When it comes to choosing the right size portable storage container, you don’t want to overspend on space you won’t use or run out of room before your move is complete. So, how do you determine what size storage container is right for you?
This guide offers tips and tools to help you figure out how much space you need, as well as a handy chart to help you visualize what size container will work best for your needs.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Answering these questions will help you determine how much space your stuff needs.
- Do you live in an apartment?
- Do you live with additional family members (spouse, kids, grandkids)?
- How many items do you plan to store or move? What are the dimensions and weight of each item (a refrigerator is heavier than a dresser)?
- What do you plan to store?
- Do you have adequate driveway or outdoor space for the container?
The amount of space you need for your belongings will depend on the size of your home and the amount of stuff you have to store. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how much space you need.
Container Size Recommendations
The following list will help you find what size storage container is right for your needs.
# of Rooms |
Box Size |
| 1 Room (roughly 500 square feet) | 8′ x 8′ Portable Storage Container |
| 2-3 Rooms (roughly 700-900 square feet) | 8′ x 12′ Portable Storage Container |
| 3-4 Rooms (roughly 1,000-1,200 square feet) | 8′ x 16′ Portable Storage Container |
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines – you may need more or less space, depending on the size of your home and the amount of stuff you have to store.
Comparison of Storage Containers, Storage Units And Rental Truck Sizes:
Portable Storage Container |
Moving Truck |
Storage Unit |
| 8′ x 8′ Portable Box | 10′ Moving Truck | 5’x10′ unit |
| 8′ x 12′ Portable Box | 15′ Moving Truck | 10’x10′ Unit |
| 8′ x 16′ Portable Box | 20′ Moving Truck | 10’x15′ Unit |
Tools to Help You Determine Space Requirements
If you’re not sure how much space you need, there are a few tools available to help you plan what size storage container is right for you.
1. Measure Your Space
The easiest way to determine what size storage container is right for you is by measuring your space at home and then comparing it to the measurements of each available container size. The chart below lists the lengths, widths, and approximate square footage of each container size, so you can easily compare your measurements to the size of each container.
2. Use a Room Size Calculator
If you’re not sure how to measure your space, or if you need help translating your measurements into square footage, there are a number of online room size calculators available that can help. Simply enter the dimensions of your room (length, width, and height) and the calculator will convert it into square footage.
3. Use a Household Inventory List
If you have an inventory list of all your belongings, you can use it to estimate how much space you’ll need for storage. Add up the total square footage of all your items and divide by 100 to get an estimate of the number of square feet you’ll need for storage.
We’re here to help!
Whether your goal is to store belongings in Boise or another part of the Treasure Valley, our team can offer insight into what size storage container will work best for your needs based on what kind of move (apartment vs home) as well as what type of stuff needs storing (furniture vs clothing). Our experts are ready and waiting to partner with you so we can create an ideal plan tailored specifically to meet your individual needs! Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us here or give us a call: (208) 853-2125
