Whether you are running out of room at home, on the farm or at your business premises, a 20ft storage container is one of the simplest ways to add secure, weatherproof space. It arrives ready to use, needs no foundations or building work, and can be moved again if your needs change. Here is what you can fit inside one, how it compares with renting self-storage, and how to set it up properly.
How Much Can You Fit in a 20ft Storage Container?
A 20ft container gives you about 13.9m² of floor space and around 33m³ of storage volume, or roughly 37m³ in a High Cube. As a guide, that is enough for:
- The contents of a three-bedroom house during a move or renovation
- Around 10 standard UK pallets on the floor, more if stacked
- A small car, quad bike or ride-on mower, with space for shelving
- A full season of stock for a small retail or online business
- Tools, plant and materials for a building project
Popular Uses for 20ft Storage Containers
Home and garden
Homeowners use 20ft containers to store furniture during building work, keep garden machinery out of the weather, or free up space in the garage. A painted container in a muted colour such as anthracite grey blends in far better than you might expect.
Farms and rural businesses
Containers are ideal for feed, fertiliser, tools and small machinery. They are far harder to break into than a timber shed and will not rot, warp or leak.
Construction sites
A lockable container keeps tools and materials secure overnight and can be lifted onto the next site when the job is done.
Businesses and retailers
Shops, warehouses and online sellers use containers for overflow stock, seasonal displays and archived paperwork, often at a fraction of the cost of extra premises.
Buying a Container vs Renting Self-Storage
Self-storage units are convenient in the short term, but the monthly fees add up quickly. Buying your own container means you pay once, keep the storage on your own land where you can reach it at any time, and still own an asset you can sell later. For anyone who needs storage for more than a year or so, buying usually works out considerably cheaper.
| Your own 20ft container | Self-storage unit | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | One-off purchase plus delivery | Ongoing monthly fee |
| Access | 24/7, on your own site | Limited to opening hours, off site |
| Resale value | Yes | None |
| Space needed | Room on your property | None |
Choosing the Right 20ft Storage Container
- Standard or High Cube: choose a 20ft High Cube if you want to stack high or fit tall shelving.
- End doors or side access: if you need to reach things at the back regularly, a fully-opening 20ft storage container or open-side unit saves a lot of shuffling.
- Condition: a used wind and watertight container is perfectly good for storage; choose one-trip if appearance or long life matters. Our one-trip vs used guide explains the difference.
- Roller door: for vehicles and machinery, a container garage with roller shutter door makes access much easier.
How to Keep Your Stored Items in Good Condition
Steel containers are wind and watertight, but condensation can form inside when the temperature changes. A few simple steps keep your belongings dry:
- Place the container on a firm, level base, raised slightly so air can circulate underneath and rainwater drains away.
- Fit passive vents if they are not already present, to let moist air escape.
- Use moisture absorbers or desiccant bags, especially over winter.
- Store items on pallets or shelving rather than directly on the floor.
- Avoid putting damp items inside, and leave a small gap between belongings and the walls.
Security
A container is already far more secure than a shed or garage, but it is worth adding a lockbox over the door handles and a heavy-duty padlock. Lockboxes shield the padlock from bolt cutters and angle grinders, which is how most break-in attempts are made.
Get a 20ft Storage Container Delivered
We supply new, one-trip and used 20ft storage containers from our Essex yard, delivered across London, the South East and the rest of the UK. See what is in stock in our shop, read the 20ft shipping container guide for full dimensions, or request a quote for a delivered price.