PODS (Prefabricated Storage Units). Staying organized during a renovation project is important for several reasons. Being able to work without all the furniture in the way helps a great deal and can actually improve the quality of the renovation work. Also, instead of putting your furniture outside unsecured and exposed to the elements and moving it back at the end of each day, you can use these storage units to keep everything safe, clean and protected throughout the project. It is also a great place for storing construction tools and materials.
With that being said, people looking to do renovations may benefit by using PODS storage units. These prefabricated portable units, brand name PODS, are available in different sizes and can be used for both storage and moving. With PODS, you will have unlimited temporary storage space, no matter how big or small your home or renovation project may be. The following article will discuss everything you need to know about PODS storage units and how they can help during your home renovation project.
How PODS Storage Units Work
There are different types of storage units; such as outdoor or indoor units (see Figure 1), portable units, and climate-controlled units. The most widely used storage unit for moving and renovation is a portable unit. Various companies provide portable units to customers. But according to the move.org report, 2023’s Best Moving and Storage Container Companies, PODS is the best overall amongst them all. In this section, we will get familiar with PODS in more detail.
Figure 1
Features of PODS Storage Units
PODS storage units are made of wood, steel, and high-impact resistant polymer. They are durable, impact-resistant, and weather resistant; protecting your belongings from rain and snow. Moreover, when the PODS unit is fully loaded, it can withstand wind velocities of up to 110 mph. They have a lightweight steel roll-up door that can easily be locked to protect your belongings. The majority of units have spaces for hanging or tying items within the unit.
Where to Store the PODS Storage Unit
One option is to store the PODS unit at your own place, if you have the required space. This allows you to access your belongings easily. It can be placed in a parking space, driveway, or yard.
The second option is to store the unit at a local PODS Storage Center where it will be safe and secure. This is a great choice if you do not have enough space to store the unit at your place. You can easily have the PODS unit brought back when you need it again.
Cost of Renting a PODS Storage Unit
Unfortunately, you can not purchase a PODS unit. The company does not sell storage units but they do rent them with no time limitation. The cost of renting a PODS unit depends on several different factors. But according to the PODS website, the prices start at $149 per month plus an average fee of $74.99 for delivery and pick-up
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The overall cost you can expect to pay when renting a PODS unit depends on:
- Size of the storage unit
- Number of storage units
- Duration of the rental period
- Whether you want to add moving services
- Geographic location
- Season (the price might be higher in summer)
- Whether you are storing your PODS unit at your location or at the PODS storage facility
- The insurance coverage you purchase
Preparing for the PODS Storage Unit Delivery
Before ordering the PODS unit, there are a few important decisions you need to make. This preparation ensures you will not face any problems when the PODS unit is delivered.
Choosing the Proper Size PODS Storage Unit
PODS storage units come in three different sizes. You might rent the smallest one if you have a studio or a small one-bedroom house or the largest if you have a three or four bedroom house. You can also consider using two or more units to fit all your stuff. In what follows you will find the specifications of each size POD to help you decide which one best satisfies your needs.
- Small Size: This is the smallest PODS storage unit available. It is an 8 x 7 x 8 ft. unit and should fit all furnishings of a small apartment (up to 500 sq.ft.) (see Figure 2). It has up to 402 cubic feet of usable space with a weight limit of 5200 pounds. The space is comparable to the size of a typical walk-in closet.
Figure 2
- Medium Size: It is a 12 x 8 x 8 ft. unit and should fit all furnishings of a two to three bedroom house (500-800 sq.ft.) (see Figure 3). It has up to 689 cubic feet of usable space with a weight limit of 4700 pounds. Keep in mind if you are seeking a moving service too, this unit is only available for in-town moving.
Figure 3
- Large Size: This is the largest PODS storage unit available. It is a 16 x 8 x 8 ft. unit and should fit all furnishings of a three to four bedroom house (1200 sq.ft.) (see Figure 4). It has up to 835 cubic feet of usable space with a weight limit of 4200 pounds. The unit is approximately the size of a standard size parking space.
Figure 4
Keep in mind that the right size unit depends on the amount and size of your belongings. What has been explained above are general considerations. You might have a 500 sq. ft. apartment with a lot of furnishings that will only fit into the large PODS unit. Using the chart below you can get a better understanding of what size PODS storage unit you will need according to your home’s square footage and how many furnishings you have. (see Figure 5).
Figure 5
Determine How Long the PODS Storage Unit is Needed
Deciding on how long you will need the PODS unit is another decision you should consider before renting. There are no limitations on how long you may rent these units. You can keep your unit for as long as you need it; you will be charged monthly. Although there is no rigid schedule, we suggest estimating how long you will need it when you order. Sometimes delivery and packing fees may be waived on orders with minimum durations, or you may qualify for discounts.
Where to Locate the PODS Storage Unit
If you are going to store the PODS unit at your place, you should pay close attention to this section. You may locate the PODS unit in your yard, driveway, parking space, or street. The area where you are going to locate the unit should be flat, level, and clear of any obstructions.
A technology called PODZILLAⓇ is used for the delivery. To accommodate this machine, you need a 40 x 12 x 15 ft. clear area (see Figure 6). You also need enough space for the truck to access the parking space or yard.
Figure 6
If placing the unit in a shared parking lot, it can be placed within one or two parking spaces (see Figure 7). For placing in one parking space you might need three adjacent parking spaces unoccupied at the time of dropoff.
Figure 7
Delivery of the PODS Storage Unit
You may wonder how these units are delivered to your desired location. Well, read on to find out the answer.
Day of Delivery Logistics
To place a PODS unit on the street you might need to get permits from your city, so plan accordingly. If you live in an apartment complex or a condominium, check with the property management or the Homeowners Association (HOA) to make sure that you are allowed to place a PODS storage unit on the property. Also, if you are using a shared parking lot and want to place the unit in a parking space, check with the building’s management and neighbors currently using the adjacent spaces. On delivery day, you might need adjacent parking spaces to maneuver the PODS unit into the desired location. Therefore, make sure to plan ahead and ask your neighbors if they mind you using their parking space on the delivery day.
How the PODS Storage Unit is Delivered
PODS company uses a perfect delivery system. These units are delivered using trucks equipped with a hydraulic lift system called PODZILLAⓇ. PODZILLAⓇ is a lift system used by PODS. This hydraulic detachable lift system attaches to the truck and allows the placement of storage units in tough-to-reach and hard-to-fit areas. It allows drivers to place PODS units where the truck is not able to go. (see Figure 8).
Figure 8
When it’s time to drop off the unit, they detach the lift system from the truck and move the POD unit to the right location easily using the PODZILLAⓇ(see Figure 9). As stated earlier, you need a 40 x 12 x 15 ft. clear area for the PODZILLAⓇ. Be sure to plan accordingly.
Figure 9
Packing the PODS Storage Unit
Packing the PODS unit is not difficult. Below are some tips and tricks to help you fit more stuff in the PODS unit and also help ensure that your belongings do not get damaged.
How to Fit Everything into a Small Space
Space-saving storage solutions are extremely handy for fitting your belongings in a PODS unit. When it is time to pack, in most cases, we find that we have more stuff than we thought. In this case, the PODS unit you ordered might seem too small. But by following our suggestions you may even end up with some extra space.
- Before starting to stack your belongings in the unit, think and make a plan on how you want to maximize the space.
- Larger objects, such as couches and mattresses, should be stacked first so that you can fill the gaps between them with smaller stuff. In other words, it’s not a good idea to put large items on top of smaller items as they may get damaged. It is also a great idea to turn coaches on their ends to make more space on the floor.
- If possible, dismantle large furniture, such as beds and tables. This is a great way to maximize space.
- Remember to have rope and bungee cords on hand to tie items together or secure items to the hooks and anchors attached to the inside of the PODS unit.
- Find cube-shaped boxes that are similar in size for the most stacking flexibility and fit as much as you can into each box. This way you will end up with fewer boxes and fewer gaps between boxes.
- Store your belongings vertically. Putting stuff on top of each other provides a lot of extra space. Heavy items should be on the bottom and lighter ones on the top. Light bulky items such as cushions and pillows are perfect for filling the top gaps. You might need a step ladder for better access to the top areas.
How to Keep Belongings from Getting Damaged
Although PODS units are the perfect place to store your belongings during a home renovation, if you are not careful, the way you stack your items can easily lead to damage. Therefore, knowing how to keep your belongings from getting scratched or broken is very important. We have a few suggestions that you should definitely keep in mind before packing.
- Proper packaging materials will protect your belongings from scratches, cracks, or breaks. Therefore, cover your furniture and fragile items, such as dishes, mirrors, and electronics, with bubble wrap, packing paper, or moving blankets. Also, place cardboard or bubble wrap between furniture to keep it safe from scratches (see Figure 10).
Figure 10
- Try to spread out heavy items instead of grouping them in one place.
- Protect your clothes, pillows, and blankets by placing them in plastic boxes or bags and fill empty spaces with them to ensure the PODS unit is tightly packed.
- Although these units are waterproof, we advise taking additional safety measures to control moisture caused by leaks, humidity, or condensation. You can place moisture absorbers in the unit. They can be found in different sizes and shapes at home improvement stores.
How to Properly Lock the PODS Storage Unit
For the final step, you should lock your storage unit to make sure that nobody accesses your belongings except you. You can purchase locks directly from PODS or at any home improvement store. It is recommended by PODS to use a 2 ¾” (70mm) Disc Lock or a 1 ¾” Padlock. A Shackle type lock also works well. (see Figure 11)
Figure 11
Although you can keep your belongings safe by using a lock, we highly recommend keeping important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, vehicle titles, medical records, and precious items, with you instead of storing them in the PODS storage unit to prevent loss or damage.
Conclusion
Prefabricated storage units can be incredibly useful if you are renovating your home or planning to do so in the future. These storage units are certainly not a new concept, but their portability and ease of use have made them a growing trend, especially during renovation projects.
As a renovation company with more than 25 years of experience in this industry, we have seen how handy these PODS units are during renovation projects. A PODS unit provides a secure storage option for your belongings during the renovation, so you do not have to worry about obstacles or damage while working on the house. Just keep the tips we provided in this article in mind to make sure you are getting the most out of your PODS storage unit.
Thank you for sharing this insightful information; it’s sure to make home renovations a smoother and more organized process for many readers.
Dear reader,
Thank you for your comment! We’re glad to hear that you found the information insightful and valuable for your home renovation projects. At Matrix Company Solutions, our goal is to provide a smooth and organized process for our clients, whether they are existing homeowners or new homebuyers.