Long-distance is where the cost gap between full-service movers and a PODS container gets dramatic. Movers do everything; PODS cuts the bill roughly in half if you pack and load. Distance amplifies the tradeoff.
Verdict: PODS to cut a long-distance bill roughly in half when you can pack and load yourself. Full-service movers for 3BR-plus or high-value cross-country moves where doing it yourself is not worth the savings.