PODS offers three container sizes. The right choice depends on how many rooms you're moving and how much you own. Here's everything you need to know — including what fits, pricing, and weight limits.
Get a Free PODS Quote| Size | Dimensions | Cubic Ft | Weight Limit | Home Size | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Foot | 8' × 8' × 8' | 400 | 4,200 lbs | Studio – 1 bedroom | $149–$170/mo |
| 12-Foot | 12' × 8' × 8' | 600 | 4,700 lbs | 1–2 bedrooms | $170–$220/mo |
| 16-Foot | 16' × 8' × 8' | 857 | 4,200 lbs | 3–4 bedrooms | $220–$344/mo |
When in doubt, size up. Renting one larger container is almost always cheaper than renting two smaller ones.
Full 2-bedroom apartment without leaving items behind
Note: Available for local and long-distance moves nationwide
3-bedroom house contents; washer AND dryer together
Note: Not available for long-distance moves in some PODS markets — confirm availability when booking
Fully furnished 4-bed + garage without using two containers
Note: Most popular container size. Two required for fully furnished 4+ bedroom homes with garage
Despite being the longest container, the 16ft has the same weight limit as the 8ft (≈4,200 lbs), and less than the 12ft's 4,700 lbs. This is due to the structural engineering of the crane lifting system. If you have heavy items like a large book collection, workout equipment, or power tools, distribute weight evenly across the floor — don't stack heavy items together. A fully-furnished 3-bedroom house rarely exceeds this limit in practice.
| Home size | Recommended container | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 8ft | Or 12ft if you have a storage area |
| 1 bedroom | 8ft–12ft | Depends on furniture volume |
| 2 bedrooms | 12ft–16ft | Most 2-beds fit in 12ft if furniture is moderate |
| 3 bedrooms | 16ft | May need two containers if heavily furnished |
| 4+ bedrooms | Two 16ft | Or combine 16ft + 12ft |
When in doubt, go one size up. Renting a larger container upfront is almost always cheaper than the hassle and cost of ordering a second container mid-move. PODS also offers a virtual consultation service where an agent helps you estimate the right size based on a room-by-room inventory.
| Container | Monthly Storage | Local Move (all-in) | Long-Distance (all-in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Foot | $149–$170/mo | $320–$480 | $1,800–$4,000 |
| 12-Foot | $170–$220/mo | $420–$620 | $2,200–$5,200 |
| 16-Foot | $220–$344/mo | $490–$740 | $2,800–$7,500 |
Local move includes: delivery + 30 days storage + pickup. Long-distance includes: delivery + 30 days storage + transport + destination delivery + pickup. Prices are estimates — get an official PODS quote for exact figures.
PODS quotes are free and take 2 minutes. No commitment required.