What Size of Container Do You Need?

Between packing up, labeling boxes, cleaning your home, and all of the other components that are involved with moving, there is no reason that choosing the size of container you need should be complicated.

The size of container you need will mostly depend on the amount that you need to move or the size of your home. We have many different sizes of containers that can fit anything from the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or condo up to a 3-bedroom house. If your home is larger than three bedrooms, we have solutions available for you as well.

 A 10-foot or 20-foot container or even 40 ft containers can all work well, depending on: 

• What you need to store 

• How much space you have available

• How long you’ll be using the storage container 

The key is to match the container size to the volume and type of items you're working with. To make the decision easier, here's a breakdown of the most common container sizes and what they’re best suited for.

20Ft Containers

Our twenty-foot unit is the most popular size rented from Secure-Rite. A 20’ container will hold up to a 3-bedroom home and have enough room to store all of your furniture, boxes, and appliances, too. These storage containers measure 20’ long, 8’ wide, and 8.5’ tall. We can place them in your driveway, along the side of your house, or on the street, as well (we do recommend applying for a permit through the city for this option). Even if your home is not that large, we often do suggest this size to ensure that you have enough room for all of your belongings – say a 2-bedroom home or even a heavily furnished/decorated 1 bedroom plus den.

10Ft Containers

The next most popular size is our ten-foot unit. This is a great option if you have a smaller number of belongings to move – such as a bed, a couch, and boxes full of clothes, dishes, and other small household items. These units are 10’ long, 8’ wide, and 8.5’ tall. A ten-foot unit is the ideal option if you are moving from a one-bedroom apartment or condominium.

40Ft Containers

40-Foot Container - External dimensions: 40’ long × 8’ wide × 8.5’ high. Designed for heavy-duty storage and large-scale moves. This container fits the contents of a four- to five-bedroom house or a full commercial setup, including shelving, inventory, pallets, and machinery. It's commonly used for industrial sites, warehouse overflow, or relocating entire businesses. Because of its size, it requires more room for delivery and placement, but it offers unmatched capacity for bulk storage and cost-efficiency per square foot.

If neither of these options seems to suit your needs, we do have other solutions available. For homes with 4 bedrooms or more we recommend renting a second storage unit. An average four-bedroom home should fit in one 20’ container and one 10’ container. You may need two 20’ containers for larger homes, or if you have seasonal items and outdoor furniture to move as well.

And, don’t forget that we offer custom storage containers. If your needs go beyond basic storage or moving, it's also worth knowing that custom container modifications are available. Whether you're looking to build an on-site office, mobile workshop, pop-up retail space, or something unique, modified shipping containers offer flexibility beyond traditional storage.

Sometimes it is hard to predict which size of second container you will require, or if you will need a second container at all. We recommend starting with one container and once you have packed it ¾ of the way full, you will have a better idea of what you will need next. Just give us a call to book another storage container and take advantage of the industry’s fastest delivery times!

Easy Tips For Choosing the Right Storage Container

• Will you be taking your appliances, such as a fridge or stove, with you?
• Do you have outdoor items to bring along, such as patio furniture or a barbeque?
• Are there contents in an outside shed, such as a lawnmower, that you have to pack?

Another great tip is to try and visualize if the belongings you are going to pack into the container will fit into a 10’x8’ or 20’x8’ space. If you are still not sure which size of storage container you will need for your upcoming home move, you can always call us at 1 (250) 861-3955 and we will gladly help you choose the right size.