// Free Tool

Container Size Guide & Comparison

Compare sizes across major container companies. Find what fits, understand how size affects permit requirements, and estimate what you need for your move or storage project.

🏠 Room-by-Room Size Estimator

Select the rooms you're moving or storing. We'll recommend the right container size.

🛏️
Bedroom
~200 cu ft
🛋️
Living Room
~150 cu ft
🍽️
Dining Room
~100 cu ft
🍳
Kitchen
~80 cu ft
🚿
Bathroom
~60 cu ft
🖥️
Home Office
~120 cu ft
🔧
Garage (1-car)
~250 cu ft
📦
Storage Room
~180 cu ft
🌿
Outdoor Furniture
~90 cu ft
👕
Closet / Misc
~40 cu ft
Recommended Size
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All Container Sizes — Click to Compare
Most Popular
8×8×7
Small Container
8 ft × 8 ft × 7 ft — 448 cu ft
Studio or 1BR apartment. ~1–2 rooms of furniture.
12×8×8
Medium Container
12 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft — 768 cu ft
2BR apartment or small home. ~2–3 rooms of furniture.
Best Value
16×8×8
Large Container
16 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft — 1,024 cu ft
3–4BR home. The most versatile residential size.
20ft ISO
20-ft Shipping Container
20 ft × 8 ft × 8.5 ft — 1,360 cu ft
Large home or business. Often purchased rather than rented.
40ft ISO
40-ft Shipping Container
40 ft × 8 ft × 8.5 ft — 2,720 cu ft
Commercial use, large estate, or construction staging.
Company Size Comparison
CompanySmallMediumLargeNotes
PODS7×7×8 ft (392 cu ft)12×8×8 ft (768 cu ft)16×8×8 ft (1,024 cu ft)Most widely available nationwide; 3 standard sizes
SMARTBOX8×8×8 ft (512 cu ft)N/AN/ASingle size; stackable; good for partial moves
1-800-PACK-RAT8×8×8 ft (512 cu ft)12×8×8 ft (768 cu ft)16×8×8 ft (1,024 cu ft)All-steel construction; climate-controlled option
U-Haul U-Box8×5×7.5 ft (300 cu ft)N/AN/ASingle size; stackable; lowest price point
Zippy Shell8×8×8 ft (512 cu ft)N/AN/AAvailable in select markets
ISO 20-ft ContainerN/AN/A20×8×8.5 ft (1,360 cu ft)Purchase only in most cases; different permit rules
ISO 40-ft ContainerN/AN/A40×8×8.5 ft (2,720 cu ft)Commercial use; triggers permanent structure rules if left long-term
Informational only. Container dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer and year. Verify exact dimensions with your container company before delivery. Permit implications are general guidance — confirm with your local permitting authority. Not legal advice.