What’s The Difference Between Interstate Movers vs PODS vs ABF vs UBox?

Why are there so many different moving solutions out there? Well, because moving isn’t one-size-fits-all. Like choosing a coffee; some of us need that double espresso (full-service movers, please!), while others do just fine with a drip coffee (hello, rental trucks). Whether you like it or not, nailing the right moving service can turn a potential headache into a breezy adventure. 

Think about it: not every move demands a massive truck and a team of movers. Sometimes, you might just need a little space to store your stuff temporarily, or maybe you’re all about that DIY life and want to handle things on your own timetable. So, before you pack that first box, take a moment to consider which moving service truly aligns with your situation, budget, and stress threshold.

Interstate Movers

If you’re thinking about hiring Interstate Movers, these are the folks who do the heavy lifting—literally. They offer everything from a complete package where they pack, haul, and unpack your stuff, to just driving your already packed belongings to the new place. If you prefer a hands off move, full service movers can make it happen, though it’s definitely the pricier option. Great if you want to avoid the hassle, but if you’re someone who likes to take charge of your packing, maybe just let them handle the transportation.

PODS (Portable On Demand Storage)

If you haven’t heard of PODS, imagine a storage unit that shows up at your door. You load it up when you want, how you want, and then it’s off to your next place or a storage facility. In simple words, a box that expands to fit your schedule—and your stuff. You can take your sweet time filling it up, whether that’s over a weekend or across several weeks. Just keep in mind, while PODS offer unrivaled flexibility, you might want to check your local street storage rules before parking one in front of your house for too long.

ABF Moving Services

ABF is the quiet engine that could in the moving industry. They offer a service called UPack, where they drop off a trailer or ReloCube, you fill it up, and they drive it to your new location. It’s a nofrills, pay-for-what-you-use kind of deal which can be a budget saver, especially for long-distance moves. The main perk here is the affordability, but keep in mind, you’re doing the heavy lifting—yes, all of it. ABF is great if you don’t mind breaking a sweat, but if you prefer a more hands off approach, you might find this option a bit too DIY.

UBox by UHaul

UBox from UHaul are these portable containers that show up at your doorstep ready to swallow your belongings at your own pace. Even if you need to stash everything away for a while or you’re ready to take it all to your new place, UBox integrates seamlessly with UHaul’s suite of moving services. They come in sizes that vary from “I’m just a minimalist” to “I might have a hoarding problem,” ensuring there’s a UBox that matches your load perfectly. While the flexibility is a major win, watch those rental fees—they can creep up on you if you’re not careful.

A Breakdown Of Your Moving Options

Choosing the right moving solution is picking the right tool for a job—use the wrong one, and you’ll make life unnecessarily difficult. That’s why we’re here to help you spot the key differences between the four:

FeatureInterstate MoversPODSABFUBox
Service ModelFull-service; packing to unpackingDIY with dropoff/pickup flexibilityDIY with driving includedDIY with options for storage or moving
PricingBased on services selected, distance, volumeFlat monthly rates plus delivery feesPay-for-space used, mileageFlat rates for container, plus fees based on storage or moving
AccessibilityNationwide availability, urban and ruralPredominantly available, varies by regionMostly urban centers, some rural availabilityBroadly available, strong urban presence
Storage OptionsShort-term and long-term storage availableOnsite and off-site storage flexibilityTrailer storage limited durationLongterm storage available, flexible locations
Ideal UseHassle-free, comprehensive moving needsFlexible schedule, staggered movingBudget-conscious, long-distance movesCombining moving with long-term storage needs

Picking the Perfect Moving Solution

When it’s time to pick a moving solution, ask these key questions around to snag the perfect fit for your situation:

Budget Bounds? 

  • What’s your spending ceiling for the move?
  • Do you prefer the predictability of a flat rate, or does flexible pricing that adapts to how much you actually use sound more up your alley?

How Far Are We Going?

  • Just jumping across town, or is it a coast-to-coast adventure?
  • Do you need a mover that’s seasoned in long-distance logistics, or will a local outfit do the trick?

What’s the Scale of Your Stuff?

  • Are we talking a studio apartment’s worth, or are you packing up a full-scale family home?
  • Would one large container do the job, or might several smaller ones make more sense?

Got Any Situational Issues to Think About?

  • If the clock’s ticking loudly, consider a service like PODS that can get containers to you pronto.
  • If budget’s a big concern, ABF might be your go-to, letting you pay just for the space you use.
  • If you’d rather not lift a finger, full-service Interstate Movers can take the load off, handling everything from packing to placement.
  • If you need to tuck away some belongings for the long haul, UBox provides flexible storage solutions that work with your timeline.

What About Your Personal Moving Style?

  • Are you the hands-on type who likes to pack and stack, or would you rather leave it to the pros?
  • How crucial is flexibility in your moving dates?

Weighing up these considerations can really streamline your selection process. Just remember, the right move is the one that feels right to you, ensuring everything else falls into place smoothly.

What Makes Interstate Movers Stand Out?

Going with Interstate Movers is like having a personal concierge for your moving day—they customize everything to fit you perfectly. Whether you need a full-service move that handles every detail or just an extra pair of hands for the heavy stuff, they’ve got you covered. It’s your move, your way—even if you want the full month or just a little nudge over the finish line. They treat your belongings like treasures, handling each item as if it were a fragile heirloom. On top of that, they even offer cutting-edge tech that lets you track your move effortlessly and in real time. No more guessing where your stuff is or when it will arrive; it’s all at your fingertips.

Why EZ Breezy Moves Is Your Go-To Team

Here at EZ Breezy Moves, we bring our A-game to every move. We’re moving your life, and we take that seriously, with a commitment to service that’s as strong as our strongest mover.
Questions? Just curious? Ready to book? Give us a shout at 612-356-2017, drop a line to [email protected], or fill out our handy online form. We’re here to clear the path to your new front door, making sure the only thing you need to worry about is where to put the couch.