Size guide
What fits in a 20ft storage container?
A 20ft container gives you about 150 sq ft of floor and 33 m³ of space. Here is what that means in practice, and how to pack it well.
The space
Inside a 20ft container
Each container is 5.90 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high inside, with full-width doors at one end. That is about the floor area of a single garage, with more height.
- Doors open 2.34 m wide by 2.28 m high, so most furniture goes in upright
- Items up to about 5.8 m long can lie along the length
- Floor area of 13.9 m² (150 sq ft) and volume of 33 m³ (1,170 cu ft)
| Internal length | 5.90 m · 19′4″ |
|---|---|
| Internal width | 2.35 m · 7′8″ |
| Internal height | 2.39 m · 7′10″ |
| Door opening | 2.34 × 2.28 m |
| Floor area | 13.9 m² · 150 sq ft |
| Volume | 33 m³ · 1,170 cu ft |
Typical internal dimensions of a standard 20ft steel container.
Home sizes
How much of a home will fit?
A rough guide. It depends on how much furniture you have and how well it is packed.
| Moving out of | One 20ft container |
|---|---|
| Studio or one-bedroom flat | Fits easily, with plenty of room to spare |
| Two-bedroom flat or house | Usually fits well |
| Three-bedroom house | Usually fits if packed carefully. Large furniture can make it tight |
| Four bedrooms or more | Often needs more than one container. Call us to talk it through |
Packing tips
How to pack a storage container
Heavy things first
Put the heaviest items, like white goods and solid furniture, at the back and against the walls. Lighter boxes go on top.
Off the floor
Stand things on pallets or boards and leave a small gap from the walls so air can move around them.
Same-size boxes
Strong boxes of one or two sizes stack safely. Label them on the side, not just the top.
Leave a walkway
If you'll need things while they're stored, keep a path down the middle and put those items near the doors.
Clean and dry
Make sure everything is clean and dry before it goes in. Defrost and dry fridges and freezers, then leave their doors slightly open.
Cover, don't wrap
Use breathable dust sheets on furniture rather than plastic, and add moisture absorbers for longer stays.
Questions
Container size questions
Is a 20ft container the same size as a self storage unit?
A 20ft container has about 150 sq ft (13.9 m²) of floor space, similar to a large self storage unit. The difference is that it is your own steel container on our site rather than a room inside a building.
Will a double wardrobe or fridge freezer fit standing up?
Usually, yes. The doors open 2.34 m wide and 2.28 m high and the inside is 2.39 m high, so most wardrobes, fridge freezers and tall bookcases go in upright.
Can I store long items like ladders, timber or pipes?
Yes. Items up to about 5.8 m long can lie along the length of the container.
How much does a 20ft container cost?
Our standard price is £200 a month including VAT.
I'm not sure one container is enough. What should I do?
Call us on 01494 462900 or request a quote and tell us what you need to store. We'll help you work it out.