Which BoxSafe Storage Container Do You Need? A Complete Size Guide
What can you fit in an 8ft × 5ft storage container?
An 8ft × 5ft storage container provides 40 sq ft of floor space. This size is approximately a quarter of a large single garage or the contents of around a quarter of a transit van. This is a useful option if you only need to store a relatively small number of belongings rather than the contents of an entire house.
You could use an 8ft × 5ft container to store:
- A single bed, sofa, or a few smaller furniture pieces
- Moving boxes when downsizing from a 1-2 bed flat
- Bikes, garden tools, and outdoor equipment
- Business stock or seasonal stock overflow
- Boxed-up belongings you’re not ready to part with yet
You can use the vertical space when packing too. You can stack sturdy boxes to make the most from the available space, while positioning larger furniture items around them.
An 8ft × 5ft container could be particularly useful if you’re decluttering your home, storing belongings while carrying out a small renovation, or simply need somewhere secure for items that you don’t currently have room for at home.
What can you fit in an 8ft × 7ft storage container?
The 8ft × 7ft container provides 56 sq ft of floor space. It is approximately one-third of a large single garage or around half the contents of a transit van.
The additional width compared with the 8ft × 5ft option gives you more room for furniture and larger belongings.
An 8ft × 7ft container could be suitable for storing:
- A single or double bed plus a couple of smaller furniture pieces
- A sofa or a couple of armchairs (not usually both a full suite)
- 15-20 standard moving boxes
- Bikes or garden equipment if furniture is kept minimal
- Contents from a small flat or a single room’s worth of belongings
This size can work well when you’re storing more than just boxes but don’t need enough space for the contents of a full family home.
If you’re moving house, for example, it could provide useful temporary storage for furniture and boxes while you organise your move.
What can you fit in a 10ft × 8ft storage container?
A 10ft × 8ft storage container provides 80 sq ft of floor space. It is approximately half of a large single garage or the equivalent of around two transit vans.
As you have considerably more floor space than in the smaller containers, you can store larger amounts of furniture, household possessions or business stock.
Depending on how efficiently everything is packed, you may be able to store items such as:
- A three-piece suite or equivalent seating
- A bed and a couple of wardrobes
- A small dining set (table and up to four chairs)
- 25-30 moving boxes
- One or two white goods items, space allowing
- Contents from a 1-bed flat or a single larger room
A 10ft × 8ft container can be particularly useful during a house move or renovation when you need to temporarily remove furniture and other belongings from your property.
It’s also a practical option for businesses that need additional space for stock, tools, equipment or supplies without committing to larger commercial premises.
What can you fit in a 20ft × 8ft storage container?
The 20ft × 8ft container is the largest of BoxSafe’s standard container sizes. It provides 160 sq ft of floor space, equal to a large single garage or the contents of around five transit vans.
This makes it the most suitable option for customers who need to store a substantial amount of furniture and household belongings.
A 20ft × 8ft container can accommodate items such as:
- A full three-piece suite plus a couple of armchairs
- Bedroom furniture for 2-3 bedrooms, including wardrobes and beds
- A dining table and six chairs
- Large white goods (fridge-freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer)
- 40-50+ standard moving boxes
- Garden furniture, bikes, and outdoor equipment
- Business stock on top, if space allows
The 20ft × 8ft size is particularly useful for house moves, major renovations and longer-term storage. Our 160 sq ft option is typically suitable for the contents of a three-bedroom house when packed correctly, including furniture, white goods, boxes and garden equipment.
What size storage unit do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
For most three-bedroom homes, a 20ft × 8ft storage container is the best starting point.
We recommend a 160 sq ft storage unit for most three- to four-bedroom homes. This can accommodate the contents of a three-bedroom house when everything is packed efficiently, including furniture, white goods, boxes and garden equipment.
However, every home is different. A three-bedroom house with minimal furniture may require less space, while a property with large amounts of furniture, extensive garden equipment or a large number of boxes could need additional storage.
When estimating how much space you need, consider everything that will be going into storage rather than simply the number of bedrooms. Think about:
- How much seating you’ve got (a single sofa is a very different footprint to a full three-piece suite)
- The number and size of beds, plus any wardrobes or bulky bedroom furniture
- Whether you’re storing white goods like a fridge-freezer or washing machine
- A rough estimate of how many boxes you’ll be packing
- Anything bulky and awkward-shaped (garden furniture, bikes, tools)
- Any business stock or work equipment on top of your household items
It’s also worth thinking about how you will pack your belongings because efficient stacking can make a significant difference to how much you can fit into a container.
If you’re unsure, we can help you choose a suitable storage size based on what you need to store.
How to make the most of your storage container
Choosing the right size is only part of the process. The way you pack your container can also make a big difference.
Pack boxes consistently
Use similar-sized boxes wherever possible. They are easier to stack and can help you make better use of the available space.
Label each box clearly so you can find what you need so you don’t need to unpack everything.
Put larger items in first
Large furniture items should generally go into the container before smaller boxes. This makes it easier to arrange everything around the.
Use vertical space
Where appropriate, stack sturdy boxes to make use of the height available.
However, it’s important to avoid creating unstable stacks or placing heavy boxes on top of fragile belongings.
Leave access where possible
If you expect to visit your storage container regularly, think about which items you are most likely to need.
Putting everything into one tightly packed wall of belongings may maximise capacity, but it can make accessing individual items difficult. It’s better to leave some space to reach important belongings.
Protect furniture and fragile items
Wrap furniture where appropriate and use suitable protective materials for fragile possessions. Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it into storage.
BoxSafe’s containers provide weatherproof protection and have fitted vents and moisture traps to help manage moisture inside the container.
Which BoxSafe storage container is right for you?
The best storage container depends on the amount and type of belongings you need to store.
An 8ft × 5ft container is a good choice for smaller amounts of belongings, boxes and equipment.
An 8ft × 7ft container gives you additional floor space for furniture and a larger collection of possessions.
A 10ft × 8ft container is suitable when you need considerably more room for furniture, appliances, boxes or business stock.
A 20ft × 8ft container is the largest option and is generally the best choice for storing the contents of a three-bedroom house (if you’re moving house for example) or larger amounts of belongings.
If you’re still unsure which size you need, it’s better to discuss your requirements before booking. Our team can help you choose a suitable container based on what you plan to store. Get in touch today!