12/05/2026
Buying a 20ft shipping container in the UK? Here is what actually matters.
Why 20ft is the most common UK choice:
Internal space: around 33 cubic metres
Holds around 10 UK pallets
Length: about 6 metres
Empty weight: around 2,200kg
Fits residential driveways, tight urban sites, farms, small business yards
Pricing:
Used 20ft container: £875 to £1,100 + VAT
New one-trip 20ft container: £1,900 to £2,100 + VAT
Used vs new in plain English:
Used: wind and watertight, cosmetic wear, fine for site storage or workshops
New one-trip: near-new condition, cleaner appearance, longer expected lifespan, good for conversions and visible locations
Common buyer use cases:
Construction site storage
Farm equipment storage
Retail stock storage
Workshop or conversion projects
Secure household storage and house moves
Will a 20ft fit a house move? Usually yes for a 2 to 3 bedroom property. A larger home or full-house contents may need two 20fts or a 40ft.
Things buyers underestimate:
Delivery access: HIAB or sidelifter, road width, overhead cables, turning space
Ground prep: level support under the four corners (concrete blocks, sleepers, paving slabs)
Future moves: containers cannot be shuffled by hand, plan the position properly first time
A well-maintained 20ft container can last 15 to 25 years.
Full step-by-step buyer guide:
https://boshboxes.store/how-to-buy-a-20ft-shipping-container/