PODS® Container Sizes Comparison

Which PODS® container sizes are best for a long-distance move?

When moving out of state with PODS®, choosing the right equipment is a big deal. Pick a container that’s too big, and you’ll be stuck paying for more space than you need. Order one that’s too small and you won’t have enough room for your belongings. With PODS®, you pay for the equipment you reserve whether you use it or not, so understanding how much each container holds can make a big impact on how smoothly your move goes and how much you end up paying.  

The good news is there’s an alternative and more flexible way to move long distance — U-Pack®, a service where you’ll only pay for the equipment used. Let’s explore how PODS® containers compare to U-Pack moving equipment so you can make the best choice for your move. 
 
Suggested Read: How PODS® and U-Pack services compare. 

PODS® dimensions vs. U-Pack equipment 

PODS® offers three different container sizes — 8-ft, 12-ft and 16-ft.  Each container is metal with a roll-up door and offers ground-level loading. U-Pack offers a ReloCube® moving container or space in a 28-ft moving trailer.   

How big are PODS® containers? 

PODS® 8-ft container 

• Dimensions: 8’ x 7’ x 8’ (LWH) 
• Loading space: 402 cubic feet (about 1 room of furniture and belongings) 
• Weight limit: 5,200 lbs. 
• Comparable U-Pack equipment: 1 ReloCube or 5-6 linear feet in a moving trailer

PODS® 12-ft container 

• Dimensions: 12’ x 8’ x 8’ (LWH) 
• Loading space: 689 cubic feet (about 2-3 rooms of furniture and belongings) 
• Weight limit: 4,700 lbs. 
• Comparable U-Pack equipment: 2 ReloCubes or 9-10 linear feet in a moving trailer 
• PODS® 12-ft containers are only available for local moves 

PODS® 16-ft container 

• Dimensions: 16’ x 8’ x 8’ (LWH) 
• Loading space: 835 cubic feet (about 3-4 rooms of furniture and belongings) 
• Weight limit: 4,200 lbs. 
• Comparable U-Pack equipment: 3 ReloCubes or 12-13 linear feet in a moving trailer 

How do U-Pack equipment sizes compare?  

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 

Note: The ReloCube’s double swing doors allow access to the whole Cube since you won’t have to leave space for a roll-up door. PODS® recommends leaving a 6-inch buffer in their containers.  

Get more details 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: 1 12-ft container PLUS 1 16-ft container 

Learn more about U-Pack trailer specifications. 

How many PODS® containers do I need compared to U-Pack?

It’s important to have enough space to move your things, and both PODS® and U-Pack offer recommendations based on the size of your home.  

To move a studio apartment, you would likely need an 8-ft container from PODS®. With U-Pack, you’d need 1 ReloCube or 5 linear feet in a trailer.  

What if your home is larger? For a 3-bedroom home (around 1,500 square feet), PODS® recommends either 2 16-foot containers or 1 8-ft container and 1 16-ft container, depending on how heavily furnished the house is. U-Pack recommends 3-4 ReloCubes or 17 linear feet in a moving trailer.  

What’s different about U-Pack is the flexibility. You can use as much space as needed in the moving trailer, and the price will be adjusted up or down (to a minimum of 5 linear feet). And with ReloCubes, you’re free to order as many as you might need and only pay for the ones used.  

Get a quote for your move

U-Pack offers equipment comparable to PODS® with the flexibility you need for a long-distance move. Get a free online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. If you have questions about U-Pack services or how our equipment compares to PODS®, let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help! 

PODS® is a registered trademark of PODS® Enterprises, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third-party.