10ft containers: tight sites and small overflow storage
A 10ft container holds roughly 560 cubic feet, about the size of a one-car garage's worth of boxes. It's the right call for tool storage, seasonal equipment, or backyard sites with limited access, since it can be moved with a smaller flatbed or even a tilt trailer. Because interior space is limited, avoid it if you're storing pallets, full households, or anything requiring a forklift to load. It's also the easiest size to resell or relocate later if your needs change.
20ft containers: the all-purpose middle ground
At about 1,170 cubic feet, a 20ft container is the most popular size for a reason: it fits most residential driveways and lots, holds the contents of a 2-3 bedroom home, and still allows a standard tri-axle delivery truck to set it down without much wiggle room. Contractors favor 20ft units as job-site lockboxes because two people can still walk pallets or equipment in without a forklift. If you're unsure which size to choose, 20ft is the safest default.
40ft containers: bulk storage and conversions
A standard 40ft container offers roughly 2,350 cubic feet, doubling the 20ft's capacity without doubling the footprint proportionally, since you're not adding width or height. This is the size most buyers choose for workshop conversions, large equipment storage, or when consolidating a multi-room household. Delivery requires a full-length tilt-bed truck and roughly 60-70 feet of straight, clear approach, so confirm your driveway and turning radius before ordering.
High cube vs standard height
Standard containers are 8'6" tall inside; high cube containers add a full extra foot, at 9'6", which matters a lot if you're building shelving, running HVAC ductwork, or converting the unit into a livable or workshop space. High cube units cost modestly more but are worth it for any conversion project. For pure pallet or box storage where you're not maximizing vertical build-out, standard height is usually the more economical choice.
Matching size to ground and access conditions
Before you commit to a size, walk the drop site and check for overhead wires, low tree limbs, and at least 10-15 feet of clearance on the approach side for the delivery truck to tilt and slide the container off. A 40ft unit needs a firm, level pad (compacted gravel or a concrete strip works well) to avoid door misalignment over time; a 10ft or 20ft unit is more forgiving of minor grade but should still sit on blocks or a paid surface, not bare soil.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a 20ft container actually hold?
About 1,170 cubic feet, roughly the equivalent of a fully packed 2-3 bedroom home including furniture and boxes, or 8-10 standard pallets of goods.
Will a 40ft container fit in a standard driveway?
Often yes if the driveway is straight and at least 8 feet wide, but the delivery truck needs roughly 60-70 feet of clear straight approach to tilt and slide it into place, so measure your street and driveway length first.
Is a high cube container worth the extra cost?
Yes if you're converting the container into a workshop, office, or living space and need the extra foot of headroom for insulation, ductwork, or shelving; for simple storage it's optional.
Can I stack two containers on top of each other?
Standard shipping containers are engineered to stack when corner-to-corner aligned on a level, compacted pad, but stacking requires container-grade condition (no significant corner-post rust or damage) and often local permitting, so check codes before stacking.