What are the common portable storage container sizes?
Most providers offer a few set lengths. Mobile storage units for home moves are often 8, 12 and 16 ft long. Steel containers used for storage on a site are often 10, 20 and 40 ft. A high cube container is one foot taller than a standard one.
Every provider builds and measures units a little differently. Treat the table below as a guide, not a promise. Ask for the inside measurements and the weight limit before you book.
| Size | Typical type | Dimensions (provider or source) | What sources say it holds | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | Mobile storage unit | 8’ x 7’ x 8’, 5,200 lb limit | Up to 500 sq ft; small apartment, dorm, downsizing | PODS |
| 12 ft | Mobile storage unit | 12’ x 8’ x 8’, 4,700 lb limit | 500 to 800 sq ft; lightly furnished 2 bedroom | PODS, The Storage Box |
| 16 ft | Mobile storage unit | 16’ x 8’ x 8’, 4,200 lb limit | Up to 1,200 sq ft; 3 to 4 bedroom (PODS) or standard 2 bedroom (The Storage Box) | PODS, The Storage Box |
| 10 ft | Steel container | Inside 7’8” W x 7’8” H x 9’2” L | No room guide listed | SiteBox |
| 20 ft | Steel container | Inside about 19’4” to 19’10” L x 7’8” W x 7’8” to 7’10” H; about 1,169 cu ft | 1 to 2 bedroom (Keens) or standard 3 bedroom (The Storage Box) | ONE, SiteBox, Keens, The Storage Box |
| 40 ft | Steel container | Inside about 39’5” to 39’6” L x 7’8” W x 7’8” to 7’10” H; about 2,387 cu ft | 3 bedroom home or larger (Keens) | ONE, SiteBox, Keens |
| 40 ft high cube | Steel container | Inside height about 8’8” to 8’10”; about 2,690 cu ft | Extra height for tall items | ONE, SiteBox |
A few notes on the numbers:
- The PODS weight limits get lower as the unit gets longer, as listed on its sizes page. PODS also says to keep the total weight of your heaviest items under 75% of the container’s weight limit.
- Steel container figures come from ocean carrier and supplier specifications. The ONE specification page says individual containers may differ from the figures shown.
- The Storage Box does not list exact dimensions, but says its 20 ft unit has about 1,250 cubic feet.
- Keens gives 160 square feet of floor space for a 20 ft container, which matches 8 ft by 20 ft (8 x 20 = 160). That figure uses the outside size.
See the glossary for 20 ft and 40 ft containers, and for the high cube container.
What size container do I need for a 2 bedroom house?
For a 2 bedroom home, most sources point to a 12 ft or 16 ft unit. A large 2 bedroom home may need a 16 ft or 20 ft unit. The answer depends on how full your rooms are.
The Storage Box gives this guidance in a size table:
| Home | The Storage Box recommends |
|---|---|
| Small 1 bedroom apartment | 8 ft |
| Lightly furnished 2 bedroom | 12 ft |
| Standard furnished 2 bedroom | 16 ft |
| Large 2 bedroom | 16 ft or 20 ft |
| Standard 3 bedroom | 20 ft |
| Large 3 bedroom | One 20 ft plus extra space if needed |
| Large 4 bedroom | A 20 ft and a 16 ft |
PODS lists square footage instead. It says its 8 ft unit fits up to 500 sq ft, its 12 ft unit fits 500 to 800 sq ft, and its 16 ft unit fits up to 1,200 sq ft. Square footage of the home is only a rough guide. A 1,000 sq ft home with large furniture can need more space than a 1,500 sq ft home with little furniture.
What fits in a 20 ft container?
A 20 ft container is large. Sources agree it holds a full set of rooms, but they disagree on how many bedrooms that means. Keens Portable Storage says it handles a typical load from a one or two bedroom apartment or small house. The Storage Box says it suits a standard 3 bedroom home.
Keens lists what fits with smart packing:
- A full-size sofa and loveseat
- A dining table with four to six chairs
- A bedroom set: bed frame, mattress, dresser and nightstands
- A desk and office chair
- Bookshelves, end tables and lamps
- 20 to 30 moving boxes
- Small appliances and seasonal items
The Storage Box says its 20 ft unit can hold three bedroom sets, living room and dining furniture, desks, major appliances, patio furniture and bicycles, plus roughly 40 to 60 boxes.
Why the gap? The two companies pack differently. One may count a tight load with boxes stacked to the ceiling. The other may count a roomier load. Your own count of large items is more useful than either list. List your beds, sofas, tables, dressers, appliances and boxes, then compare them to the sizes above.
If your home is on the edge between two sizes, plan for the bigger size or a second unit.
Ask these questions when you compare providers, because the answers change which size is right:
- What are the inside length, width and height, not just the outside size?
- What is the weight limit for this unit?
- How wide is the door opening, and can a sofa or a large appliance pass through it?
- Can I add a second unit later, and what does a second delivery cost?
- Does the unit need a level, hard surface, and how much room does the truck need?
How do I choose a size?
Count your big items first, then box counts, then check weight. This takes ten minutes and prevents most sizing mistakes.
- Count large furniture. Write down every bed, sofa, table, dresser, desk and appliance.
- Estimate boxes. Count the boxes you have, or estimate by room.
- Check what you are keeping out. Anything you will need before the move ends does not go in.
- Match to a size. Use the tables above, then round up if you are close.
- Check weight. Add up heavy items such as appliances, tool chests and stone. Compare to the unit’s weight limit.
- Ask the provider. Confirm inside size, door height, weight limit and the cost of a second unit.
PODS gives a useful safety rule: keep your heaviest items under 75% of the weight limit. Example estimate, not a quote: a 16 ft PODS unit has a 4,200 pound limit, and 75% of 4,200 is 3,150 pounds. Do not treat that as a promise for every provider.
Jump Box adds two practical points. It says very small containers are generally not efficient unless you have a specific need. It also says furniture is usually kept to one layer and stacked only if you use moving pads.
Should I order a bigger size?
Order bigger if you are between sizes or if you will add items later. A full unit is hard to load and unload, and it may reach the weight limit before it looks full. Ask your provider for the price of each size, so you can see the difference.
A second unit is another option. Some people rent two small units instead of one large unit because a small unit is easier to place in a narrow driveway. Check the space on your lot before you choose. Our guide to renting or buying a storage container helps if you will keep the unit for a long time.
Jump Box says containers larger than 20 ft are rarely used for homes. A 40 ft container is often for business, construction or big projects.
Mobile units or steel containers: which type should I choose?
Choose by how you will use it. Mobile self-storage units and moving containers are sold for home moves and storage. Steel containers come in longer lengths and are also used for business storage. Ask the provider what it delivers in your area.
| Mobile self-storage unit | Steel container | |
|---|---|---|
| Common sizes in this guide | 8, 12, 16 ft | 10, 20, 40 ft |
| Sources used | PODS, The Storage Box | SiteBox, ONE, Keens |
A longer container needs a longer clear area, and the delivery truck needs room to place it. Our guide on preparing your site covers ground, access and overhead clearance. Local permits and HOA rules also apply. Read permits and HOA rules before you order.
SiteBox Storage lists 53 ft dry van storage trailers in addition to its containers. Trailers are a different product. See our pages on storage trailers and on mobile self-storage if you need one.
Next step
Tell an NPSA member company your location and your size questions, and they can advise on the right unit. Request a quote, and an NPSA member company near you will contact you.