If you are thinking about hiring a container for a house move, a clear-out or your business, the first question is usually the same: will it all fit? This guide explains the size of a standard 20ft storage container and gives practical examples to help you plan. All measurements are approximate, so treat them as a planning aid rather than an exact specification.

How big is a 20ft storage container?

A standard 20ft container has internal dimensions of approximately:

Length: approximately 5.9m
Width: approximately 2.35m
Height: approximately 2.39m

That works out at roughly 14 square metres of floor space and roughly 33 cubic metres of volume if you filled it right to the ceiling. In practice you will not use every centimetre, because you will want to leave a walkway and avoid stacking items too high, but the height is a real advantage. Tall items such as wardrobes, shelving and bookcases can stand upright, and you can build up boxes in sensible stacks.

What fits inside a 20ft container?

Exactly how much fits depends on what you are storing and how well it is packed. As a rough guide, here are some examples of what customers commonly store:

Furniture from a house move: sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables and chairs, along with boxes of smaller items. Many people use a container for the contents of several rooms, and larger moves may need careful packing.
Business stock and equipment: pallets of stock, tools, shelving units, trade equipment and archive boxes.
Renovation and building materials: timber lengths, tools and materials that you want out of the way and secure.
Seasonal and hobby items: garden furniture, bikes, sports equipment and camping gear.

The length of around 5.9m is helpful if you have long items, such as ladders, timber or rolled carpets, that would not fit in a smaller space. If you are unsure whether something will fit, give us a call and describe it. We are happy to talk it through.

20ft container vs an internal storage unit: which size do you need?

A container is generally the right choice if you are storing a larger volume, bulky items or business stock, or if you want to drive up and load directly at the door. Our 20ft container hire in Bexhill service is built for exactly that.

If you only need to store a few boxes, a small amount of furniture or some seasonal items, our internal storage units may be the better fit and cost less, starting from £100 per month. Not sure which suits you? Make a quick list of your largest items and a rough count of boxes, then ask us for a recommendation.

How to pack a container efficiently

Load the heaviest, largest items first and put them towards the back, with lighter boxes on top.
Use the height. Stack boxes in even columns and keep them stable.
Disassemble where you can. Beds, tables and shelving take up far less room when taken apart.
Leave a walkway down one side so you can reach items at the back without unpacking everything.
Label your boxes on more than one side so you can find things later.
Protect furniture with covers or wrapping, and keep items clean and dry before they go in.

Access and security at our Bexhill-on-Sea site

Our yard is at 5 Brett Drive, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2JP. You get 24-hour access every day, drive-up access to your container door and 24/7 CCTV across the yard. Drive-up access means you can park next to the container and load directly, which makes a big difference with heavy or awkward items. We serve customers from Bexhill, Hastings, St Leonards, Eastbourne, Battle, Rye, Lewes and Tunbridge Wells.

Pricing and how to reserve

20ft containers start from £150 per month, with no long-term contracts, so you only pay for as long as you need the space. You can see storage prices for more detail. A deposit applies, and the amount is confirmed when you enquire.

If you would like to know what is available, enquire now to reserve or call 01424 732643.

Frequently asked questions

How many rooms of furniture fit in a 20ft container?

It depends on the size of the rooms and how you pack. Many people store the main furniture from several rooms, but it is hard to give a precise number. Tell us what you are moving and we will give you an honest view.

What is the difference between a 20ft container and an internal unit?

A 20ft container is a larger space with drive-up access at the door, suited to bigger loads. An internal unit is a smaller indoor space that suits fewer items.

Can I drive right up to the container?

Yes. Containers have drive-up access, so you can park beside the door and load and unload with minimal carrying.

Do I need a contract?

No. There are no long-term contracts.

How Big Is a 20ft Storage Container? Size Guide for Home and Business