upack vs pods

PODS® Container Sizes Comparison | U-Pack

Which PODS® container size is best for your move?

If PODS® is on your short list for an upcoming out-of-state move, you might wonder which size container will work best for your needs. Going with one that is too big means paying for more space than needed, and going too small can result in coming up short while loading.

Since PODS® charges for reserved equipment whether it’s used or not, understanding their containers is crucial to making the right decision.

Eliminating the pressure of long-distance moves is where U-Pack® excels. U-Pack is an alternative to PODS® with flexible equipment options for moving to another state. Let's see how PODS® containers compare to U-Pack moving equipment to help you decide.

PODS® container sizes compared to U-Pack equipment

PODS® offers 8-ft, 12-ft and 16-ft metal containers with roll-up doors and ground-level loading.

U-Pack offers one-size ReloCube® metal moving containers with ground-level loading or space in a 28-ft moving trailer.

What are the dimensions of PODS® containers?

Take a look at these measurements to get a better feel for the equipment.

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

Note: Most 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?

Here’s how U-Pack equipment dimensions compare to PODS® container sizes.

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. Learn more 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: 2 16-ft containers PLUS 1 8-ft container

Learn more about the size of U-Pack trailers.

How many PODS® containers should you reserve?

Like U-Pack, PODS® offers equipment recommendations based on the size of your home. Below are suggestions for homes with moderate furnishings:

Size of Home	PODS® Equipment Recommendation	U-Pack Equipment Recommendation
Studio apartment (around 400 SF)	8-ft container	1 ReloCube or 5 linear feet in a trailer
1-Bedroom (around 800 SF)	16-ft container	1-2 ReloCubes or 7 linear feet in a trailer
2-Bedroom (around 1100 SF)	1 8-ft container and 1 16-ft container	2-3 ReloCubes or 13 linear feet in a trailer
3-Bedroom (1600 SF or less)	2 16-ft containers	3-4 ReloCubes or 17 linear feet in a trailer

How is using U-Pack equipment different than PODS®?

The biggest advantage of U-Pack equipment is its flexibility. You can use as much space as needed in the moving trailer, and the price will be adjusted up or down.

When moving with ReloCubes, you can reserve as many as you need and only pay for the ones used. That means we'll pick up the extra one at no cost if you order 4 Cubes and only use 3.

Unlike U-Pack, with PODS®, you must pay for what you order, whether you use the space or not.

Be prepared for your move with a free U-Pack quote

With equipment comparable to PODS®, U-Pack offers the flexibility you need for a long-distance move. Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant or request a free, no-obligation quote online.

If you have questions about equipment sizes or how U-Pack services compare to PODS®, let us know in the comments. We’re available 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.

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• [Disclaimer]
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• [Privacy Policy]
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Copyright © 1995-2026 ArcBest® Corporation All Rights Reserved