Choosing the right container size is one of the most important steps when planning a project, move, or storage solution. At Rent-A-Container, our most popular options are the 20ft and 40ft shipping containers — offering secure, weatherproof storage for everything from construction gear to full home contents. If you’re wondering what fits in a 20ft and 40ft shipping container, this guide breaks it down with detailed, real-world examples to help you plan confidently and avoid over- or under-ordering
Quick Size Comparison: 20ft vs 40ft Shipping Containers
| Size | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Approx. Volume | Ground Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 20’ x 8’ x 8.5’ | ~1,170 cubic ft | 160 sq ft |
| 40ft | 40’ x 8’ x 8.5’ | ~2,390 cubic ft | 320 sq ft |
What Fits in a 20ft Shipping Container? Real-World Storage Examples
A 20ft container offers about the same space as a single-car garage and is ideal for extra residential space, jobsite storage, or business inventory overflow.
Residential Storage: What You Can Fit in a 20ft Container
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1 full living room set (sofa, loveseat, coffee table, TV stand)
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2 queen beds with frames
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1 dining table + 6 chairs
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1 washer and dryer
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2 dressers + 2 nightstands
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1 desk + office chair
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~100 medium-sized boxes or totes (18” x 18” x 16”)
Construction Site Examples
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1 large generator or compressor
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2 wheelbarrows
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2 full scaffolding towers (disassembled)
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10+ shovels, rakes, and manual tools
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8-10 rolling job boxes or tool chests
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1 pallet of bulk materials (tile, paint, etc.)
Retail / Event Examples
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4 folding tables + 40 chairs
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10 stackable storage bins (27 gal)
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6 rolling display racks
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Portable booth and tent components
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12 boxes of branded materials or product samples
What Fits in a 40ft Shipping Container? Storage Capacity Explained
A 40ft container is twice the size of a 20ft, perfect for large commercial operations, full house moves, or long-term equipment storage.
Residential Examples
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Contents of a 4–5 bedroom home
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3 bedroom sets (beds + dressers + nightstands)
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2 full couches + 2 armchairs
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1 refrigerator + 1 deep freezer
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Dining table with 8–10 chairs
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Washer and dryer
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Office desk, chair, and bookcase
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~200+ medium or large boxes
Construction / Industrial Examples
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2 cement mixers or compact machines
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2–3 portable scaffold systems
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1 small skid steer or forklift (low-profile)
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2 pallets of rebar or pipe
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2,000 bricks or 50 bags of cement
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15–20 job boxes or gang boxes
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10 traffic barriers + signage systems
Retail / Event Examples
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10 large garment racks
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10 pallets of merchandise
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Full pop-up shop setup: walls, fixtures, lighting
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1 point-of-sale booth or kiosk
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Event rigging, AV equipment, signage cases
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60+ folding chairs + staging material
Tips for Deciding What Fits in a 20ft and 40ft Shipping Container
Still not sure what fits in a 20ft and 40ft shipping container? These quick tips will help you evaluate your space, access limitations, and storage goals before placing your order.
- Measure your largest items and stackability—tall or awkward shapes may limit usable space.
- Consider access: A 40ft container may not fit in residential areas or tight construction sites.
- Think about growth: If your needs are expanding, upsizing can save time and money later.
Helpful Rules for Packing a 20ft or 40ft Container Efficiently
- 1 pallet (standard 48” x 40”) takes up ~13.5 sq ft of floor space—about 8–10 pallets fit in a 20ft, and 18–20 in a 40ft container.
- Stacking saves major space—especially with plastic bins, chairs, or boxed goods.
- Don’t forget access: Leave a small pathway inside if you’ll need to retrieve things while in use.
Still Not Sure What Size You Need?
Let our team help! We’ll walk through your inventory or use case and match you with the perfect solution.
📞 Contact us today for a fast quote and personalized advice.