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What Portable Storage Container Size Do I Need?

A 1-800-PACK-RAT portable storage container sits in a home's driveway

Updated on May 31, 2024

We know it can be hard to determine how many portable storage units you might need for a local or long-distance move or temporary/long-term storage situation. The first questions we typically hear when assisting new customers with an order are "What size container do I need?" or "What size do the containers come in?" No home or move is the same, and everyone has different needs.

The good news is that the portable storage and moving containers used by 1-800-PACK-RAT offer tons of flexibility with a predictable cost. Our on-site moving and storage containers feature barn-style doors and ground-level design, making them easy for loading and unloading. There's no need to worry about going up and down a ramp or lifting your belongings onto the back of a rented truck.

With a portable storage container, you can forgo the hassle of driving your belongings to a storage location or your new home. The unit will be delivered to your home, where you can load your belongings into it directly.

How Big is a Storage Container?

Our mobile storage containers come in three sizes: 8-, 12-, and 16-feet. Each container you order will be delivered directly to your doorstep and dropped off at the specified location when placing your order. If you need more containers for your moving and storage needs, call us, and we will deliver however many more containers you need.

Here are some general descriptions and measurements to help you determine what size unit(s) you need for your upcoming moving and storage event.

8-Foot Container Dimensions

An 8-foot container is an excellent option for student or small apartment storage or if you need a little more room in addition to one of our larger containers. Each 8-foot container holds about 1-2 rooms worth of furniture and is roughly the same size as an 8' x 8' storage room. The 8-foot container can hold up to 4,000 lbs. of contents, and the outer dimensions of the storage container are 7.2'W x 7.8'H x 8.5'L. This container provides 404 cubic feet of packing room.

12-Foot Container Dimensions

Each 12-foot container holds about 2-3 rooms of furniture and is roughly the same size as a 10' x 10' storage space. The 12-foot container can hold up to 6,000 lbs. worth of contents, giving you more flexibility in terms of the household items you can store inside. The outer dimensions of this storage container are 7.75'W x 7.5'H x 12’L, and it provides 620 cubic feet of packing room.

16-Foot Container Dimensions

The 16-foot container is the most popular size and choice for on-site or off-site storage, local moving, and long-distance moving. Each 16-foot container holds about 3-4 rooms of furniture and is roughly the same size as a 10' x 15' storage room. Our 16-foot container can hold up to 6,000 lbs. of contents - same as our 12-foot offering, but with more packing space. The outside dimensions of the storage container are roughly 7.75'W x 7.5'H x 16’L, and it provides 830 cubic feet of packing room.

Compare our containers to the competition and you will see the difference in quality, reliability, and customer service.

Why Portable Storage & Moving Containers Are the Right Choice

While other, more traditional companies will sell you a moving truck you can rent for a day or a containerized solution that features less sturdy materials, 1-800-PACK-RAT is the moving company that prioritizes the safety and care of your stuff while giving you a solution that works around your schedule. Our containers are made of all steel and are weatherproof to resist the elements and creation of mold and mildew. We also handle all of the driving, bringing the solution directly to you - no driving on your part.

The best feature about choosing 1-800-PACK-RAT's portable units is that we give you as much time as you need to pack your stuff. No more rushing all in one morning or afternoon to get everything done. Here is how it works:

  • We deliver the container(s).
  • You pack at your pace.
  • When you are finished packing, we will pick it up and deliver it to your new home.

It really is that simple. Additionally, we have a variety of storage options for your container, including on-site storage or storage in one of our secure, nationwide storage facilities with self-storage options.

We even provide larger containers for commercial clients, with refrigerated containers and 20- and 40-foot shipping containers. No matter what storage or moving services you require or what type of customer you are, 1-800-PACK-RAT can meet your needs!

Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Make Moving and Storage Simple for You

Most people don't realize how much stuff they own until it's time to move. We know every situation is unique, meaning a one-bedroom apartment could have just as much stuff to store or move as a five-bedroom house! So, we offer a space calculator to help you estimate the number of portable storage containers you might need to move or store your belongings.

Choose the quantity and type of furniture you wish to move or store, and this tool will help visually show you how much space it will take up in the container. The more accurately you fill out the space-calculating tool, the more accurate the recommendation will be.

Whether you are making a local or long-distance move or need extra storage space, we have the solutions to get the job done easily and on your schedule. Call us today to learn more or go online for a free quote!