23 Oct What is the Storage Volume of a Portable Storage Container?
When it comes to portable storage containers, one size does not fit all. Choosing the right container for your needs can save you a lot of headaches, especially if you know exactly how much stuff you need to store. Whether you’re renovating your house, storing excess inventory for your business, or looking for a construction site storage solution, it helps to understand the volume each container size offers. Let’s review the most common sizes, their storage capacities, and how to make the most of your space.
Standard Container Size Guide
Standard storage containers come in two sizes: 20 feet and 40 feet. Both options are available with a double door on one end or double doors on both ends. Explore which size might be the most efficient storage solution for your needs.
20-Foot Containers
The 20-foot portable storage container is the most common size for small to medium storage needs.
Measurements:
Exterior: 8 feet wide x 20 feet long x 8 feet 6 inches high
Interior: 7 feet 8 inches wide x 19 feet 10 inches long x 7 feet 9 inches high
Volume:
The total storage container capacity is approximately 1,238 cubic feet (35 cubic meters). For some perspective, this is roughly the space inside a one-car garage. If packed tightly, you can fit the contents of a typical two- to three-bedroom house inside, including furniture, appliances, and boxes of household goods.
Common uses for 20-foot containers:
- Residential moves
- Business inventory storage
- Equipment storage on construction sites
40-Foot Containers
The 40-foot container is a popular choice for larger projects, providing nearly double the volume of the 20-foot model.
Measurements:
Exterior: 8 feet wide x 40 feet long x 8 feet 6 inches high
Interior: 7 feet 8 inches wide x 39 feet 5 inches long x 7 feet 9 inches high
Volume:
With about 2,401 cubic feet (68 cubic meters) of space, a 40-foot container can hold the equivalent of a four- or five-bedroom house. It’s nearly as large as a two-car garage if the cars were parked end-to-end. If you need to store a lot of items or run a business with large inventories, this is the go-to option.
Examples of what fits in a 40-foot container:
- Two cars or multiple motorcycles
- 18 to 20 standard pallets in one tier
- Machinery, tools, or construction equipment
Non-Standard Container Size Guide
Some portable storage container companies offer non-standard sizes for tricky situations. Here’s what these smaller options can handle.
10-Foot Containers
A 10-foot, single-door container is perfect for tight spaces.
Measurements:
Exterior: 8 feet wide x 10 feet long x 8 feet 6 inches high
Interior: 7 feet 8 inches wide x 9 feet 10 inches long x 7 feet 9 inches high
Volume:
You get about 644 cubic feet (18 cubic meters) of storage from a 10-foot container. It’s a good option when you need to store the contents of a small studio apartment, seasonal retail inventory, or small equipment on jobsites.
15-Foot Containers
Don’t quite have room for a full 20-foot storage container on your property? A 15-foot, single-door container could be a good fit.
Measurements:
Exterior: 8 feet wide x 15 feet long x 8 feet 6 inches high
Interior: 7 feet 8 inches wide x 14 feet 10 inches long x 7 feet 9 inches high
Volume:
At around 880 cubic feet (25 cubic meters), the 15-foot option is ideal when you need more than a 10-foot container but don’t want to commit to a full 20 feet. It’s great for midsize projects like storing furniture during renovations or equipment between events.
25-Foot Containers
The 25-foot, double-door container bridges the gap between standard sizes, providing a bit of wiggle room over the 20-foot option.
Measurements:
Exterior: 8 feet wide x 25 feet long x 8 feet 6 inches high
Interior: 7 feet 8 inches wide x 24 feet 8 inches long x 7 feet 9 inches high
Volume:
Offering roughly 1,525 cubic feet (43 cubic meters), a 25-foot container is a good middle-ground option when a 20-footer is too small, but a 40-footer is overkill. These are not as widely available but are a fantastic solution for medium-sized storage needs.
Tips to Maximize Portable Storage Container Volume
No matter which container size you go with, you can make the most of the available space in several ways:
- Install shelves to stack items vertically. This works great for boxes and equipment that can be neatly arranged without taking up hardly any floor space.
- Disassemble large furniture like beds or tables to reduce their footprint. Keep screws and small parts in clearly labeled bags for easy reassembly later.
- Utilize pallets, a real space-saver in larger containers. Stack items on pallets to keep things organized and easily accessible.
- Store heavy items on the bottom to prevent damage and keep things stable. Then, place lighter, more fragile items on top.
- Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothes or bedding. This saves a ton of space when moving and protects your belongings from dust and moisture.
Storage Solutions in the Southwestern US
At Pro Box Portable Storage, we offer all the container sizes and configurations listed here. 20- and 40-footers are available at all seven of our Southwestern US locations, while non-standard options are only offered in some service areas. We would be honored to help you meet your storage needs.
Whether you’re planning to rent or buy a container, we guarantee 100% transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our containers are tough, secure, and delivered directly to your location. We’re proud to be a cost-effective solution, priced lower than our competitors, and backed by the Pro Box Guarantee. Contact us today for a quick quote and experience hassle-free storage in Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, or Texas.
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