Moving Pod Sizing Guide

Moving Container Sizes

Moving containers mainly come in three sizes. The smallest options you’ll find are often between seven and eight feet long. Medium-sized containers are around 12 feet long, and the biggest offerings from most providers are either 15 or 16 feet long, with some larger outliers. Here, you’ll find providers and container sizes best-suited for moves of varying sizes.

Studio Apartments or Single Rooms

The following containers are seven to eight feet in length. Each can fit in either a standard or large parking space, making them ideal for delivery to and pickup from most apartment complex parking lots.

When you review your options for containers around this size, you’ll want to carefully consider the sizes of your largest pieces of furniture. Even if you live in a studio or student apartment, one large piece of furniture could force you to size up.

*Only available for long-distance moves of 150 miles or more.

One-Bedroom or Small Two-Bedroom Homes

PODS and Pack Rat provide excellent 12-foot containers for small to medium-sized homes. Each will take up roughly two parking spaces and come with totally flexible delivery and pickup dates. If your move includes roughly three to four rooms that aren’t densely packed with furniture and other items, this could work for you.

*This PODS container is only available for local moves.

Most Two-Bedroom Homes

The larger the container, the more people would benefit from professional help during a move. Maximizing the space you’re given will likely be a product of proper packing technique. Hiring moving labor in your area to assist will help ensure that your goods are properly packed and well-cared-for during your relocation.

Three-Plus-Bedroom Homes

U-Pack’s trailer is the largest option for DIY moving. They operate with three-day loading and unloading windows. This means that, once your trailer arrives, you should begin actively working on your move. If you’re unsure what size your moving container should be, this can still be a cheaper alternative to renting multiple smaller units.

With the U-Pack trailer, you’ll only have to pay for the space you use. Once you’re finished loading, the space used within the trailer is measured and directly used to calculate your final total.

*Only available for long-distance moves of 150 miles or more.

Get a Quote

Before you commit to a move with any moving service provider, you should get quotes and review your options. Given that many container services will have different size options available at differing price points, this will be a vital step towards booking at a fair price.

Things to Consider

If you’re booking with a container provider with nationwide availability, you shouldn’t have to check on their registration status and cargo insurance policies. Here are a few other factors you should look into when planning a DIY move instead:

• Home Size: This will likely be at the forefront of your mind when planning a move of any kind. Reviewing the size parameters above and getting quotes from container providers will help you accurately assess your home and storage needs.
• Container Availability: Bear in mind that container availability can be tied to location. In some rural areas, you may only have one option for self-service moving or container size. In this case, you may want to look into a DIY move with a rental truck service like U-Haul or Penske.
• Advance Booking: Even in more populated areas, container companies could be fairly depleted during the summer months – or around the beginning and end of each month. You should try to book at least four to six weeks in advance.
• Parking & Ease of Access: Whether you’re in an apartment complex with a tight parking lot or live in a house with a winding driveway, accessibility can play a huge role in determining your price.
• Labor: Most major container companies will either offer labor directly or facilitate it through a third-party service. If your move involves heavier items, goods of higher value, or a fair number of stairs, this may be worth your money. If need be, you can hire labor help solely for heavier items while handling the easier portion of your move. Ask about minimum charges when booking such help to avoid overpaying.
• Customer Reviews: Even when booking with a nationally acclaimed mover, quality can vary between locations. Look up customer reviews for container services in your area before pursuing quotes.