Storage Container Sizes: Find the Right Size for Your Needs

Available Storage Container Rental Sizes

Picking the right container shouldn’t feel like a guess—especially when every move and project is different. STORsquare’s mobile storage unit sizes range from 8 to 20 feet, with clear room-by-room estimates, comparisons to common storage units and rental trucks, and practical tips based on home size, bulky furniture, and whether you’ll need walkway access while loading. You’ll also see how STORsquare compares to PODS® and other providers, including the advantage of a 20-ft option for bigger moves.

Most Popular

20-foot mobile storage container designed for large home moves, whole-house storage, and long-term projects.

20 ft

Our largest size, and a popular choice for moving 4 to 5 rooms.

Most Popular

16-foot mobile storage unit for multi-room moves, home renovations, and flexible on-site storage.

16 ft

Our most popular size, and a popular choice for moving 3 to 4 rooms.

Most Popular

12-foot mobile storage container ideal for apartment moves, home projects, and mid-size storage needs.

12 ft

This container is a popular choice for moving 2 rooms.

Most Popular

8-foot mobile storage unit for small moves, decluttering, and short-term on-site storage.

8 ft

Our smallest size, and a popular choice for moving a studio apartment.

What Is the Most Common Storage Container Size?

Our 16-foot storage container is the most common and most popular storage container size for residential moves and on-site storage. It offers the best balance of space, flexibility, and ease of loading for most households.

Why the 16-Foot Storage Container Is the Most Popular

The 16-foot storage container works well for a wide range of projects, which is why it is the most frequently chosen size.

Customers choose this size because it:

  • Fits the contents of most 3 to 4 bedroom homes

  • Provides enough room for furniture and boxes without overpacking

  • Allows some interior access while loading

What Fits in a 16-Foot Storage Container

A 16-foot storage container can typically hold:

  • Bedroom furniture for multiple rooms

  • Living room and dining room furniture

  • Appliances and boxed household items

It is comparable in capacity to a 10′ × 12′ storage unit or a 17-foot rental truck.

STORsquare steel mobile storage containers in multiple sizes staged roadside, representing available 8, 12, 16, and 20 foot storage unit options.
Family posing beside a STORsquare portable storage container at a newly purchased home.

What Size Storage Container Do I Need?

The storage container size you need depends on the amount of space you are emptying and the volume of items being stored. Most customers can choose the right size by matching their home or project size to a container category.

Amount of Items Being Stored

Make a quick inventory of large furniture, appliances, and boxes. When in doubt, choosing a slightly larger container helps avoid damage from overpacking.

Types of Items Being Stored

Bulky items take up far more space. Consider how many of the following you have:

  • Sectional sofas

  • King or queen mattresses

  • Refrigerators and washers or dryers

  • Dining tables and bed frames

How You Want to Use the Container

Loading style matters more than most people realize.

  • If you want to walk inside the container, choose a larger size

  • If items will be packed wall-to-wall with minimal access, a smaller size may work

  • If you plan to access items during storage, extra space is essential

STORsquare Storage Container Sizes vs PODS® and Other Competitors

Storage Container Size Comparison

Provider Available Container Sizes Largest Size Offered Notes
STORsquare 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft, 20 ft 20 ft Widest range of sizes. Ideal for any project size from full
household moves to one room renovations.
PODS® 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft 16 ft Limited to three sizes. No 20 ft option available.
PACK-RAT® 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft 16 ft Similar size limitations to other national providers.
GoMini’s® 8 ft, 16 ft 16 ft Fewer size options. Larger moves may require multiple containers.
U-Haul® U-Box® 8 ft only 8 ft Smallest option only. Best for partial storage or small moves.

A Guide to Determine What Storage Container Size You Need

Family standing beside a STORsquare portable storage container during a residential move.

Start with the Size of Your Home or Project

A simple way to estimate storage container size is to match it to the space you are emptying.

  • Studio or small apartment → 8-foot container

  • 1 to 2 bedroom home → 12-foot container

  • 3 to 4 bedroom home → 16-foot container

  • Larger homes or full household storage → 20-foot container

Consider Large Furniture and Appliances

Large items take up more space than boxes alone. If you have multiple beds, large sofas, appliances, or bulky furniture, choosing the next size up can prevent overcrowding and make loading easier.

Think About How You Will Use the Container

Your loading and access needs affect which size will work best.

  • If you need to access items during storage, a larger container allows walkways and organization

  • If you are moving directly from one location to another, a tighter fit may be sufficient

Plan for Flexibility

Projects can change, especially renovations and longer moves. Choosing a slightly larger storage container size provides room to add items, adjust timelines, or reorganize without needing a second container.

Avoid Common Storage Container Size Mistakes

Many people choose the wrong storage container size by underestimating how much space their belongings actually take up.

Common mistakes include:

  • Forgetting to account for bulky or awkward items

  • Assuming boxes stack perfectly without wasted space

  • Choosing the smallest size to save money, then needing a second container

When to Ask for Help

If you are between sizes or unsure, one of our dedicated rental coordinators can help you choose the right storage container size based on your specific situation. Getting the size right from the start saves time, effort, and extra cost.

Two people loading household boxes into a STORsquare portable storage container at a home.

What Customers Say About Our Storage Container Sizes

This company is wonderful! Everything was simple and easy with great communication. Extending our storage dates and changing our deliveries were so easy. This company is the only to offer the 20ft pod option and all the employees are nice and easy to work with. I highly recommend this company!

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Storage Container Size Tips and Planning Resources