Planning a cross-country move with a moving container company? One of the first things you’ll need to figure out is which container size fits your belongings best. Each company offers slightly different options, so knowing your choices ahead of time can save you money, time, and stress.

Comparing Moving Container Sizes

Not all moving companies provide the same container sizes. Some have multiple options, while others stick to just one. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular companies and what they offer:

Company	Container Sizes	Cubic Footage
PODS	8, 12, and 16 ft	390–1,008 cf
Zippy Shell	10 and 15 ft	385–625 cf
U-Pack	ReloCube	305–1,800 cf
U-Haul U-Box	8 ft	280 cf
1-800-PACK-RAT	12 and 16 ft	404–830 cf

How to Quickly Find Your Container Size

The easiest way to choose is to match the container to the size of your home:

Home Size	Recommended Containers (PODS example)
1 room	One 8-ft container
2 rooms	One 16-ft container
3 rooms	One 16-ft container
5 rooms	Two 16-ft containers

For example, PODS offers three sizes: 8, 12, and 16 feet. A one-bedroom apartment usually fits into the 8-foot size, while larger homes may require multiple containers.

Key Terms You Should Know

Size labels – Containers aren’t described as “small” or “large.” Instead, they’re listed by brand and length (e.g., 12-foot container, ReloCube).
Portable storage – Another term for moving containers, since they can double as storage units before or after your move.
Moving cube – A cube-shaped version of a moving container (like U-Pack’s ReloCube).
PODS – One of the most recognized brands in the industry. Many people casually call all moving containers “PODS.”
Square footage vs. cubic capacity – Different companies measure space differently, but don’t stress—customer service reps can guide you.
Storage unit vs. moving container – A storage unit is fixed at one location, while moving containers can be transported.

Availability Matters Too

Even if you’ve found the perfect size, not all companies operate nationwide.

All states: U-Haul and U-Pack (though U-Haul’s support can be spotty, and U-Pack may cost more).
Most states: PODS (operates in 46 states).
Some states: Zippy Shell and 1-800-PACK-RAT (roughly half the states but often more affordable).

Company-by-Company Container Sizes

Here’s a closer look at what each provider offers:

PODS

8 ft: 8’ x 7’ x 8’ – Great for 1-room moves.
12 ft: 12’ x 8’ x 8’ – Works for 2-3 rooms.
16 ft: 16’ x 8’ x 8’ – Fits 3-4 bedrooms or larger moves.

👉 Read our full PODS Review

Zippy Shell

10 ft: 10’ x 7’ x 7’ – For small apartments (up to ~3,500 lbs).
15 ft: 15’ x 7’ x 7’ – Fits 2–3 bedrooms (up to ~5,500 lbs).

👉 For details, check our guide: Best Moving Container Recommendation

U-Pack ReloCube

One size: 5’10” x 6’10” x 7’9”.
Each holds up to 2,500 lbs.
Multiple cubes can be combined for bigger homes.
Made of weatherproof metal for extra protection.

👉 Dive deeper: U-Pack Review

U-Haul U-Box

One size: 7’ x 5’ x 7’.
Smallest option on the market—good for 1-bedroom moves, but you’ll need multiples for larger homes.
Containers are made from plywood and can be stored at U-Haul locations.

👉 More info: U-Haul Review

1-800-PACK-RAT

8 ft: Slightly larger than PODS’ 8 ft.
12 ft: Local moves only.
16 ft: Perfect for 3–4 bedroom homes.

👉 Explore details: 1-800-PACK-RAT Review

How Many Containers Do I Need?

Home Size	PODS	Zippy Shell	U-Pack	U-Haul	1-800-PACK-RAT
1 room	1 (8 ft)	1 (15 ft)	1 ReloCube	1 (U-Box)	1 (8 ft)
2 rooms	1 (16 ft)	1 (15 ft)	2 ReloCubes	3 U-Boxes	1 (16 ft)
3 rooms	1 (16 ft)	1 (15 ft)	3 ReloCubes	4 U-Boxes	1 (16 ft)
5 rooms	2 (16 ft)	2 (15 ft)	4 ReloCubes	7 U-Boxes	2 (16 ft)

Moving Overseas?

International moving companies typically use larger containers—usually 20 or 30 feet—for moves to places like Canada, the UK, and beyond.

👉 For international options, check International Van Lines Review and United Van Lines Review.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right moving container size can feel tricky, but it really comes down to your home size, how much stuff you own, and the companies available in your state. When in doubt, talk to a company rep—they’ll ask about the number of bedrooms and help you choose the right fit.

For small apartments, one container usually does the job (PODS 8 ft, 1-800-PACK-RAT 8 ft, or a single ReloCube). For larger homes, expect to need a 15–16 ft container or multiple smaller ones.

👉 See more comparisons in our guide: Best Moving Container Companies

FAQs

How many sizes does PODS offer?
Three: 8, 12, and 16 feet.

What’s the biggest moving container?
PODS’ 16 ft and 1-800-PACK-RAT’s 16 ft options.

How much does a 16 ft container hold?
Usually 3–4 bedrooms’ worth of belongings.

Which companies offer portable storage?
PODS, Zippy Shell, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and U-Haul.

Moving Container Sizes: How to Choose the Right One for Your Move