Key Highlights for Moving Furniture with Portable Containers
- Moving can be a breeze! Learn how to choose the right 1-800-PACK-RAT portable moving container size for your needs.
- Say goodbye to guesswork! We'll guide you on measuring furniture and estimating volume.
- Discover savvy packing strategies to maximize space and keep your belongings safe.
- Get expert loading tips for optimal fit and weight distribution.
- Enjoy a stress-free move with our handy tips and tricks.
Moving into a new home is thrilling, but the process can be complicated. One big challenge is deciding how much furniture can fit in a portable moving and storage container. Picking the right size container is key for a smooth and cost-effective move. This guide will give you all the information you need, including our storage unit size guide. You will learn how to figure out the space you need, pack efficiently, and ensure your things arrive safely at your new home, and why 1-800-PACK-RAT is the best choice.
Understanding Moving Container Sizes
Portable moving container sizes are measured in feet. Knowing the size of each option is essential to finding the best fit for you. The most common sizes are 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers. Each has different storage capacities for various moving projects.
An 8-foot container works well for small apartments or a few pieces of furniture, while a 12-foot container can hold items from a one- to two-bedroom apartment. A 16-foot container is the most commonly used size and is perfect for bigger homes with three or more bedrooms. You can get as many containers as you need from 1-800-PACK-RAT to move your furniture and home.
To help get the closest approximation to how much stuff you can fit into your 1-800-PACK-RAT portable moving container of choice, consult our Space Calculator page.
How Much Furniture Fits in an 8-Foot Moving Container
An 8-foot moving container is an excellent option for college students moving out of a studio apartment or making a smaller move. This container size provides about 404 cubic feet of space with a weight capacity of 4,000 lbs. But what can you fit in that space?
You could fit items like a queen-size bed, a small dresser, a nightstand, and several smaller boxes. Another example is a compact living room with a loveseat, a coffee table, an end table, and a small TV stand. Our 8-foot container options can move roughly the same amount of stuff you would be able to fit into an 8’ x 8’ storage unit.
Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates. The real amount of furniture you can fit might change based on the size and shape of your items. Measure your furniture and calculate the total cubic feet you need for a more exact idea.
How Much Furniture Fits in a 12-Foot Moving Container
Are you moving from a bigger studio or a one- to two-bedroom apartment? A 12-foot moving container gives you much more storage space. Our 12-foot offerings feature 620 cubic feet of packing space and can carry up to 6,000 lbs worth of contents. That’s almost double the room of an 8-foot container and can fit nearly the same amount of stuff as a 10’ x 10’ storage unit!
This extra square footage means you can store bigger furniture or more items. For example, a 12-foot container can fit a queen-size bed, other bedroom furniture, and even a dining table with chairs, depending on the overall size of the table itself.
How Much Furniture Fits in a 16-Foot Moving Container
A 16-foot portable storage container is the most popular choice when moving to a larger home. It has 830 cubic feet of packing space, providing ample room for all your things without needing to rent a big moving truck, and it can be delivered to your home to pack at your pace and moved to your new home without any driving on your part.
This space allows you to fit items from a three- to four-bedroom home. You can include larger pieces of furniture like a sectional sofa, a king-size bed, and several dressers. This more space helps reduce stress and gives you peace of mind. This container size can hold 3-4 rooms worth of furniture, up to 6,000 lbs worth of contents, and is roughly the same size as a 10’ x 15’ storage unit.
Choosing the right size moving container is important based on what you need. Think about how much furniture you have and their sizes. This will help you make an informed choice for a smooth and easy moving process.
Estimating Furniture Volume
Estimating the volume of your furniture is very important when choosing the right container size. It's not just about looking at it. Taking accurate measurements will help make sure everything fits well and is safe inside.
First, measure the length, width, and height of every piece of furniture. Next, multiply these three numbers to get the cubic footage for each item. Finally, add up all the cubic footage to find out how much space you will need in a moving container, considering the number of boxes.
Measuring Your Furniture Accurately
To find the perfect sized container for your moving and storage needs, the first step is to measure your furniture carefully. Start by inventorying everything you plan to move, especially all of your furniture and other large bulky items. Be sure to list every piece of furniture, especially the big ones, as they need more space.
Next, measure the length, width, and height of each item in feet using some good measuring tape. Then, multiply these three numbers to figure out how many cubic feet each piece needs.
For instance, if your sofa is 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high, you calculate its size as 6 x 3 x 3, which equals 54 cubic feet. You can then add these final cubic numbers together to get a good idea of just how much stuff you can fit into and move with your portable moving container.
Tools and Apps to Help With Measurements
For those who want an easier way to calculate moving space, there are many online tools and apps you can use. 1-800-PACK-RAT’s space calculator tool is perfect for this.
A storage space calculator can estimate how much space you will need based on the number of boxes and furniture items you plan on moving. With our tool, you can select specific types and pieces of furniture to “fill” your virtual container. These tools often suggest the correct container sizes based on your information or let you know that you might need more than one container to make your move happen.
Using a space calculator is great because it has a simple design. It can automatically figure out the total cubic feet you need. This takes out the guessing, saving you time and energy during the busy moving process, and can save you some hassle if you need more than one container.
Packing Strategies for Moving Containers
Once you know the right container size, it's time to pack smart. This step is very important to use the space well and keep your items safe while moving.
To pack efficiently, start with the right moving supplies. Use strong, heavy-duty boxes in various sizes for different items. Protect fragile things with bubble wrap or packing paper. You can also use soft items like towels and blankets for extra protection.
Techniques for Maximizing Space
Think of packing a moving container like playing the fun old game of Tetris. Your aim is to use every foot of space wisely to maximize the space available to you within your container fully. You can make the most of the room with good packing and loading tips. This way, your move will go smoothly and safely, and you will get your money’s worth from your moving service.
Here’s how to do it:
- Disassemble Furniture: Take apart large furniture like beds, tables, and bookshelves. This will save space and make them easier to carry, especially if you can remove the legs of tables and bed frames.
- Use Vertical Space: Stack boxes and items up high. Put heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top. This keeps everything stable. Be sure to spread the heavy items equally across the floor of your container; however - do not overload all of your heavy stuff on just one side.
- Fill Empty Spaces: Fill gaps between furniture and boxes with soft things like pillows, blankets, or clothes. This helps reduce shifting during the move.
Consider using ratchet straps or bungee cords to hold items in place if possible. This is very important, especially for large or heavy pieces. It will help ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Protective Packing Materials to Prevent Damage
Protect your belongings while moving by using packing materials that keep them safe. These materials serve as cushions. They stop your items from hitting each other and cause less damage.
Bubble wrap is an excellent choice for wrapping fragile items like glassware, lamps, or electronics. Packing paper is also helpful, as it provides another layer of protection for delicate surfaces. If you have heavy items like furniture, use furniture pads or moving blankets to avoid scratches and dents.
It is essential to secure your boxes with packing tape and ensure they are sealed well on the top and bottom. For boxes with heavy items, use extra tape on the bottoms to prevent them from breaking open during the move.
Loading Tips for Efficient Use of Space
Loading a moving container the right way needs some careful planning. It’s not just about filling it up; using the space well and keeping your stuff safe during the move is important.
Start by putting your heaviest items at the bottom of the container. Be sure to spread the weight around so everything stays balanced. This gives you a steady base for the lighter items. While loading, don't forget to use the space up high by stacking boxes. Also, take apart any furniture if you can.
Sequence of Loading for Optimal Fit
The order in which you load things is very important. It helps to use the space well and keeps the container strong. Moving containers are usually made with a strong steel frame. They can handle a lot of weight, but it's key to balance it evenly.
First, load the oversized items, such as heavy appliances, furniture, pool tables, or boxes. Place them at the back of the container and work your way to the front. This method keeps the balance and prevents smaller items from being crushed.
Next, load lighter boxes and belongings around the big items. Use the empty space above as much as you can. Don’t forget to use a large sheet of cardboard, ratchet straps, or rope to hold everything in place. This keeps the items from moving during transport.
If there is anything you need to unpack first at your new home, be sure to pack it last so it is the first thing you can access. This includes any chairs, couches, or go-bags you absolutely need for your first day.
Balancing Weight Distribution Within the Container
Each container has a maximum weight limit. If you go over this limit, it can cause safety issues during transport. If your container is over the weight limit, you will need to empty it of items until it reaches the weight threshold before you can move it for you. Download our weight estimator sheet to help give you a better idea of how much your stuff weighs and if you will need additional containers for your move.
Do not pile heavy items in one spot. This can cause an unbalanced load, leading to dangerous swaying of the container when it is being moved on and off one of our mini-mover delivery trucks. Instead, try to spread the heavier items throughout the container to maintain an even weight distribution across the container.
Keep in mind that packing your container the right way is not just about fitting everything inside. It is also about protecting your belongings and ensuring safety during your move.
Use 1-800-PACK-RAT for All of Your Moving & Storage Needs
Whether you are moving into a studio apartment or a 4-bedroom home, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable storage containers can help you move all of your furniture easily with little stress on your part. Unlike our competitors, whether they are big moving truck rentals that you have to lift and hoist heavy furniture onto the back of to load it, risking injury or damage, or other container providers with containers made of wood construction, our portable moving solutions are unmatched.
Here’s how it works: You pick the container size and number you want and the specific day you want them delivered. We then bring the container(s) to your home, where you can pack them at your own pace. When you are done packing, we will deliver them to your new home. If you need extra time, you can have your container(s) securely stored in one of our nationwide storage facilities. It is that simple.
If you are moving locally or long distance or just need storage, 1-800-PACK-RAT has your needs covered. Give us a call or go online for a free quote and see how we can make moving and storage simple for you today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Furniture
What size moving container do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?
A 12-foot container is usually enough for a one-bedroom apartment. But remember, the size of the container really depends on the amount of your stuff and furniture. It’s a good idea to ask for a personalized quote based on your need and use our space calculator tool to get a good idea of sizing requirements.
Can I stack furniture in a moving container?
Yes, you can stack furniture in a storage container to make the most of the space. Put heavy items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Use ratchet straps or bungee cords to keep everything secure and stop it from moving around while you are transporting it. Be sure to have bubble wrap, towels, or some type of furniture pad to keep your furniture from getting scuffed during the move.
How do I protect fragile items in a moving container?
Wrap fragile items one by one with protective materials such as bubble wrap or packing paper. Fill any empty spaces in boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper. Use extra tape to ensure everything stays secure, and clearly label boxes with fragile items. If you have old towels, blankets, or bedding material, you can use that to fill the space between these items in your container to help prevent content shifts.