Storage Container Size Guide

A storage container (or several!) can be an excellent asset for business or individual storage needs.  However, shipping containers are available in various sizes, and choosing the right size for your application is crucial.  

Which storage container size is ideal for your expectations and requirements? Although the standard container has the same width and height (barring some specialty containers, like a high cube), they vary in length, allowing you to choose the right dimensions for your storage goals.  

In this guide, we’ll take the guesswork out of storage container shopping to help you choose your ideal model. Dive into the variety of shipping container sizes below. 

10ft Containers

The smallest shipping container is the 10’ long model. These units have a standard width of 8’ and a standard height of 8’6”. Although these containers are small, they offer mighty storage solutions. One of the biggest advantages of the 10ft model is its compact size, which allows it to fit into smaller areas and empowers users to relocate the unit more easily. However, as with any other size shipping container, these units can still handle heavy loads, so users can experience the same storage benefits as with any other length.  

Uses for 10ft Containers

How can 10’ storage containers be used? Discover some of the top uses for these units below: 

• Small business storage: With these containers’ smaller storage volume, they provide the ideal solution for small businesses with decreased storage needs. 

• Breakrooms: For outdoor jobs such as construction, a 10ft storage container can serve as the ideal breakroom space that takes workers out of the sun and into a comfortable space. 

• Ticket booths: 10’ shipping containers serve as excellent ticket booths sitting at the entrance of festivals, holiday villages, and other events. These spaces allow workers to stay in a comfortable space and provide visitors with tickets and other necessary information for events. 

• Guard shacks: Looking for a post for security guards? These small storage units provide effective space for guard shacks. 

• Sheds: These 10ft storage units offer great space for sheds to suit small-scale storage needs for gardeners, landscapers, and other outdoor workers. 

20ft Containers

After the 10’ container, the next size up in length is the 20’ long model. These containers are also 8’ wide and 8’6” high. Unlike the smaller 10ft containers, they are utilized in shipping service, making them more common and readily available. Double the length of the 10’ size, these storage containers can accommodate a much larger volume of items. A major advantage of the 20ft containers is their ability to store longer items, allowing for more versatile storage solutions. These durable shipping containers provide a reliable, secure solution to users with a wide array of needs. 

Uses for 20ft Containers

How are 20’ storage units commonly used? Learn about their uses: 

• Construction storage: On construction sites, the portable nature of shipping containers allows the ideal space to keep items on-site. These containers can hold various materials and equipment. 

• Inventory storage: Need a place to safely store inventory for your business? 20ft storage containers provide a secure space to effectively organize your inventory. 

• Residential storage: The 20’ size is typically able to be delivered to most residential locations.  They can serve to declutter a garage or be utilized as a ready-made shed. 

• Restaurant seating: 20ft storage containers provide clean, sturdy restaurant and cafe space. They can be used for various restaurant functions, including seating for customers. These are especially effective for partially open outdoor seating spaces during temperate weather. 

• Disaster shelters: When disasters occur, a sturdy, dependable space is needed for shelter and supplies. 20’ storage containers provide enough room to accommodate various disaster needs. 

40ft Containers

40’ storage containers are most widely used in shipping service and are typically readily available. The extended length of these containers provides maximized storage space, accommodating those with a higher volume storage needs. These units also offer the same width and height as the previously mentioned containers—8’ wide and 8’6” high. If your business needs to reliably store oversized items or is seeking a solution that offers maximum capacity, the 40ft size provides a simple solution for your circumstances.  

Uses for 40ft Containers 

• Inventory storage: For businesses with large inventory to store, 40’ containers provide enhanced storage volume. 

• Workshops: No matter the industry, 40ft storage containers can offer a large space to accommodate your needs.  

• Office spaces: Need a space to create offices for your business? These units can be outfitted with everything from electricity to HVAC to provide a comfortable office space. 

• Galleries: Artists can take advantage of 40-foot containers’ expanded space to create beautiful gallery spaces and effectively display art. 

• Rural or farm storage: For larger pieces of equipment, these containers provide the ideal space to dependably store them. 

High Cube Containers 

Looking for a storage container option with increased height? High cube containers may be the ideal solution for your storage goals. These containers offer different dimensions than the standard storage units—most notably, their added foot of height, bringing them to 9’6” tall. These larger containers are typically available in 40ft, 45ft, and 53ft lengths, providing maximum storage for businesses with increased storage needs.  

Uses for High Cube Containers

High cube containers are often used for the following storage needs: 

• Inventory management: With the extra height, high cube containers can provide even more space to store your inventory. Shelves and racks can be placed in these units to maximize space. 

• Oversized item storage: For oversized items such as furniture, appliances, or equipment—or even vehicles!  High cube containers can comfortably provide a storage area. 

• Construction storage: Construction sites require large materials and equipment to effectively complete the job. High cube storage containers can effectively accommodate these needs. 

• Office spaces: Office spaces can be expanded even further when using a high cube storage unit. 

• Machinery storage: For businesses across various industries, high cube storage containers can provide a high quality space for different pieces of machinery. 

Choose Your Ideal Storage Container Today!

With these details, you can confidently choose the right storage container to suit your storage needs. Ready to acquire a storage container? Work with a provider you can trust. With Container Technology, you can expect the highest quality new and used containers from a supplier with a proven reputation.  

Since 1988, our team has provided top-tier storage units to customers in Atlanta and beyond. Our products deliver sturdy, secure storage solutions to last for years, allowing you to yield the maximum return on your investment.  

Interested in working with Container Technology for your storage needs? Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more about our inventory and prices!