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A 20ft shipping container is one of the most popular and versatile container sizes available in the UK. Whether you are moving house, storing business equipment, or investing in a container conversion such as a workshop, laboratory, or plant room, understanding the capacity of a 20ft container will help you choose the right solution for your needs.

At S Jones Containers, we have supplied 20ft containers across Great Britain for over 40 years, providing secure storage units and bespoke conversions to homeowners, businesses, and industries nationwide.

Why Choose a 20ft Shipping Container?

The 20ft container sits in the middle of the standard range (10ft, 20ft, 40ft), making it the ideal balance between capacity, affordability, and flexibility. For storage, it offers enough space for the contents of a two- to three-bedroom home or a significant amount of business stock. For conversions, the 20ft footprint provides a practical size for modular builds such as:

  • Laboratories for R&D
  • Workshops for engineering or fabrication
  • Plant rooms for utilities and equipment housing
  • Switchgear units for electrical installations
  • Site offices for construction projects

Because of their manageable size, 20ft units are easier to deliver, install, and repurpose than 40ft containers while offering far more usable space than a 10ft option.

Shipping Container Sizes Compared

To put a 20ft container into perspective, here is how it compares to other sizes commonly available in the UK:

  • 10ft container: 560ft³
  • 10ft high cube container: 630ft³
  • 20ft container: 1,160ft³
  • 20ft high cube container: 1,310ft³
  • 40ft container: 2,360ft³
  • 40ft high cube container: 2,660ft³

This makes the 20ft container the most popular choice for customers who need a practical amount of space without committing to the footprint of a 40ft unit.

Dimensions of a 20ft Shipping Container

A standard 20ft container offers:

  • 150ft² floor area
  • 1,160ft³ volume
  • Approx. 2.4 tonnes in weight
  • 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in dimensions

A 20ft high cube container provides an extra foot in height, ideal for taller storage items or conversions requiring additional headroom:

  • 150ft² floor area
  • 1,310ft³ volume
  • Approx. 2.4 tonnes in weight
  • 20ft x 8ft x 9ft 6in dimensions

How Much Can You Fit in a 20ft Shipping Container?

It can be difficult to visualise how much a 20ft container holds. Here are some examples:

  • 25 three-seater sofas
  • 23 wardrobes
  • 58 washing machines or dishwashers
  • 19 dining tables with chairs
  • 21 fridge freezers
  • 193 bicycles
  • 12 double beds with mattresses

Or, if you prefer fun comparisons:

  • 2 cars
  • 7,816 reams of paper
  • 9,600 bottles of wine
  • 48,000 bananas

Packed efficiently, a 20ft container can hold the contents of a typical family home, making it perfect for moving house or storing belongings during renovations.

Storing the Contents of a Home in a 20ft Container

For domestic storage, a 20ft unit is large enough for items such as:

  • Sofa, armchair, and coffee table
  • Dining table with chairs
  • Double and single beds with mattresses
  • Wardrobes and dressing tables
  • Appliances including washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer, and microwave
  • Baby’s crib and office desk
  • TVs, stereo systems, bicycles, rugs, and storage boxes

This versatility explains why many customers choose a 20ft container as a cost-effective alternative to traditional self-storage facilities.

Beyond Storage: 20ft Container Conversions

While 20ft containers are widely used for storage, they are also the foundation of container conversions. With professional modifications, a standard shipping container can be transformed into:

  • Laboratories: Secure, insulated, and fully fitted for R&D or testing.
  • Workshops: Durable spaces with electrical fit-outs and reinforced flooring.
  • Plant rooms: Housing boilers, water treatment systems, or electrical equipment.
  • Site offices and welfare units: Comfortable workspaces for construction sites.
  • Retail kiosks or pop-up spaces: Compact units for events or seasonal businesses.

The 20ft size is especially attractive for conversions because it provides enough internal space for specialist equipment while remaining compact enough for transport and installation on most sites.

Who Uses 20ft Containers?

  • Homeowners needing short-term storage during a move or renovation.
  • Retailers and SMEs storing stock, seasonal products, or event equipment.
  • Construction firms requiring secure site offices, workshops, or welfare units.
  • Industrial operators housing switchgear, generators, or control rooms.

Hire or Buy a 20ft Container in Great Britain

At S Jones Containers, we supply 20ft shipping containers for hire and sale across Great Britain, including Birmingham, London, Manchester, and the South. We also design and deliver custom conversions to meet specialist business requirements.

When you work with us, you benefit from:

  • Flexible hire terms tailored to your project.
  • Secure, weatherproof containers with lockboxes.
  • Nationwide delivery and installation.
  • Expert advice from our experienced team.

Get a Quote for a 20ft Container Today

Looking for reliable 20ft shipping containers in the UK? Whether you need a simple storage unit or a fully customised container conversion, our experts are here to help.

Call us on 01922 741751 or request a free online quote today to get started.


S Jones Containers Ltd

Anglian Road,
Aldridge, Walsall,
West Midlands,
WS9 8ET

Company Reg Number: 3747019
VAT Number: 729700231

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