How to Pack a Moving Pod

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025 • 6 min read

Fact Checked by: Parker King

Quick answer: To pack a pod for moving or storage, you need to disassemble your large furniture, carefully pack your belongings in boxes, place heavy items on the bottom with light items on top, distribute the weight evenly, and secure your stuff.

Packing your PODS container efficiently saves time, money, and helps protect your belongings from damage. At moveBuddha, we help over 400,000 people safely pack and move their belongings with the best moving containers and moving companies every year. Read our guide to learn how to pack a pod, backed by our team’s expert tips.

How to pack a pod: Quick checklist

Declutter and donate or sell unwanted items
Gather all recommended packing materials
Clean and dry furniture and appliances
Disassemble furniture; bag and label hardware
Wrap or cover all furniture and fragile items
Pack boxes by weight and fragility; label clearly
Build floor-to-ceiling tiers, with heaviest items on the bottom
Distribute weight evenly throughout the container
Fill empty spaces with soft goods or padding
Secure each row with straps, rope, or bungee cords
Place moisture absorbers for long-term storage
Keep valuables and important documents with you
Do a final walk-through and lock the container

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Step-by-step guide to packing a pod

Step 1: Plan and prepare

Before you start packing, remember that some planning goes a long way. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Purge what you don’t need: Less stuff means less stress and cost. Declutter before packing your pod.
Clean and dry everything: This is especially important for moving container storage.
Gather packing supplies in advance: Running out of moving supplies mid-pack will slow you down. Make sure you have what you need.
Confirm move dates and container windows: Double-check when your moving container will be delivered to avoid scheduling headaches.
Measure large items and doorways: Take a few minutes to measure your doorways and any bulky items to ensure they’ll fit through.

Step 2: Disassemble and protect furniture

Disassembling and wrapping furniture helps maximize space and reduces the risk of damage.

Take apart beds and tables: Disassemble these items first and store all the hardware in labeled bags so you can easily reassemble them at your new home.
Wrap furniture in blankets or bubble wrap: Secure your furniture for the move with stretch wrap or tape.
Use mattress bags: Mattress bags are a great way to prevent tears and dirt exposure.
Protect corners and legs: One of the most common complaints we hear from our Better Moves participants is damage to the corners and legs of their furniture. These are the most damage-prone areas.

Step 3: Pack boxes and fragile items

Use smart packing techniques to keep your breakables safe and make loading those boxes easier.

Use small boxes for heavy items: Like books, tools, and canned goods.
Pack light items in large boxes: Such as bedding, towels, and clothes.
Double-box fragile items: Add cushion to fragile items with packing paper or foam.
Stand mirrors, TVs, and artwork on edge: Use specialty boxes or padding to protect large, delicate items in the pod.
Mark boxes: Mark all fragile boxes clearly and indicate which side is up.

Step 4: Load the container (maximize space & balance weight)

Packing tightly and distributing weight evenly is key to safely moving your stuff.

Maximizing space

Start at the back: Build floor-to-ceiling tiers, like a Tetris wall.
Stack boxes tightly: Fill gaps with pillows or soft goods.
Use furniture as a base: Place boxes or awkward items on top.
Alternate box direction: Add stability to tall stacks by facing boxes in different directions.
Don’t leave open space: Shifting causes damage in transit.

Weight distribution and loading order

Place heavy items on the bottom: You should also put these items along the center and walls for balance.
Evenly distribute weight: Avoid overloading one side of the container.
Keep lighter items up top: Also, aim to place these items closer to the door.
Place essentials near the door: Pack essentials boxes you plan to open first near the door for easy access.

Pro tip: Packing floor-to-ceiling and stacking tightly is crucial for preventing shifts.

Step 5: Secure the load

Take time to secure everything inside the container so nothing moves during the trip.

Use built-in anchors: Secure every few feet using tie-downs or straps.
Use an “X” pattern: Make criss-cross straps to stabilize loads.
Bundle loose items: Use bungee cords or stretch wrap to secure any loose items.
Block the container door: Use cardboard or a flattened box as a “catch wall.”

Step 6: Final checks and labeling

Wrap up your packing with a few final steps for organization and security.

Label all boxes on two sides: Include the room, contents, weight, and note any fragile items.
Keep a master inventory: This can be paper or app-based, whichever works best for you.
Double-check the no-pack list: Avoid prohibited items like perishables, weapons, or hazardous materials.
Do a final walkthrough: Fill any last-minute gaps, lock the container, and take a deep breath.

Find the best moving containers with our handy guide covering different sizes, storage options, and pricing.

Learn More

What is a moving POD container?

PODS containers, often just called “pods”, are portable moving and storage containers delivered right to your home. You load at your own pace, and the company handles pickup, delivery to your new address, or storage at a secure facility. It’s a flexible option between full-service movers and DIY rental trucks.

For a stress-free move, always work with one of the best moving container companies.

Packing materials checklist

Having the right packing supplies is key to protecting your stuff and making the most of your container space. Here are all the materials we recommend having on hand to pack your pod.

Sturdy moving boxes: Use small, medium, and large boxes in uniform sizes for better stacking.
Packing tape: Reinforces box seams and secures wrapping.
Permanent markers & labels: Clearly label boxes on multiple sides.
Bubble wrap & packing paper: Cushion fragile items, glassware, and electronics.
Moving blankets and furniture pads: Protect furniture, appliances, and larger items.
Stretch wrap/plastic wrap: Bundle items together and keep drawers closed.
Bungee cords, loading straps, and rope: Secure items to built-in container anchors.
Moisture absorbers (e.g., silica gel, DampRid): Help prevent mold and mildew for long-term storage.
Mattress bags/covers: Shield mattresses from dirt and moisture.
Specialty boxes: Use TV boxes, wardrobe boxes, and mirror/artwork boxes for delicate or oversized items.
Tool kit: Tools are key for disassembling furniture.
Gloves & dolly/hand truck: Make lifting safer and more efficient.

How to choose the right PODS container size

PODS containers come in several sizes. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you estimate what fits in each PODS size:

Container size	Dimensions (approx.)	Capacity	What fits?
8-foot	8’ x 7’ x 8’	Studio / 1 room (~400–500 sq. ft.)	Sofa, queen mattress, boxes, dining set, several chairs
12-foot	12’ x 8’ x 8’	2–3 rooms (~800 sq. ft.)	2 beds, sofa, dining table, dressers, boxes
16-foot	16’ x 8’ x 8’	3–4 rooms (~1,200 sq. ft.)	3 beds, large appliances, couch, dining set, lots of boxes

Always check with your provider for specific measurements and weight limits.

Special considerations for packing a pod

Temperature and climate tips

Weather can impact your move, especially for long-term storage or sensitive items.

Avoid temperature-sensitive items: Candles, liquids, aerosols, electronics.
Use moisture control: Silica gel or DampRid in electronics and boxes.
Keep tarps or plastic handy: Loading in the rain? Keep your items dry.
Let electronics acclimate: Don’t plug them in right away after unloading.

Preparation for long-term storage

If your PODS container will be stored for months, take these extra steps:

Use moisture absorbers: Reduces risk of mildew or mold.
Ventilate when possible: Crack the door or use desiccants.
Keep essentials near the door: In case you need something mid-storage.
Don’t pack anything perishable or temperature-sensitive: Avoid spoilage or damage.

Prohibited and discouraged items

PODS and other container companies have strict rules about what you can’t pack.

Perishables: Food, plants, or anything that attracts pests.
Hazardous materials: Gas, oil, paint, explosives, aerosols, cleaning solvents.
Valuables: Cash, jewelry, heirlooms, passports, irreplaceables.
Weapons and ammunition: Including guns and explosives.
Living things: Pets, animals, or anything perishable.

Packing prohibited items can void your insurance and delay delivery. To be safe, double check that you haven’t packed any of these items in your moving boxes.

FAQs

Can you pack a POD in the rain?

Yes, but you’ll want to take a few precautions. Use a large tarp or plastic sheeting to create a canopy over the entrance while loading. Dry off any wet items before stacking them inside to prevent mold or moisture damage, especially if your container will be in transit or storage for a while.

Pack sensitive items like electronics, books, and fabrics in waterproof bins or wrap them in plastic before boxing. Once loaded, make sure the container door is closed and latched tightly to keep rain out.

What fits in a 16-foot PODS container?

A 16-foot PODS container typically holds about 3 to 4 rooms of furniture, or the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or small home. This includes items like a couch, dining set, several beds, dressers, and 100+ moving boxes, depending on how efficiently you pack.

Keep in mind that how you load, including stacking boxes vertically and filling gaps, can significantly impact how much you’re able to fit. Be sure to distribute weight evenly and secure each layer as you go.

Can I access my container while in storage?

In most cases, yes — but access depends on your provider’s storage facility policies. For example, PODS allows customers to schedule access at their storage centers, but you typically need to call ahead and set an appointment. Some facilities may charge a small fee or have limited hours.

If you think you might need access during storage, load essential items near the container’s door so you can reach them easily when you need to.

Do I need professionals to load my POD?

No, hiring professionals isn’t required, but it can make your move faster and safer, especially if you have large furniture, heavy appliances, or time constraints. Pros know how to load efficiently and securely, which reduces the risk of damage during transit.

If you’re doing it yourself, recruit a few strong friends and be sure to use proper lifting tools like dollies and straps to avoid injury. Most container companies can recommend trusted labor-only movers in your area.