Choosing the right shipping container size can feel like uncharted territory, especially if you’ve never hired one before.
At Boxman, we help residential and business customers make this call every day. In this quick guide, we go over the common shipping container sizes and how to choose the right one.
Shipping Container Size Overview
In New Zealand, the most common options for shipping container hire are 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft. These sizes cover most storage needs, from short-term personal storage to large-scale storage for businesses.
Below, you can find a snapshot of their dimensions and internal storage volume to help you visualise what each size:
Shipping container size | Dimensions (approx.) | Internal storage volume | Rough capacity guide |
10ft | 2.99m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H) | 15.9m³ | 30–35 large moving boxes |
20ft | 6.10m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H) | 33.1m³ | 65–75 large moving boxes 2-3 bedroom house |
40ft | 12.19m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H) | 67.7m³ | 130–150 large moving boxes 4-5+ bedroom house |
How to Choose the Right Container Size for Hire
The trick is not to start with the container, but with what you’re storing.
1. Start by Estimating Your Volume
Before you think about measurements, think about the things you need to store. Mentally group everything into:
- big, awkward items like couches, fridges, workbenches, or machinery
- medium items like desks, shelving, tool cabinets, or appliances
- boxes and loose items
Boxes stack easily and take up less space than you might expect. Bulky items like furniture, equipment, and appliances are what use up the room.
Keep in mind that when your goods are spread across your house, garage, or worksite, they usually look a lot more than what they do once you pack them logically into a container.
2. Match Your Contents to a Container Size
Once you have a rough idea:
- A 10ft shipping container usually suits a single bedroom, studio contents, tools, or overflow stock
- A 20ft shipping container typically works well for garage contents or mixed household and business storage
- A 40ft shipping container is often the go for full household moves or large-scale commercial stock
For many of our personal and business customers, the 20ft option offers the best balance between space and cost.
3. Avoid Paying for Unused Space
Container hire costs increase with size. If you book a larger unit, you pay for the full footprint, even if you don’t use it.
And it’s not just the weekly hire rate. A 40ft container can also cost more to transport and position. It’s longer, heavier, and needs more space on site. That can affect delivery logistics and access.
Choosing the smallest container that fits your items properly is usually the most cost-effective move. Hiring bigger ‘just in case’ often means paying more in hire and delivery without getting real benefit from the extra space.
4. Consider Site Space and Access
This part sometimes gets forgotten about. Choosing the right shipping container size goes beyond internal storage volume. You also need to think about access and placement.
Smaller containers are much easier to place on residential driveways and small sites, or in busy commercial locations. Bigger containers need more space for delivery and positioning.
Shipping Containers for Hire NZ
Whether you’re a homeowner after temporary storage for renovations, a tradie wanting to keep their tools safe, or a business managing excess stock, getting your hire container size right saves time, money, and stress.
At Boxman, we’re proud to be the longest-standing shipping container sale, hire, and self-storage company in New Zealand. If you’re looking for a quality shipping container for hire and want practical advice before booking, get in touch with us today.
