Many people planning a long-distance move struggle with a common dilemma: should you use a portable moving container like PODS, or hire a professional moving company? This is especially important for cross-country moves, where costs and logistics really add up. On one hand, PODS (and similar container services) promise flexibility and potential savings if you’re willing to do the packing and loading yourself. On the other hand, full-service movers handle all the heavy lifting and logistics, but often at a higher price. In this article, we’ll compare the cost and service differences between PODS and professional movers for long-distance relocations. We’ll look at average cross-country costs (including how storage, fuel, and other hidden factors play in), service differences like effort and scheduling, a clear pros and cons comparison, and tips on when each option makes sense. By the end, you’ll have an expert perspective – and Affordable Moving LLC’s recommendation – on the best choice for an affordable cross-country move.

Cost Comparison: PODS vs. Professional Moving Companies

Average Long-Distance Move Costs – PODS: For cross-country moves, renting a portable container like PODS can initially appear cheaper than hiring a mover. The typical cost to move cross-country with PODS ranges from around $3,000 up to $8,000+ (this usually includes transportation and one month of storage in the price). The wide range depends on the distance, the size and number of containers needed, and the season. For example, a long-distance move of ~1,500 miles using one large PODS container might cost about $2,999. Smaller interstate moves or minimal shipments can sometimes be on the lower end (even around ~$1,000–$3,000 for one container), whereas larger, coast-to-coast moves requiring multiple containers can push PODS costs toward the upper end (around $6,000–$8,000). It’s important to note that every PODS move comes with a month of storage built-in, so if you don’t need storage you might be paying for time you won’t use – but if you do need storage, that built-in month is a useful value.

Average Long-Distance Move Costs – Moving Companies: Hiring a professional moving company for a cross-country move typically costs more upfront, but it includes comprehensive service. On average, full-service movers charge roughly $4,000 to $9,000 (or more) for a long-distance move, depending on the distance and the size of your household. Industry data shows the normal range for cross-country moves is about $2,400 to $7,000+, with a median around $4,500. Large homes (multiple bedrooms) on a coast-to-coast move can even reach the $10,000+ tier. For instance, the average cost of a long-distance move (~1,500 miles) with a professional moving company is around $5,000. This higher price typically includes all the labor (packing, loading, driving, unloading) and often basic insurance coverage for your belongings.

Cost Gap Is Narrowing: It’s worth noting that the price difference between PODS and professional movers is not as dramatic as it once was. In recent years, many long-distance moving companies have lowered their rates to compete with PODS. While PODS may still be cheaper at first glance, the savings average only about $800 to $2,000 compared to hiring movers. For example, a small cross-country apartment move might cost ~$2,300 with PODS, versus $3,000–$3,500 with a mover (all services included). For a large family home, PODS could run $6,000–$8,000 whereas full-service movers might quote $7,000–$9,000 – in that case PODS might save only ~$1,000 for a lot more work on your part. The bottom line: long-distance PODS tends to be somewhat cheaper than a mover, but not by a huge margin once you account for everything.

Hidden Costs and Extras to Consider

When comparing costs, don’t forget about hidden or add-on expenses that can creep into your total bill:

• Fuel Surcharges: Professional movers often incorporate fuel costs into long-distance quotes, and some may add a fuel surcharge (a percentage of the cost or a per-mile fee) as a separate line item. With PODS, the transportation charge is built into your container price, so you’re not buying gas directly – however, extremely long distances will simply reflect in a higher transport fee. (If you were comparing to renting a truck, fuel would be a major extra cost, but with PODS or a mover it’s embedded or surcharged rather than pay-at-pump.) Keep an eye on mover quotes for any “mileage fee” or fuel cost – for a cross-country move this can be significant.
• Insurance & Liability: Both PODS and moving companies offer optional coverage for your items, but it works differently. With PODS, you’ll likely need to purchase their contents protection plan if you want coverage for damage or loss; these plans can range from around $10 up to $450 per month based on coverage amount and container contents. If you decline coverage, your homeowner’s insurance might cover some incidents, but generally you bear the risk for any damage to your items since you packed the container. By contrast, professional movers are required by law to include basic liability coverage (usually $0.60 per pound per item) for free, and they offer higher protection (Full Value Protection insurance) for an added cost. Full Value Protection with movers will increase your cost (often a few hundred dollars extra, depending on your items’ value), but it means the company is liable to repair or replace items if they get damaged. Bottom line: if you want your items fully insured, both PODS and movers will charge extra – but with a mover, you at least have basic coverage included whereas with PODS you’ll likely add a protection plan for true peace of mind.
• Storage Fees: As mentioned, a PODS quote includes one month of storage by default for long-distance moves. If you need additional storage time (for example, you want the container held at a warehouse for extra weeks or months before delivery), you’ll incur monthly fees roughly $150–$300 per month for the container rental. With moving companies, long-distance moves are typically direct, but if your new home isn’t ready, you can request storage-in-transit. Movers will unload your items into a storage facility and redeliver later, but this service isn’t free – you’ll pay for the storage period (often a monthly or daily warehouse rate) plus possible handling fees. This can run a few hundreds of dollars per month depending on volume. In short, PODS offers a convenient built-in storage option, whereas with movers it’s a separate process and cost. If you know you need storage, that tilts the cost equation more in favor of PODS (since one month is included and extra months are straightforward).
• Packing Materials: Don’t overlook packing supplies when budgeting. With PODS or any DIY approach, you must buy your own boxes, tape, packing paper, moving blankets, etc. Those costs can add up (several hundred dollars for a 3-bedroom home’s worth of materials, easily). If you hire professional movers for a full-pack service, the quote will typically include all boxes and materials they use – but that service costs significantly more than a basic load-and-go move. If you hire movers just to transport and you do the packing, you’ll still be buying materials yourself. Either way, packing materials are a semi-hidden cost: with PODS it’s 100% on you to provide them, while with movers it depends on the service level (you might pay extra for packing service, or handle it yourself). Be sure to factor this in if you go the PODS route, and ask movers if packing supplies are included in your quote.
• Labor & Equipment: One of the biggest “extra” costs with PODS is the labor to load and unload the container. The base PODS price does NOT include any human movers – it’s essentially a DIY service. If you don’t plan to lift every box and piece of furniture yourself, you may hire local moving labor to help. For example, you might use a service to get workers to load your PODS container at your old home and unload at your new home. This labor typically costs several hundred dollars at each end, depending on how much stuff and how long it takes (e.g. $200–$600+ per side). When you compare costs, remember to add labor costs to PODS if you won’t truly do it all alone. Professional moving companies, by definition, include the labor in their price – the team of movers and a truck are part of the package. Beyond labor, consider equipment: with PODS you might need to rent or buy equipment like dollies, furniture pads, or straps to secure items. Movers bring their own dollies, hand trucks, furniture blankets, and straps as part of their service. These “little” extras of a DIY move can be another hidden expense (or at least hassle).
• Extra Fees and Surcharges: When getting quotes, look carefully at what’s included. Moving companies might add fees for things like fuel (as discussed), tolls, insurance, or specialty services. If you have stairs, long carries (long distance from door to truck), or bulky items (piano, pool table), professional movers often have surcharges for those. Ensure those are either included in a flat quote or accounted for. With PODS, your costs are more straightforward: container rental, delivery fees, and storage time. For PODS, typical extra fees include a delivery or pick-up fee (averaging $75–$150 each time they drop off or pick up the unit), and any required permits (if you need to put a container on the street, some cities require a permit fee). Luckily, PODS usually doesn’t surprise you with misc. fees beyond what you sign up for – but if you live in a tight urban area, ensure you budget for permit or parking costs for the container placement.

In summary, PODS might have a lower base price for a long-distance move and offers storage time included, but professional movers’ quotes cover more services. When tallying the true cost, include all the hidden costs: a DIY container move means budgeting for packing supplies, possible equipment rental, labor help, and added insurance, while a moving company might have add-on fees for extra services or special circumstances. It’s wise to get detailed quotes from both and do a side-by-side comparison of total costs for your specific move.

Service Comparison: How Do PODS and Moving Companies Differ?

Cost is only part of the equation. The service experience with PODS vs. full-service movers is dramatically different. Below we break down key factors – from the effort you’ll expend to timing, flexibility, and what services are (or aren’t) included:

• Effort Required (DIY vs. Full-Service): Choosing PODS means doing a lot of the work yourself. You’ll be responsible for packing all your belongings securely in boxes, loading the container on your own (or with friends/hired help), and later unloading at your destination. It’s a hands-on, DIY move. In contrast, hiring a moving company is mostly hands-off for you – a professional crew handles all the heavy lifting. Full-service movers can pack your items, disassemble furniture, load everything onto the truck, drive it cross-country, and unload/unpack at your new home. Essentially, PODS saves money by replacing movers with your own labor, whereas a moving company charges more but saves you a great deal of time and physical effort. Consider your ability and willingness to lift furniture and spend days loading a container. If you have health issues or a lot of large, heavy items (piano, appliances), a mover’s services can be well worth it. PODS is best for those who don’t mind a “do-it-yourself” move and perhaps even find some satisfaction in controlling the process (or have strong friends to help out).
• Flexibility and Scheduling: One big advantage of PODS is flexibility in timing. With a PODS container, you set the pace of your move. The company drops off your portable container and typically lets you have it for up to a month included in the price. You can take a few days or a few weeks to pack and load at your convenience, rather than cramming everything into one moving day. This flexibility is ideal if you want to spread out the work or if your moving dates are uncertain. You decide when to call PODS to pick up the container and transport it. Similarly, at your destination you can have the container delivered and unload over several days. In contrast, a professional moving service operates on a tighter schedule: you’ll have a scheduled loading day (often a crew arrives in the morning and by afternoon your entire house is loaded onto the truck) and a scheduled delivery window when they will drop off at the new home. You don’t have much control over the timing beyond picking the initial load date – after that, the transit and delivery are on the company’s timeline (especially for cross-country moves, where your shipment might share truck space). If you need more flexibility (say you’re not moving directly into a new home, or you want the option of a delay), PODS lets you essentially store your belongings safely until you’re ready. With movers, delaying delivery means paying for storage or waiting until an available delivery slot. In short: PODS = freedom to move on your own timeline; Movers = a fixed schedule orchestrated by the company.
• Transit Times and Speed: When it comes to how long it takes to actually get your stuff across the country, there are differences but also some similarities. PODS transit times for cross-country moves are often in the range of 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the distance and route. Officially, PODS might estimate about 7–10 days for cross-country transport, but real-world experiences show it can take 14–21 days or more for very long distances (especially routes over ~1,500 miles). This is because PODS may ship containers via truck hubs or rail, and containers can stop at multiple distribution centers along the way. Also, PODS schedules transport based on availability and routing efficiency, not necessarily a direct express to your door. Moving companies’ transit times can vary too: If you hire a large van line and don’t have a full truckload, your belongings will likely share space with other customers’ shipments. The truck may make several stops across the country, and delivery can also take up to 2 weeks (10–14 days is common for coast-to-coast). Most movers will give you a delivery window (e.g. “between June 5 and June 15”) rather than a guaranteed date, unless you pay extra for expedited or exclusive truck service. One difference is that if timing is critical, you can often negotiate or pay for a guaranteed delivery date with a mover (for a premium fee) or choose a smaller moving company that drives straight through. With PODS, you generally cannot expedite beyond their standard process. So, neither option is necessarily fast if you’re moving cross-country – both can take one to two weeks in transit – but a full-service moving truck might arrive faster if it’s dedicated, whereas PODS is usually about convenience over speed. If you need storage time, PODS will happily hold your container, effectively slowing down the timeline until you request delivery (a perk if your new place isn’t ready immediately). With movers, if you need them to hold your goods, they put them in storage (which as noted adds cost and an extra load/unload step).
• Protection, Insurance, and Liability: Service differences also show in how each handles the protection of your goods. When you use PODS and pack everything yourself, you are responsible for the packing quality. If something is fragile or improperly secured and it breaks in transit, that’s on you. PODS does offer content protection plans for purchase, but that typically covers catastrophic events (theft, fire, accident) or container damage – it may not cover breakage due to poor packing. With a professional mover, if you opt for them to do the packing, the mover assumes liability for any damage to those items (under whatever insurance/valuation level you selected). Professional crews are trained in proper packing techniques and will use padding, blankets, and custom crates for delicate items. They also inventory your items and typically label conditions, so there’s a process for claims if something is damaged. While movers also have limits to coverage (basic coverage is minimal unless you buy full insurance), at least you have recourse: if a mover drops your TV and it shatters, you can file a claim and be compensated (per the coverage plan). If you drop your TV while loading a PODS, well, you’re out of luck. Additionally, consider the risk of damage from shifting: Movers skillfully load a truck so items are tightly packed and secured; with a PODS container, you’ll want to mimic that by tying down items and distributing weight. If you don’t, things might shift and get scratched or topple in transit. In summary, professional movers provide expertise and some built-in liability coverage for protecting your stuff, whereas PODS puts the onus on you to pack carefully and optionally insure your goods.
• Additional Services (packing, assembly, etc.): A full-service moving company can offer a menu of extra services that PODS simply doesn’t include. Need help packing up your kitchen and fragile items? Movers can do that (for an added fee or part of a premium package). Need someone to disassemble your bed, take down TVs or furniture, and then reassemble them in the new home? That’s standard for most moving crews – they come equipped with tools to dismantle furniture and will reassemble it on delivery. Professional movers will also protect your home’s floors and doorways, can arrange specialty crating for high-value objects, and even offer services like debris pickup (removing all the empty boxes after unpacking). With PODS, those tasks are your responsibility. The container service is very no-frills: they drop off a box and transport it; everything inside the box is up to you. You can hire third-party professionals for packing or assembly if needed, but again, that’s additional cost and coordination on you. Another service aspect is customer support and coordination. Larger moving companies provide a move coordinator or point of contact who updates you on your shipment, gives advice, and schedules things. PODS has customer service too, but the interaction is mostly scheduling drop-off/pick-up and billing, not so much hand-holding through the moving process. One more consideration: auto transport – if you need to ship your car as well, full-service moving companies often can arrange auto transport or include it in a bundle. PODS won’t move vehicles (aside from maybe you could put a motorcycle in a container if it fits, but not cars). So if you have a car to ship, that’s a separate service you’ll need to coordinate regardless, but movers might make it easier. All told, if you anticipate needing anything beyond basic transport of household goods, a moving company likely offers those extras, whereas PODS requires a DIY or patchwork approach for ancillary needs.

To sum up the service comparison: PODS offers convenience in scheduling and potentially lower cost, but requires significantly more effort and responsibility from you. Professional movers offer a turn-key service that minimizes your workload and stress, with trained experts handling your belongings, but you trade that for higher cost and less scheduling flexibility. It’s a classic trade-off between money vs. time/effort, and the “best” choice will depend on your personal priorities for the move.

Pros and Cons: PODS vs. Moving Company (Side-by-Side)

To make the comparison crystal clear, here’s a side-by-side look at the pros and cons of using a portable moving container (like PODS) versus hiring a professional moving company for a long-distance move:

PODS (Portable Containers)	Professional Moving Company
Pros: Often cheaper for long-distance moves – typically saves a bit of money (around $800–$2,000 on average) compared to full-service movers.Flexible timeline – you can pack and load at your own pace over days or weeks, and schedule pickup/delivery to suit your needs.Includes built-in storage time – usually one month of storage is included for long-distance, making it easy to store your container if your dates don’t line up.No need to drive a truck – the container company handles transport, so it’s easier than a DIY rental truck in that regard.	Pros: Full-service convenience – the movers handle packing, heavy lifting, truck transport, and unloading. You literally don’t have to lift a finger on moving day, which reduces stress and physical strain.Professional expertise – experienced movers know how to protect and handle furniture and fragile items, reducing the risk of damage. They bring proper equipment (dollies, pads) and skill in loading for safe transit.Faster setup – movers can typically pack and load your entire home in a single day and deliver on a scheduled date, which can be quicker than a drawn-out DIY pack.Insurance/coverage included – basic liability coverage is included, and you have the option to get full moving insurance. If movers cause damage, they have mechanisms to compensate (per coverage terms).Additional services available – options for packing services, furniture assembly/disassembly, debris removal, etc., to simplify every aspect of the move.
Cons: You handle all the labor – packing every box and loading the container is on you (or people you recruit/hire). No movers come with a PODS by default.Requires space/parking for the container – you’ll need a driveway or street parking permission to place the PODS unit. In some neighborhoods or apartments this can be a challenge (permits or HOA rules may apply).Potential for DIY errors – improper packing or loading can lead to damage in transit, and since it’s a DIY job, you carry that risk. Also, if you underestimate and need an extra container last-minute, costs can spike.Transit can be slower or less precise – you might wait 1-2+ weeks for your container cross-country, and delivery dates might be a range rather than a guarantee.	Cons: Higher cost – convenience comes at a price. Full-service movers typically charge more than container services, sometimes by a couple thousand dollars for the same distance.Less scheduling flexibility – you must work on the movers’ timeline (pick-up on a set date, delivery within a window). There’s not much freedom to extend your packing time unless you pay for storage.Possible surprise fees – if not a flat rate, things like a fuel surcharge, long-carry fees for long distances from door to truck, stairs fees, or extra packing charges can increase the final bill. Always vet the quote details.Trust and handling – you’re entrusting strangers with all your worldly goods. While most movers are professional, you may worry about loss or damage (or scams if you choose a bad company). Due diligence is required to find a reputable mover.

As shown above, PODS provides cost savings and flexibility, but at the expense of labor and potentially longer wait times. Professional movers offer a smoother, all-inclusive experience, but you’ll pay more and adhere to their schedule. Next, we’ll discuss how to decide which option is right for you.

When to Choose PODS vs. When to Choose Movers

Every move is unique. Your choice may depend on your budget, the size of your household, timing considerations, and personal preferences. Here are some guidelines on when each option makes the most sense:

When to Use PODS (Portable Moving Containers)

• Tight Budget & Willing to DIY: If keeping costs as low as possible is a top priority and you’re willing to put in the work, PODS can be a smart choice. You’ll likely spend a bit less than a full-service move, especially for smaller loads or shorter cross-country distances. For someone who doesn’t mind packing and loading (or maybe enjoys the control of doing it themselves), the savings can be worth it. For example, a single-person or couple with a modest amount of stuff might find PODS very affordable compared to paying a minimum charge from a big moving company.
• Small Moves or Minimal Furniture: For a small household (studio or one-bedroom apartment) or a move where you don’t have a ton of heavy furniture, a single PODS container might accommodate everything. In these cases, the cost difference between one container and hiring a mover can be significant – movers often have a high minimum charge for long distances. If you can fit your belongings into, say, a 7 or 12-foot container, you’ll likely spend far less than hiring a big truck that isn’t full. PODS is ideal for one to two-bedroom moves that don’t justify a full 28-foot moving trailer.
• Flexible Timeline: If your moving dates are not set in stone, or you want flexibility to spread the move over several days/weeks, PODS is very attractive. Perhaps you want to start loading early (to avoid a last-minute rush), or you need to vacate your current home by the 30th but your new place won’t be ready until the 10th of next month. PODS lets you keep your stuff stored in the interim without a separate storage contract – just keep the container for the extra days (paying the monthly rate if it goes beyond the included time). This way, you’re not rushed and can coordinate move-out and move-in at a comfortable pace. People who are selling a house and buying another often face timing gaps – a PODS container can hold everything during the gap. If you have uncertain plans, like you might travel cross-country yourself and arrive a couple weeks after your belongings, a PODS container can be scheduled to arrive when you do, no problem.
• Temporary Housing or Staging Needs: For those moving but having to stay in temporary housing first (e.g., short-term rental or staying with friends before finding a permanent home), PODS is extremely handy. Your container can stay in storage until you have a place to deliver it. This prevents the scenario of moving twice (into a storage unit, then out again) – it’s one single load and unload. Also, if you’re doing a long-distance job relocation and aren’t sure where you’ll settle yet, you could send your items in a PODS to storage at the destination region while you live lightly for a bit. In general, if storage is needed as part of your move, PODS shines.
• Easy Access and Parking Available: If you have a driveway or easy street parking for a container, and no strict HOA rules forbidding it, that removes a potential obstacle to using PODS. Suburban homes with space for a drop-off, or urban areas where the PODS truck can be accommodated, make the container option feasible. (Conversely, if you live in a dense city high-rise with no loading zone, PODS might not be allowed – that would be a case to lean toward movers who can work with loading docks and elevators on a set schedule.)
• You Have Help or Can Hire It Separately: PODS is a good choice if you have a plan for the labor. Maybe you’re young and have a bunch of friends willing to help load up in exchange for pizza and beer – great, you can save a lot. Or perhaps you’re comfortable hiring local movers for a couple hours to load and unload, effectively creating your own hybrid move. This can still be cost-effective: for example, hiring local crews on each end for a few hundred dollars can bring the service level closer to a full mover while keeping overall cost lower. If you go this route, you coordinate those teams yourself (or via a service), but you remain in control of the process.

In summary, choose PODS when budget is critical, your move isn’t huge, and you’re okay managing the logistics and labor. It’s best for folks who want maximum flexibility and don’t mind a bit of elbow grease to save money.

When to Hire a Professional Moving Company

• Medium to Large Households: If you’re moving a large family home (3+ bedrooms) or even a solidly furnished 2-bedroom, a professional moving company often makes more sense. Big moves involve tons of boxes and very heavy furniture – doing that yourself can be exhausting and impractical. Moreover, a large volume may require multiple PODS containers, which can drive the price up close to (or above) a mover’s price. For instance, if you think you’d need two or three full containers, you might not actually save much (if anything) by using PODS. At that point, letting a trained crew handle it is a wise choice. Full-service movers are efficient for large shipments, often completing in hours what might take you days.
• Busy Professionals or Tight Schedule: If you simply don’t have the time to devote to packing a container gradually – say you have a demanding job, family obligations, or you need to relocate quickly – hiring movers will save you a tremendous amount of time. A full pack and move by a company might pack your home in one day and load the next day (or even all in one day), leaving you free to handle other aspects of the relocation. Similarly, if you’re on a strict timeline (e.g., you must be out and on the road by a certain date and want your stuff delivered soon after you arrive), a moving company can be scheduled to meet those deadlines (or at least provide a tighter delivery window than an open-ended PODS schedule). When time equals money, investing in pros can actually be cost-effective for you.
• Physical Limitations or Special Items: Not everyone can lift couches and boxes – and that’s okay! If you have any physical limitations (injuries, older age, or you simply aren’t up for hauling heavy items in summer heat), don’t risk injury to save a buck. Professional movers are trained for this labor. Additionally, if you own specialty items that require expert handling – for example, a grand piano, a pool table, antiques, or a large safe – these are jobs for professionals. Movers have the equipment (piano dollies, liftgate trucks, rigging if needed) and know-how to move these safely. PODS would leave you figuring out how to do that, likely needing to hire specialists anyway. For high-value and fragile possessions (artwork, glassware, electronics), you might also feel more secure having movers pack and load them properly. Hire movers when the risk of damage or difficulty of moving items is high.
• Long Distance Logistical Ease: A cross-country move has plenty of logistics to worry about – driving your family or flying out, vehicles, travel plans, settling housing paperwork, etc. Many people simply want the door-to-door logistics handled by someone else. When you hire a reputable long-distance mover, they take care of route planning, weighing the truck (if needed), dealing with scales, and all the other minutiae of interstate transport. You won’t be coordinating multiple parties or tracking a container; the moving company does it. If something goes wrong (truck breakdown, etc.), the company solves it behind the scenes. Essentially, for peace of mind, full-service movers are the way to go. You get a coordinator to call with questions and you’re not left wondering where your container is. If you prefer to have a single point of contact and leave the complex logistics to professionals, choose a moving company.
• When Costs Are Comparable (Value of Service): As we discussed, sometimes the cost difference between PODS and a mover isn’t huge. If you get quotes and find, for example, PODS will cost $5,500 total and a full-service mover quotes $6,500, you might decide that $1,000 is well worth the far greater convenience and service. In other words, when the price gap is small, the value of what you get with professionals usually wins. Many moving companies, including Affordable Moving LLC here in Los Angeles, are quite competitive nowadays on long-distance moves. It’s very possible you can negotiate a deal that fits your budget. Especially consider this if you were planning to hire loading/unloading help with PODS – once you add those costs, a mover’s quote might be in the same ballpark. If so, save yourself the effort and go with the pros. Try our long distane moving cost calculator to estimate your next move.
• Desire for Comprehensive Service: Some customers simply want it all taken care of. If you like the idea of a team coming in to pack your kitchen, wrap your furniture, and handle everything door-to-door, a moving company is the clear choice. Your move will be far less work for you personally. Families with young children, for example, often appreciate that movers can set up beds and assemble furniture at the new house, allowing the family to settle in faster. If budget allows and stress reduction is a priority, opt for the full-service move and let the experts manage the heavy work.

In summary, choose a professional moving company when you value your time, need the extra help for a large or complex move, or when the cost difference is small enough that convenience wins out. Especially for long-distance moves from a big city like Los Angeles, having professionals navigate everything can prevent a lot of headaches.

Expert Recommendation from Affordable Moving LLC

As a Los Angeles-based moving company with extensive experience in cross-country relocations, Affordable Moving LLC’s expert recommendation is to carefully weigh the true costs and your ability to handle the move. Both PODS and professional movers can be viable for long-distance moves, but they suit different needs. Here’s our take:

For small moves or ultra budget-conscious situations, a PODS container (or similar service) can indeed be a cost-effective solution. If you have the means to do the labor – and especially if you require built-in storage time – PODS offers a lot of flexibility. We’ve had clients successfully move studio apartments cross-country by packing into a container and were quite happy doing it on their own terms. If you fall into that category, PODS might be the cheaper way to go, and you’ll likely manage fine without full-service help.

However, for most long-distance moves (average-size household or larger), we generally recommend using a professional moving company. The smaller cost savings of PODS often don’t justify the significantly increased effort and the potential risk. Remember, the difference in cost is often around $1,000 or so, not tens of thousands. For that difference, with a mover you get a trained team, insurance options, and someone accountable for handling your belongings. In our experience, many DIY container users end up incurring extra costs (buying supplies, hiring help, etc.) and sometimes face unexpected issues like delayed delivery or surprise charges if they needed a second container or more time. Those situations can make the final cost closer to a full-service move anyway – but with far more stress on the customer.

Affordable Moving LLC prides itself on providing long-distance moving services at prices competitive with PODS and other container options, while delivering far greater value. We’ve adjusted our pricing to be budget-friendly for cross-country moves, and we include all the standard services (truck, fuel, labor, basic coverage) so you know what you’re getting. Our professional crews handle the hard work, allowing you to focus on your new destination rather than the logistics of getting there.

From an expert standpoint, the only time we’d fully endorse PODS over movers is if you truly have a minimal load and enjoy DIY projects, or if your situation absolutely requires the flexibility of keeping your items in a container for an extended period. In most other scenarios – especially for families, homeowners, or anyone moving a substantial amount of goods – the full-service moving experience is worth it. Your stress level will be lower, your items will be professionally protected, and the overall move can happen more efficiently.

In fact, many clients come to us after getting a PODS quote, and they’re surprised to find our quote is similar (or occasionally even less once all factors are considered). When they realize that for roughly the same ballpark cost they can have door-to-door service with a trustworthy team, the choice becomes clear. Our advice: get quotes for both and factor in all the costs and effort. If a moving company can handle everything for a reasonable premium, it’s usually the better investment.

Making Your Decision & Next Steps

Deciding between PODS and a moving company comes down to balancing cost vs. convenience for your long-distance move. If you’ve read this far, you’re equipped with an in-depth understanding of both options. Now it’s time to apply it to your own move. Take a moment to consider your budget, the amount of stuff you have, and how much time and energy you can personally devote to the moving process.

If you’re leaning towards the ease of a full-service move, we invite you to reach out to Affordable Moving LLC for a free, no-obligation quote. As a leading cross-country mover based in Los Angeles, we specialize in providing affordable long-distance moving services without compromising on quality or professionalism. Let our expertise and resources save you the backache (literally!) and give you peace of mind during your big move. You can call us or request a quote online – our friendly team will be happy to discuss your move details, provide an accurate estimate, and even help you compare it against container options so you can make an informed choice.

Planning a cross-country move is a big undertaking, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you decide a PODS container is the right fit or you opt for the convenience of professional movers, the key is that you find a solution that makes you comfortable and meets your needs. If you have questions or want personalized advice, Affordable Moving LLC is here to help. Our moving consultants can offer honest guidance (we’ll tell you upfront if we think a PODS might be cheaper for you, and also when we believe our services provide better value).

Ready to get started? Contact Affordable Moving LLC today to discuss your long-distance move. Let us show you how affordable a cross-country moving experience can be with a dedicated team on your side. We’re confident that with our combination of competitive pricing and top-notch service, you’ll see why so many clients choose us over DIY options. Make your cross-country relocation easier – request a quote or give us a call now, and take the first step toward a stress-free move!