If a PODS container is on its way to your Portland home, our crews load it tight and strap it so more fits and your furniture arrives in one piece. Two movers with equipment are $125 per hour with a two hour minimum, plus a flat $45 service fee within 10 miles of central Portland. You schedule PODS, and we bring the crew.
A container move gives you flexibility, but the loading is still the hard part. Once the container leaves your driveway, a bad load cannot be fixed. A good one is the difference between a smooth unload at the other end and a pile of scuffed furniture.
Why loading matters more with a container
A container can ride on a truck or sit in a yard for days. Everything inside shifts, settles and vibrates the whole time. Loose stacks and gaps are where damage happens. A tight, strapped load also holds more, which can mean a smaller container or one container instead of two.
What our crews do at a PODS move
- Pad and wrap. Furniture goes in with moving blankets and shrink wrap.
- Build the load in layers. Heavy items go low, lighter boxes go on top, and we fill gaps so nothing can slide.
- Strap it off. We secure each section with lifting and tie-down straps before building the next.
- Protect your floors. Neoprene floor runners go down before heavy carrying starts.
- Take things apart. We bring hand tools to disassemble beds and tables, and to put them back together at the other end.
Not sure which container size you need? Our crews can help you gauge volume and cargo capacity before you commit. You can read more on our PODS moving help page.
How to line up PODS and your crew
- Schedule your container. Delivery and pickup windows come from PODS, so book it first.
- Call us with the delivery date. Tell us your address, what is being loaded and any stairs or heavy items.
- Prepare the drop spot. Check with your property manager or the city about where a container can sit and whether you need a permit.
- Meet the crew. Billing starts and stops at your location, and the crew stays until the job is done.
Unloading at the other end
Unloading is easier when the load was built well. Schedule your crew for the day the container is delivered. You tell us where each piece goes, and we place it, reassemble furniture and keep the floors protected.
What it costs
- Two movers and equipment: $125 per hour, two hour minimum
- Each additional mover: $60 per hour
- Flat service fee: $45 within 10 miles of central Portland
For example, two movers working four hours is $500 in labor plus the $45 fee, about $545. A larger home with three movers for five hours is $925 plus the fee, about $970. These are illustrations, not quotes. For more examples, read how much Portland movers cost, or see our rates and services.
Before the crew arrives
- Tape boxes shut and label them by room.
- Clear a path from every room to the container.
- Empty drawers that could slide, and set aside what you will carry yourself.
- Tell us about heavy and oversized items when you book.
For the full picture of how crews work, see our Portland moving labor guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you load a PODS container at my Portland home?
Yes. Schedule your PODS delivery, then call us with the delivery date and your address. Our crew meets you at your home and loads the container.
Can you unload a PODS container when it arrives?
Yes. We unload PODS containers delivered within the Portland area and place everything in the rooms you choose. We bring hand tools to put beds and tables back together.
How many movers do I need to load a PODS container?
Two movers is our starting crew and our two hour minimum. Larger homes, stairs and heavy items often call for a third or fourth mover at $60 per hour each. The office will recommend a crew size when you describe your move.
How much does it cost to load a PODS container?
Two movers with equipment are $125 per hour with a two hour minimum, plus $60 per hour for each additional mover and a flat $45 service fee within 10 miles of central Portland. Two movers working four hours comes to about $545.
Can you help me decide how much will fit in a container?
Yes. Our crews can help you gauge volume and cargo capacity, so call us with a list of your furniture and number of boxes before you choose a container size.
Container Coming? Book Your Loading Crew
Get the load right the first time. Our licensed, insured crews have loaded Portland moves since 2011, and over 1,200 customers have given us five stars.
Or call (503) 922-2225 · Crews available 7 days a week, 8 AM to 6 PM
