Different Sized Shipping Containers for Hire in Melbourne

You might have heard of shipping containers (yes, the ones on the docks!). But, do you know that they are also used as a storage unit? Yeah, they are quite popular as portable storage in Melbourne.

The best thing is, you are also able to rent these shipping containers to store your belongings or even your cars inside a storage unit.

In this article, we’ll explore the different shipping container sizes, how to utilise them to the maximum, and what size suits you the most.

But first, let’s learn how shipping container storage works.

Shipping Container Storage Explained

Shipping containers, or storage containers are containers that are rented for people to use for storage. These containers can store anything, even something as large as cars.

Different from the self-storage facilities, portable storage containers are literally portable. They will be attached to the back of a truck and delivered to you.

Then, you can load your things inside until you are satisfied. After that, the truck will drive directly to the storage facility to store. 

It is a simple system that is designed to solve your storage problems.

Shipping Container Sizes

Everyone has different storage needs. A household of 4 people and a uni student won’t have the same amount of stuff, right?

That’s why the portable storage industry promotes four standard sizes to cater to all needs. Those sizes are (Length x Width x Height);

• 6ft containers = 2.6 m x 1.8 m x 2.4m = 10 cubic metres capacity = $22.95 per week
• 8ft containers: 2.3 m x 2.1 m x 2.4 m = 11.5 cubic metres capacity = $29.95 per week
• 10ft containers: 3 m x 2.4 m x 2.6 m = 16-19 cubic metres capacity = $34.95 per week
• 20ft containers: 6 m x 2.4 m x 2.6 m = 32-38 cubic metres capacity = $59.95 per week

By looking at the size breakdown, you can visualise how big the storage container is and what size you might need for your use. 

Why Do You Need the Right Size?

Imagine if you are moving from your 4-bedroom house. You want the cheap option, so you decided to call for the smallest container. When the container arrives, you find out that the container can only fit around 2 beds and a bunch of furniture.

Then, you will be forced to rent another unit to fit all your things, because the first one can’t be cancelled. As a result, you have a problem on top of a problem.

The same problem can happen for people who rashly hire the biggest container when they have only little belongings to store. Not only do they have too much space, they also risk things bumping into each other because the insides are not compact enough to not jostle each other.

Therefore, it is crucial to know what size you need.

How to Choose the Right Size for My Things?

Each container has its own benefits for a different target audience. Therefore, let us list which group of people a container is most suited for.

• 6ft containers: young couples, students, single workers, and small businesses.
• 8ft containers: sharehouse, small businesses, and small offices.
• 10ft containers: offices for seasonal storing and small families.
• 20ft containers: car owners, four-people families, medium to big businesses.

From the list, you can get a gist of how much the unit can hold. However, if you want to be 100% sure, you can count the cubic metres (m3) of your things.

For example, you are roommates who share a 2 bedroom apartment. You are going to move to another house, and after taking inventory, you decided to store 2 single mattresses, 2 study chairs, 2 small bookcases, and 10 boxes. 

All these things have their length, width, and height. Use the L x W x H formula to determine the cubic metres of each of your things. Remember to convert them to metres.

• 2 single mattress 

Each: 190 cm x 92cm x 30 cm = 1.9 m x 0.92 m x 0.3 m

1.9 m x 0.92 m x 0.3 m = 0.53 m3 for one mattress

The cubic metres for 2 mattress is: 1.06 m3

• 2 study chairs

Each: 58 cm x 58 cm x 98 cm = 0.58 m x 0.58 m x 0.98 m

0.58 m x 0.58 m x 0.98 m = 0.33 m3 for one chair

The cubic metres for 2 chairs is: 0.66 m3

• 2 small bookcases

Each: 80 cm x 36 cm x 81 cm = 0.8 m x 0.36 m x 0.81 m

0.8 m x 0.36 m x 0.81 m = 0.23 m3 for one bookcase

The cubic metres for 2 bookcases is: 0.46 m3

• 20 boxes 

Each: 55 cm x 35 cm x 30 cm = 0.55 m x 0.35 m x 0.3 m

0.55 m x 0.35 m x 0.3 m = 0.058 m3 per box

The cubic metres for 20 boxes is: 1.16 m3

The total cubic metres for all those things are just 3.34 m3. That means, you can choose the smallest unit (6ft) and still have a lot of space to spare!

Conclusion

Shipping containers are famous as a storage solution and they come with a variety of sizes. It is crucial to choose the right size for your needs.

You don’t want to end up with too little or too much space. Hence, it’s better to know exactly how much space your things need.

The easiest way is to ask the storage company about the container capacity and calculate the cubic metres of your stuff. That way, you know exactly how much you need.

Shipping container storage is made for your convenience. Lose the stress and store your things with this mobile containers now!