Moving can be a stressful time, and finding the right portable storage container can make the entire process smoother. The right container size not only simplifies packing but also ensures that your belongings are safe and secure during the move. However, with so many options available, how can you determine the right size container for your needs?
In this guide, we’ll explore factors to consider when choosing a container size, how to estimate the space required for common household items, and practical tips for maximizing the storage capacity of your container.
1. Understanding Common Portable Storage Container Sizes
Portable storage containers come in a variety of sizes, typically categorized as small, medium, and large. These containers can range from as small as 7 feet to as large as 16 feet. Below are some common sizes offered by portable storage providers:
Small (7–8 feet): Ideal for a small room or studio apartment. This size can typically fit a limited amount of furniture, such as a bed, dresser, and a few boxes.
Medium (10–12 feet): Suitable for a one-bedroom apartment or small house. This size is designed to accommodate items from a one-bedroom home, including basic furniture, boxes, and household items.
Large (15–16 feet): Ideal for two to three rooms or a larger home with multiple furniture items, appliances, and plenty of boxes.
Choosing the correct container size depends on the amount of furniture, appliances, and personal belongings you have, as well as the size of your home. However, understanding these standard sizes is a good starting point for estimating your needs.
Tip:
When selecting a size, consider whether you’ll need space for easy access to specific items during the move. This may require a slightly larger container to create aisles or space for accessibility.
2. Estimating Your Storage Needs by Room
To determine the appropriate container size, start by assessing the amount of space each room in your home will require. Here’s a quick guide to estimating space needs based on typical household rooms:
Studio or Dorm Room: A small, 7-foot container is generally sufficient for a studio or dorm room, accommodating a bed, small desk, chair, and several boxes.
One-Bedroom Apartment: A 10-foot container usually works well for a one-bedroom apartment, fitting basic furniture such as a bed, sofa, dresser, small appliances, and about 30 boxes.
Two-Bedroom Home: If you’re moving from a two-bedroom home, a 15-foot container might be necessary. This size can accommodate larger furniture items like a sofa, dining table, beds, and additional boxes for kitchenware, decor, and linens.
Three-Bedroom Home: For a standard three-bedroom home, you may need a 16-foot container or possibly more than one container. These homes typically require space for multiple large items, including beds, sofas, wardrobes, appliances, and numerous boxes.
Consider each room individually and make an inventory list to help visualize the space required for each area.
Tip:
Create an itemized list of furniture and belongings in each room to better gauge the container size. This list will also help with organizing items for loading and unloading.
3. Factoring in Bulky and Irregularly Shaped Items
Larger and irregularly shaped items can take up significant space in a container. If you have items such as exercise equipment, large artwork, pianos, or oversized furniture, take these into account when choosing a container size. These items may require special handling or protective padding, which will take up additional space.
It’s often beneficial to measure these bulky items and check their dimensions against the container size to ensure they’ll fit comfortably. It’s also wise to pack these items in the container first, as they’re often the hardest to fit and arrange.
Tip:
Place large, bulky items along the sides of the container or against the back wall, leaving the center and front accessible for easier loading and unloading.
4. Maximizing Space Efficiency in the Container
Efficiently packing a container can save space and help keep your belongings secure during the move. Here are some packing strategies to maximize your storage capacity:
Use Boxes of Similar Size: Uniform boxes stack neatly, allowing you to use vertical space effectively.
Disassemble Furniture: Remove legs, headboards, and arms from furniture to save room.
Utilize Soft Items as Padding: Items like blankets, towels, and pillows can fill gaps between boxes and protect fragile items.
Packing from floor to ceiling with these strategies in mind can help ensure that all items fit snugly, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Tip:
Stack boxes with heavy items on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Place fragile items last, near the top of the container, where they are less likely to be crushed.
5. Considering Additional Container Needs for Specific Situations
Some situations require additional storage space beyond what a single container might provide. Here are some instances where you might consider adding an extra container:
Long-Term Storage Needs: If some items are going to remain in storage for an extended period, a second container may be helpful, allowing you to separate long-term storage from immediate-use items.
Downsizing Without Immediate Disposal: If you’re downsizing but unsure which items to keep, an additional container can help you sort items over time.
Frequent Access to Stored Items: If you’ll need frequent access to certain items, it may be easier to use a separate container for these, ensuring they remain accessible without unpacking the entire container.
Tip:
Evaluate your needs carefully. It may be more cost-effective to rent a larger container than multiple smaller ones if you’ll only require storage temporarily.
6. Plan for Seasonal or Sensitive Items
Portable storage containers are typically designed to withstand weather changes, but certain items may still require additional precautions. For instance, electronics, musical instruments, and delicate wooden furniture may need additional insulation or protective covers to avoid damage from temperature changes and humidity.
If you’re storing these items for an extended period, consider climate-controlled storage solutions or make arrangements to insulate them within the container. Blankets, plastic covers, and moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel packets can help protect these sensitive items.
Tip:
Pack sensitive items towards the center of the container, away from walls and the door, where they’ll be more protected from potential temperature fluctuations.
Conclusion
Selecting the right portable storage container size is essential to a smooth and successful moving experience. By assessing the contents of your home, considering the size of each room, and planning for bulky items and sensitive belongings, you can choose a container that meets your needs without unnecessary expense.
Packing efficiently and making use of every inch of space will help you keep costs down while ensuring that your items remain secure. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your portable storage container, whether you’re moving across town or keeping items safe during a renovation.