What Can You Actually Fit Inside a 20ft Shipping Container?

Written By Zoe Wood

A 20ft shipping container holds far more than most people expect and is one of the most versatile storage solutions available for both businesses and homeowners. They are also usually the lowest cost containers as they are the most common size.

Here’s what you can realistically fit inside one.

First — How Big Is a 20ft Container?

A standard 20ft container is approximately:

  • 6m long

  • 2.4m wide

  • 2.6m high

That gives you around:

  • 33 cubic metres of storage

  • Space similar to a single garage fitting at least one car (see below)

  • Room for roughly 9–10 standard pallets.

They’re compact enough to fit on many residential and commercial sites, while still offering serious storage capacity.

What Can Fit Inside a 20ft Container?

A Typical 3-Bedroom House Move

A 20ft container is often enough for the contents of a standard 3-bedroom home, including:

  • Couches

  • Beds and mattresses

  • Whiteware

  • Dining table

  • Boxes

  • Outdoor furniture

  • Bikes, tools and other personal items

That’s why they’re commonly used for:

  • Moving house

  • Temporary storage during renovations

  • Decluttering before selling a home.

A Full Construction Site Setup

Builders and tradies love 20ft containers because they can securely hold power tools, scaffolding, generators, building materials, safety gear, shelving systems, long materials, particularly when you install our pipe racks (available via our online shop).

Some businesses even use them as mobile workshops or site offices.

Farm & Rural Storage

On farms, 20ft containers are often used for:

  • Feed

  • Fencing supplies

  • ATV and motorbike storage

  • Cars (see diagram above)

  • Tools

  • Irrigation equipment

  • Animal supplies

  • As a portable workshop

They’re popular because they’re secure, weatherproof, and can be positioned almost anywhere on-site.

Sports Clubs & Schools

Schools also commonly use 20ft containers for:

  • PE gear

  • Bikes, rugby equipment and other bulky sports gear

  • Maintenance equipment including ride-on lawn mowers

  • Seasonal storage of outdoor furniture or play equipment

  • Archives and spare furniture

Some schools even use them as extra learning spaces- turn one into a library, gym and more. Read more about the creative ways sports clubs and schools are using containers here.

Retail & Business Overflow Storage

A 20ft container can comfortably hold:

  • Excess stock

  • Retail shelving

  • Event gear

  • Packaging supplies

  • Trade show equipment

  • Seasonal inventory

For many businesses, it’s a much cheaper alternative to leasing extra warehouse space.

Bigger Than You Think

Most people underestimate how much space a 20ft container actually offers until they see one in person.

They’re one of the most cost-effective storage solutions available (even more so than smaller containers) because they:

  • Fit on most sites

  • Are easy to transport

  • Offer excellent security

  • And provide serious storage capacity without taking up excessive room.

Whether you’re moving house, managing a worksite, running a business, or simply running out of room — a 20ft container is often the perfect middle ground.

Not sure what size you need? We are always happy to help! Get in touch any time.

Zoe Wood
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Why Are 10ft Shipping Containers More Expensive Than 20ft Containers?