I am very much about positivity and promoting local businesses but I feel completely compelled to share my experience with future customers to save you the time, money, emotional trauma and troubles of doing business with PODS. I do not wish my worst enemy the same experience or troubles I had... BEWARE! Worst storage experience of my life....
First off, we were rushed to move from our home in NJ and PODS was the only option available for temporary storage. The units themselves were not cheap; over $450 each per month and we had two.
To obtain availability and a quote, I went online and worked with a customer service agent to book the units and schedule delivery. A few hiccups with that but overall that part was simple. However, I did learn that there were hidden fees that I was told would be included and they were not! Upon delivery of the first unit, it was noticeably older and missing bolts; it was certainly not the one advertised online or even remotely in the same condition. Upon opening the doors, the driver even agreed that the unit was DISGUSTING INSIDE. It had oil spilled on the floor and was filled with debris and dust. It also showed signed of water damage inside however was dry so I left it alone. The driver advised to contact customer service but would offer no assistance. The next day, it rained and sure enough there was water inside the unit... I called and they confirmed it was damaged and delivered a different unit. Huge paid and caused delays in our move.
The second unit was delivered and was ok... We packed both according to the PODS moving sheet (attached photo) and they picked up for storage at the Farmington warehouse.
We visited the warehouse on one occasion as we wanted to get something out of the unit and were troubled by the condition of the facility. The warehouse looked NOTHING like the photos online and we ended up not even opening the unit to move items around as there was dirt and dust everywhere.
Fast forward to deliver of the units and the photos pretty much speak for themselves. The exterior of the units were FILLED with some foreign material that we couldn't even figure out what it was. Looked like dust but it was so thick and heavy and we paid to have the units stored in an indoor facility! Upon opening both units, each driver put a mask on when opening as they did not know what got into the units. They were FILLED with layers of some sort of soot and debris that had a pungent smell and was extremely difficult to remove.
EVERY INCH of exposed space was COVERED! It was unreal. I contacted PODS about the issue and it took weeks for a response as to how to proceed. The units were scheduled for pickup before they even bothered to call back with guidance on how to handle. ABSOLUTE DISASTER!
We couldn't even find a company to assist with remediation as we could never get a straight answer on what the material was and if it was hazardous. PODS did VERY little to assist and ultimately we were forced to throw away 70% of our belongings... Mattresses, linens, rugs, artwork... It was all coverer and smelled.... And this was AFTER paying over $15k to store it all!!! Six months later, we are still waiting on an explanation of what happened to our belongings, and not a peep! PODS could literally care less. PODS did accept responsibility and offer miniscule compensation however the documentation they required was not even a feasible option once the items were altered and disposed of. In fact, they waited weeks before offering guidance on what to do and we had the units picked up before they ever called back!
The drivers were all cordial and prompt, the booking and billing/payments process was simple... But when it came down to our belongings and our concerns, they could not care less.. Not the facility, not corporate, not customer service. This was an extremely traumatic experience and I pray you don't make the same mistake we did.
BEWARE! Worst storage experience of my life....
UPDATE: PODS offers a social media email address to assist with resolving however I've already been down that path AND been offered a subpar settlement however upper management nor the storage location, who falsely advertises their storage facility, has ever reached back out with an explanation or apology for all the losses. I could have gotten my attorney involved but do not want to relive that experience; rather want to warn others.
Pods - you have my name, you have my customer and case number. Deflection and putting the burden back on me is hideous! I simply want to warn others about my experience and the lack of amicable resolution. I appreciate the response however empty words and emails mean little. read more