PODS Sizes: How To Choose the Right Container for Your Move

Portable On Demand Storage (PODS) is a popular option for hybrid or DIY moves. If you’re up for loading the PODS and letting the container company handle the transportation and storage, this is a convenient option for long-distance moves. There are three different PODS sizes: an 8-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot container.

moveBuddha readers consistently rate PODS as one of the best moving container companies because of their transparent quotes, quality communication, and professional service.

Picking the right container size for you is key. If you have too much stuff for your POD, you risk running out of space and scrambling at the last minute to find another option. But you also don’t want to overpay for space you won’t use.

Check out this guide for a quick primer on PODS sizes. We’ll break down average PODS costs and provide expert tips on safely transporting your stuff in a POD.

Quickly find your container size

Not sure which PODS size to book?

Generally speaking, small containers work for studio apartments or student moves. Medium containers are popular for one-bedroom homes, while large containers are better suited for two to three bedrooms. If you have four bedrooms or more, you may need to book multiple 16-foot containers.

Reasons to rent a PODS container

Whether you’re moving or need storage, there are so many reasons to rent a PODS container:

• When looking at PODS vs. moving companies, PODS are much cheaper than full-service movers
• You don’t want to drive a rental truck through cities, mountains, ice, or snow
• If you’re not ready to move into your new place just yet, PODS will store your container securely until you’re ready to move in
• You want to take your time loading and unloading

While there are plenty of moving container companies on the market, moveBuddha readers rate PODS highly for several reasons:

• They’re available for in-town, long-distance, and interstate moves
• PODS offers storage if you need it
• PODS containers are strong, weather-resistant, and secure. According to PODS, their containers can withstand winds of up to 100 miles per hour.
• Enjoy easy, ground-level loading and unloading — no ramps required

PODS sizes

PODS containers come in three sizes: eight feet (small), 12 feet (medium), and 16 feet (large). Check out their dimensions to see which moving container size fits your move.

Eight-foot containers

Dimensions: 8′ x 7′ x 8′

Usable space: 402 cubic feet

Eight-foot containers accommodate the contents of one small room or studio apartment. It’s the same size as a walk-in closet, so it’s popular for smaller moves or if you just want to ship a few pieces of furniture.

Eight-foot containers are ideal for:

• A studio or one-bedroom apartment move
• College students heading off to school
• Moving items to a second home
• Partial estate moves
• Storage during small home improvement projects
• Local and long-distance moves within the U.S. and Canada

12-foot containers

Dimensions: 12′ x 8′ x 8′

Usable space: 689 cubic feet

Twelve-foot containers hold the contents of two or three small rooms. PODS says they have the same interior space as a 15-foot moving truck or 10 x 10-foot storage unit. However, 12-foot PODS containers are only available for storage and local moves, so plan accordingly!

12-foot containers are ideal for:

• Local moves
• Local storage
• Moving two- or three-bedroom apartments
• Office or commercial moves

16-foot containers

Dimensions: 16′ x 8′ x 8′

Usable space: 835 cubic feet

Large containers are available for local and long-distance moving within the U.S. and Canada. This is the largest PODS size, which can hold the contents of three to four rooms. Sixteen-footers work well for homes up to 1,200 square feet, but if your home is larger than that, you may need to book multiple PODS.

16-foot containers are ideal for:

• Larger home remodeling projects
• Moving a family home
• Office relocations

PODS cost

The cost of PODS depends on several factors. Here’s a quick breakdown of average PODS costs:

PODS might be a little pricier than other moving containers, but you get a lot for the money. PODS’ base pricing includes mileage and fuel and one month of storage on your property. Delivery is always $89.99, regardless of the PODS size you book. If you need extra storage, pricing starts at $149 per month.

But keep in mind that these prices are just estimates. The cost of your move could be more or less, depending on other factors unique to your move. For example, buying moving services or packing materials will drive up your costs.

So many factors play into moving costs, but PODS pricing depends on things like:

• The container size you book
• How many containers you use
• The distance between your old and new home

How do PODS work?

PODS is a flexible moving container option you can use for onsite and offsite storage. Think of it as a portable storage container — without the commitment — for local, long-distance, and interstate moves.

PODS are more cost-effective than hiring full-service movers. While you’re on the hook for loading and unloading, professionals will handle all of the driving for you.

Here’s how the PODS rental process works, regardless of the PODs size you want to use:

1. Decide on a moving date and location. Make sure PODS is legal in both your current and new city. Some cities have strict rules about parking PODS on the street, in parking spaces, or even in private driveways, so check all ordinances before booking.
2. If you need storage, figure out how long you’ll need it. You also need to decide if you want to store the PODS at your house or a PODS storage facility.
3. Take some rough measurements to determine the size and amount of PODS you need to book.
4. Visit the PODS website and request a free quote.
5. Reserve your container online or over the phone and schedule the delivery date.
6. On delivery day, PODS will show up with a truck to deliver the container to your home, apartment, or business. They use the proprietary PODZILLA system to gently lower the PODS into your designated delivery area.
7. You and your helpers will load the items into the PODS at your own pace.
8. When you’re done, schedule a pickup time with PODS. A driver will pick up the container on your designated day and take it to your new home or the POD storage facility.
9. You unload the PODS after container delivery and notify the company when you’ve emptied the PODS. They’ll pick it up on your scheduled day, and that’s it!

How are PODS built?

PODS move a lot, so they have to be strong and durable. Fortunately, all PODS containers are sturdy.

These steel containers have solid wood interior walls and impact-resistant polymers, which makes them strong, secure, and weather-resistant. So don’t worry — your belongings will typically be safe and dry inside the POD, so long as you pack and load your items carefully.

The only thing you need to worry about is temperature and humidity. Like all storage containers, your items will be susceptible to dramatic changes in temperature and humidity. Condensation from the air and ground is also a concern.

To protect your stuff, use shrink wrap and additional layers of packing or moving materials. Sensitive items like instruments might need anti-moisture packets or insulated box liners.

Loading your PODS container

Loading the PODS is more seamless than heaving a couch up a ramp or onto a rented moving truck. PODS containers are at ground level, so there’s no need to fuss with a ramp or stairs.

Balancing the weight correctly is definitely how you should pack a POD. If you put all the weight on one side of the moving container, it could go off balance mid-air or in storage, damaging your belongings.

Spread heavier items like sofas and dressers as evenly as possible to distribute the weight. Be sure to load the items you’ll need to access first near the door.

This usually includes items like:

• Toiletries
• Clothes
• Mattresses and bedding
• Dishes and cookware
• Appliances
• Toys
• Tools

PODS is a safe moving method, but things can happen. Keep important documents, like passports, medical records, IDs, and birth certificates on your person during the move.

PODS tips

moveBuddha readers rate PODS highly as a professional, friendly moving container solution. Here are a few tricks you can use to make your PODS experience even better:

• Book ahead. Reserve your container and pickup and delivery dates at least a week or two in advance. That goes double if you book during the peak summer months.
• When in doubt, go big. If you aren’t sure which PODS size works best for your move, choose the larger option. It’s always better to have a little more room than not enough.
• Use the right packing materials. Odd-sized or misshapen packing materials make it harder to load your unit effectively. Use standard moving boxes or plastic bins to pack your unit more efficiently. This also makes it easier to utilize the POD’s vertical space.
• Stock up on supplies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, so start gathering moving supplies. Get packing paper, tape, moving blankets, and boxes. Rope is also a good option to tie down items that may shift during transport. You can buy these materials, but they’re a little pricey. Find cheap moving boxes and other supplies by asking friends or family or checking sites like Nextdoor and Craigslist.
• Ask about discounts. Booking a POD online is easy, but sometimes you’ll get a better deal if you call and speak to a representative. Ask them about coupons or special promotions before reserving your PODS container.
• Communicate with PODS. Hey, life happens. If your moving dates change, notify PODS immediately to avoid confusion and additional costs.
• Be available. Clear your schedule so you can meet the PODS driver in person for drop-off and pickup. This ensures they drop off the container at the right place and position. You won’t be able to move the container yourself after the fact, so this is crucial for a hassle-free experience.
• Pick a good spot for your POD. Find a suitable place on your street or in your yard or driveway for the POD. Some cities have ordinances against moving containers, particularly in the street, so check your local laws before booking with PODS.

What can’t you pack in a PODS?

PODS will transport a lot of things, but there are some items that PODS can’t accept.

Never pack these items in a PODS container:

• Cars and other motorized vehicles, including lawn mowers and tractors (check out some of the best car shipping companies if you need to move a vehicle)
• Hazardous materials
• Trash and garbage
• Guns, ammunition, and fireworks
• Propane and other compressed gas tanks
• Yard waste
• Paint, thinners, chemicals, and automotive liquids like oil, coolant, gasoline, and brake fluid

Please note that this isn’t a complete list, so check with PODS before signing a moving or storage contract.

FAQ about PODS sizes

What are the different sizes of PODS?

There are three different PODS sizes:

• Eight feet: The small POD is best for student or studio apartment moves.
• 12 feet: This size is only available for local moves. It’s best for one- or two-bedroom apartment moves.
• 16 feet: The largest POD size is good for a two- to three-bedroom family home. You’ll probably need more than one 16-foot POD if your home is larger than 1,200 square feet.

What fits in a 16-foot POD?

A 16-foot PODS container can hold the contents of a 1,200-square-foot home. It can hold larger furniture items — like sofas, beds, dressers, a dining room set — and several large boxes. It’s also suitable for appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators. If your home is larger than 1,200 feet, you’ll probably want to book more than one 16-foot POD.

What are the sizes and weight limits for PODS?

The eight-foot container can hold up to 5,200 pounds, while the 12-foot container can only hold 4,700 pounds. The 16-foot container holds 4,200 pounds.

It might sound counterintuitive, but the smaller footprint on the eight-foot POD makes it safer to move heavier items. The larger the POD’s footprint, the less weight it can carry.

What PODS size is the most popular?

The 16-foot POD is the most popular choice because it meets the needs of an average-sized family home. It’s versatile for large or small moves, whether you’re moving locally or across the country.

What size PODS should I get for my move?

Eight-foot PODS are best for small moves for students or studio apartments. Twelve-foot PODS are larger, but they’re only available for local moves, so it’s a good option if you need to move more space and are moving across town. Sixteen-foot PODS are ideal for moving a standard family home that’s around 1,200 square feet.