What Size Portable Storage Container is Best for Me?

23 Oct What Size Portable Storage Container is Best for Me?

Choosing the ideal portable storage container is like picking the perfect pair of shoes—the size shouldn’t be too big or too small but just right. Whether you’re storing equipment, handling extra business inventory, or simply decluttering your home, selecting the right container size can make your life easier (and your stuff safer). Explore your options here to help you find the most efficient storage solution.

How Much Space Do You Need?

First things first—figure out how much space you actually need. This depends on a few factors, including what you’re storing and how long you plan to store it.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How much stuff do I have? Think in terms of rooms or total items, like furniture, equipment, or boxes.
• How large are the items? Are you storing oversized machinery and furniture or smaller boxes and tools?
• Do I have space for the container itself? If you’re parking it onsite, make sure there’s enough room in your driveway, yard, or parking lot.

Once you’ve nailed down these details, you’ll be ready to pick between small, medium, and large portable storage containers.

Small Storage Containers (10 to 15 feet)

Small containers are ideal for projects where space is limited, but you still need secure storage. For instance, a 10-foot container offers 644 cubic feet of space. This might not sound like much, but it can fit the contents of a studio apartment or a small office, perfect for storing smaller items like boxes, seasonal retail inventory, or light equipment.

For those tight on space but with slightly more to store, a 15-foot container gives you 880 cubic feet of storage. It’s a step up from the 10-footer, offering more flexibility for mid-sized projects, like home renovations or storing a few large pieces of furniture.

Medium Containers (20 to 25 feet)

Now, if you’re looking for something more versatile and common, the 20-foot portable storage container is your best bet. This is the most popular choice for residential and business storage, offering 1,238 cubic feet of space—about the size of a one-car garage. You can comfortably store the contents of a two- to three-bedroom house, which is perfect for mid-sized moves or temporary business storage.

If the 20-foot container feels a bit cramped, a 25-footer with 1,525 cubic feet of storage could provide the extra wiggle room you need. This size is ideal for tackling mid-range home renovation projects or storing slightly more substantial business inventories.

Large Containers (40 feet)

If you’ve got a mountain of stuff to store, the 40-foot portable storage container is the right place to look. With over 2,400 cubic feet of space—nearly the size of a two-car garage—you can fit pretty much anything in there. It’s popular for significant residential moves, business inventories, or machinery storage.

Tools to Determine Your Space Requirements

You don’t need to play a guessing game when choosing the right container. Use these tools to make sure you pick the perfect size:

• Measuring tape: Start by measuring the space your items will take up. Compare those measurements with the portable storage container size guide above. Be aware that standard containers are 8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches high, with the length corresponding to the container’s specified size. Knowing the length and height of your stuff helps you find the appropriate container.
• Mobile measuring apps: Apps like Google’s AR Ruler or Apple’s Measure use augmented reality to help you figure out the dimensions of your space or the items in it. Save these measurements on your mobile device for reference when selecting a container size.
• Online storage calculators: Some portable storage container companies offer online calculators to help you estimate how much space you need based on the number of rooms or the type of items you plan to store.

Tips to Maximize Storage Container Space

Once you’ve decided on the right container size, it’s time to pack it efficiently. Here are some tips to make the most of your storage container:

• Disassemble large furniture: Beds, tables, and other bulky furniture take up a lot of space. Break down anything you can to reduce the total volume and stack pieces neatly. Carefully bag and label screws and other small parts for easy reassembly later.
• Stack strategically: Always stack heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent damage. Use sturdy plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes for better stackability. Remember to stack items all the way up to the ceiling to maximize the container’s height.
• Use uniform-sized boxes: When most boxes are the same size, it’s easier to stack and organize items without wasting space between them.
• Fill empty gaps: Take advantage of every nook and cranny by sliding smaller items into gaps between furniture or boxes.
• Label everything: Keeping items organized doesn’t just help you maximize space—it makes it easier to find what you need later. Label your boxes on multiple sides so you can see what’s inside, no matter how they’re stacked.
• Use pallets: If you’re storing for an extended time, place pallets on the floor to keep items off the ground and ensure better air circulation, which helps prevent moisture damage.

Make Storage Easy with Pro Box Portable Storage

Have you settled on a small or large storage container? Either way, Pro Box Portable Storage can make storing your items simple and hassle-free. We offer 20- and 40-foot containers at all seven of our Southwestern US locations, while 10-, 15-, and 25-foot containers have more limited availability.

Unlike our competitors, we’re committed to 100% transparent pricing, with no surprise admin fees or fuel charges. Our containers come in sleek designs and configurations, and we deliver directly to your business or jobsite. Contact us today for a free quote on storage container rentals or sales in Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas.