No matter what you need a shipping container for, you want to get the right size. Choose a container that’s too small and your needs won’t be met. Decide on one too big, you end up wasting space and money. However, if you think your storage needs will increase over time, you probably want a container that’s bigger, so you’ve got room to grow.
The good news is there’s only a few shipping container sizes to pick from, which means even if you lack previous experience with portable shipping containers, it’s not difficult to figure out what to get.
Shipping Container Sizes We Offer
Many portable storage container providers offer just one or two container sizes and some only let you rent. At Midwest Storage Containers, you get to choose from three shipping container sizes and you can rent or buy your container! Our options are:
- 10’ Standard (10’ x 8’ x 8.5’). For smaller jobs, this size container offers 680 cubic feet of space. It’s meant for simple needs and smaller spaces, such as apartments, condos and small offices.
- 20’ Standard (20’ x 8’ x 8.5’). The 20’ container option is our most popular size at 1,360 cubic feet. It’s suitable for most remodels, townhomes and single-family homes with three or fewer bedrooms. It’s also great for mid-sized offices.
- 40’ Standard (40 x 8 x 8.5’). Our 40’ container is the largest size available. Much larger than PODS (16’) or other options on the market, this container offers a spacious 2,720 cubic feet of space. However, it can’t be moved by a trailer while loaded, so it’s not as portable.
How Much Storage Space You’ll Need for Your Items
When looking at how much stuff you have to keep in storage, criteria to consider for choosing a shipping container size should include space per item, stackability and how much of your stuff is fragile. You’ll also want to look at what may be more seasonal storage versus what you’ll want to store permanently.
For example, if you want to buy a container to serve as a portable storage shed on your property, part of the year you may want to store winter items, such as snow blowers and plows and in another part you’d store your summer items, like mowers, core aerators, string trimmers and more.
If you’re unsure how much space your items take up, here’s a breakdown of some common items you may want to put into your shipping container:
- Bookcase 20 cu ft.
- Boxes, small (2 cu ft.) to large (6 cu ft.)
- Chair, straight (5 cu ft.) to chaise lounge (25 cu ft.)
- Coffee table, 12 cu ft.
- Curio cabinet, 10 cu ft.
- Dining room table, 30 cu ft.
- Dresser, vanity (20 cu ft.) to triple (50 cu ft.)
- End table, 5 cu ft.
- Queen bed, 65 cu ft.
- Sofa, 50 to 100 cu ft.
- Sofa loveseat, 30 cu ft.
Affordable Shipping Containers To Solve Your Storage Needs
Each container size from Midwest Storage Containers provides good value and is budget-friendly, as you get to pick the condition you want: one-trip, cargo-worthy or wind and watertight (WWT). One-trip containers are what you’d expect. They were used just once and come in like-new condition. Cargo-worthy containers are gently used and may have a few blemishes and could use minor maintenance, but they are in good working condition and should meet your needs for years to come. WWT containers are value picks, having served at sea for extended durations. WWT containers tend to need some minor repairs but they’re very affordable.
Based in Minnesota with local depots and satellite locations throughout the country, Midwest Storage Containers makes fast, nationwide delivery a cinch for purchasers. If you’re ready to solve your storage needs, contact our team for a free quote. We’re also happy to provide further guidance on which container size is appropriate for you and we offer a range of customization options, including new paint, shelving, extra doors and partitions.
For more help choosing and buying a shipping container, check out this guide.
