Shipping containers come in a variety of dimensions suitable for different purposes
Standard shipping container widths measure 8 feet across, and you'll find this consistent dimension across 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot container lengths.
Your shipping container size depends on your home's square footage, number of rooms, and large furniture pieces you need to move or store.
High cube containers give you an extra foot of interior height at 9 feet 6 inches, which helps when storing taller items or stacking boxes.
Hiring a local moving company takes the guesswork out of choosing container sizes and handles loading, transport, and unloading for your move.
Shipping containers have become much more than a way to move commercial freight from one place to another. If you’re using this shipping tool for moving or storage, you likely need to know the shipping container dimensions.
These versatile structures are available in several different dimensions, and the ideal size will depend on the container’s purpose. Most shipping containers have standardized dimensions, so finding the right size for your intended purpose is fairly straightforward.
Most shipping containers are one of the following sizes:
| Container Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| 10-foot container | 10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high |
| 20-foot container | 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high |
| 40-foot container | 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high |
In addition to these standard sizes, shipping containers are also available in taller sizes, referred to as “high cube” containers. High cube containers can commonly be found in these sizes:
20-foot high cube: This container measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet, 6 inches high.
40-foot high cube: This container measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet, 6 inches high.
Shipping containers are a reliable option for moving, as they’re easily portable and frequently used by moving companies. The appropriate size container for your move will depend on a number of factors, including:
Home size and square footage
Number of rooms
Types and number of large items, like furniture and appliances
What size containers your moving company uses
Some moving companies will accommodate larger containers, while others may require you to use multiple containers for larger homes. Contact a moving company near you to find out which size shipping container you’ll need for your move.
| Shipping Container Dimensions | Home Size |
|---|---|
| 10’x8’x8.5’ | Apartment, condo, or 1-bedroom home |
| 20’x8’x8.5’ | 2-to-3-bedroom home |
| 40’x8’x8.5’ | 4-bedroom home or larger |
If you’re moving large furniture items or appliances, it’s worth it to measure each piece to help determine how much space you need in your storage container.
Here are the average measurements of common items:
Sofa sectional: 30 cubic feet
Coffee table: 5 cubic feet
Arm chair: 10 cubic feet
TV: 25 cubic feet
Grand piano: 80 cubic feet
Grandfather clock: 20 cubic feet
One of the most recently popular uses for shipping containers is the shipping container home. Shipping containers allow for creative customization in a small living space, without the high costs associated with larger traditional homes. Shipping container homes offer quick, affordable construction and can be moved from location to location, which makes them a great choice for people looking for a flexible and budget-friendly option.
The best size for a shipping container home depends on your project. The most commonly used sizes are the standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Some shipping container homeowners opt for high cube containers, but those are often harder to source and can affect your shipping container home cost significantly. Shipping containers also allow DIYers to combine multiple containers for a truly custom build, so many opt to combine sizes in their desired configuration.
Shipping containers are truly versatile—homeowners can also use them for a number of storage solutions! A shipping container is a great option for portable storage during home renovations or if you have a short period of time between moving out of one home and into another. The best size for you will depend on how much you’ll need to store. For example, clearing out one or two rooms during a remodel will likely only require a 10-foot or 20-foot container, while storing the contents of a four-bedroom home might necessitate a 40-foot container.
Showed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageJust moved from PA to Columbus in a studio apartment and needed help with some heavy furnitures because I couldn't do it alone. I called Hyremovers and they did a great and timely job and also left my apartment walls intact. Great service!
I will forever recommend Moving Head Services. The guys that came out for us were incredibly professional, they finished faster than expected, and were very pleasant.
Moving Ahead Services, LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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