Moving to a new apartment or city can be an exciting time. But it can also be a time of stress and anxiety when it comes to the logistics of moving all of your belongings in a short period.
Hiring a moving company can often help when it comes to moving in or out of an apartment. However, that may be too expensive.
Another alternative is to use a PODS container. A PODS container is like a shipping container and is designed to be loaded on and off of a special truck at your location.
Once dropped off, you load the PODS container yourself and then the service returns at a specific time and picks it up, moving it to your new apartment.
One issue that comes up with the PODS service is that they need a reserved spot to leave the PODS container. If you are moving into or out of an apartment, this isn’t always an option.
To help you navigate this and get the most out of a PODS container, we’ll explain how the service works when you live in an apartment and how to use a PODS container even if you don’t have a spot to place it.
How Much Space Does a PODS Container Need?
The PODS come in different sizes, but the equipment that delivers the PODS requires the same amount of space to place the container regardless of the size you choose.
The PODS delivery requires a clear space measuring 12 feet wide and 40 feet long. This extra space allows for the maneuvering of the PODS placement device.
There also must not be any type of overhangs, awnings, or tree branches lower than 15 feet in the area over the PODS placement. For an apartment, this means no low-hanging awnings or covers that are sometimes located over parking spaces to protect cars from rain and snow.
As long as you have the reserved space outlined above, the PODS driver will be able to deliver and pick up your PODS without any issues. However, the driver ultimately makes the final decision if they feel the area is not adequate or safe to deliver the PODS.
Notify Your Apartment Management Or HOA
When moving into or out of an apartment or condo with a PODS, you want to notify the management or HOA first. They likely already have specific policies regarding PODS due to how common they are for apartment moves.
If the PODS is going to be delivered to the parking lot, you will need to reserve two or three parking spaces depending on the size of the spaces.
For example, the PODS can be placed in the center of two adjoining spaces, taking up two full spaces. For smaller parking spaces, the PODS can be placed over one parking space, but the two adjacent spaces on either side will need to be empty. With this configuration, you’ll need a total of three spaces reserved and unoccupied.
Your apartment management or HOA may have other ways they prefer PODS to be placed. As long as their requested placement has the required free space, the driver will be able to deliver the PODS without any issues.
What If My Apartment Has No Parking Spaces?
Some apartments may not have a parking lot or adequate available spaces for a POD. If this is the case, you can still use the PODS service.
PODS offers something called City Service. With PODS City Service, the PODS driver stays with the PODS storage unit and does not unload it off the truck.
You load or unload the PODS while the driver is there. Once complete, the driver leaves with the PODS and heads to the destination.
The PODS storage unit never leaves the transportation truck and there is no need for placement anywhere at either location.
PODS City Service works similarly to using or renting your own moving truck. The advantage is you don’t have to drive the truck yourself, pick it up, or drop it off when finished.
PODS offers its City Service in the following areas:
- Boston
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- Long Island
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New York City
- New Jersey
- Philadelphia
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Seattle
- Staten Island
- Toronto
- Washington, D.C.
PODS City Service may be available in additional areas, so make sure to contact PODS if you live in a city not listed.
Can a PODS Be Left On a Street?
If your apartment is located directly on the street and you have no parking lot, you still have options.
A PODS can be left on the street near your apartment if parking is allowed on the street. The PODS driver can deliver your PODS to the street parking area. They will still need the same space to deliver and pick up the PODS as with an apartment parking space.
When using a PODS parked on the street, you will need to contact your local city government and receive a permit to reserve the spaces.
If you’re unsure how to do this, a PODS representative can help you when you make your reservation. This is a common practice when using PODS so they can help you contact the right local government office for any required permits and parking reservations.
One important note though is that you will need these reservation documents before the PODS can be dropped off. Ideally, you want to submit them before the driver arrives. However, you can give them to the driver when they arrive. But if there is any issue, you may not be able to resolve it in time before the driver has to leave.
For this reason, it’s always best to obtain any permits and submit them before your PODS delivery.
Tips For Using PODS When Moving To Or From An Apartment
If you’re moving to or from an apartment and want to use the PODS service, you have many options. Just make sure to follow a few tips to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Make Sure To Have A Sturdy Lock
Your PODS will be delivered without a lock. If leaving the PODS for any length of time, you want to use a secure padlock. This should be a heavy-duty lock that can’t be easily cut or opened. This is especially important if you are leaving the PODS overnight in a city area.
The PODS are secure and resist break-in attempts. But you will need to supply your own lock or pay for one through the PODS service.
Obtain Any Permits As Early As Possible.
Whether it’s your HOA or the city, you may need permits to leave a PODS on the street. As with any local government agency or HOA, there can be delays when seeking permits.
Also, be aware that certain cities may charge fees for these permits or when reserving street parking. If this is the case, you can consider using the PODS City Service instead. It may cost you less when compared to obtaining the permits for your street.
Use The PODS Storage Facility
You can also use the PODS secure storage facility if you are having problems finding a place to deliver the PODS.
If you have no other options, you can have the PODs delivered to a PODS storage facility. You can then hire local movers or use PODS movers to make the final move from the PODS facility to your apartment.
It’s recommended to try to use the other methods first, but in some cases, using the PODS storage facility may be easier in some situations.
Whichever method you choose, moving into or out of an apartment using PODS is a common practice. As long as you follow their guidelines above, you should have no problem when making your move across town or across the country.