When it’s time to move, you have a ton of tasks to complete before you can start down the road. One of the major considerations is whether to use a rental truck, like U-Haul, Ryder or Budget; or to rent a moving container, like Pods. When making that choice, you might want to consider the following.
Pros of using a rental truck
You have control over what is being moved and how it is being moved when you use a rental truck, which is a benefit. It is fantastic to be able to pack it however you please. Another benefit is that it is relatively inexpensive when compared to hiring a moving company to pack everything for you. Driving across town or across the country, you are free to move slowly if you need to. Additionally, you constantly are aware of the location of your belongings. Comparing it to putting it in a container and calling it a day can help you feel more at ease.
Cons of using a rental truck
In comparison to packing a self-service container, packing a truck typically requires less time. It is more difficult to load a truck because you typically need to carry your belongings up a ramp to get them inside. Even though it sounds exciting, driving a large truck across the country can be challenging, and there isn’t much room for passengers unless there is a follower in another car. While traveling to a destination with a second vehicle can help you feel somewhat liberated, the cost of gas for two vehicles can add up quickly. Typically, the truck requires filling much more frequently than the following vehicle. In our experience, towing a vehicle causes alignment issues for your car and consumes even more gas.
Additionally, you must decide who will operate the truck and how, if at all, the driving will be divided. Finding a place to park a truck is also difficult, and if you occupy three or more spaces at the McDonald’s near you with your U-Haul and perhaps a car in tow, you run the risk of upsetting the other customers.
Pros of a self-service storage container
Self-service storage containers, like moving PODS, have the major benefit of sitting on the ground and being relatively simple to load. Typically, you have up to a month to pack the item, after which you simply have it picked up and don’t worry about it again until you get to your destination. In order to travel more slowly and even more easily, you can have the container stored indefinitely. There is no need to be concerned that something will happen to your belongings while you are driving. If you don’t need something right away, there’s no need to unpack a truck and then repack it for storage. Trucks are gas guzzlers, so you save money on fuel. A regular car, truck, or anything else is far more comfortable than a large 20 foot truck if you are moving with more than three people, such as a family of five.
Cons of a self-service storage container
You might not be able to leave a container outside your business or in the parking lot of your apartment complex for a month while you pack. If the landlord or another tenant doesn’t like it or needs to access the parking spaces, you can’t just move the container. If you own your own home, the Home Owner’s Association might prohibit a container from remaining on your property, even if it is in your driveway. For local moves, a truck might be a better option because you might end up spending less than you would for a container rental. You have trouble getting to your belongings once the container has been picked up.
Conclusion
Basically, do your research before choosing between a moving PODS container and a U-Haul. Compared to other moving options, compare prices for the size of the truck or container you require, the distance of your move, the cost of other items like gas, and how quickly you need to move. how much freedom you need if you want to explore as you move to your new home.