It's not just Friday, it's Flashback Friday! That makes it even better, right? Today's the day we revisit a blog post that readers have enjoyed (or found helpful) in the past, and give readers another chance to take a look. 
 
This week we're going back to a reader favorite. It’s all about comparing U-Pack prices to PODS^® prices – we’ll address how using a ReloCube compares to using a PODS^® container to get from point A to point B. I think you'll find some helpful information here.
 
Since the moving container concept is fairly new (by new, I mean within the last 15 or so years), people still have a lot of questions about how they work. Though the questions typically revolve around things like size, how much time they have to load and unload, pick-up and delivery options, storage options, and how long it takes to move, I’m not at all surprised that the questions asked most often are those related how U-Pack prices compare to PODS^® prices. Since PODS^® is one of U-Pack’s most recognized competitors, customers often compare the two.

(And by-the-way, I can totally relate. Price is usually my starting point too).
 
If you've started getting moving quotes from other portable storage companies, you may have seen some pretty high prices – so high that they’re simply not an option for people moving on a budget – regardless of how outstanding the concept is. Most customers who get a free moving quote from U-Pack, and compare it to PODS^® prices, find that U-Pack is a much better value.

How U-Pack Compares to PODS^®
U-Pack offers affordable containerized moving in a 6' x 7' x 8' ReloCube^® (or as many as you need). It's such a convenient way to move. And similar to PODS^®, U-Pack delivers the ReloCube right to your door for loading and unloading. Just put your own lock on, and keep the key (customer’s love the added security and peace-of-mind). They also love that U-Pack doesn’t require a deposit or early payment – simply pay by credit card in transit, or cashier’s check or money order upon delivery (moves with storage do require payment by credit card in transit). When it’s a long-distance move, PODS^® requires payment by credit card five business days before the initial delivery.  

So, where to start?
To determine how U-Pack prices and PODS^® prices compare for your specific move, start by getting free moving quotes online (or by phone). Since you’re doing your own packing and loading, an in-home estimate isn’t required. You can use the Online Space Estimators to determine how much space your belongings should occupy (I recommend the room-by-room space estimator).

Tips for getting the best prices:
Ask if the price on your quote is flexible. It’s never a bad idea to call and ask if there are options available that may lower the price and make it fit your budget a little better. You may be surprised by the little things you can do to get a better price!

Ask about off-peak moving days. With U-Pack, you can often get better prices at the beginning of the month and in the middle of the week. Ask your U-Pack representative if there is a lower price day for your move.

Pare down. Moving items you don’t need costs more money. So, if you don’t need it, don’t move it! Consider donating it, or make extra money by having a garage sale.

Consider alternative delivery options. If your move is small, ask how much you can save by loading and unloading at the local ABF service center. You’ll often see a significant savings, even if you consider the cost of a local rental truck to take your items to the service center.

Ask the important questions. Make sure you know ahead of time what happens if you underestimate or overestimate the space you need. Some companies require that you pay for what you reserved, regardless of what you use. And some may not have additional moving containers available if you need more space. Since you pay for the space you use with U-Pack, if you reserve two ReloCubes, and only use one, you only pay for one (that’s what I call convenience!).

If you have more questions about how U-Pack prices compare to PODS^® prices, give us a call, or get a quick online moving quote. I think you’ll like what U-Pack has to offer!