How to Choose the Right Size Shipping Container

When buying or hiring a shipping or sea container, one of the first questions to consider is what size you need. Your size will depend on what you plan to store in your onsite storage container. Our experts at True Blue Containers have outlined some general advice to help you decide how big—or small—you want your shipping container to be.

Shipping containers are available in standard sizes, which can help make your onsite storage container decision easier.

Standard Shipping Containers: 8ft 6in high and either 20ft or 40ft long. However, smaller shipping containers (10ft or 8ft), are also available.

High-Cube Shipping Containers: 9ft 6in high and are usually 20ft or 40ft long, although they can be found in shorter lengths if needed.

Different container types:

• Dry storage containers (also sometimes called cargo containers) are made of marine-grade steel
• Refrigerated containers are lined with stainless steel.

Containers may be described as different types based on where their doors are located and whether the walls and/or ceiling can be collapsed. For example:

• a flat rack container has no sides for easy loading
• an open top container has a removable top
• a double-door container has doors on each ends of the container.
• a open side container has a door entry the complete length of one side of the container

What size shipping container should I rent in Perth?

Choosing the size of your shipping container rental depends on two main things:

1. How you plan to use the shipping container rental
2. How much space you have for the shipping container rental

If you are buying a container for onsite storage, consider the number of items you are storing and their sizes. 

40ft shipping containers

A 40ft shipping container for storage in Perth gives ample space for bulkier items such as household furniture or office furniture like desks, chairs, filing cabinets. This makes them ideal if you need to store furniture while renovating your home or business premises.

If you’re looking for long-term storage, a 40ft shipping container can sit comfortably on a block while in use, which can be cost-effective and convenient if you need to regularly access the items inside it.

20-foot shipping containers

A 20-foot shipping container is excellent for storing fewer or smaller items. It offers roughly the same amount of storage as a standard single garage, but it is much easier to access, and you can put it away from your home if you need to. It’s a great option for storing garden machinery, tools, and belongings clogging up your garage, such as bikes, larger garden toys, garden furniture, BBQs. 20-foot shipping containers are excellent for schools looking to store surplus furniture and sports equipment onsite.

With clever racking, a 20-foot x 20-foot shipping container can hold all kinds of items, such as paint cans and DIY equipment, which can be stacked neatly away until needed.

For commercial storage, 20-foot shipping containers are very popular with tradespeople who need a secure place to protect their valuable tools. 20-foot containers are also ideal for stock rooms and storage for additional items for online businesses and market traders.

10-ft shipping containers

10ft shipping containers are perfect for storing smaller items with limited space. They are a fantastic secure storage option for collectors, mobile hairdressers, and beauticians without business premises who need somewhere to keep their stock.

Shipping container sizes for conversion projects

Are you looking for a shipping container to convert into a workshop, garden bar, or similar space? The size will depend largely on your plans for the finished product and where you will place the container.

• 40ft shipping containers are well suited to more ambitious conversion projects.
• 20-foot shipping containers are excellent for smaller commercial bar conversions, catering kiosks, beachside coffee shops, and office spaces. True Blue Containers can also convert them to add insulation, electricity, windows, and high-security personnel doors, ensuring you get what you need for your business.
• 10ft shipping containers are perfect for garden offices, home workshops, and bars. Their smaller size makes them easier to fit into a standard residential garden.

If you are unsure about the size of the shipping container you need, please get in touch with us. Our helpful team can explain your options.

How much does a shipping container cost?

The price of shipping containers, whether new or used, depends on several factors. Things to consider when it comes to how much a shipping container costs include:

1. Size and shape
2. Extra features (windows, doors, refrigeration)
3. Condition
4. Inspection/safety certificates
5. Delivery location
6. Rental period

As a general guide, renting standard 20-foot shipping container for more than 6 months will cost you around $150 per month. If you’re looking for something bigger, like a 40-foot refrigerated container, the cost can be up to $1,100 per month.

Why choose True Blue Containers for your shipping container in Perth?

True Blue Containers is a passionate shipping container provider that offers top-quality storage solutions for commercial, consumer, and heavy industry requirements. 

Whatever the size, need, and modification you have in mind for your shipping container, our Perth-based experts can help fulfil your storage specifications. We offer a range of modified shipping containers for hire or sale.

Give us a call or leave us a message and let our True Blue Containers team take care of your sea container needs.