Moving a four-bedroom house is no small undertaking. One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is determining how many moving containers you need. The contents of a typically furnished 2 to 4-bedroom home will usually fit into a 20-foot container, however, if you have a heavily furnished 4-bedroom home, chances are good that you’ll need an additional 10′ or 20′ container.
Getting the right number and size of containers will save you time, money, and stress during your move. This comprehensive guide will help you make the perfect choice for your specific situation.
The Quick Answer: How Many Containers for a 4-Bedroom House?
Standard 4-Bedroom House:
- 1 large (20-foot) container – for moderately furnished homes
- 1 large (20-foot) + 1 medium (10-foot) container – for standard to heavily furnished homes
Heavily Furnished 4-Bedroom House:
- 2 large (20-foot) containers – for homes with extensive furniture, appliances, and belongings
Very Large 4-Bedroom House (4,000+ sq ft):
- 2-3 containers – depending on the number of additional rooms (game rooms, offices, storage areas)
The exact number depends on several factors we’ll explore in detail below.
Understanding Container Sizes
Before determining how many containers you need, let’s understand the standard sizes available:
Small Containers (8-10 feet)
- Capacity: Up to 300-564 cubic feet
- Best for: Studio apartments, 1-bedroom homes, or supplemental storage
- What fits: Contents of 1 room, small furniture pieces, 30-40 boxes
Medium Containers (12 feet)
- Capacity: 600-800 cubic feet
- Best for: 1-2 bedroom apartments, partial house moves
- What fits: King bed, small living room set, dining table, 50-60 boxes
Large Containers (16-20 feet)
- Capacity: 1,000-1,200 cubic feet
- Best for: 2-4 bedroom homes
- What fits: Multiple bedrooms of furniture, appliances, living areas, 100+ boxes
Extra-Large Containers (40 feet)
- Capacity: 2,000+ cubic feet
- Best for: 5-6 bedroom homes, extensive collections
- What fits: Entire large home, including garage items and outdoor furniture
Factors That Determine How Many Containers You Need
1. Amount of Furniture
Your furniture volume is the biggest factor. Consider:
- How many beds, dressers, and nightstands?
- Living room furniture (sofas, chairs, entertainment centers)
- Dining room sets
- Home office furniture
- Outdoor furniture
- Exercise equipment
Rule of thumb: Most moderately-furnished 2 to 4-bedroom homes will fit in a 20′ container, however, not all 4-bedroom homes are the same size and may need an additional 10-foot container if it is heavily furnished or you’re moving appliances.
2. Are You Taking Appliances?
Major appliances significantly impact container needs:
- Refrigerator
- Washer and dryer
- Stove/oven
- Dishwasher
- Deep freezer
Tip: If you’re moving all major appliances, plan for an extra 10-foot container or ensure your 20-foot container isn’t overcrowded.
3. Storage Areas and Extra Spaces
Don’t forget about:
- Garage items (tools, lawn equipment, bikes)
- Attic storage
- Basement items
- Shed contents
- Holiday decorations
- Sports equipment
These “extras” can easily fill an additional container.
4. Number of Boxes
A 4-bedroom house typically requires approximately 40-50 boxes, though this can vary significantly. However, many homeowners underestimate and actually need 100-150 boxes when you factor in:
- Kitchen items
- Books and media
- Clothing and linens
- Decorations and artwork
- Miscellaneous household items
5. Special or Oversized Items
Consider these space-consuming items:
- Pianos
- Pool tables
- Large artwork
- Antique furniture
- Extensive book collections
- Children’s play equipment
Real-World Container Recommendations by Scenario
Scenario 1: Minimalist 4-Bedroom Family
Situation: Modern furniture, minimal storage, donated many items Container Needs: 1 x 20-foot container Why: Streamlined belongings fit efficiently in one large container
Scenario 2: Average 4-Bedroom Home
Situation: Standard furniture, some garage items, typical family possessions Container Needs: 1 x 20-foot + 1 x 10-foot container Why: An average four-bedroom home should fit in one 20′ container and one 10′ container.
Scenario 3: Heavily Furnished 4-Bedroom
Situation: Multiple living areas, home office, exercise room, full garage Container Needs: 2 x 20-foot containers Why: Extra rooms and storage areas double the volume of belongings
Scenario 4: Large 4-Bedroom with Collections
Situation: 4,000+ sq ft, extensive book collection, workshop, outdoor equipment Container Needs: 2 x 20-foot containers + 1 x 10-foot container Why: Specialty items and large square footage require maximum capacity
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Your Container Needs
Step 1: Create a Room-by-Room Inventory
List every room and major items:
- Master bedroom: furniture pieces, boxes estimated
- Bedroom 2, 3, 4: same process
- Living room, dining room, kitchen
- Garage, attic, basement
- Outdoor areas
Step 2: Measure Large Items
Measure height, width, and depth of:
- Sofas and sectionals
- Bedroom sets
- Dining tables
- Entertainment centers
- Appliances
Step 3: Estimate Box Count
Use this formula:
- Kitchen: 15-25 boxes
- Each bedroom: 10-15 boxes
- Living areas: 10-15 boxes
- Garage/storage: 15-30 boxes
- Miscellaneous: 10-20 boxes
Step 4: Use Online Calculators
Most moving container companies offer free calculators where you input your inventory and receive size recommendations.
Step 5: Add a Buffer
Always plan for 10-15% more space than you think you need. It’s better to have extra room than to scramble for overflow solutions.
Cost Considerations: One Large vs. Multiple Containers
Pricing Factors:
- Container rental fees (varies by company and size)
- Delivery and pickup charges
- Storage fees (if needed)
- Distance of move
- Duration of rental
Cost Comparison Example:
- 1 x 20-foot container: $3,000-$5,000
- 1 x 20-foot + 1 x 10-foot: $4,500-$7,000
- 2 x 20-foot containers: $6,000-$9,000
Prices vary significantly by location and moving distance
Money-Saving Tip: Sometimes getting one larger container is more cost-effective than multiple smaller ones, but only if you can pack efficiently.
Popular Container Companies and Their Offerings
PODS (Portable On Demand Storage)
- Sizes: 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot
- Best for: Flexibility and nationwide availability
- 4-Bedroom Recommendation: 1-2 x 16-foot containers
U-Pack
- Sizes: ReloCube (6x7x8 feet) or trailers
- Best for: Budget-conscious movers
- 4-Bedroom Recommendation: 3-4 ReloCubes or trailer service
1-800-PACK-RAT
- Sizes: 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot
- Best for: Long-term storage options
- 4-Bedroom Recommendation: 1-2 x 16-foot containers
SMARTBOX
- Sizes: One size (approximately 8 feet)
- Best for: Local moves
- 4-Bedroom Recommendation: 3-4 containers
Traditional Shipping Containers
- Sizes: 20-foot, 40-foot
- Best for: Purchasing for permanent storage
- 4-Bedroom Recommendation: For a 4 bedroom home you’ll need at least a standard 40ft container, but a 40ft high cube would be the better choice.
Expert Packing Tips to Maximize Container Space
1. Pack Strategically
- Heavy items on bottom, lighter on top
- Fill hollow spaces (drawers, appliances, boxes)
- Disassemble furniture when possible
- Use vacuum bags for linens and clothing
2. Load Efficiently
- Place heavy furniture against walls
- Stack boxes tightly with no gaps
- Use mattresses and sofas to protect fragile items
- Secure everything with straps to prevent shifting
3. Protect Your Belongings
- Use furniture blankets and padding
- Wrap fragile items properly
- Keep weight limits in mind (typically 4,000-10,000 lbs)
- Label boxes clearly for easier unpacking
4. Utilize Vertical Space
- Stack boxes to the ceiling
- Use shelving inside containers
- Hang wardrobes on clothing bars
- Place bikes and outdoor equipment vertically
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating Space Needed
The #1 mistake is ordering too few or too small containers. When in doubt, size up.
Not Accounting for Garage/Storage
Many people forget about garage, attic, and outdoor items until the last minute.
Ignoring Weight Limits
Containers have weight restrictions. Overloading can result in extra fees or refusal of service.
Poor Packing Organization
Inefficient packing wastes space and can lead to needing additional containers.
Not Measuring Doorways
Ensure your container can be placed where you need it, and that furniture can fit through doors.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Packing a 4-Bedroom House:
- DIY packing: 1-2 weeks
- Professional packing: 1-2 days
Loading Containers:
- DIY loading: 1-2 days per container
- Professional loading: 4-8 hours per container
Container on Property:
- Typical rental: 30 days (adjustable)
- Storage duration: Flexible, month-to-month
Should You Hire Professional Help?
Consider Professional Movers If:
- You have heavy furniture or valuable items
- You’re short on time
- You have physical limitations
- You want insurance coverage
- The cost is within budget
DIY Can Work If:
- You have friends/family to help
- You’re physically capable
- You have flexible timing
- You want to save money
- You enjoy the control
Hybrid Approach: Hire professionals for loading only, pack yourself to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I add more containers if I run out of space? A: Yes, most companies allow you to add containers, but availability and costs may vary. Order early to ensure availability.
Q: How long can I keep the containers? A: Most rentals start at 30 days, with flexible month-to-month extensions available.
Q: Do containers protect from weather? A: Quality containers are weather-resistant but not 100% waterproof. Use plastic covers for sensitive items.
Q: Can containers be placed on the street? A: Check local regulations. Most areas require permits for street parking of containers.
Q: What if my furniture doesn’t fit? A: Professional movers can often disassemble and reassemble furniture. Plan ahead for oversized items.
Final Recommendations
For a standard 4-bedroom house, here’s our final recommendation:
Start with: 1 x 20-foot container + 1 x 10-foot container
Upgrade to: 2 x 20-foot containers if you have:
- Heavily furnished home
- Full garage and storage areas
- All major appliances
- Specialty items (piano, pool table, etc.)
- More than 4,000 square feet
Remember: It’s always better to have slightly more space than needed. The stress and cost of scrambling for additional containers at the last minute far outweighs the small extra cost of planning adequately from the start.
Conclusion:
Moving a 4-bedroom house requires careful planning and realistic assessment of your belongings. For homes with 4 bedrooms or more, an average four-bedroom home should fit in one 20′ container and one 10′ container, though you may need two 20′ containers depending on your specific situation.
Take the time to inventory your belongings, measure your furniture, and consult with moving container companies for personalized recommendations. With proper planning, the right number of containers, and efficient packing, your 4-bedroom house move can be smooth and stress-free.
Also Read: Dulux Bedrooms 2025: True Joy and the Magic of Color