PODS Container Sizes: What Fits in Each One
Quick Answer
Most people need a 16-foot container ($249-$359/month). If you have a 1-2 bedroom apartment, a 12-foot works. The 8-foot is really only good for small storage jobs or a single room. PODS does not make anything larger than 16 feet — if you need more space, order two containers.
Side-by-Side Size Comparison
PODS offers exactly three container sizes. Unlike U-Haul which has seven truck sizes or U-Pack which lets you pay by the linear foot, you are choosing between 8, 12, or 16 feet. Here is a detailed comparison of all three options so you can make the right call the first time and avoid the hassle and cost of ordering an additional container mid-move.
| Spec | 8 ft | 12 ft | 16 ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8' x 7' x 8' | 12' x 7' x 8' | 16' x 7' x 8' |
| Cubic Feet | 402 | 689 | 857 |
| Weight Limit | 5,200 lbs | 4,700 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
| Door Opening | 5 ft 10 in x 7 ft 3 in | 5 ft 10 in x 7 ft 3 in | 5 ft 10 in x 7 ft 3 in |
| Monthly Rental | $149 - $199 | $199 - $279 | $249 - $359 |
| Ideal For | Studio or 1-bedroom apartment, dorm room, or small storage | 2-bedroom apartment or small house | 3-4 bedroom house |
8 ft PODS Container: Full Breakdown
Dimensions and Specs
- Interior: 8 ft long x 7 ft wide x 8 ft tall
- Total volume: 402 cubic feet
- Weight limit: 5,200 lbs
- Door opening: 5 ft 10 in wide x 7 ft 3 in tall
- Monthly rental: $149 - $199
The 8-foot container is PODS' smallest option. It works well for storage purposes — stashing seasonal items, clearing out a room during renovation, or holding overflow from a primary container. For a full apartment move, you will likely find it tight unless you are very minimalist. The door opening is the same as larger containers, so getting furniture through is not the issue — it is the depth that limits you.
What Fits Inside
- Queen bed + mattress
- Dresser
- Small couch or loveseat
- 10-15 medium boxes
- Small dining table + 2 chairs
- TV stand
Pro tip: If you are using the 8ft for storage, stand mattresses on their side along one wall to save floor space. Keep items you might need to access near the door.
12 ft PODS Container: Full Breakdown
Dimensions and Specs
- Interior: 12 ft long x 7 ft wide x 8 ft tall
- Total volume: 689 cubic feet
- Weight limit: 4,700 lbs
- Door opening: 5 ft 10 in wide x 7 ft 3 in tall
- Monthly rental: $199 - $279
The 12-foot fills up faster than most people expect. If you have a 2-bedroom apartment with average furniture, it will work. But add a home office, exercise equipment, or outdoor items and you may find yourself wishing you went with the 16-foot. The price difference between 12ft and 16ft is usually only $50-$80 per month, so when in doubt, size up.
What Fits Inside
- Queen bed + mattress
- Twin bed or bunk bed
- 2 dressers
- Couch + armchair
- Dining table + 4 chairs
- 20-30 medium boxes
- Bookshelf
- Small desk
Pro tip: Disassemble bed frames and tables to gain an extra 15-20% of usable space. Stand couch cushions vertically in gaps between furniture.
16 ft PODS Container: Full Breakdown
Dimensions and Specs
- Interior: 16 ft long x 7 ft wide x 8 ft tall
- Total volume: 857 cubic feet
- Weight limit: 4,200 lbs
- Door opening: 5 ft 10 in wide x 7 ft 3 in tall
- Monthly rental: $249 - $359
The 16-foot is the container most households end up choosing, and for good reason. At 857 cubic feet, it can accommodate a 3-4 bedroom house when loaded efficiently. Professional movers who load PODS containers regularly say this size handles about 80% of residential moves. If you have 4+ bedrooms or a lot of bulky items, plan for two containers from the start.
What Fits Inside
- King bed + mattress
- Queen bed + mattress
- Twin bed
- 3 dressers
- Sectional sofa or couch + loveseat
- Dining table + 6 chairs
- China cabinet
- 40-50 medium boxes
- Desk + chair
- Washer or dryer
- Outdoor furniture set
Pro tip: Load the heaviest items against the back wall first. Create a center aisle if possible so you can access items without unloading everything. Use ratchet straps on the tie-down rings to prevent shifting.
Which PODS Container Size Do You Need?
The most common mistake people make with PODS is underestimating how much space they need. A 3-bedroom house seems like it should fit in a 12-foot container, but most people accumulate far more belongings than they realize. Use this guide to pick the right size on the first try and avoid the frustration and extra cost of ordering a second container halfway through loading.
| Home Size | Furniture Level | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | Minimal | 8 ft | Tight fit if you have a full living room set |
| 1-2 bedrooms | Average | 12 ft | Most apartment dwellers choose this |
| 2-3 bedrooms | Average | 16 ft | The sweet spot for most homes |
| 3-4 bedrooms | Heavy | 16 ft (possibly 2) | One 16ft works if you declutter; two if you have a full garage |
| 4+ bedrooms | Any | Two containers | Either 2x 16ft or 2x 12ft depending on volume |
Two Containers vs One: When to Double Up
Ordering two PODS containers does not double your cost — the transport fee is the same whether you have one or two containers on the flatbed truck for long-distance moves. However, you will pay double the monthly rental and delivery/pickup fees. Here is when ordering two containers actually makes financial sense instead of trying to cram everything into one.
Order Two Containers When
- You have a 4+ bedroom home with a full garage
- Your home has large or bulky items (piano, workshop equipment, riding mower)
- You want to organize by room for easier unloading
- You are combining moving and long-term storage in one shipment
- You have been in your home for 10+ years and have accumulated extensively
Stick With One When
- You are willing to sell or donate items you rarely use
- You can disassemble large furniture to save space
- Your driveway can only fit one container at a time
- Budget is tight — two containers adds $300-$500+ to total cost
- You are moving locally and can make trips for overflow items
PODS Container Sizes vs Moving Truck Sizes
If you have rented a U-Haul or Penske truck before, it helps to compare PODS container sizes to truck sizes you might already be familiar with. Keep in mind that PODS containers are slightly shorter and narrower than equivalent truck sizes, because the container needs to fit on a flatbed for transport. The trade-off is that you do not have to drive it yourself.
| PODS Container | PODS Cubic Ft | Comparable Truck | Truck Cubic Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft PODS | 402 | 10-foot truck | 402 |
| 12 ft PODS | 689 | 15-foot truck | 764 |
| 16 ft PODS | 857 | 20-foot truck | 1015 |
As you can see, the 16-foot PODS container has about 16% less space than a 20-foot moving truck. This difference usually does not matter for most 3-bedroom homes, but it is worth knowing if you are cutting it close on space. The advantage of PODS is that you never have to drive a large vehicle through traffic or back it into a tight driveway.
Container Size FAQ
What fits in a 16-foot PODS container?
A 16-foot PODS container holds approximately 857 cubic feet and can fit the contents of a 3-4 bedroom house. This typically includes a king bed, queen bed, twin bed, 3 dressers, a sectional sofa, dining table with 6 chairs, a desk, 40-50 medium boxes, a washer or dryer, and outdoor furniture. When packed efficiently with furniture along the walls and boxes stacked floor to ceiling, most 3-bedroom homes fit in a single 16-foot container.
Can you stack furniture in a PODS container?
Yes, stacking furniture is essential for maximizing space. Place heavy flat items like dressers and bookcases along the walls, then stack lighter items on top. Use moving blankets between pieces to prevent scratches. PODS containers have built-in tie-down rings that let you secure stacks with ratchet straps to prevent shifting during transport.
Does PODS offer containers bigger than 16 feet?
No, the 16-foot is the largest PODS container. If you need more space, order two containers. Two 12-foot containers give you 1,378 total cubic feet compared to 857 for a single 16-foot. For very large moves, U-Pack offers trailer space by the linear foot which gives more flexible sizing.
What happens if I exceed the PODS weight limit?
Each PODS container has a weight limit of 4,200-5,200 lbs depending on size. Exceeding the limit can result in PODS refusing to transport your container. Long-distance shipments may be weighed at checkpoints. Distribute heavy items like books and appliances evenly across the floor rather than concentrating weight in one area.
Last updated: April 2026