PODS® Container Sizes Comparison

Considering a PODS® container for your move? Compare their sizes first.

If you’re considering PODS® for a long-distance move, choosing the right container size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Since you’re charged for each container whether you use it or not, having a clear idea of what each one can hold can help you avoid paying for too much space — or falling short.

It also helps to review how PODS® sizes compare to other moving and storage options. Seeing the differences in space and flexibility can make it easier to choose what works for your move and your budget.

PODS® containers compared to alternatives

PODS® offers 8-ft, 12-ft and 16-ft metal containers with roll-up doors and ground-level loading. 

PODS® container sizes

Review these measurements to get a better feel for the equipment:

PODS® 8-ft container dimensions

• 8’ x 7’ x 8’ (LWH)
• 402 cubic feet of loading space (about 1 room of furniture and belongings)
• 5,200 lbs. weight limit

PODS® 12-ft container dimensions

• 12’ x 8’ x 8’ (LWH)
• 689 cubic feet of loading space (about 2-3 rooms of furniture and belongings)
• 4,700 lbs. weight limit

Note: Most PODS® 12-ft containers are only available for local moves

PODS® 16-ft container dimensions

• 16’ x 8’ x 8’ (LWH)
• 835 cubic feet of loading space (about 3-4 rooms of furniture and belongings)
• 4,200 lbs. weight limit:

How does U-Pack equipment compare? 

U-Pack is an alternative to PODS® with flexible equipment options for moving to another state.

Here’s how U-Pack equipment dimensions compare to PODS® container sizes.

U-Pack ReloCube 

• Dimensions: 6' x 7' x 8' (LWH)
• Loading space: 308 cubic feet (about 1 room of furniture and belongings)
• Weight limit: 2,500 lbs. (It is extremely rare for 1 room of household goods to exceed this limit.)
• Comparable PODS® equipment: 1 8-ft container

Learn more about the ReloCube size and how to load it.

U-Pack moving trailer

• Dimensions: 28' x 8' x 9' (LWH)
• Loading space: Holds belongings for up to a 4-bedroom home
• Weight limit: 22,500 lbs.
• Comparable PODS® equipment: 2 16-ft containers PLUS 1 8-ft container

Learn more about U-Pack’s trailer size.

Note: Both the ReloCube and the moving trailer have double swing doors, which allow access to all of the loading space inside the equipment. You won’t have to leave space for a roll-up door. PODS® recommends leaving a 6-inch buffer in their containers. 

How do Pack-Rat and U-Haul’s equipment options compare to PODS® containers?

Like PODS®, 1-800-PACK-RAT® offers 8-ft and 16-ft metal containers, plus 12-ft containers for local moves only. The containers are similar in size to what PODS® offers, but service areas and prices will vary.

In addition to rental trucks, U-Haul® offers one size of U-Box® wooden moving container, which is a bit smaller than the PODS® 8-ft container.

Learn more about PODS® competitors, including container and service comparisons.

How many PODS® storage containers should you reserve?

PODS® offers equipment recommendations based on the size of your home, like U-Pack, Pack-Rat and U-Haul. Below are suggestions for homes with moderate furnishings:

Request a U-Pack quote

The biggest advantage of U-Pack equipment is its flexibility. You can use as much space as needed in the moving trailer, and the price will be adjusted accordingly based on the actual linear feet filled (down to a minimum of 5 linear feet). When moving with ReloCubes, you can reserve as many as you need and only pay for the ones used. 

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for your free quote or request one online to compare U-Pack rates to PODS®. 

If you have questions about how our equipment compares to PODS® or how U-Pack works, let us know in the comments. We’re available to help.

PODS® is a registered trademark of PODS® Enterprises, Inc.-800-Pack-Rat® is a registered trademark of 1-800-Pack-Rat, LLC. U-Box® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.