How to choose the right shipping container,One of the most common questions we get at AMG Shipping Container is: “What size do I actually need?” It sounds simple, but pick too small and you’re out of space by week two. Pick too large and you’re paying for a lot of empty steel. Here’s a straightforward guide to help Perth homeowners and businesses choose the right container size from the start.
The Three Standard Sizes — A Quick Overview
Shipping containers in Perth typically come in three standard sizes:
• 10ft containers — compact and easy to position in tight spaces
• 20ft containers — the most popular all-rounder
• 40ft containers — maximum storage for large-scale needs
Each has a sweet spot in terms of use case, so let’s go through them one by one.
10ft Shipping Containers
Dimensions (approx): 3m long × 2.4m wide × 2.6m high
Internal volume: Around 14–15 cubic metres
The 10ft container is the smallest standard size available and is ideal when you need secure storage but don’t have a lot of room to work with. In Perth, where some residential blocks — particularly in inner suburbs — have limited rear access or narrow driveways, a 10ft container can be the only practical option.
Best for:
• Garden tool and equipment storage
• Small business stock overflow
• Tight residential blocks with limited space
• Short-term hire during a renovation
Worth knowing: Because of its compact footprint, a 10ft container is much easier to move and reposition if your needs change. It can often be placed in spots where a 20ft or 40ft simply won’t fit.
20ft Shipping Containers
Dimensions (approx): 6m long × 2.4m wide × 2.6m high
Internal volume: Around 33 cubic metres
The 20ft container is the most popular choice in Perth — and for good reason. It offers a genuinely useful amount of space without being so large that it dominates your property or creates access headaches. If you’re unsure which size to go with, the 20ft is almost always a safe starting point.
Best for:
• Full household contents during a move or renovation
• On-site storage for tradies and construction sites
• Small business inventory and equipment
• Container conversions (site offices, workshops, studios)
• Medium-term hire or long-term purchase
Worth knowing: A standard 20ft container fits comfortably on most Perth residential properties with driveway access. It’s the size most commonly converted into offices, pop-up shops, and granny flats, thanks to its manageable proportions and wide availability of modification options.
40ft Shipping Containers
Dimensions (approx): 12m long × 2.4m wide × 2.6m high
Internal volume: Around 67 cubic metres
The 40ft container is the full-length, maximum-capacity option. It’s used where volume is the priority — large businesses, industrial sites, farms, and anyone moving or storing a significant amount of goods. It’s double the length of a 20ft, but doesn’t cost double, which makes it good value per cubic metre when you genuinely need the space.
Best for:
• Large commercial and industrial storage
• Farming and agricultural equipment
• Large-scale renovations or building projects
• Freight and export use
• Bigger container conversion projects (homes, large offices)
Worth knowing: Delivery of a 40ft container in Perth requires a truck with adequate turning space. Before ordering, make sure your site has clear, straight access of at least 20 metres for the truck and container to manoeuvre. This is the most common issue we see with 40ft deliveries — tight access that wasn’t checked beforehand.
High Cube Containers — What’s the Difference?
You may also come across “high cube” versions of 20ft and 40ft containers. These are an extra 30cm taller than a standard container, giving you approximately 2.7m of internal height instead of 2.4m.
High cube containers are worth considering if you’re storing tall equipment or machinery, or if you’re converting the container into a liveable or workable space where ceiling height matters for comfort.
How to Choose: Three Questions to Ask Yourself
If you’re still not sure which size is right for your situation, work through these three questions:
- How much are you storing?
Do a rough count of what’s going in. A 20ft container fits the contents of a 3-bedroom home. A 40ft fits considerably more. If you’re only storing a few pieces of equipment or furniture, a 10ft may be all you need. - What access does your site have?
Perth properties vary a lot — from large blocks in the outer suburbs to narrow lots closer to the city. Check your driveway width and length before committing to a 40ft. When in doubt, ask us — we can advise on access requirements before delivery. - Are you planning to modify the container?
If you’re converting it into an office, studio, or living space, the 20ft is the most common choice because it’s the most widely supported by modification specialists. For larger conversion projects, a 40ft gives you more room to work with.
Still Not Sure? Talk to Our Team
Choosing the wrong size is one of the most avoidable mistakes when buying or hiring a container. At AMG Shipping Container, our Perth-based team can walk you through the options based on exactly what you need — no upselling, just practical advice.
Whether you need a compact 10ft for a tight backyard or a full 40ft for a commercial site, we’ve got new and used options available with fast delivery across the Perth metro area.
Contact us today to get a quote or ask any questions before you commit.