Storage PODs: To Pod or not to Pod?

To pod or not to pod, it is an indeed a good question.  A very answerable question at that, but you should think about it carefully before choosing whether or not to go with one.  Pods, or temporary storage units, are a great way to deal with temporary storage or moving your stuff.  They are closed containers made of plywood, often encased with metal sheeting. There are many reasons to get a pod, and here are a few:

-Major Renovations

If you are doing a major project to your home, this is a great way to store your stuff.  You can place the pod in your driveway, parking lot or street.  While you are doing the project this will avoid any of your stuff getting damaged or being in the way.

-Selling your home

It is no secret that the real estate market isn't doing that great right now, selling a house can be quite difficult these days.  Emptying the house you are selling will let buyers envision moving into the house easier.     It is hard for one to gauge how much space is in a home when it is packed when someone else's stuff.  Also, if you empty the home before you sell it, this will make it easy for you to repaint or refinish floors, another great way to increase the saleability of your home.  Not to mention you don’t have to worry about petty theft from people viewing your home, because all of your stuff will be safely tucked away in the POD. 

-Too much stuff in your house, work, yard, etc.

They bring it, you pack it at your convenience, they pick it up, they store all the extra junk in your office at home that you just don’t need right now. 

-Moving without the hastle of a van

It is cheaper than a moving van!  And you don’t have to argue which one you is going to drive that huge thing.  You pack it at your own convenience.  PODs usually are flexible with their time limits so you will be able to take your time storing everything in the container.  Unlike moving vans where you have to quickly throw everything in, cross your fingers and hope somehow nothing will get damaged.

Here you can get a promotional code for Pods to get 5% off if you decide to rent a pod.

So there are some reasons you may not want to get a pod. Like all things, getting a temporary storage unit has a couple of disadvantages.  If you decide not to get a pod you can find a moving service or a storage unit right for you. 

-Climate control

If you are using a pod for storage, they usually do not have reliable climate control.  While most portable storage units are sealed they do not have humidity or temperature control that some delicate items may require.

-Cost

While PODs can be less expensive than moving fans they are often more expensive than other storage options.

-Not in my lawn! 

Neighbors are good for lots of things.  Pet sitting, keeping an eye on your house and most of all COMPLAINING!   So if you have a pod in your driveway, you may get a couple complaints about the aesthetic interference it has with your neighborhood.  If you have a finicky neighbor, it may be good to let them know you are getting the POD before hand.  However, know your rights.  It is after all your driveway.  Unless you are part of a homeowner's association, then you will need to address your neighborhood rules for PODs. 

If you plan to put the pod in the street, you will more than likely need a permit to do so.  Make sure to visit your local police department to do this beforehand, so you don't get ticketed.  It is a very unpleasant and unnecessary and unpleasant additional cost. 

-Move it Yourself!

Unless you are hiring your own move out crew, you will be moving everything in the POD by yourself.  It can be a pain, but if you want something right do it yourself…

-Then again doing it yourself can be dangerous

Sometimes if you damage your own items while moving them, insurance companies won’t want to cover your do it yourself damage.  So any damage to items you may end up paying out of pocket. No to mention risk factors of actually damaging yourself while moving.