
  • Jewelry
  • Firearms
  • Computer software or programs
  • Credit cards
  • Medical records
  • School records
  • Financial documents
  • Car titles etc.
  • If you do decide to pack valuables inside your PODS, be sure to read the company’s liability options first.
• Plants: PODS won’t allow indoor or outdoor plants inside the container, especially when you are moving a long distance. This is because some states have certain rules about which kinds of plants can and cannot be imported. So if you are moving with your plants, make sure to check with the State Plant Regulatory Official first.
• Hazardous materials: PODS refuse to transport hazardous materials. So before you move, you should properly dispose of these items immediately. Hazardous items that moving containers won’t allow are:
  • Fertilizer
  • Paints
  • Aerosols
  • Cleaning solvents
  • Propane tanks
  • Poisons
  • Motor oil
  • Charcoal
  • Pool chemicals
  • Scuba tanks
  • Pesticides
  • Batteries
  • Acids
  • Charcoal
  • Loaded guns
  • Nail polish remover
  • Ammonia
  • Remember, throwing hazardous materials in the trash may put the public in danger. So don’t throw hazardous materials in the trash. Visit your local hazardous waste facility drop-off center to get rid of them
• Perishable food
  • Packing perishable food into your moving container is not a good idea. So before you move, donate this food to your local food bank. For more information on what to do with all your food before a move, check here. Perishable items that should not be packed inside of a moving container include:
    • Milk
    • Butter
    • Yogurts
    • Ice cream
    • Frozen treats
    • Fresh produce
    • Refrigerated food
    • Opened pantry items
    • Opened beverages
• Explosives and weaponry: Explosives and weaponry of any kind are not safe inside a self-storage container. Any item that may explode when it makes contact with spark or fire is not allowed in storage pods.

What to store in your PODS container?

If you are planning to move and want a moving container to store your belongings, here are some things to consider.

• Do not include any goods that are illegal, stolen, potentially explosive, environmentally harmful.
• Avoid valuables like currency, jewelry, deeds, paintings, and items of strong sentimental value.

Can you put a car in a PODS container?

No, cars, motorized vehicles, and lawnmowers are not allowed to be transported in PODS containers.

Additional tips for packing a moving POD

• Before you start loading the pod, line the bottom of the unit with moving blankets for extra protection against vibrations;
• Use moving blankets and large pieces of cardboard to provide cushioning between the items in the moving container
• Put furniture items along the sides of the pod and keep them upright to optimize space
• Avoid placing heavy items on top of thin-legged furniture.
• Keep the load level even.