With more than 17 years of experience in the moving and storage industry and with PODS, Riaz Karim is a recognized leader in driving national partnerships across residential and commercial sectors. He currently manages key strategic relationships across the U.S. and Canada, including with major brands such as USAA, RE/MAX, CAA, Keller Williams and Spencer’s.
Edwards: What are the biggest trends you see in the moving industry in 2025?
Karim: We are seeing moving trends driven less by pandemic-related factors like remote work and more by economic and lifestyle decisions. People are moving to places where the cost of living is more manageable, the climate is milder, and the quality of life is higher, specifically when it comes to access to nature and outdoor activities.
The most notable shift is that moves are increasingly being driven by economic and lifestyle factors — not remote work, like in years past. According to PODS' 2025 Moving Trends Report, the Southeast continues to dominate, with eight of the top ten move-in cities in the region, including Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Ocala, and Raleigh. These cities offer a winning combination: mild climate, lower cost of living, and a more relaxed lifestyle; all of which appeal to retirees and families.
Larger metropolitan cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami again lead the pack for move-outs.
Edwards: What statistic in the moving industry do you think would surprise most people?
Karim: Many people are surprised to learn that some states, like California and Florida, are now seeing more people move out than in, despite their historic popularity. Florida’s shift is especially surprising. Sarasota and Tampa Bay were once magnets for movers, but now rising insurance costs and the frequency of natural disasters are driving residents to relocate, often to the Midwest, Southeast, or Mountain West.
Edwards: How do you expect the housing supply to impact moving in 2025?
Karim: The housing market remains tight, but we are starting to see inventory increase in several states. Home prices have fallen in nearly half of the country due to the challenges buyers face in securing affordable mortgages amid high interest rates.
This has led to more transitional moves. People are choosing temporary rentals, moving in with family, or waiting to buy until the market stabilizes. PODS offers both moving and storage solutions, making it easier for people to navigate these in-between periods without being tied to a rigid timeline.
Edwards: Are you seeing more people move long-distance or locally, and what’s driving that shift?
Karim: We are seeing a strong uptick in long-distance moves, especially as people reevaluate where they want to live based on cost of living, lifestyle, and climate. Remote work may have kick-started the trend, but it is now driven more by economic pressures, housing affordability, and a desire for a better quality of life. For example, many are leaving high-cost markets like California and the Northeast in favor of the Southeast and Midwest, where expenses are lower and the pace of life is more appealing.
Edwards: Do you see trends in people preferring moving containers vs professional movers over the last three years?
Karim: Yes. There has been a noticeable shift toward moving containers as more consumers seek flexible and cost-effective alternatives to traditional full-service movers. PODS’ steady growth reflects this trend. People increasingly value the control and convenience that comes with our container model, particularly in today’s economic climate, where timelines and budgets are more unpredictable. With the ability to pack and load on their schedule and the option to add storage along the way, moving containers offer a level of adaptability that full-service movers typically can’t.
Edwards: What’s the biggest mistake people make when hiring a moving company?
Karim: One of the most common mistakes is not doing enough research. People may choose a company based solely on price or availability without understanding what is included — or not included — in the service. Hidden fees, rigid timelines, and limited flexibility can all lead to frustration. Another major pitfall is underestimating how much space they will need, which can lead to last-minute costs and stress. With PODS, we provide guidance to help customers choose the right container size and give them the flexibility to adjust plans as needed, something not always possible with traditional movers.
Edwards: What is the biggest myth people have about moving?
Karim: One of the biggest misconceptions is that using portable containers is expensive. In reality, once you factor in all the costs associated with a traditional move, from rental trucks, gas, tolls, insurance, labor, and storage, PODS is often one of the most cost-effective and stress-free options. Another myth is underestimating how much space you need. It is important for people to assess how much they are moving and how efficiently they pack and load. Selecting the right container size(s) is key to avoiding last-minute issues and additional costs.
Edwards: How do customers typically underestimate the cost, time, or effort involved in a move?
Karim: Many people focus solely on the cost of a moving truck or container and overlook the full scope of expenses involved in a move. Costs can quickly add up when you factor in things like packing supplies, labor, fuel, tolls, accommodations during travel, first month’s rent and security deposits, storage fees, and even unexpected costs like pet transportation or vehicle registration in a new state. People also often underestimate how long it takes to pack and how physically demanding the process can be. That is why having a solution like PODS, which allows for gradual packing and built-in storage, helps reduce both the time pressure and the hidden costs.
Edwards: Has the rise of AI and automation changed the way moving companies operate?
Karim: Yes. AI and automation help companies optimize delivery routes, streamline scheduling, and improve customer service. These tools increase efficiency and help make the entire moving process smoother for customers.
Edwards: Is AI helping with logistics, scheduling, or customer service in the moving industry?
Karim: Definitely. AI is especially useful in route optimization and real-time scheduling, allowing us to deliver containers more efficiently. In customer service, automated support tools are helping people get the answers they need quickly, often keeping stress levels lower during a notoriously stressful time.
Edwards: How is your company keeping itself a leader in the moving industry?
Karim: PODS has remained a leader by continuously adapting to evolving customer needs and broader economic shifts. We have prioritized flexibility, convenience, and control for our customers, whether they are moving across the country or just down the street. Our portable containers allow people to move at their own pace, which is especially helpful during unpredictable housing timelines.
Edwards: What is the top thing your customers say they like about your company?
Karim: Our customers consistently tell us they value the convenience and flexibility PODS provides. Major benefits include taking their time packing and loading, avoiding the stress of a rigid move-in timeline, and accessing storage as needed. Whether they are relocating, renovating, or in between homes, customers appreciate having a solution that adjusts to their schedule, not the other way around.
PODS is also a great option for any mover — whether a college student needs to store items during the summer, newlyweds are moving across the country, someone lands their dream job in New York City, or a family is renovating their dream home — we can support it all.
We offer numerous PODS container size options, and our service network covers 46 states, making it a reliable option for anywhere people might be going or when people need extra storage space.
Edwards: What makes your company different from competitors in the moving industry?
Karim: Our containerized model provides a unique combination of flexibility, storage, and control that traditional movers cannot match. Unlike rental trucks or full-service movers, PODS allows customers to pack and load on their schedule, with the added benefit of storage in the same solution. We also offer a nationwide logistics network and an experienced support team that helps manage everything from transport to temporary storage. For many, PODS becomes a one-stop solution that helps simplify the entire moving process.
6 min read
