What Size Storage Container Do I Need? A Practical Guide for Homes and Businesses
- Warren Dalby
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
What Size Storage Container Do I Need? A Practical Guide for Homes and Businesses
Choosing the right storage space can feel difficult when you are faced with boxes, furniture, equipment, stock and everything else you need to put away. Too little space can make accessing your belongings frustrating, while paying for more storage than you actually need is an unnecessary expense.
So, what size storage container do you need?
For many homeowners and businesses looking for practical storage in South London, a 20ft storage container can provide a surprisingly generous amount of room. The key is understanding what you need to store, how often you will need to access it and how you plan to organise the space.
At South London Self Storage, our 20ft XL Qube Storage Containers provide approximately 160 square feet of storage space and 1,172 cubic feet of capacity, roughly equivalent to the storage capacity of an average three-bedroom home.
What Is a 20ft Storage Container?
A 20ft storage container is a large, secure storage unit designed to accommodate substantial quantities of household or commercial belongings.
South London Self Storage's XL Qube Storage Containers measure approximately 6.06m long by 2.44m wide externally, with an internal height of approximately 2.39m. They provide around 33.2 cubic metres of storage capacity.
That makes this type of container particularly useful when you need considerably more room than a small traditional storage unit can provide.
You could use a 20ft container to store:
Household furniture and appliances
Boxes and personal belongings
Furniture during a house move
Items while renovating your property
Business stock and inventory
Tools and trade equipment
Office furniture and equipment
Documents and archives
Building and construction materials
Seasonal equipment
The right choice ultimately depends on the quantity and type of belongings you have.
How Much Can You Fit in a 20ft Storage Container?
One of the easiest ways to visualise a 20ft container is to think about the contents of a typical family home.
A 20ft XL Qube container has approximately 160 square feet of floor space and 1,172 cubic feet of capacity. South London Self Storage states that this is approximately equivalent to the storage capacity of an average three-bedroom home.
For a house move, this can make container storage particularly useful because you can keep furniture, boxes and other household belongings together in one secure location.
However, there is an important distinction between filling a container and organising one properly.
If you simply pack everything from floor to ceiling, you may technically maximise the available space, but accessing something at the back could become extremely difficult.
A little planning can make a big difference.
Storage for a House Move
Moving house is one of the most common reasons people need additional storage.
Perhaps your new property is not ready yet. Maybe you are downsizing, your completion dates do not line up, or you simply need somewhere secure to keep your belongings while the move is taking place.
A storage container can provide a useful temporary solution.
Instead of having furniture and boxes scattered between relatives' garages, spare rooms or temporary accommodation, you can keep your belongings together in one secure location.
A 20ft container may be particularly suitable for a substantial household move, depending on how much you own.
Before booking, make a rough inventory of your larger possessions:
Sofas and armchairs
Beds and mattresses
Wardrobes and chests of drawers
Dining tables and chairs
White goods
Shelving
Garden furniture
Moving boxes
Bikes and outdoor equipment
Remember to allow space for safe access rather than packing everything tightly together.
Storage During a Home Renovation
Major renovations can create an unexpected storage problem.
If you are replacing flooring, renovating a kitchen, decorating several rooms or carrying out structural work, keeping furniture and possessions on site can get in the way.
Moving them into storage can help create a clearer working environment for contractors while protecting your belongings from the everyday dust, disruption and potential damage associated with building work.
A secure container can therefore be useful for both short-term renovation projects and longer refurbishments.
Business Storage: More Space Without Moving Premises
Storage containers are not just for homeowners. Businesses can also use them to create additional space without taking on larger commercial premises.
A 20ft container can provide valuable storage for:
Business stock
Trade materials
Tools
Equipment
Palleted goods
Office furniture
Archived documents
Seasonal inventory
Vehicle parts
Workshop supplies
This can be particularly useful for tradespeople, contractors, online retailers and growing businesses that need somewhere practical to keep stock or equipment.
South London Self Storage specifically provides commercial and business storage for stock, inventory, building materials, office equipment, archives and large-volume supplies.
Don't Forget About Accessibility
The amount of storage space is only part of the decision. Think about how frequently you will need to access your belongings. If you are storing furniture during a house move and do not expect to access it until the move is complete, your priorities may be different from those of a tradesperson who needs to collect tools and materials regularly.
This is where drive-up access can make a significant difference.
At South London Self Storage, customers can drive or reverse directly up to their storage container, with loading ramps available on site to assist with moving heavy or bulky items.
Being able to load and unload directly beside your container can make the process considerably more straightforward.
Think About How You Will Pack the Container
Once you have decided how much storage you need, think about how you are going to use the available space.
A few simple principles can make your container much easier to manage;
Create an inventory
Make a basic list of what you are storing. This will save you from having to search through dozens of boxes later.
Label your boxes clearly
Instead of writing "miscellaneous" on every box, use specific descriptions such as "Kitchen – glassware" or "Bedroom – winter clothes".
Put frequently needed items near the entrance
If you know you will need something regularly, do not bury it behind furniture and boxes.
Use sturdy boxes
Consistent box sizes are easier to stack and can make better use of vertical space.
Protect furniture
Use appropriate protective coverings and ensure belongings are dry before placing them into storage.
Leave sensible access routes
Maximising every centimetre of space is not necessarily the best approach if it means you cannot reach the items you need.
Why Ventilation Matters
When comparing storage containers, security is naturally an important consideration but the environment inside the container matters too. Temperature changes can contribute to condensation, which may create moisture-related problems for stored belongings. This is particularly relevant when storing furniture, paperwork, clothing, wooden items and business stock for extended periods.
South London Self Storage uses XL Vent containers with a ventilation system designed to improve airflow and reduce condensation. The company states that the system can provide up to eight times more ventilation than conventional containers, while its labyrinth design helps prevent rainwater and moisture from entering the unit.
The containers also feature heavy-duty rubber door seals designed to provide additional weather protection.
For anyone planning long-term storage, ventilation is therefore worth considering alongside the size and price of the unit.
Security Is Just as Important as Size
There is little value in choosing a large storage container if you are not confident that your belongings are being stored securely.
South London Self Storage's site in Dartford, Kent is protected by 24/7 monitored CCTV, electric security gates, keypad entry and password-controlled access.
When comparing storage facilities, look beyond the container itself and consider the security of the entire site.
Questions worth asking include:
Is the site gated?
Is CCTV monitored?
How is customer access controlled?
Is the storage area well maintained?
Can vehicles access the containers easily?
Are the containers weather protected?
These considerations can be particularly important when storing valuable household possessions, business stock or equipment.
Should You Choose a 20ft Container?
A 20ft container can be a good option if you have a substantial quantity of belongings but do not need an entire warehouse or commercial premises.
It may be particularly suitable if you are:
Moving house
Downsizing
Renovating
Decluttering
Storing furniture
Holding business stock
Running a trade business
Storing tools or equipment
Keeping archived business documents
Looking for longer-term storage
If you are unsure, it is worth discussing your requirements with the storage provider before booking.
It is much easier to choose the right space when you have explained exactly what you need to store.
How Long Do You Need Storage For?
The length of time you need storage can also influence your decision. Short-term storage may be appropriate for a house move, renovation or temporary business requirement. Longer-term storage can be useful for belongings that you do not need every day but are not ready to sell, dispose of or move elsewhere.
South London Self Storage offers flexible storage options, including discounts for longer-term bookings. Whatever the reason, it is sensible to think about your likely storage period before making a booking.
Why Choose South London Self Storage?
If you are looking for secure container storage in South London, South London Self Storage provides a practical option for both domestic and commercial customers.
The facility is located in Wilmington, Dartford, inside the M25 and close to the A2 and A20, making it accessible from many parts of South London, Kent and the surrounding areas.
Customers can benefit from:
20ft XL Qube storage containers
Approximately 160 square feet of storage space per container
Enhanced ventilation designed to reduce condensation
Easy-access container doors
Drive-up access
Loading ramps
24/7 monitored CCTV
Electric gated access
Flexible storage terms
Personal and business storage options
The facility serves customers across a wide range of South London and Kent locations, including Bexley, Crayford, Erith, Bexleyheath, Bromley, Greenwich, Woolwich, Lewisham, Chislehurst, Dartford and surrounding areas.
Finding the Right Storage Space
Choosing the right storage container is ultimately about more than square footage.
Think about what you are storing, how much you have, how frequently you need access and how long you expect to keep your belongings in storage.
For many households and businesses, a 20ft storage container offers a useful combination of generous capacity, accessibility and flexibility.
If you are moving home, renovating your property, running a growing business or simply need to reclaim valuable space, secure container storage could provide the extra room you need without the commitment of moving to larger premises.
Need Help Choosing the Right Storage Container?
If you are unsure what size storage container you need, South London Self Storage can discuss your requirements and help you find a practical solution.
The secure facility in Wilmington, Dartford provides convenient access from South London and Kent, with 20ft XL Vent containers available for household belongings, furniture, business stock, equipment and more.
Check prices and availability today or contact South London Self Storage to discuss your storage requirements.
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