Renting a storage container in Melbourne? It’s easy, right? Just a phone call and the container will be delivered, loaded, and stored for you.
However, determining the right size for your needs is quite hard. Sometimes, people rent too small, sometimes too big.
Therefore, in this article, we’ll give you a storage container size guide and tips so you can choose the perfect size.
Storage Container: A Gist
Most of you probably already know what a storage container is. Storage containers are similar to shipping containers, however they are used for storage. So, they are the containers we see on docks and in movies.
Because they are made of steel, they are very durable, especially against weather and dust. Therefore, storing your things inside a container will prevent them from damage.
Nowadays, storage containers are modernised, and the service comes with perks, such as;
- Container delivery to your premises
- Collection after the container is loaded/not needed anymore
- Free furniture protection like bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture blankets
- No fixed-term contracts, so the rent period can last as long as you want
- Insurance cover to reimburse you if damage happens
Why Do You Need the Right Size?
You need the right size to save money and save time.
When you rent a smaller container, you might not get enough space. As a result, you need to rent more containers to compensate for the lack of space. The time it takes to deliver another container will also hinder your efficiency.
On the other hand, if you rent a bigger container, you will get too much space. So, you pay more money for nothing because you don’t use the spare space.
So, you must know what size is the best for your needs. Now that we know better about how storage units work, let’s see the size guide.
Storage Container Size Guide
In the storage industry, storage containers have four standard sizes. These four standard sizes can fit different things and cater to different target audiences. The first two are considered ‘mini shipping containers’, and the other two are ‘large containers’.
So, from smallest to largest, here are the sizes;
- 6ft Containers
6ft containers are the smallest container in the industry. With a capacity of 10 cubic metres, one container can hold around 2 bedrooms worth of goods.
The exact size of 6ft containers is:
- Length: 2.4 m
- Width: 1.8 m
- Height: 2.6 m
As for pricing, this container is the ‘budget’ container out of the four. Only $3.27 per day, this container is the cheapest. Despite the low price, the quality is still construction grade and it is sturdy to protect your things.
- 8ft Containers
8ft containers are the second smallest, and one container can fit around 2.5 bedrooms worth of goods. They are the perfect fit for small households (11.5 cubic metres).
The exact size of 8ft containers is:
- Length: 2.3 m
- Width: 2.1 m
- Height: 2.4 m
This container is made of durable steel, with padlock protectors and tie-down railings. 8ft containers are priced at $4.7 per day.
- 10ft Containers
10ft containers are considered large containers in the industry. With a 16-19 cubic metres capacity, one container can hold 3 bedrooms worth of goods with room to spare.
The exact size of 10ft containers is:
- Length: 3 m
- Width: 2.4 m
- Height: 2.6 m
Even though they are big, they are still portable and easy to manoeuvre with a forklift. One 10ft container is $6.13 per day.
- 20ft Containers
The largest in the industry, 20ft containers have a capacity of 32-38 cubic metres. That means one container can fit almost every piece of furniture in a 4-bedroom house inside.
The exact size of 20ft containers is:
- Length: 6 m
- Width: 2.4 m
- Height: 2.9 m
This container is suitable for a 4-person household who wants to move their things. When you use this one, you can get all your things inside and in transit in one go. The price is $8.56 per day.
Tip: Calculate How Many Cubic Metres You Need
The best thing to determine the right size for your needs is to calculate how big your things are. Remember the container capacity mentioned above?
The capacity is calculated in cubic metres, so you have to calculate the cubic metres of your things. How can you calculate it?
Simple, just follow this formula: Length (L) x Width (W) x H (Height)
However, keep in mind that all these have to be converted to metres. So, if your box is 100 centimetres, convert it to 1 metre.
Easy enough, right?
Conclusion
It is crucial to choose the right storage unit size to prevent you from paying more money for space you don’t need. If you determine the perfect fit, you will save a lot of money and time.
There are four standard sizes in the industry, which are 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, and 20ft containers. They all have different sizes and they cater to different audiences with varying needs.
To make sure that you choose right, measure your things and see how big they are in cubic metres. Then, calculate the total and compare it to the containers’ capacity.
After you’ve done all that, you’re ready for your perfect storage container!
