What fits in a 20ft storage container?

Start with the measurements

A 20ft storage container is 20ft long, 8ft wide and 8ft 6in high inside. That gives you about 160 sq ft of floor space, with room to stack suitable belongings upwards as well. As a rough guide, it can hold the contents of a two to three bedroom house. The exact amount depends on how much furniture you have, how it is packed and whether you want to leave room to move around inside.

Before you load, make a quick list of the bigger things you plan to store. Measure unusually large furniture and appliances, then think about how much space your boxes and smaller belongings will take around them. A short inventory is useful later too, especially if you are storing a whole household during a move or renovation.

What could you fit inside?

A typical household load might include sofas, beds and mattresses, wardrobes, tables, chairs and white goods such as a washing machine or fridge. Boxes of clothes, books, kitchen items and household bits can fill the gaps around larger pieces. You might also store bikes, garden furniture, tools or the contents of a loft or spare room.

For a tradesperson or small business, shelving, tools, stock and work equipment can make up much of the load. These are examples rather than a fixed capacity promise: two homes with the same number of bedrooms can have very different amounts to store. Bulky items and awkward shapes use space differently from tidy, stackable boxes, so an item list can help you judge what you need.

Pack so you can still reach your things

Put heavy items at the back and on the bottom where they are stable, and avoid placing heavy boxes on top of fragile belongings. If you will need to visit while your container is full, leave an aisle from the doors towards the items you may want. Without a clear route, a box near the back can mean moving a lot of other things first.

Use pallets or boards to keep belongings off the floor, and make sure everything is clean and dry before it goes in. Choose sturdy boxes, keep them a manageable weight and label each one clearly. Writing the contents on more than one side makes the label easier to see when boxes are stacked.

Cover furniture to help protect it, but avoid wrapping damp items. Where possible, take removable legs off bulky furniture to make it easier to position. Keep screws and fittings in a labelled bag with the item they belong to. A simple note of what went in, and roughly where it was placed, can save time when you come back.

Get help planning your space

If you are not sure a 20ft container will hold everything, send us an enquiry before you start moving. Tell us the main furniture, appliances and boxes you have, along with when you need storage. We can confirm current availability and the price, and help you think through your options.

Drive-up access makes it easier to load furniture, boxes, bikes and equipment straight from your vehicle. With a little planning and clear labels, a 20ft container can give you room to keep belongings together while you move, make changes at home or free up space at work. Fill in the enquiry form and we will be happy to help.