Shipping Container Dimensions and Sizes: What You Need to Know
Shipping containers come in a variety of dimensions suitable for different purposes
Highlights
Shipping containers are commonly found in 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot lengths.
Most shipping containers are 8 feet and 6 inches high.
Some containers, known as “high cube” containers, are 9 feet and 6 inches high.
The dimensions of the shipping container required depend on its intended use.
Shipping containers have become much more than a way to move commercial freight from one place to another. If you’re using this shipping tool for moving or storage, you likely need to know the shipping container dimensions.
These versatile structures are available in several different dimensions, and the ideal size will depend on the container’s purpose. Most shipping containers have standardized dimensions, so finding the right size for your intended purpose is fairly straightforward.
What Are Standard Shipping Container Dimensions?
Most shipping containers are one of the following sizes:
| Container Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| 10-foot container | 10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high |
| 20-foot container | 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high |
| 40-foot container | 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet, 6 inches high |
In addition to these standard sizes, shipping containers are also available in taller sizes, referred to as “high cube” containers. High cube containers can commonly be found in these sizes:
20-foot high cube: This container measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet, 6 inches high.
40-foot high cube: This container measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet, 6 inches high.
What Size Shipping Containers Should You Choose for Moving?
Shipping containers are a reliable option for moving, as they’re easily portable and frequently used by moving companies. The appropriate size container for your move will depend on a number of factors, including:
Home size and square footage
Number of rooms
Types and number of large items, like furniture and appliances
What size containers your moving company uses
Some moving companies will accommodate larger containers, while others may require you to use multiple containers for larger homes. Contact a moving company near you to find out which size shipping container you’ll need for your move.
| Shipping Container Dimensions | Home Size |
|---|---|
| 10’x8’x8.5’ | Apartment, condo, or 1-bedroom home |
| 20’x8’x8.5’ | 2-to-3-bedroom home |
| 40’x8’x8.5’ | 4-bedroom home or larger |
Calculate Number and Size of Items
If you’re moving large furniture items or appliances, it’s worth it to measure each piece to help determine how much space you need in your storage container.
Here are the average measurements of common items:
Sofa sectional: 30 cubic feet
Coffee table: 5 cubic feet
Arm chair: 10 cubic feet
TV: 25 cubic feet
Grand piano: 80 cubic feet
Grandfather clock: 20 cubic feet
Best Sizes for Shipping Container Homes
One of the most recently popular uses for shipping containers is the shipping container home. Shipping containers allow for creative customization in a small living space, without the high costs associated with larger traditional homes. Shipping container homes offer quick, affordable construction and can be moved from location to location, which makes them a great choice for people looking for a flexible and budget-friendly option.
The best size for a shipping container home depends on your project. The most commonly used sizes are the standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Some shipping container homeowners opt for high cube containers, but those are often harder to source and can affect your shipping container home cost significantly. Shipping containers also allow DIYers to combine multiple containers for a truly custom build, so many opt to combine sizes in their desired configuration.
Using Shipping Containers for Storage
Shipping containers are truly versatile—homeowners can also use them for a number of storage solutions! A shipping container is a great option for portable storage during home renovations or if you have a short period of time between moving out of one home and into another. The best size for you will depend on how much you’ll need to store. For example, clearing out one or two rooms during a remodel will likely only require a 10-foot or 20-foot container, while storing the contents of a four-bedroom home might necessitate a 40-foot container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding whether to choose a shipping container vs. a storage unit for your storage needs depends on a number of factors, including how long you’ll need to store items for, whether you need them to be easily accessible, and if you need to move the items from one location to another. Shipping containers are best for moving and storing items for shipping, while a storage unit is best for storing items that can stay put.
Shipping container companies and trucking or freight companies often rent or sell containers of varying sizes, while moving companies generally use their own containers. If you’re looking to build a shipping container home, you can reach out to container home builders in your area to source materials that are in good condition.