PODS Container Sizes: 8ft, 12ft, and 16ft Explained

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.

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Container Size Comparison

SizeDimensionsCubic FtWeight LimitHome SizeMonthly Rate
8-Foot8' × 8' × 8'4004,200 lbsStudio – 1 bedroom$149–$170/mo
12-Foot12' × 8' × 8'6004,700 lbs1–2 bedrooms$170–$220/mo
16-Foot16' × 8' × 8'8574,200 lbs3–4 bedrooms$220–$344/mo

Which Size Is Right for You?

Studio or 1-bedroom
8-Foot Container
400 cu ft handles a small apartment with room to pack smart.
1–2 bedrooms
12-Foot Container
600 cu ft comfortably fits a 2-bed apartment. Note: not available for long-distance in some markets.
3–4 bedrooms
16-Foot Container
857 cu ft for a standard family home. Go with two for a heavily furnished 4-bed + garage.

When in doubt, size up. Renting one larger container is almost always cheaper than renting two smaller ones.

8-Foot Container

8' × 8' × 8' · 400 cubic feet · up to 4,200 lbs
$149–$170/mo
storage rate

What fits

  • Full bedroom set (bed, dresser, nightstands)
  • Sofa and small coffee table
  • Basic kitchen items and boxes
  • Clothes, linens, and personal items
  • Small TV and electronics
  • Bike or small equipment

Pricing overview

Monthly storage$149–$170
Local move (all-in)$320–$480
Long-distance (all-in)$1,800–$4,000
Does NOT fit:

Full 2-bedroom apartment without leaving items behind

Note: Available for local and long-distance moves nationwide

12-Foot Container

12' × 8' × 8' · 600 cubic feet · up to 4,700 lbs
$170–$220/mo
storage rate

What fits

  • Full 1-2 bedroom apartment contents
  • King or queen bedroom suite
  • Full living room (sofa, chairs, coffee table, TV stand)
  • Dining table and 4–6 chairs
  • Washer or dryer (not both)
  • Kitchen appliances and full box load

Pricing overview

Monthly storage$170–$220
Local move (all-in)$420–$620
Long-distance (all-in)$2,200–$5,200
Does NOT fit:

3-bedroom house contents; washer AND dryer together

Note: Not available for long-distance moves in some PODS markets — confirm availability when booking

16-Foot Container

16' × 8' × 8' · 857 cubic feet · up to 4,200 lbs
$220–$344/mo
storage rate

What fits

  • Full 3-bedroom house contents
  • Multiple bedroom suites
  • Full living room and dining room
  • Washer AND dryer
  • Refrigerator and large appliances
  • Some garage items and boxes

Pricing overview

Monthly storage$220–$344
Local move (all-in)$490–$740
Long-distance (all-in)$2,800–$7,500
Does NOT fit:

Fully furnished 4-bed + garage without using two containers

Note: Most popular container size. Two required for fully furnished 4+ bedroom homes with garage

Full Cost by Container Size

ContainerMonthly StorageLocal 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.

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