Are you planning to move across the country with a moving container company? You must select the container before choosing the size.
Each company offers different-sized containers. Your best bet is to match the size with your belongings. You can also ask the company representative for a more accurate answer.
In this article, I have mentioned several popular company’s container sizes; dive into the section below then–
Different moving companies offer different sizes of containers. Therefore, you can choose one size based on your belongings. Also, some company has only one size container for move. Let’s see their distinction here–
| Company | Container sizes | Cubic footage |
| PODS | 8, 12 and 16 foot | 390-1,008cf |
| Zippy Shell | 10 and 15 foot | 385-625 cf |
| U-Pack | ReloCube | 305-1,800 cf |
| U-Box | 8 feet | 280 cf |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 12 and 16 feet | 404-830 cf |
To quickly find the right container size you have to go through some moving container companies. For instance, if you visit PODS, you will see it has three container sizes: 8, 12, and 16-foot. Therefore, you can choose one based on your needs. If you have a bedroom apartment, then select the 8-foot container, and the size will increase depending on your bedroom and stuff.
| Home size | Containers |
| 5 rooms | 2 16-ft containers |
| 3 rooms | 1 16-ft containers |
| 2 rooms | 1 16-ft containers |
| 1 room | 1 8-ft containers |
You have to know that moving containers don’t mention sizes like small and large. Rather, they are known as the brand name and length. For instance, 12-foot container and ReloCube.
Moving containers are also known as portable storage as they can be used for transporting and storing belongings at the same time. When you load the containers, they can either be stored at your home side or company storage options until you are ready to move.
Although all moving container comes with rectangular shapes, some have shapes like cubes. Therefore, these containers are called moving cubes.
Actually, PODS is a moving company that offers containers and services to make the move stress-free for the customers. As the PODS is popular, some consumers call it PODS containers or moving pods.
While researching the company, you will see some companies list container sizes in square feet, and others use cubic capacity. Don’t worry about doing the math yourself. Company staff will help you choose the correct size.
A storage unit is different from a moving container. Don’t mix them up! Moving containers can be used for both moving and storing your things, while storage units are designed just for storing items.
International moving container companies offer moving like Canada, the UK, and more. And they often come in 20 to 30-foot-size containers.
When you ask the company about moving container sizes, they will request some information about how many bedrooms are in your home and the stuff. Besides, some companies like Zippy Shell only charge for the container space you use.
After the moving company recommends the size of the moving container, then you can estimate the size by analyzing charts and tables. We have written an article and put several sizes of information. You can get help from “Best Storage & Moving Container Companies 2025.”
| Company | 5 room | 3 rooms | 2 rooms | 1 room |
| PODS | 2 (16 ft.) | 1 (16 ft.) | 1 (16 ft.) | 1 (8 ft.) |
| Zippy Shell | 2 (15 ft.) | 1 (15 ft.) | 1 (15 ft.) | 1 (15 ft.) |
| U-Pack | 1 (6 ft.) | 2 (6 ft.) | 3 (6 ft.) | 4 (6 ft.) |
| U-Box | 2 (7 ft.) | 3 (7 ft.) | 4 (7 ft.) | 7 (7 ft.) |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 1 (8 ft.) | 1 (16 ft.) | 1 (16 ft.) | 2 (16 ft.) |
Companies’ availability is as important as the container size; not all companies are available in all 50 states. Therefore, when choosing the right size, find out the company is not operating in your state. So before selecting the size, check if the company offers services at your location.
Companies’ availability categories into –
U-Haul and U-Pack are the companies that offer services in all 50 states. However, they have some drawbacks, like U-Haul customer support is not that good while U-Pack is expensive compared to others.
PODS operates in 46 states and will extend the services in the future.
Zippy Shell and 1-800-PACK-RAT are available in half of the state. They are thought to be the best at cost-effectiveness and offer substantial containers simultaneously.
All moving container companies have different container sizes. For instance, a PODS container is a size larger and often, customers can move items with a container. On the other hand, the same amount of stuff needs four containers for the U-Haul company. However, you can choose container sizes from the below-mentioned companies like–
PODS moving container company comes in three sizes: containers 8, 12, and 16 feet in length. Based on your belongings, you can choose the sizes.
| Container size | Container dimensions | Learn more |
| 8-foot | 8’ x 7’ x 8’ | |
| 12-foot | 12’ x 8’ x 8’ | |
| 16-foot | 16’ x 8’ x 8’ |
Zippy Shell containers are constructed with galvanized steel and metal. It comes in two sizes of containers. But the 15 feet long is available widely.
This container size is not available in all states. It is 10 feet long, 7 feet tall and wide. Hence, you can use it for small apartment moving and it can hold around 3,500 pounds.
The 15-foot container is more available for all the locations. It is 15 feet long, 7 feet tall and wide. Therefore, it can store 2-3 apartment furniture, specifically around 5,500-pound items.
For more detailed information, read our article here, “Zippy Shell Review.”
U-Pack offers one size container, ReloCube. And depending on your item, you can choose how many ReloCube you will need–
The size of the U-Pack Relucube is 5’10” deep, 6’10” wide, and 7’9” tall. Hence, you can choose multiple containers for your bigger move. As a ReloCube can hold 2,500-pound items you can pack small or bedroom goods.
Besides, the ReloCube is made from metal, which is weatherproof. Therefore, it can ensure the safety of your items while stored outside your home or company storage options.
For more detailed information, read our article “U-Pack Review” and check the comparison between “U-Pack Vs U-Haul.”
U-Haul has only one size container, which is small, and you can use it for one-bedroom moving.
The common size of the U-Haul container is 7 feet long & tall and 5 feet wide. Hence, its size is one of the smallest containers compared to other companies in the market. So, for the largest home, you have to reserve more than one container, and the best part is you don’t have to pay for the unused containers. In addition, their containers are constructed with plywood and can be stored on the company sites.
Like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT also has 8, 12, and 16-foot container sizes. However, it only allows 12-foot containers for local moves. Besides, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 8-foot container is a little bigger compared to PODS. Therefore, you can store more items in the 1-800-PACK-RAT container than PODS.
| Container size | Container dimensions |
| 8-foot | 8’ x 7’ x 8’ |
| 12-foot | 12’ x 8’ x 8’ |
| 16-foot | 16’ x 8’ x 8’ |
| Company | Container Sizes |
| PODS | One eight-foot container |
| Zippy Shell | One 16-foot container |
| U-Pack | One six-foot ReloCube |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | One eight-foot container |
| Company | Container Sizes |
| PODS | One 16-foot container |
| U-Haul | Three seven-foot U-Box containers |
| U-Pack | Two six-foot ReloCubes |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | One 16-foot container |
| Company | Container Sizes |
| PODS | One 16-foot container |
| U-Haul | Four seven-foot U-Box container |
| U-Pack | Three six-foot ReloCube |
| Zippy Shell | One 15-foot moving container |
| Company | Container Sizes |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | Two 16-foot containers |
| U-Haul | Seven 7-foot U-Boxes |
| U-Pack | Four 6-foot ReloCubes |
| Zippy Shell | Two 15-foot containers |
Moving container companies offer different sizes of containers, and you have to find your best match. Also, the company representative helps you to decide the container size when you inform them about your items. For instance, if you want to move small apartments, then you can choose from PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT’s eight feet, Zippy Shell fifteen feet containers, and U-Pack a Relucube.
How many container sizes does PODS have?
PODS comes in three sizes of containers, which are 8, 12, and 16 feet long. These containers are made from steel and ensure your belonging’s safety.
What moving services have portable storage units?
Portable storage units and moving containers are the same. And many moving companies offer these sevices, like PODS, Zippy Shell, U-Pack, and more. Hence, you can keep the containers at your home or company storage facilities.
How much does a 16-foot moving container hold?
The 16-foot container can store three to four-bedroom items. However, this is not certain as it depends on the container dimension; it can be changed.
What is the biggest portable storage container?
The largest portable storage container of the PODS which is 16 feet long. Also, Zippy Shell and 1-800-PACK-RAT containers are 15 feet long.