20ft Shipping Container Dimensions

20ft Container Dimensions

A standard 20ft container is the most common choice for international moves abroad, as it offers the balance of space and affordability. It’s a great option for smaller household moves or storage during temporary moves.

20ft Container External Dimensions:

• Length: 6.06 m (20 ft)
• Width: 2.44 m (8 ft)
• Height: 2.59 m (8 ft 6 in)

20ft Container Internal Dimensions:

• Length: 5.90 m
• Width: 2.34 m
• Height: 2.39 m

20ft Container Door Opening:

• Width: 2.34 m
• Height: 2.28 m

If you’re looking to move abroad with a 20ft shipping container, we suggest you fill in our quote form and request free moving quotes from some of the best international movers in Australia:

20ft High Cube Container Dimensions

The dimensions of a high cube container are similar to a standard 20ft container, but it offers extra height, making it ideal for moves with large, tall, and bulky furniture.

20ft High Cube Container External Dimensions:

• Length: 6.06 m (20 ft)
• Width: 2.44 m (8 ft)
• Height: 2.90 m (9 ft 6 in)

20ft High Cube Container Internal Dimensions:

• Length: 5.90 m
• Width: 2.34 m
• Height: 2.69 m

20ft High Cube Container Door Opening:

• Width: 2.34 m
• Height: 2.56 m

20 ft Container Volume & Capacity

What Can You Fit in a 20 ft Container?

A 20ft shipping container is a versatile and generally cost-effective option for moving overseas. As mentioned above, the 20ft shipping container has approximately 33 cubic metres of internal space. This is enough to fit the contents of:

• A 2–3 bedroom apartment, or
• Around 100 medium-sized moving boxes, or
• 10 standard pallets of goods (if you’re shipping commercial items)

What Household Items Fit in a 20ft Container?

Below we have listed an example of what can fit inside the 20ft shipping container in more detail:

Living Room Furniture

• 1x sofa (2 or 3-seater)
• Coffee table
• TV stand and television
• Shelves or bookcases
• Armchairs

Bedroom Furniture

• 1x queen bed frame and mattress
• 1x double bed or bunk bed
• Bedside tables
• Dresser or chest of drawers
• Clothes in boxes or vacuum bags

Kitchen & Dining

• Dining table and 4–6 chairs
• Kitchen appliances (microwave, toaster, etc.)
• Boxes of kitchenware (plates, pots, cutlery)

Household Appliances

• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Fridge (small to medium)

Miscellaneous

• Bicycles
• Garden tools
• Luggage
• 10–15 large moving boxes

Can You Fit a Car in a 20ft Container?

Yes, a standard 20ft container can fit a small car, but not much else at the same time. If you are looking to ship a car with your belongings, consider a 40-foot shipping container.

20 ft Standard Container vs. High Cube Container

The difference between a normal 20ft shipping container and a high cube shipping container is subtle. Still, the high cube containers generally require more clearance permits due to their larger size.

When to Choose a 20 ft Shipping Container

After reading about the dimensions and capacity of a 20ft shipping container, you might still feel hesitant about when to choose it for your move. Generally, it’s optimal for a lower-cost move while still offering a good amount of space for your belongings.

So, when should you opt for a 20ft container? Below we have listed some examples:

• Couples or small families moving from a 1-3 bedroom house
• Professionals or expats moving with a home office and belongings
• Sending partial shipments to properties abroad
• Long-term storage abroad for furniture
• Moving with minimal furniture or a few items

20ft Container Shipping for Moving Abroad

Some of the most popular destinations for 20ft container shipping moves are listed below. If you’re looking for more information regarding costs, take a look at our container shipping costs page.

*Disclaimer: These times are mere estimates and can differ based on natural causes and routes