Portable storage containers — or PODS as most folks call them — have become a go-to option for moves, renovations, and “my lease ends before my house closes” situations. They offer flexibility, convenience, and the ability to move at your own pace.
But while they’re easy to rent, they’re not always easy to use well. After helping dozens of customers load, unload, and repack containers across Metro Atlanta, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “how is this box of candles still oozing??”
So let’s talk about how to make the most of a POD without accidentally turning it into a pressure cooker, puzzle, or moving-day meltdown.
Why Choose a POD in the First Place?
There are plenty of reasons people love portable storage containers:
- They give you flexibility when closing dates don’t match up
- They’re great for temporary storage during renovations
- They’re perfect for long-distance moves when you’re not moving yourself
- They take the pressure off a single moving day
For many homeowners and renters, PODS offer peace of mind when life gets… unpredictable. But what’s inside that container — and how it’s packed — will determine whether it’s a convenience or a catastrophe.
PODs Are Not Climate-Controlled… Usually
This is a big one.
Most PODS sit outside. That means they get hot. Really hot. Like Georgia-summer-in-a-metal-box hot. They also get cold, humid, and sometimes a little musty.
If you’re thinking of storing:
- Electronics
- Vinyl records
- Photo albums or paperwork
- Artwork or framed prints
- Candles, toiletries, or anything that could melt or warp
…you might want to rethink. Or at least ask if your container is truly climate-controlled (many aren’t).
What’s usually safe to pack:
- Tools
- Plastic storage totes
- Outdoor furniture
- Books and basic kitchen items
A good rule of thumb: if you’d panic leaving it in a hot attic or a damp garage, don’t put it in a POD.
How to Properly Pack a POD (PPP)
Here’s where the real magic — or mess — happens.
We’ve helped load hundreds of containers, and we can tell you firsthand: packing one correctly saves money, time, and a ton of stress later on. We call it PPP: Properly Packing PODS.
Here are our go-to rules:
1. Use Same-Size Boxes
We can’t stress this enough. Uniform boxes stack safely, tightly, and efficiently. Odd-shaped or open-top boxes = wobbly towers.
2. Heavy Items on Bottom
This isn’t just about physics — it’s about protecting your stuff. You don’t want your grandma’s crystal under a box of power tools.
3. Wrap and Pad Everything
Use moving blankets or furniture pads. Shrink wrap items to protect from scuffs and moisture. Don’t use heirloom quilts or your great aunt’s crocheted afghan. (Ask us how we know.)
4. Use Tie-Downs
Tall furniture, bookshelves, and anything with wheels should be strapped to the wall. If not, it’s going for a ride.
5. Fill Every Gap
Empty space = shifting during transport. Use pillows, towels, or filler to keep things snug. A well-packed POD doesn’t rattle.
Final Thoughts: PODs Are a Tool — Use Them Smart
When used right, PODS can make moving feel less like a frantic sprint and more like a smooth transition. But like any tool, they’re only as good as the person packing them.
If you’re planning a move and considering a container, let us know. Whether it’s helping you load it, advising on what to store, or just saving your back on the heavy stuff — we’ve got your back.
Because at Hudson’s Pack N Move, moving is what we do. Care is how we do it.
