Choose a 20ft container for home and small-business storage; choose a 40ft for commercial, industrial, or farm volume. A 40ft holds double the floor space of a 20ft (about 320 sq ft vs 160 sq ft) but costs less than double — so it’s the better value per square foot if you have the space and truck access for it. Here’s the full comparison.
20ft vs 40ft at a Glance
| 20ft standard | 40ft standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 20 feet | 40 feet |
| Width | 8 feet | 8 feet |
| Height | 8’6” | 8’6” |
| Interior floor | ~160 sq ft | ~320 sq ft |
| Holds | ~2–3 bedroom home | ~4–5 bedroom home / commercial |
| Space to place | ~24 ft run | ~44 ft run |
| Cost per sq ft | Higher | Lower (best value) |
Both are 8 feet wide and 8’6” tall — the only difference is length. Need more height instead of length? A 40ft high cube adds a foot (9’6”); see what size container you need.
When to Choose the 20ft
The 20ft is our most popular size for good reason:
- Home and residential storage — holds a 2–3 bedroom household’s contents.
- Tight or urban sites — needs far less room to place and maneuver.
- Small business — inventory, tools, seasonal stock.
- Easier to reposition — lighter and shorter if you ever move it.
See the 20ft standard container.
When to Choose the 40ft
Step up to a 40ft when volume or value drives the decision:
- Commercial and industrial — larger inventory, equipment, materials.
- Agriculture — grain, equipment, and supplies for a farm or acreage.
- Best cost per square foot — you get twice the space without twice the price.
- Container conversions — more room for an office, shop, or workspace.
See the 40ft standard container.
The Deciding Factor: Space and Access
The 40ft is the better value — but only if you can place it. On a Saskatchewan yard or acreage, access often decides the size:
- A 40ft needs roughly 44 feet of clear length plus room for the tilt-deck truck to maneuver.
- Soft spring ground, tight gates, or a short approach can rule out a 40ft even when you have room to store one.
- Two 20ft containers give you flexibility to place storage in two spots — but you pay delivery twice.
When in doubt, ask us — we deliver across the province and can tell you what will actually fit your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 40ft container double the price of a 20ft? No. A 40ft holds double the floor space but costs less than double, which makes it the better value per square foot — if you have the room and access.
How much can a 20ft vs 40ft container hold? A 20ft (~160 sq ft) roughly holds a 2–3 bedroom home’s contents; a 40ft (~320 sq ft) holds closer to a 4–5 bedroom home or commercial-scale storage.
How much space do I need for a 40ft container? About 44 feet of clear straight length to place it, plus maneuvering room for the delivery truck and firm, level ground.
Should I buy two 20ft containers or one 40ft? One 40ft is usually cheaper per square foot and one delivery. Two 20ft units cost more per square foot and two deliveries, but let you place storage in two locations.
Still deciding between 20ft and 40ft? Get a quote and advice or call 1-844-473-2226. We deliver both across Saskatchewan.
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Whether you need a container for storage, construction, or a creative project, we're here to help you find the perfect solution.
