16 Foot POD Containers Does Not Fit A lot of Furniture
- American National Movers
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read

The 16-foot POD is the largest container PODS offers, but it can only hold up to 857 cubic feet of furniture. A 16-foot POD fits about 3-4 rooms total whcih is 2 beds, a couple of dressers, nightstands, a sofa, TVs, a stand, and about 30 boxes.
16 Foot POD Containers Fit 3-4 Small Rooms, Not 3-4 Bedrooms
When consumers see that a container fits 3-4 rooms, they often assume it can hold 3-4 bedrooms, a dangerous misconception. 3 to 4 rooms means a living room, a kitchen, a dining room, and 1 bedroom, so PODS largest 16-foot container does not fit a lot of furniture.
In many cases, a 26-foot truck is too small to transport a large 3 or 4-bedroom house, so a 16-foot POD will be impossible. It is designed for small long distance moves such as a 1-bedroom apartment or a lightly furnished 2 bedroom apartment — not a family home.
PODS 16-Foot Container Dimensions
Before you book, you need to know the hard numbers to budget accordingly.
Length: 16 feet
Width: 8 feet
Height: 8 feet
Total Capacity: ~857 Cubic Feet
⚠️ Critical Tip:
Before choosing PODS because you think they are the cheapest long distance moving option, make sure your items will fit. Otherwise, hiring movers would be more cost-effective. PODS 16-foot containers cost between $3,000 to $5,000 for long distance moves, but if your move requires two containers, you’ll end up paying 9-10k on container costs. This doesn’t include packing materials or labor if you choose to hire help.
⚠️ PODS Weight Limit Issue
Another thing to consider is the PODS weight limit for 16-foot containers — it’s only 4,200 pounds. This may sound like a lot, but the furniture in a standard 2-3 bedroom household typically weighs between 5,000 and 9,000 pounds.
🚨 Why This Matters:
This weight limit now removes PODS as the cheapest long distance moving option for households with larger, bulky furniture. If you still want to use PODS, be sure to rent another container, which may work for a three-bedroom.
How Much Stuff Can Fit In A 26-Foot POD?
A 16-foot POD container generally fits 1 bed, 1 dresser, 2 nightstands, a sofa, coffee table, dining table and about 30-40 boxes. Please see the chart below for more details on what fits and what doesn't fit.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent A POD?
Many people assume PODS is cheaper than every moving company, but this is only true when compared to major van lines. Long distance moving companies like American National Movers can relocate small loads over long distances at an average cost of $3,000. This price includes packing, fuel, and labor (loading, unloading, disassembly and reassembly).
See the chart below to see what it really costs to use PODS long distance moving services.
Based on the chart above, it's clear that PODS gets expensive for long-range moves, especially if you need to use their 16-foot container. Why spend that amount of money when American National Mover’s long distance moving cost for 16 feet of space (850cf) is $5,500? With our services, insurance, and packing materials included, and you don’t have to do any labor.
Bottom Line: PODS Containers Are Ideal For Small Loads
PODS 8-to 16-foot containers are best for consumers who are traveling light and don't have more than 5-6 pieces of furniture. This option isn't the answer for every household move, and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up paying what it would cost to hire affordable companies like American National Movers.
At American National Movers, our 16 foot trucking costs an average of $3,900 for 1,000-1,600-mile long distance moves. This is more convenient and cost-effective than moving to another state with a 16-foot POD container.
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