It's no surprise that people spend so much time and energy researching moving companies before choosing one. Isn't it ironic that moving, which promises a fresh start, can often become one of life's most stressful events.
While PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) has made a special place for itself, it only covers certain relocation essentials. If you need more, I've curated a list of five PODS alternatives that offer bigger containers and more scheduling flexibility.
Top 5 Moving Companies Like PODS:
- Colonial Van Lines - Best PODS alternative overall
- American Van Lines - Best for customizable moving options
- Moving APT - Budget-conscious individuals seeking full-service moves across the U.S.
- Allied Van Lines - Best for easy scheduling
- U-Pack - Best for affordable DIY moving
A Closer Look at Our 5 Best Alternatives to PODS - Reviews:
1. Colonial Van Lines
A full-service carrier company specializing in long-distance moves
- Best for - Businesses looking for a well-rounded moving solution
- Main services covered - Long-distance moving, cross-country moves, corporate relocation, packing, unpacking, and storage
- Participating States - 48
- Online Quote Tool - Yes
- Insurance Included - Yes + additional third-party coverage
Colonial Van Lines provides moving services to all US states except Alaska and Hawaii. It offers a modern app-based estimating system, which allows you to create a detailed inventory of your furniture. This ensures that your calculated moving cost will closely match your final bill.
Colonial Van Lines has built a reputation for its consistent service and attention to detail. Its moving crews treat your stuff like their own, ensuring they're packed and transported with care, regardless of the distance. The company also has flexible scheduling, tailor-made moving strategies, and storage solutions for various needs.
What Makes Colonial Van Lines a Good Alternative to PODS?
Colonial Van Lines is my top choice for long-distance moves. While PODS offers a DIY approach, Colonial Van Lines provides a more hands-on, full-service experience. Its experts assist with everything from packing and loading to ensuring a seamless transition to your new location.
Pros
- Specializes in out-of-state moves
- Basic insurance is included for all items
- Uses professional-grade thick moving blankets
Cons
- No shipment tracking
- Limited control over timing, especially for delivery
2. American Van Lines
Customizable moving options with a focus on customer service and specialty item transport
- Best for - Individuals with unique items or varied moving timelines
- Main services covered - Local and long-distance moves, packing and unpacking services, storage, moving specialty items
- Participating States - 48
- Online Quote Tool - No
- Insurance Included - Yes, up to 60 cents/pound
American Van Lines provides a range of essential moving services for local and long-distance relocations. It handles the loading and unloading of items. You can decide if you want professional packing and unpacking services. Plus, the firm includes specialized handling for delicate items like antiques and pianos, which some companies may not move.
The company also offers long-term and short-term storage solutions. And although real-time shipment tracking isn't available, you can contact the designated foreman overseeing your move for updates on the whereabouts and progress of your possessions.
What Makes American Van Lines a Good Alternative to PODS?
I'm truly impressed by American Van Lines' dedication to environmental sustainability. Unlike PODS, which doesn't highlight eco-friendly initiatives as prominently, American Van Lines actively works to reduce its ecological impact.
Pros
- Uses a transparent flat-rate pricing model
- Specialized handling of delicate and valuable items
- Wide range of storage options available
Cons
- Doesn't offer shipment tracking
- Packing and unpacking services rely on local contractors
3. Moving APT
Flexible brokerage model with full-service moving and strong support
- Best for - Budget-conscious individuals seeking full-service moves across the U.S.
- Main services covered - Long-distance and interstate moves, packing and unpacking, auto transport, specialty item moving, storage solutions
- Participating States -50
- Online Quote Tool - Yes
- Insurance Included - Optional (paid insurance available)
Moving APT is a nationwide moving broker that coordinates long-distance moves by connecting customers with over 2,500 licensed carriers. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a full family home, Moving APT offers flexible solutions that range from full-service packing to short- and long-term storage. It specializes in matching you with movers who are experienced in handling fragile or bulky items like antiques, musical instruments, and gym equipment.
Although Moving APT does not own trucks or containers like PODS, its broker model allows for greater pricing flexibility and faster service in many regions. Once your quote is booked, Moving APT remains your main point of contact—even during the move—ensuring less confusion and better accountability throughout the process.
What Makes Moving APT a Good Alternative to PODS?
PODS offers the convenience of DIY container moves, but Moving APT is ideal if you want a more hands-off experience. Its end-to-end support and full-service approach mean you won’t need to lift a finger during your move. Plus, unlike PODS, Moving APT has an in-house department to handle communication and claims—giving you peace of mind even if something goes wrong.
Pros
- Excellent pricing flexibility through 2,500+ vetted carriers
In-house support and claims team for better customer service
Offers specialty moving services not available with PODS
Cons
- Service quality may vary depending on the carrier
- No real-time tracking available
4. Allied Van Lines
A trustworthy moving service with over 85 years of experience
- Best for - People with tight or unpredictable schedules
- Main services covered - Long-distance, cross-country, interstate, and international moves, corporate relocation, storage solutions
- Participating States - 44
- Online Quote Tool - No
- Insurance Included - Yes
Allied Van Lines is a moving service based in Chicago with over 85 years of experience. It handles long-haul moves and international shipping and offers all-inclusive moving packages that combine loading, unloading, and transportation. It also has various add-on options that allow you to arrange safe passage for valuable, or hard-to-move items.
Its household package includes services like furniture assembly, disassembly, and cleaning. If needed, you can also use third-party movers for these tasks. If you're moving internationally, Allied Van Lines maintains a vast network of over 1,000 agents spanning more than 130 countries and provides online shipment tracking.
What Makes Allied Van Lines a Good Alternative to PODS?
From my experience with corporate relocations, Allied Van Lines stands out for its strict measures to prevent damage. The movers wrap items in heavy-gauge stretch wrap and use adhesive covers to shield your carpets from dirt and grime. With PODS, your items' safety largely depends on how you pack.
Pros
- All moving personnel are background-checked
- Customizable options, from transportation to full-service moves
- Track your belongings in real-time
Cons
- May be challenging to book the service on short notice
- Doesn't offer nationwide coverage
5. U-Pack
Flexible, pay-for-what-you-use moving and storage options
- Best for - Families who need a cost-effective solution for transportation
- Main services covered - Container and trailer shipping, storage, shipment tracking
- Participating States - 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico
- Online Quote Tool - Yes
- Insurance Included - Yes
U-Pack provides free online quotes and can deliver packing materials right to your doorstep. The company can also transport your items to your new location. Plus, it offers flexibility in terms of adding extra units, choosing your moving date, or tailoring your move according to your budget.
It also comes with a range of additional services, including assistance with loading and weather-resistant storage trailers. If you're short on time, you can choose the U-Pack Guaranteed plan for faster transit times.
What Makes U-Pack a Good Alternative to PODS?
I believe U-Pack is the most affordable PODS alternative because you only pay for the space you use inside your ReloCube. Like with PODS, you need to handle packing and loading yourself. But U-Pack provides in-transit storage if you have a gap between moving dates.
Pros
- You can add or subtract ReloCubes or trailer space as needed
- Handles the driving
- Simple online booking and shipment tracking
Cons
- Doesn't offer packing and unpacking services
- No in-person estimates
PODS Alternatives: Stress-Free Relocation
While PODS has been a popular choice for many, there are reasons to consider an alternative. Whether you're looking for more affordable options, personalized service, or DIY moving options, there are several excellent PODS substitutes to choose from.
If any of these companies seem like the right fit for you, go ahead and request a pricing estimate. This way, you can compare what different firms offer. And if you ever find yourself stuck, having a game plan before you move can pave the way for a seamless and hassle-free transition.
» Learn the A to Z of what you need to do when moving houses.
