What Size Storage Unit Do I Need? — 20ft vs 40ft Container Guide

Two sizes. Simple pricing. No guesswork — here's exactly what fits in each container at Fort Knox Self Storage in Vernal, Utah.

Fort Knox Self Storage in Vernal, Utah offers two container sizes: 20ft (160 sq ft, $130/month) for apartments and small homes, and 40ft (320 sq ft, $230/month) for full homes and garages. All units are 100% mouse-proof steel shipping containers with 24/7 access. First 2 months FREE with a 6-month contract. Located at 2225 South 3250 East, Vernal, UT 84078. Call James Richards at 435-828-7710 for a free size recommendation.

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Not sure what size storage unit you need? A 20-foot container holds an apartment and costs $130 per month. A 40-foot container holds a full home and costs $230 per month. Both are mouse-proof steel at Fort Knox Self Storage in Vernal. Call James at 435-828-7710 for help choosing.

Not Sure? Call James — Free Size Recommendation

📞 435-828-7710
📦 Two Simple Sizes 🐭 Mouse-Proof Steel 🕐 24/7 Access 💰 From $130/mo 🎉 2 Months FREE

Quick Size Guide — Which Container Fits Your Stuff?

20ft Container — $130/mo 40ft Container — $230/mo
Dimensions 20' L × 8' W × 8.5' H 40' L × 8' W × 8.5' H
Floor Space 160 sq ft 320 sq ft
Total Volume ~1,360 cubic ft ~2,720 cubic ft
Equivalent To One-car garage Two-car garage
Best For Studio – 2 BR apartment 3+ BR home & garage
Mouse-Proof ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
6-Month Deal First 2 months FREE First 2 months FREE

20-Foot Container — $130/month

The 20-foot container is the most popular size at Fort Knox — it's the right fit for most apartment moves, seasonal decluttering, and small business inventory. At 160 square feet with over 8 feet of height, it holds more than most people expect. Think of it as a one-car garage you can fill floor to ceiling.

Every 20ft unit at Fort Knox is a sealed steel shipping container — the same construction used for international ocean freight. Mouse-proof, spider-proof, dust-proof, and fireproof. Your belongings stay exactly how you left them.

What Fits in a 20ft Container

  • Sofa, love seat, and armchair
  • Queen or king bed frame and mattress
  • Dining table with 4–6 chairs
  • Dresser, nightstands, bookshelves
  • Refrigerator and washer/dryer
  • 20–30 moving boxes
  • Bicycles, seasonal sports gear
  • Small workshop tools and equipment
📦 Full 20ft Container Details →

40-Foot Container — $230/month

The 40-foot container is the heavy-duty option — 320 square feet of sealed steel storage, equivalent to a full two-car garage. This is the size oil field crews, contractors, and families with large homes choose when they need real capacity. You can store an entire household including the garage workshop and still have room for seasonal equipment.

At $230/month, the 40ft container is significantly cheaper per square foot than renting two smaller units — and you get the convenience of everything in one place. With the 6-month deal, your effective cost drops to about $153/month.

What Fits in a 40ft Container

  • Complete living room, dining room, and bedroom sets
  • Full kitchen appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher)
  • Washer, dryer, and water heater
  • 50–70 moving boxes
  • Workshop tools, workbench, and power equipment
  • ATV, motorcycle, or snowmobile
  • Lawn tractor, snowblower, and yard tools
  • Business inventory and commercial supplies
📦 Full 40ft Container Details →

Which Size Is Right for You?

Your Situation Recommended Size Monthly Cost
Studio or 1-bedroom apartment 20ft $130
2-bedroom apartment or small house 20ft $130
3+ bedroom home (no garage items) 40ft $230
Full home + garage + workshop 40ft $230
Seasonal items only (holiday, camping, sports) 20ft $130
Oil field tools and equipment 40ft $230
Business inventory / commercial supplies 40ft $230
Vehicle parking (RV, boat, trailer) Outdoor parking $100

Still not sure? Call James at 435-828-7710 — he'll give you a free recommendation based on what you're storing. No pressure, no obligation.

Packing Tips to Maximize Your Container Space

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Stack Vertically

Fort Knox containers are 8.5 feet tall. Use the full height — put heavy items on the bottom, lighter boxes on top. You'll be amazed how much fits when you stack efficiently.

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Disassemble Furniture

Remove table legs, bed frames, and shelving units before loading. Flat-packed furniture uses a fraction of the space. Keep hardware in labeled bags taped to each piece.

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Use Uniform Boxes

Same-size boxes stack neatly with no wasted gaps. Medium boxes (18" × 18" × 16") are the best all-purpose size — large enough for most items, small enough to stack safely.

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Create an Aisle

Leave a narrow path down the center so you can reach items at the back without unloading everything. This is especially important if you'll be accessing the unit during a long-term rental.

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Fill Empty Spaces

Stuff drawers, appliances, and hollow items with soft goods — towels, linens, clothing. Fill the inside of the washer and dryer. Every cubic foot of air is wasted space.

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Load Strategically

Put items you'll need first near the door. Seasonal items can go to the back. Heavy furniture and appliances along the walls, boxes in the center. Think about unloading day while you load.

Storage Size — Frequently Asked Questions

Call James at 435-828-7710 before renting — he'll help you choose the right size based on what you're storing. If you've already rented and need to switch, James can typically move you to a different container with no penalty. He'd rather you have the right fit than pay for space you don't need.

You can, but it costs more. Two 20ft units are $260/month total vs. $230/month for one 40ft unit. The single 40ft container also gives you the convenience of everything in one place. The only reason to choose two 20ft units is if you need separate access — for example, personal items in one and business inventory in another.

A 20ft shipping container (8' × 20') provides 160 sq ft — similar to a traditional 10×15 or small 10×20 unit, but with the added advantage of being completely sealed steel construction. A 40ft container (8' × 40') provides 320 sq ft — equivalent to a 10×30 or larger. Both Fort Knox sizes are taller than typical storage units (8.5 ft vs 8 ft), giving you extra vertical space.

Yes. Shipping container doors open to the full 8-foot width of the container — much wider than the roll-up doors on traditional storage units. Sofas, mattresses, appliances, and even ATVs fit through easily with room to spare.

Absolutely. Call 435-828-7710 and describe what you're storing. James has helped hundreds of Vernal-area families and businesses choose the right container — he'll give you an honest recommendation in a couple of minutes. No charge, no pressure.

Not Sure? James Will Help You Choose — Free

James Richards

Owner & Manager · Fort Knox Self Storage · Vernal, Utah · Available 24/7

Most people overthink the size question. James has been helping Vernal families and oil field crews choose the right container for years — a two-minute phone call is usually all it takes. Describe what you're storing and he'll tell you which size fits. Simple as that.

📞 Call James: 435-828-7710 G Rate Us on Google ★★★★★ Help others find the right storage size

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First 2 months FREE with a 6-month contract · Same-day move-in · No hidden fees