PODS rental costs range from roughly $150 to $350 per month depending on container size, location, and how long you rent

PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) charges you for the container itself, the delivery and pickup, and the monthly storage fee. A small 7-foot container in a rural area might cost $100 to $150 monthly, while a large 16-foot container in a city can run $250 to $350 or more. You also pay a one-time delivery fee (typically $75 to $150) and a pickup fee when you're done. If you need the container moved to a different location mid-rental, that costs extra—usually $75 to $150 per move.

The total cost depends on three things: which size container you choose, where you live, and how many months you keep it. A three-month rental of a medium container in a mid-sized city typically runs $600 to $900 total, including delivery and pickup. Longer rentals (six months or a year) sometimes have lower monthly rates, but the savings are modest.

Key Takeaways

  • Monthly storage fees range from $100 to $350 depending on container size and your location, with delivery and pickup adding $75 to $150 each.
  • A small 7-foot container holds roughly what fits in a bedroom; a 16-foot container holds the contents of a two-bedroom apartment.
  • Moving a container to a new address mid-rental costs extra, so confirm your final location before you order.
  • PODS prices vary significantly by city and region, so you should get a quote for your specific address rather than relying on national averages.

How container size affects the monthly price

PODS offers three main sizes: 7-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers. The 7-foot is the smallest and cheapest—it holds roughly the contents of one bedroom or a small studio apartment. The 12-foot is the middle option and fits a one-bedroom apartment's worth of furniture and boxes. The 16-foot is the largest and can hold a two-bedroom apartment or a small house's contents.

The monthly fee increases with size. A 7-foot container might cost $100 to $150 per month in a lower-cost area, while the same container in a major city like New York or Los Angeles could be $200 or more. A 16-foot container in the same city might run $300 to $400 monthly. The difference between sizes is usually $50 to $100 per month, so choosing the right size matters to your total bill.

Delivery, pickup, and relocation fees add to the base cost

When you order a PODS container, you pay a delivery fee to have it brought to your address. This is typically $75 to $150, depending on how far the nearest PODS facility is from you. When your rental ends, you pay a pickup fee—usually the same amount—to have the container removed.

If you need to move the container to a different address during your rental period, PODS charges a relocation fee. This is typically $75 to $150 per move, the same as a delivery fee. If you're uncertain where you'll be storing items, confirm your final location before you order, because moving the container mid-rental adds up quickly.

How rental length affects your monthly rate

PODS charges a monthly fee, but the rate per month can drop slightly if you commit to a longer rental. A one-month rental might cost $150 per month for a medium container, while a six-month rental of the same container might be $130 per month. A twelve-month rental could be $120 per month. The savings are real but not dramatic—you're looking at 10 to 20 percent off the shortest-term rate, not half price.

The longer you rent, the more you save per month, but you also lock in your rate for the full period. If you're unsure how long you need storage, starting with a shorter rental and extending it month-to-month is often cheaper than guessing wrong and paying for months you don't use.

Location and local demand change the price significantly

PODS pricing is not the same everywhere. A 12-foot container in a rural area of the Midwest might cost $120 per month, while the same container in San Francisco or Boston could be $250 or more. Cities with high real estate costs and limited storage space tend to have higher PODS rates. Seasonal demand also matters—moving season (May through September) can push prices up, while winter months are sometimes cheaper.

The only way to know what PODS costs in your area is to enter your address on the PODS website or call for a quote. National averages are misleading because your local market may be very different. A quote is free and takes a few minutes.

What's included and what costs extra

Your monthly PODS fee covers storage in the container at a PODS facility or on your property (if you choose to keep it at home). It does not cover insurance on the items inside—PODS does not insure your belongings, so if you have valuable items, you may want to check whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers items in storage, or purchase separate coverage.

Climate control is not standard. Most PODS containers are not heated or cooled, so items sensitive to temperature or humidity (electronics, documents, artwork) may be at risk. Some PODS locations offer climate-controlled storage for an additional monthly fee, typically $50 to $100 more, but this is not available everywhere.

How PODS compares to other storage options

A traditional self-storage unit at a facility typically costs $50 to $150 per month for a small unit, depending on location and climate control. The advantage is lower cost and no delivery fees. The disadvantage is you have to drive to the facility to access your items, and you're responsible for moving everything in and out yourself.

PODS brings the container to you, so you load it at your own pace and don't have to make trips to a storage facility. You pay more for that convenience—usually $100 to $200 more per month than a basic self-storage unit. If you need frequent access to your items, a self-storage unit is cheaper. If you're moving or downsizing and need the container picked up and delivered, PODS is more convenient even if it costs more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a PODS container at my house instead of at a facility?

Yes. PODS offers on-site storage, where the container stays at your address for the duration of your rental. This costs the same as facility storage—there's no extra charge to keep it at home. The advantage is you can access your items anytime. The disadvantage is the container takes up space on your property.

What happens if I need the container for longer than I planned?

You can extend your rental month-to-month. Call PODS or log into your account to request an extension. You'll be charged the monthly rate for the additional months. There's no penalty for extending, but confirm the rate before you extend, because promotional rates may not explore to extensions.

Is there a discount if I rent multiple containers?

PODS does not advertise a standard multi-container discount, but it's worth asking when you get a quote. Some locations may offer a small reduction if you rent two or more containers at the same time. Call or request a quote online and mention you need multiple containers.

Do I have to pay for the full month if I only need a few weeks?

PODS charges by the month, so a one-week rental costs the same as a four-week rental. If you only need storage for a few weeks, a traditional self-storage unit with a weekly rate may be cheaper, or you could ask PODS about a short-term rate when you request a quote.

What if the container gets damaged while it's at my house?

PODS is responsible for damage to the container itself. You are responsible for damage to items inside the container. PODS does not provide insurance, so damage from weather, theft, or accidents to your belongings is your loss. Check your homeowner's or renter's insurance to see if stored items are covered, or ask PODS about third-party insurance options.