Moving With a Used Container: Pack, Store & Relocate in One Box

Moving house usually means packing a truck, unloading into storage, then loading everything again. A container can cut out the middle step: pack it once at your old home, store it as long as you need, and unpack at the new one. Buying one means you keep it afterward as storage or sell it on.

Here's how to use a used container for a move, from choosing to buy or rent to packing, storage and relocation. Deciding whether to purchase used shipping container storage for your move? Compare grades and sizes first.

How a container move works

1. Delivery to your current home
2. Pack at your own pace
3. Store on site, or relocate the container to storage or your new home
4. Unpack at the new home
5. Keep it as storage, sell it or arrange pickup

Buy or rent for a move?

• Rent if you only need the container for the move, especially if it's short and local. See conex rental.
• Buy if you'll keep the container at your new home for storage, or if the move and storage will last many months. You can also resell it later.

A used wind and watertight container is ideal for moving and storage.

Choosing a size

Check that the delivery truck can reach both your old home and your new one.

Packing a container for a move

Before you start

• Gather boxes, tape, blankets, stretch wrap and straps
• Disassemble furniture and bag the hardware
• Label boxes by room

Loading

• Heavy items first, against the far wall: appliances, dressers, boxes of books
• Spread weight evenly from side to side
• Stack boxes heavy to light, using the full height
• Stand mattresses and sofas on end along the walls
• Fill gaps with soft items so nothing shifts
• Strap loads to the container's lashing rings in sections
• Keep a small aisle if you'll need items before the move

Protecting your belongings

• Wrap furniture in blankets, not plastic, to avoid trapping moisture
• Raise items off the floor on pallets in humid climates
• Add moisture absorbers for long storage
• Keep valuables and important documents with you

Storage between homes

If there's a gap between moving out and moving in:

• Keep the container on site, if your old home allows it
• Relocate it to a storage yard
• Deliver it to the new home early, if possible

Relocating a loaded container

Moving a loaded container is possible but needs care:

• Weight limits: a heavily loaded container may be too heavy for road transport
• Secure loading: everything must be strapped so it doesn't shift
• The right truck: a tilt-bed truck rated for the weight
• Access at both ends

Ask about relocation before you pack, so you know any weight limits.

Long-distance moves

For long distances, compare the cost of relocating the container with moving your belongings separately and buying a container at the destination. Sometimes it's cheaper to sell the first container and buy another near your new home.

After the move

• Keep it as a garage, garden or workshop store
• Sell it, using your bill of sale and photos
• Rent it out as storage, if local rules allow

A moving checklist

• Size chosen for my home
• Truck access checked at both sites
• Local rules checked at both sites
• Packing supplies ready
• Weight limits confirmed for relocation
• Lock box and padlock
• Inventory of what's packed

Moving timeline with a container

Four to six weeks before

• Choose buy or rent, and a size
• Check access and local rules at both homes
• Order the container

Two to three weeks before

• Take delivery and start packing rarely used items

The last week

• Pack the rest, loading heavy items first
• Strap and secure the load
• Confirm relocation or storage arrangements

Moving day and after

• Lock up and hand over the old home
• Relocate the container, or unpack at the new home
• Decide whether to keep, sell or return it

FAQ

Can I move house using a shipping container?

Yes. Pack it at your old home, store it if needed, and unpack at your new home.

Should I buy or rent a container for a move?

Rent for short, simple moves; buy if you'll keep it as storage afterward or need it for many months.

Can a loaded container be moved?

Yes, within weight limits and with the right truck. Ask about limits before you pack.

What size container do I need to move a two-bedroom home?

Usually a 20ft.

How do I stop things moving inside a container?

Load heavy items first, fill gaps and strap loads to the lashing rings.

What do I do with the container after the move?

Keep it for storage, sell it or arrange pickup.

Is moving with a container cheaper than hiring movers?

It can be, especially if you pack yourself and keep the container afterward. Compare the full costs, including relocation if needed.