Shipping Container Costs

Key Points

A standard 20ft shipping container holds the contents of a 2–3 bedroom house
A 40ft shipping container holds the contents of a 4–5 bedroom house
Buying a used 20ft container costs £1,200–£2,500; a new one costs £3,500–£5,000
Hiring a container for on-site storage costs approximately £50–£150 per month depending on size and location
International shipping in a 20ft FCL container costs £2,000–£8,000+ depending on destination
For small loads, LCL (groupage) is cheaper than paying for a full container

Shipping Container Sizes Explained

Container Size	Internal Volume	Typical Load	Property Equivalent
10ft container	14–15 m³	Small storage or 1-bed flat contents	Studio / 1-bed
20ft container	28–33 m³	Most 2–3 bed house contents	2–3 bed house
40ft container	60–67 m³	Large family home contents	4–5 bed house
40ft High Cube	76 m³	Very large moves or items needing extra height	5+ bed / specialist items

Buying a Shipping Container: Costs

Container	Used (wind/watertight)	Used (good condition)	New / One Trip
10ft	£700–£1,200	£1,000–£1,800	£2,000–£3,000
20ft	£1,200–£2,000	£1,800–£2,500	£3,500–£5,000
40ft	£1,800–£3,000	£2,500–£3,800	£5,500–£8,000

Prices exclude delivery to your site (add £150–£500 depending on distance and access). A 'One Trip' container has made a single sea crossing and is nearly new condition.

Hiring a Container for On-Site Storage: Costs

If you need temporary storage during a house move — for example, between completing on a sale and the new purchase — a portable storage container delivered to your property can be a cost-effective solution.

Container Size	Monthly Hire	Delivery & Collection	Best For
8ft / 10ft	£50–£90/month	£100–£200	1-bed flat; garage overflow
20ft	£80–£150/month	£150–£300	2–3 bed house; renovation storage
40ft	£120–£200/month	£200–£400	4–5 bed house; commercial storage

You'll need adequate access (hard standing or driveway) and sufficient space. Some councils require planning permission for on-site containers if left for more than 28 days — check with your local authority.

Shipping a Container Internationally: Costs

If you're moving abroad, the removal firm arranges shipping through a container freight service. The key costs are:

Route	20ft FCL	40ft FCL	LCL (per m³)
UK to Europe (road)	£1,500–£3,500	£2,500–£5,500	£80–£180/m³
UK to USA	£3,000–£6,000	£5,000–£9,500	£150–£280/m³
UK to Australia	£4,500–£8,000	£7,000–£13,000	£180–£320/m³
UK to UAE	£3,500–£6,500	£5,500–£10,000	£160–£290/m³

Freight costs only — does not include origin/destination packing, customs clearance, local delivery, insurance, or import duties.

Should You Buy or Hire a Container?

🏠 Buy if…

You need long-term storage (6+ months)
You have land or drive to keep it on
You want a workshop, garden room, or commercial use
Hiring costs would exceed purchase price over time

📋 Hire if…

You need short-term storage (1–6 months)
You don't have permanent space for a container
You want flexibility to return it when done
Planning permission is a concern

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for a container on my property?

For temporary storage (under 28 days), no planning permission is typically required in England. Beyond 28 days, you may need to apply to your local authority — the rules vary. In Wales and Scotland, similar rules apply. Check with your local council before committing to a long-term hire.

Is a shipping container secure enough for household furniture?

Yes — shipping containers are designed to be weatherproof and extremely secure. A "wind and watertight" (WWT) graded container keeps out the elements. For long-term storage of valuable items, a container in good condition with a quality padlock is very secure. However, contents insurance is strongly recommended.

How is a container delivered to my home?

Containers are delivered by a tilt-bed or HIAB crane truck. You'll need a hard-standing area (driveway, yard, or hard lawn) that can bear the weight and enough clearance to slide the container off the truck. Access for an articulated lorry is required — narrow lanes or tight turns may limit delivery options.

How much does it cost to convert a shipping container into a home or office?

A basic conversion (insulation, electrics, flooring, windows and doors) costs £5,000–£15,000 for a 20ft container. A high-end residential conversion can cost £20,000–£50,000+. Planning permission is required for permanent residential use.