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If you’re renting a shipping container and plan to load it with tools, inventory, or rolling equipment, there’s one accessory that can completely change your setup: a ramp. But before you choose one, it’s important to understand how to use a ramp with a storage container safely and effectively. That’s exactly why we created our latest Container 101 video—to walk you through everything from ramp types and setup tips to real-world examples from actual job sites. Container 101: How to Use a Ramp with a Storage Container In this short video, you’ll get a real-world look at: What types of ramps are available The benefits of using a ramp: preventing injuries, quicker movement in and out of the container, ability to bring large items inside with ease How to install a ramp 👉 Whether you’re using a 20′ or 40′ container, this is the must-see guide to safer, smarter loading. Why It’s Worth Learning How to Use a Ramp with a Storage Container Many first-time users don’t realize just how much easier—and safer—things get when they understand how to use a ramp with a storage container properly. Here’s what happens when you skip the ramp: Lifting heavy gear becomes risky Crews waste time moving items awkwardly Containers get disorganized fast But when you’ve got the right ramp in place—and you know how to use it—your workflow gets smoother, faster, and safer. Ramps Help You Stay Organized, Too You can’t have a smooth system if everything piles up at the entrance. When you know how to use a ramp with a storage container, you unlock the full storage potential inside. A ramp lets you: Create clear pathways for stacking and unloading Position shelving units more effectively Keep frequently used items at the front Avoid floor clutter and bottlenecks Need more help setting up your layout? Check out our partner Eagle Leasing’s article: How to Organize a Storage Container Like a Pro What Ramp Is Right for You? In our video, we break it down. But here’s a snapshot: Ramp Type Best For Pros & Considerations Dolly Ramp Moving, quick jobs Very stable, and easy transport Heavy-Duty Ramps Long-term jobs, heavier items A bit heavier, 2 per set, can hold up to 8,000lbs Knowing how to use a ramp with a storage container also means choosing the right type. If you’re unsure? Ask us—we’ll help you decide based on your container size, job type, and terrain. Final Thoughts Understanding how to use a ramp with a storage container doesn’t just help you load faster—it makes your entire container setup safer, more efficient, and easier to organize. Before your next delivery, take a few minutes to watch our Container 101 video. It could save your team hours over the course of the project. 📦 Need help picking the right ramp or accessory? We’re here to help. Just reach out to the team at Rent-A-Container, we’re available to assist you on your project all throughout our network.

When you order a shipping container—whether for temporary storage, a mobile office, or a special event—the last thing you want is a delayed or failed delivery. That’s why jobsite prep for container rental is so important. A few simple steps can make all the difference between a smooth drop-off and a stressful situation. 1. Clear Access: First Step in Jobsite Prep for Container Rental The delivery truck isn’t small—it needs space to back up, tilt the bed, and safely lower your container. Most trucks need about 12 feet of width and at least 14 feet of overhead clearance. That means watching out for low-hanging power lines, tree branches, signs, or anything else that could get in the way. Even if the area looks open, we recommend walking the delivery path and imagining a full-sized truck making the turns. 2. Choose a Solid, Level Surface for Smooth Container Placement Your container needs to rest on ground that won’t shift or sink. Gravel, concrete, compacted dirt, or pavement are all great. Avoid placing it on soft grass, loose soil, or an area prone to standing water. Why? Over time, uneven surfaces can cause the container to settle and shift—making the doors difficult to open or close. If your site is slightly off-level, we can usually shim it, but it’s better to plan for stability. 3. Plan Door Clearance During Container Delivery Prep It might sound obvious, but once that container is placed, you’ll need space to open the doors—and use them. We recommend leaving at least 4 feet of clearance in front of the container doors. If you plan to access the container frequently, make sure it’s placed in a spot that’s not just out of the way—but also convenient to get to. 4. Drainage & Weather-Proofing for Long-Term Container Rentals Rain, snow, and ice are part of life in the East Coast and Midwest. If you’re placing the container for long-term use or during the colder months, think about drainage. If the area gets muddy or floods easily, consider raising the container off the ground using railroad ties, concrete blocks, or heavy-duty pads. This helps prevent moisture from getting trapped underneath and extends the life of the unit. 5. Talk to Your Delivery Team About Jobsite Requirements The best deliveries are the ones where everyone’s on the same page. When you place your order, let us know about any site quirks—tight turns, gates, steep inclines, or specific delivery times. Our team has delivered to hundreds of locations across the East Coast and Midwest, from tight city alleyways to wide-open job sites. We’re always happy to answer questions, review maps, or even hop on a call to walk through your site plan. No surprises = no delays. Final Thoughts on Prepping Your Site for Container Delivery Prepping your site is one of the easiest ways to ensure your container shows up on time and gets placed exactly where you want it. And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t stress—we’re here to walk you through the jobsite prep for container rental step by step. Want to see how tight-site deliveries get done? Check out Eagle Leasing’s post on how they deliver containers to challenging job sites. (Yep, that’s our sister company—we’re all in this together.)

Choosing the right container size is one of the most important steps when planning a project, move, or storage solution. At Rent-A-Container, our most popular options are the 20ft and 40ft shipping containers — offering secure, weatherproof storage for everything from construction gear to full home contents. If you’re wondering what fits in a 20ft and 40ft shipping container, this guide breaks it down with detailed, real-world examples to help you plan confidently and avoid over- or under-ordering Quick Size Comparison: 20ft vs 40ft Shipping Containers Size Dimensions (L x W x H) Approx. Volume Ground Space 20ft 20’ x 8’ x 8.5’ ~1,170 cubic ft 160 sq ft 40ft 40’ x 8’ x 8.5’ ~2,390 cubic ft 320 sq ft What Fits in a 20ft Shipping Container? Real-World Storage Examples A 20ft container offers about the same space as a single-car garage and is ideal for extra residential space, jobsite storage, or business inventory overflow. Residential Storage: What You Can Fit in a 20ft Container 1 full living room set (sofa, loveseat, coffee table, TV stand) 2 queen beds with frames 1 dining table + 6 chairs 1 washer and dryer 2 dressers + 2 nightstands 1 desk + office chair ~100 medium-sized boxes or totes (18” x 18” x 16”) Construction Site Examples 1 large generator or compressor 2 wheelbarrows 2 full scaffolding towers (disassembled) 10+ shovels, rakes, and manual tools 8-10 rolling job boxes or tool chests 1 pallet of bulk materials (tile, paint, etc.) Retail / Event Examples 4 folding tables + 40 chairs 10 stackable storage bins (27 gal) 6 rolling display racks Portable booth and tent components 12 boxes of branded materials or product samples What Fits in a 40ft Shipping Container? Storage Capacity Explained A 40ft container is twice the size of a 20ft, perfect for large commercial operations, full house moves, or long-term equipment storage. Residential Examples Contents of a 4–5 bedroom home 3 bedroom sets (beds + dressers + nightstands) 2 full couches + 2 armchairs 1 refrigerator + 1 deep freezer Dining table with 8–10 chairs Washer and dryer Office desk, chair, and bookcase ~200+ medium or large boxes Construction / Industrial Examples 2 cement mixers or compact machines 2–3 portable scaffold systems 1 small skid steer or forklift (low-profile) 2 pallets of rebar or pipe 2,000 bricks or 50 bags of cement 15–20 job boxes or gang boxes 10 traffic barriers + signage systems Retail / Event Examples 10 large garment racks 10 pallets of merchandise Full pop-up shop setup: walls, fixtures, lighting 1 point-of-sale booth or kiosk Event rigging, AV equipment, signage cases 60+ folding chairs + staging material Tips for Deciding What Fits in a 20ft and 40ft Shipping Container Still not sure what fits in a 20ft and 40ft shipping container? These quick tips will help you evaluate your space, access limitations, and storage goals before placing your order. Measure your largest items and stackability—tall or awkward shapes may limit usable space. Consider access: A 40ft container may not fit in residential areas or tight construction sites. Think about growth: If your needs are expanding, upsizing can save time and money later. Helpful Rules for Packing a 20ft or 40ft Container Efficiently 1 pallet (standard 48” x 40”) takes up ~13.5 sq ft of floor space—about 8–10 pallets fit in a 20ft, and 18–20 in a 40ft container. Stacking saves major space—especially with plastic bins, chairs, or boxed goods. Don’t forget access: Leave a small pathway inside if you’ll need to retrieve things while in use.   Still Not Sure What Size You Need? Let our team help! We’ll walk through your inventory or use case and match you with the perfect solution. 📞 Contact us today for a fast quote and personalized advice.