[Suebee210]

We used Pods to move here from TX. We packed it ourselves and had Villages Movers unpack it for us. We would do it again!

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I am looking for information/recommendations for using PODs. If you have used a POD to move either to or from TV.

Did you have to pack your own POD, or do they provide packers?
How long can the POD stay on the delivery end before it has to be returned?

Thanks for the answers to these two questions and any other information you care to give.

Last summer I drove up to Pennsylvania to pack up my household things and move them to The Villages and put my house up for sale. I was planning to use a POD. I discovered, however, that there was a TWO MONTH wait to get a POD! So instead, I rented a U-Haul truck with a 10 foot back section. One of my sons helped me load it to the roof one morning—mostly with books, CDs, DVDs, a couple big bookcases and one chair. I hopped in and drove to Roanoke. The next evening I reached my now permanent home in The Villages. The next morning I unloaded the truck myself, with the help of a hand truck I owned, returned the truck to the nearest U-Haul place, and got a Uber to get home. A couple days later I hired a ride to Sanford airport and flew direct to Allentown, then took another Uber to my house and car. Then I spent another week cleaning and packing more things in my car.

Even with the car fare and flight, I saved about $2,000 over the cost for a POD of about the same size, and I didn’t have to wait two months to get one. To be honest, carrying a hundred heavy boxes up the stairs and into and out of a truck and driving that truck exacerbated a hip problem I didn’t realize I had, and a couple weeks from now I’m getting a total hip replacement. Alas!

[mkjelenbaas]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I am looking for information/recommendations for using PODs. If you have used a POD to move either to or from TV.

Did you have to pack your own POD, or do they provide packers?
How long can the POD stay on the delivery end before it has to be returned?

Thanks for the answers to these two questions and any other information you care to give.

We used a POD moving to TV - did you call them to get your answers? If not I suggest you go to the horses mouth- if you would like to talk it over reply to this response with your home number.

[yporter]

We had an excellent experience with POD, highly recommend and would use them again. We used a POD to combine two households and move into a new home over a multiple month process, and it worked very well. Had POD delivered to his house, we hired someone (2 Men & Truck) to disassemble & load large & heavy stuff then we loaded the small and light things. Had the POD moved to my house, where it sat for several months while we found & purchased a new house. We again loaded the small stuff at our leisure & once we were ready to move we had someone load the large & heavy. Then the POD folks moved it to our new house, where we reversed the process - assistance with large & heavy, then we finished unloading. It was as great solution in that situation, allowed us to handle items only once while having the flexibility to clear and sell a house then store contents nearby while adding to the POD. We paid each time they had to move it and for the monthly rental (whole process took approx 9 mo), was much cheaper & more convenient than renting storage esp since we didn't know exactly where the new home was going to be when we started. This was pre-Covid and in OH, so don't know current costs or availability. Was aware that they could ship cross-country but did not need that service.

[Barb.callow]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

We packed our own and hired someone locally to UNPACK here for a few bucks. Depends on the company how long they allow it to be kept without extra charge. They brought us 2 when we moved down but only used one. No extra charge for that. You can keep it as long as you like but each company/contract differs in charges, extra charges etc. Just like hiring a moving company. You have to carefully read the contract.

This is the company we used in January 2017 moving down. They were the cheapest by far (in NJ) during "prime" season heading south and had the least fees and most time to hold before storage fees kicked in. I called about 4 different companies and these were the best price at that time. They dropped it off at our home 1 weeks before moving, had it down here in about 4 days.

I, too, used ABF UPack in November to bring things from Ohio. After extensive research I found this company/service to be the best product (per reviews) and most economical (you get what you pay for). These units come in different sizes (I used the smaller 8x8x8 for this final trip); are made of sturdier material than some of the competitors; they are extremely cooperative about drop off and pick up times; as mentioned before they use a “little” tow motor to position the box where you want it. Someone mentioned the angle of driveways — things need to be packed securely for transport so this is a nonissue. There are recommendations for packers/movers if you need them (they might be on the web site or maybe they suggested them to me — I can’t remember). Their website is EXCELLENT with info and suggestions!

[tcorbett]

Originally Posted by mkjelenbaas

We used a POD moving to TV - did you call them to get your answers? If not I suggest you go to the horses mouth- if you would like to talk it over reply to this response with your home number.

We moved from Northern VA using PODs. Loaded unit with help of sons and I had some expertise from my late teen years working summers with a moving company.

PODs delivered unit when scheduled, picked up when we were loaded, and delivered to our residence when we were finally ready after an extended period in storage. We had a bit of a wait for the pickup because I would not commit to being ready in 3 days. I scheduled out another week. In retrospect I could have done 3 days as two of the most wonderful neighbors came to our aid, unasked, and volunteered their time and energy. They made quick work of the process and I am very grateful.

I would use PODs again.

Tim

[Ptmckiou]

We used Pack and Load on both ends to pack, then unpack the POD. It’s a National company recommended by PODS. It worked out great for us.

The POD is not suppose to sit on your driveway longer than 3 days, but I’ve seen people stretch it to a week. If you need longer, POD will store in their air conditioned warehouse in Ocala, FL until you call for it to be delivered. You also have access to it while in storage. Just call a day ahead and they will bring it outside for the day, and you can access it…so, load anything last that you think you want to retrieve….like golf clubs, dog beds, etc. We had a 60 day close, so had to rent a place in TV for two months while waiting on escrow here.

[xlhig]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I am looking for information/recommendations for using PODs. If you have used a POD to move either to or from TV.

Did you have to pack your own POD, or do they provide packers?
How long can the POD stay on the delivery end before it has to be returned?

Thanks for the answers to these two questions and any other information you care to give.

We used PODS to move down here. We filled one large POD ourself, before we listed our house, to get rid of a lot of the clutter. They took it away and stored it. When we sold the house, we had 2 more PODS We packed everything up in the house but used hireahelper.com to load the PODS. I have a bad back and we had a lot of stairs in our old house. They did a great job and the price was decent. We had to live in a rental for a month down here so PODS were really our only option. The PODS got stored in Ocala and when we were ready for them, they delivered them. Again, we hired hireahelper.com and they unloaded the PODS for us and brought everything into the garage or house. The PODS were taken back and we took our time unboxing everything.

[Dana1963]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I am looking for information/recommendations for using PODs. If you have used a POD to move either to or from TV.

Did you have to pack your own POD, or do they provide packers?
How long can the POD stay on the delivery end before it has to be returned?

Thanks for the answers to these two questions and any other information you care to give.

From the PODS SITE page 2/3
Whether you're looking for a DIY or full-service solution — or something in between — our team is here to help personalize your experience around your needs. We always do the driving and delivery, and if you need a little extra help, we can connect you with the pros to help with packing and loading.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I am looking for information/recommendations for using PODs. If you have used a POD to move either to or from TV.

Did you have to pack your own POD, or do they provide packers?
How long can the POD stay on the delivery end before it has to be returned?

Thanks for the answers to these two questions and any other information you care to give.

The information you are looking for is on their website. Not sure why you would ask TOTV.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by kendi

The information you are looking for is on their website. Not sure why you would ask TOTV.

Because this site is great to get information from people who have used the various means of shipping. To me it is a no brainer, I can get information from people who used PODs that PODs would not give me.

I have already researched this subject in depth, I still have been given information that is not available either on their site or by phone.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by Ptmckiou

We used Pack and Load on both ends to pack, then unpack the POD. It’s a National company recommended by PODS. It worked out great for us.

The POD is not suppose to sit on your driveway longer than 3 days, but I’ve seen people stretch it to a week. If you need longer, POD will store in their air conditioned warehouse in Ocala, FL until you call for it to be delivered. You also have access to it while in storage. Just call a day ahead and they will bring it outside for the day, and you can access it…so, load anything last that you think you want to retrieve….like golf clubs, dog beds, etc. We had a 60 day close, so had to rent a place in TV for two months while waiting on escrow here.

Searching for Pack and Load, no results. Do they have another name?

[Kvancamp]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I am looking for information/recommendations for using PODs. If you have used a POD to move either to or from TV.

Did you have to pack your own POD, or do they provide packers?
How long can the POD stay on the delivery end before it has to be returned?

Thanks for the answers to these two questions and any other information you care to give.

I used PODS when I moved to TV last year from out of state. I found a local mover on each end. On this end I used Helping Hands and highly recommend them. I read a number of reviews of PODS before deciding to use then and the primary complaint was scheduling, having them come later than agreed, so I left myself a one day buffer on each side - scheduled them a day earlier than needed, and had them pick up a day later in case of issues with my local mover. I had also read about people getting damaged pods so I closely inspected mine before the delivery guy left. Other complaints, if you use pods for storage (i left mine in their Ocala storage warehouse for more than a month in August) was heat damage to electronics. So i was very careful about what i left in my pod.

I had not heard about issues with rust staining the driveway buy didn't have any problems.

Final hint: be careful about things shifting during the move and jamming against the door, making it impossible to open! My packing mover did not do an adequate job of strapping everything in(despite me providing them more than enough quality straps), but i had read the warnings on the pods website about this and I put more straps in my pod after my packers left.

Bottom line, be informed and realize you are taking ownership of the entire moving process. I was happy with the end results, but it took work.

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by kendi

The information you are looking for is on their website. Not sure why you would ask TOTV.

Questions like this are asked because anecdotal information about personal experiences with a company can be valuable. And that is what is happening in this thread as people share their experiences with PODS.

Besides, if you will notice, the last part of the post you felt the need to criticize (for whatever rude reason floats your boat) says, “and any other information you care to give.”

And, btw, I am “not sure why” this sort of “get thee to the internet” response has become a litany of sorts from some TOTV posters when someone posts a question. I always wonder if they act like that in real, in-person conversations.

Good morning,
Boomer

[DonnaNi4os]

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee

I am looking for information/recommendations for using PODs. If you have used a POD to move either to or from TV.

Did you have to pack your own POD, or do they provide packers?
How long can the POD stay on the delivery end before it has to be returned?

Thanks for the answers to these two questions and any other information you care to give.

I used a POD when I moved here 4 years ago. I loaded some of the things myself with the help of my kids and a mover for the larger things. It was transported from NJ to Ocala where it was stored until my closing. Then it was delivered to my driveway and PODs had a team that I hired to unload it. The only problem I had was getting it out of my driveway. I suggest you book the date you want it removed prior to getting here. Just as a suggestion, think carefully about what you bring here as I found much of what I brought didn’t go with my Florida home. Good luck to you and welcome to The Villages.