Choosing the right portable storage container can feel like a guessing game.
VODS offers multiple container sizes so you can match your storage space to your move, renovation, or household project. Here is a practical guide to help you estimate which size may work best.
What Affects How Much a Container Can Hold?
The size of your home is a helpful starting point, but it is not the only factor.
The amount of space you need will also depend on:
- How much furniture you own
- Whether large pieces can be disassembled
- The number and size of your boxes
- Whether you are storing appliances
- How efficiently the container is packed
- Whether you are storing an entire household or only selected rooms
A lightly furnished two-bedroom home may require less space than a heavily furnished one-bedroom apartment.
10-Foot Portable Storage Container
A 10-foot container is a good choice for smaller projects and partial household storage.
It may work well for:
- A studio or small one-bedroom apartment
- Furniture from one or two rooms
- A kitchen or bathroom renovation
- Seasonal household storage
- Decluttering before listing a home
- A small office or business storage project
This size is also useful when you need temporary space but do not want a large container taking up your driveway.
16-Foot Portable Storage Container
A 16-foot container is a versatile middle option and may be suitable for many apartment and household moves.
It can be a good fit for:
- A one- or two-bedroom home
- Furniture and boxes from several rooms
- A larger renovation project
- Home staging and pre-sale decluttering
- Temporary storage between closing dates
- A moderate amount of business inventory
For many customers, this size provides a balance between capacity and driveway space.
20-Foot Portable Storage Container
A 20-foot container offers the most room and is designed for larger moves and storage projects.
It may be appropriate for:
- A larger two-bedroom home
- Some three-bedroom households
- A whole-home renovation
- Downsizing or estate transitions
- Large furniture collections
- Longer-term household or business storage
The exact amount it can hold depends heavily on how much furniture you have and how the container is loaded.
Packing Makes a Big Difference
The way a portable storage container is loaded can significantly affect how much fits inside.
To make the most of the available space:
- Disassemble tables, bed frames, and shelving when possible
- Use similarly sized boxes that stack securely
- Place heavier items on the bottom
- Use vertical space carefully
- Fill empty spaces inside dressers and cabinets
- Protect furniture with moving pads
- Distribute weight evenly throughout the container
Avoid simply placing items near the entrance and working backward without a plan. A well-organized container can hold much more than one packed at random.
Should You Choose a Larger Size?
When you are between two sizes, choosing the larger option may save you from needing a second container or making last-minute changes.
A larger container may be worthwhile when:
- You have bulky or unusually shaped furniture
- You are not sure how many boxes you will have
- Your move includes garage, basement, or attic contents
- You want extra room for easier loading
- Your belongings will be stored for an extended period
However, a smaller container may be perfectly adequate for a focused renovation or decluttering project.
Professional Loading Is Available
You do not have to figure it all out alone.
Backed by Viking Moving & Storage, VODS can provide professional packing and loading assistance for your VODS container. An experienced moving team can help protect your belongings, use the available space efficiently, and reduce the amount of lifting you need to do.
Find the Right VODS Size for Your Project
The best container size depends on what you are storing—not just the number of rooms in your home.
Tell us about your move, renovation, or storage needs, and the VODS team can help you select the most practical option.
Contact us today to request a quote and schedule your portable storage container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes do VODS containers come in?
VODS portable storage containers are available in 10-foot, 16-foot, and 20-foot sizes. The right option depends on the amount and type of belongings you plan to store.
Can a portable storage container hold an entire house?
In some cases, a larger container may hold the contents of a small or moderately furnished home. Larger households or homes with substantial furniture may require more than one container.
How do I know which container size I need?
Consider the number of rooms, amount of furniture, number of boxes, appliances, and any garage or basement contents. The VODS team can help you estimate the best size based on your specific project.
Can professionals load my VODS container?
Yes. Viking Moving & Storage offers professional packing and loading assistance so your belongings can be protected and the container space used efficiently.
