PODS Moving & Storage vs U-Haul
By Daniel Harper, Senior Editor, Moving Costs · Reviewed by Melissa Grant, Pricing & Estimates Reviewer · Last updated May 2026
On our weighted score, PODS Moving & Storage takes the edge (4.0/5). That said, PODS Moving & Storage is the better pick for flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage, while U-Haul wins for diy moves where you drive the truck. Always get binding estimates from both before booking.
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Side-by-side
| Category | PODS Moving & Storage | U-Haul |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT | Container service | 125550 |
| MC # | Container service | 26588 |
| BBB rating | A+ | B |
| Founded | 1998 | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Clearwater, FL | Phoenix, AZ |
| Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Services | Long-distance, Storage, Container/Portable | Local, Long-distance, Storage, Container/Portable |
| 2BR estimate | $1,800–$4,500 | $400–$2,800 |
| Customer rating | 4.0 / 5 | 3.5 / 5 |
PODS Moving & Storage
The original portable-storage container model. Best value when you need a few weeks between move-out and move-in or want to load at your own pace.
- Best for flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1998.
- BBB rating: A+.
- You load and unload yourself — labor is on you unless you book separately through their partners.
U-Haul
The default DIY rental option in nearly every US ZIP code. Cheapest path for a same-city move; their U-Box container product also competes with PODS for long-distance.
- Best for diy moves where you drive the truck.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1945.
- BBB rating: B.
- Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.
Flexible-timeline moves and combined move + storage
You load and unload yourself — labor is on you unless you book separately through their partners.
DIY moves where you drive the truck
Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.
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