How to Choose the Right Portable Storage Container Size

Picking a portable storage container can feel a little like picking a moving truck: too small and you’re stuck making a second trip, too big and you’re paying for space you don’t need. Here’s a straightforward way to think about it.

Start with what you’re storing

Our 12 foot container holds about two rooms of furniture — a good fit for a studio apartment, a dorm move, or clearing out a spare room during a renovation. Step up to the 16 foot size and you’ve got room for roughly four rooms of furniture, which covers most apartment and condo moves. The 20 foot container holds about six rooms, making it the go-to choice for full-home moves or larger storage jobs.

Think about how you’ll use it

If you’re storing for a few months while you stage a home sale, you might not need as much room as if you’re combining a move and a remodel at the same time. When in doubt, size up slightly rather than down — an extra foot or two of container is a lot cheaper than a second delivery.

Still not sure?

That’s what your local team is for. Call us and describe what you’re moving or storing, and we’ll help you land on the right size the first time. You can also compare dimensions and pricing side by side on our Container Sizes and Pricing pages.

Ready to get moving? Get a free quote for your location in minutes.