Learn how much furniture can fit in a 20 foot container. Dimensions, volume, CBM, packing tips, and examples for international moves.
Why 20 Foot Containers Are Popular
When planning an international move or a large domestic relocation, one of the most common questions people ask is: how much furniture can fit in a 20 foot container? The 20ft shipping container is one of the most widely used units in global logistics. It offers a balance between cost and capacity, making it an ideal choice for small households, apartment moves, or businesses shipping goods overseas.
In this article, we’ll break down the exact dimensions, volume, furniture load examples, CBM (cubic meter) calculations, packing strategies, and costs. Whether you’re relocating from Canada to Europe, shipping furniture overseas for resale, or planning an intermodal move, this guide will give you a clear picture of how much space you really get.
Dimensions and Capacity of a 20 Foot Container
A standard 20 foot container has the following internal dimensions:
| Measurement | Approximate Size |
|---|---|
| Internal Length | 5.9 m / 19.4 ft |
| Internal Width | 2.35 m / 7.7 ft |
| Internal Height | 2.39 m / 7.9 ft |
| Total Volume | 33.2 cubic meters (CBM) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | ~28,000 kg (61,729 lbs) |
With a total space of 33 CBM, a 20 foot container can hold the contents of a typical 2–3 bedroom apartment, depending on the type of furniture and packing method used.
Examples of What Fits in a 20 Foot Container
Here is an approximate breakdown of what you can load:
- Living Room: 1 sofa, 2 armchairs, coffee table, TV stand, television, floor lamps.
- Dining Room: 1 dining table with 6 chairs, sideboard or buffet.
- Bedrooms: 2 double beds (dismantled), 2 wardrobes, nightstands, dressers, bedding boxes.
- Kitchen: Small appliances (microwave, toaster, blender), 10–15 boxes of kitchenware.
- Miscellaneous: 15–20 medium cartons, 10 large cartons, bicycles, baby stroller.
In most cases, a 20 foot container is sufficient for the furniture and belongings of a small family or a couple relocating internationally.
Packing Tips for Maximizing Space
While a 20 foot shipping container has a fixed volume, the way you pack determines how much furniture will actually fit.
- Disassemble bulky furniture (beds, tables, wardrobes).
- Use stackable, uniform-sized boxes.
- Place heavier items at the bottom, lighter and fragile items on top.
- Fill empty gaps with soft items (pillows, blankets).
- Avoid leaving air pockets between items.
Professional Packaging Solutions
For maximum efficiency and safety, professional crating and export packaging is highly recommended:
- Crating & Export Packaging Services — Protects fragile and oversized furniture.
- Custom Crating — Tailor-made wooden crates designed for specific furniture dimensions.
- Onsite Packaging — Items packed and crated at your location before loading.
These solutions not only maximize container space but also ensure compliance with international shipping standards (ISPM-15 certified crates).
Cost Considerations for 20 Foot Container Moves
The cost of shipping a 20 foot container varies depending on:
- Origin and destination country/port.
- Mode of transport (ocean freight, rail, trucking).
- Time of year (peak season vs. off-season).
- Packing method (self-pack vs. professional crating).
Example: A 20 foot container from Canada to Europe typically costs between $2,500–$4,500, excluding inland trucking and customs fees.
Using professional crating services can reduce damages and insurance claims, saving money long-term.
20 Foot Container vs 40 Foot Container
| Feature | 20 Foot Container | 40 Foot Container |
| Volume | 33 CBM | 67 CBM |
| Typical Use | 2–3 bedroom home | 4–5 bedroom home |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Maneuverability | Easier to transport | Requires more space |
For most small to medium relocations, a 20 foot container is the more economical choice.
Room-by-Room Breakdown: How Much Furniture Fits in a 20ft Container
Understanding how much furniture can fit in a 20 foot container is easier if we look room by room.
| Room | Typical Furniture | Estimated Space Used (CBM) |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Sofa, 2 chairs, coffee table, TV stand | 6–7 CBM |
| Dining Room | Table + 6 chairs, buffet/sideboard | 5–6 CBM |
| Bedroom 1 | Queen bed (dismantled), wardrobe, dresser | 6 CBM |
| Bedroom 2 | Bed, nightstand, small wardrobe | 4–5 CBM |
| Kitchen | Refrigerator, washer, 10–15 boxes | 5 CBM |
| Miscellaneous | 20–30 moving boxes, bikes, stroller | 5–6 CBM |
👉 Together this equals roughly 33 CBM — the exact usable volume of a 20ft container.
Common Mistakes When Loading a 20ft Container
Even though a 20 foot container can fit an entire small household, poor packing can waste space or cause damage.
Typical mistakes:
- Not dismantling furniture (beds, wardrobes, dining tables).
- Using irregular-sized boxes that don’t stack well.
- Leaving gaps that let items shift during transit.
- Skipping professional packaging for fragile furniture.
✅ To avoid these mistakes, Metropolitan Logistics offers:
- Crating & Export Packaging — secure international-standard packaging.
- Custom Crating — wooden crates built exactly to your furniture dimensions.
- Onsite Packaging — our team packs your goods at your home or warehouse.
With professional support, you’ll maximize how much furniture fits in a 20 foot container and ensure everything arrives safely.
Conclusion: Is a 20 Foot Container Right for You?
A 20 foot container is ideal for small families, individuals relocating abroad, and businesses shipping medium volumes. With 33 CBM of capacity, it can fit furniture from a 2–3 bedroom home when properly packed.
For maximum efficiency:
- Disassemble furniture.
- Use uniform boxes.
- Consider professional crating & packaging services to save space and protect valuables.
📞 Call us at +1 (365) 829 5000 or email service@metropolitanlogistics.ca to request your custom quote. You can also submit a request directly here: Rate Request.
