If you’re planning a move or international shipment in 2025, you’re probably asking: how much furniture can fit in a 20-foot container?
The short answer: A 20-foot container holds enough furniture for a 1–2 bedroom apartment or roughly 28–30 cubic meters of volume. But the full answer depends on weight, shape, and how well the items are packed.
Let’s break down exactly what a 20-foot container offers, how it compares to your needs, and what you should know before loading it.
Interior Dimensions: How Wide Is a 20-Foot Shipping Container?
Understanding size is key. So first: how wide is a 20-foot shipping container?
| Dimension | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Length | 5.9 m | 19.4 ft |
| Internal Width | 2.35 m | 7.7 ft |
| Internal Height | 2.39 m | 7.9 ft |
| Volume | ~33.1 m³ | ~1,170 cubic ft |
This space can be optimized with good stacking and disassembly of furniture.
Volume Breakdown: How Many Cubic Meters in a 20-Foot Container?
There are approximately 33.1 cubic meters in a standard 20-foot container. However, the usable volume is closer to 28–30 m³, depending on how efficiently the furniture is packed and whether it’s palletized or loose-loaded.
To visualize:
- 1 standard Euro pallet: ~0.8m³
- A disassembled bed frame: ~1.5–2m³
- Sofa (3-seater): ~2.5–3m³
- Kitchen table + 4 chairs: ~2m³
You could fit:
- 1 queen-size bed
- 1 couch
- Dining table & chairs
- Washing machine
- 10–15 moving boxes
Weight Limits: How Many Tons Does a 20-Foot Container Hold?
A 20-foot container can hold up to 28,000 kg (28 tons) gross weight. But that’s the total, including the container’s own weight. The net cargo weight is around 25,000 kg (25 tons).
How much does a 20-foot shipping container weigh empty? The container itself weighs roughly 2,200–2,400 kg (2.2–2.4 tons).
Keep in mind:
- Residential furniture is typically lighter than industrial goods
- Overweight cargo may be rejected by some ports or carriers
Planning Your Load: Real Examples
Here’s a typical residential load that fits in a 20-foot container:
| Item | Quantity | Estimated Volume (m³) |
| Queen Bed (disassembled) | 1 | 1.8 |
| 3-Seater Couch | 1 | 2.7 |
| Coffee Table | 1 | 0.5 |
| Bookshelves | 2 | 1.2 |
| Dining Table + Chairs | 1 set | 2.0 |
| Washing Machine | 1 | 0.6 |
| Boxes (medium) | 20 | 5.0 |
| TOTAL | — | ~13.8 m³ |
Even this moderate load fills less than 50% of the volume, so there’s room to spare for bikes, seasonal gear, and more.
Tips for Maximizing Your Space
- Disassemble bulky furniture to save space
- Use uniform boxes for easier stacking
- Avoid wasted vertical space — stack to the ceiling if weight allows
- Leave access gaps if partial unloading is planned
Working with a freight forwarder or professional packer can help you make the most of every cubic meter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how much furniture can fit in a 20-foot container, the answer is: more than most people think. With 28–30 usable cubic meters and 25 tons of cargo capacity, a 20ft container is ideal for:
- Apartment relocations
- Partial household moves
- Small commercial deliveries
- Exporting consolidated freight
For reliable 20ft container transport across Canada, trust Metropolitan Logistics — your partner in efficient, professional shipping.
🚚 Ready to Move?
We handle:
- Container delivery & pickup
- Freight forwarding & customs support
- City-to-port and door-to-door logistics
Get a Quote for Your 20ft Container
