Whether you’re moving or need self storage in Calgary, getting the right size container is necessary if you want to prevent major problems with lack of space for all your belongings. This guide will help you choose the best size container for your move, storage needs or project. We’ll talk about how to pick the right moving container size, plus why MI-BOX is your best bet for an easy move.
MI-BOX offers portable storage containers that make it stress-free for Albertan’s—no truck rental, no mileage fees, and you load at your own pace.
MI-BOX Container Sizes:
MI-BOX has three container sizes.
8FT Storage Container (8’ x 7.5’ x 7.5’)
- Best For: Small moves like dorm rooms, seasonal items (skis, patio furniture), or garage decluttering.
- Holds: 1-2 rooms—think a mattress, dresser, desk, and a few boxes.
- Cubic Feet: Around 250-300 cubic feet.
- Why It Works: Perfect for tight Calgary driveways or roadside parking for quick storage needs. Great for students or small apartments.
16FT Storage Container (16’ x 7.5’ x 7.5’)
- Best For: 2-3 bedroom apartments or 3-4 rooms of furniture.
- Holds: Couches, dining tables, multiple beds, small appliances, and plenty of boxes.
- Cubic Feet: About 500-600 cubic feet.
- Why It Works: Ideal for most family moves in Calgary or nearby spots like Airdrie or Cochrane.
20FT Storage Container (20’ x 7.5’ x 7.5’)
- Best For: Large homes with 4-5 rooms or big renovation projects.
- Holds: Full living room sets, multiple bedrooms, kitchen gear, and outdoor items like lawnmowers.
- Cubic Feet: Around 750-800 cubic feet.
- Why It Works: Best for big moves or long-term storage, especially in Calgary suburbs or rural acreages.
Not Sure? Call MI-BOX Calgary for a free quote—we’ll match your needs to the right size in one quick chat.
5 Steps to Pick the Perfect Container Size
Here’s how to decide fast without overthinking:
- List What You’re Moving or Storing
- Small Move: Just a bedroom or seasonal items (e.g., snowboards, camping gear)? Pick the 8FT.
- Medium Move: 2-3 bedroom apartment with a couch and dining set? Go for the 16FT.
- Large Move: 4-5 bedroom house with garage stuff? The 20FT is your best bet.
- Alberta Tip: Don’t forget local extras like snowmobiles, hockey gear, or patio sets that need space.
- Check Your Driveway Space
- Urban condo in downtown Calgary? The 8FT fits tight spots.
- Suburban home in the NW or a rural acreage near Okotoks? The 16FT or 20FT will work fine.
- MI-BOX confirms your space during drop-off—no guesswork needed.
- Think About Your Timeline
- Need to move fast? Smaller containers like the 8FT are quicker to fill.
- Got a week or more? The 16FT or 20FT gives you room to pack slowly.
- MI-BOX lets you load at your pace—no rush, even if a snowstorm hits.
- Storage or Moving?
- Storing during a reno? Larger containers (16FT or 20FT) hold more for longer periods.
- Moving to a new Calgary home? Pick a size that fits your stuff for a one-and-done trip.
- We can store your container at our secure facility or deliver it to your new spot.
- Get a Quote
- Request a quote online or call MI-BOX for a free, no-pressure quote. We’ll ask about your inventory and recommend the best size.
- Bonus: We’ve been serving Alberta since 2004, so we know what works for local moves.
Why MI-BOX Is the Stress-Free Choice for Alberta
MI-BOX beats traditional moving and storage hands-down. Here’s why Albertans trust us:
- No Truck Rental, No Mileage Fees
We deliver the container to your door—no gas costs or driving through Calgary’s icy roads. Save cash, especially with Alberta’s unpredictable gas prices. - Move at Your Own Pace
Load over a day, a week, or longer. No tight deadlines. Take a break for a Flames game or a coffee at Tim’s—we’ll wait. - MI-BOX Lift System
Our patented system keeps containers level during drop-off and pickup. No tilting means no damage to your stuff—your hockey trophies and dishes stay safe. - Built for Alberta Weather
Our containers are weatherproof, keeping your belongings dry during Calgary blizzards. They lock up tight for security, whether you’re storing or moving. - Alberta-Wide Service
From Calgary to Red Deer, Lethbridge to Edmonton, we’ve got you covered. We’ve helped thousands of happy clients since 2004.
Real Alberta Scenarios: Which Size Fits Your Move?
See how these containers work for typical Alberta situations:
- Calgary Student Move
Sarah, a U of C student, moved her dorm room to Medicine Hat for the summer. She used an 8FT container for her bed, desk, and boxes. She loaded it in a day, and we stored it until fall—no stress. - Airdrie Family Relocation
The Johnsons moved a 2-bedroom home to Calgary. They picked a 16FT container, packing their couch, dining set, and kids’ beds over a weekend. We delivered it to their new place—no truck rental needed. - Chestermere Renovation
Mike stored his 4-bedroom home during a kitchen reno. He filled a 20FT container with his furniture and gear. We picked it up, stored it, and returned it when the reno was done—easy. - Rural Move to Okotoks
The Smiths moved from a Calgary condo to an acreage. They used a 20FT container for their 4 rooms of furniture, plus outdoor gear like a lawnmower. They packed over a week, and we delivered it to their new spot. - Seasonal Storage in Red Deer
Emily stored her patio furniture and camping gear for the winter. The 8FT container fit perfectly in her driveway, and we stored it at our facility until spring.
10 Packing Tips to Maximize Your Container
Get the most out of your MI-BOX container with these quick tips:
- Start with Heavy Items
Load big furniture like couches and appliances first, then add boxes on top. - Protect Fragile Items
Use blankets, bubble wrap, or even old towels to cushion dishes, glassware, or electronics. - Stack Smart
Place lighter boxes on top of heavier ones to avoid crushing. - Label Everything
Mark boxes by room (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Kids’ Room”) for easy unpacking. - Use All Space
Fill gaps with small items like bags or pillows to maximize space. - Disassemble Furniture
Take apart bed frames or tables to save room—keep screws in a labeled bag. - Pack Vertically
Stand mattresses and couches on their sides to free up floor space. - Avoid Overpacking
Leave a bit of wiggle room—if it’s too tight, call us for a second container. - Secure Loose Items
Tie down bikes or lawnmowers with straps to keep them from shifting. - Plan for Access
Put items you’ll need first (like clothes or tools) near the door for easy access.
MI-BOX vs. Traditional Moving: A Cost and Time Breakdown
Traditional moving in Calgary can be a pain. Here’s how MI-BOX stacks up:
- Time
- Traditional: You get a tight window—often just a day—to load and unload a truck. Miss it, and you’re paying extra.
- MI-BOX: Load at your pace, whether it’s a day or a month. No rush, no stress.
- Cost
- Traditional: Truck rental fees, gas, mileage charges, and insurance add up fast. A Calgary move can cost $500+ just for the truck.
- MI-BOX: No mileage fees, no gas costs—just a flat rate. You save hundreds, especially for longer Alberta moves. Request a quote here.
- Effort
- Traditional: You drive a big truck through Calgary traffic, maybe even in a snowstorm. Then unload at a storage unit or new home.
- MI-BOX: We deliver and pick up. You just load—no driving, no hassle.
- Safety
- Traditional: Tilted loading can damage your stuff if the truck isn’t packed right. Also, going up and down a ramp with heavy items is tiring and dangerous.
- MI-BOX: Our level-lift system keeps everything secure, even on Alberta’s bumpy roads. And with our containers leveled to your drive way, you just walk in and out with little risk (no dangerous ramps needed).
- Flexibility
- Traditional: You’re locked into a schedule with movers or storage unit hours.
- MI-BOX: Free unit access, and we serve all of Alberta—move or store whenever you’re ready.
Why Mobile Storage Beats traditional Calgary Storage Units
Traditional storage units in Calgary mean extra steps: rent a truck, load it, drive to the facility, unload again, and repeat when you’re ready to move. MI-BOX simplifies it:
- One-Step Loading: Pack the container once at your home—no extra trips.
- Weather-Proof: Our containers handle Alberta winters—no worries about snow or rain.
- Convenient Access: Need something from your container? We offer free unit access at our facility.
- Flexible Delivery: We’ll store it or deliver it to your new Calgary home when you’re ready.
Common Calgary Moving Challenges (and How MI-BOX Solves Them)
Calgary moves come with unique hurdles. Here’s how MI-BOX tackles them:
- Winter Weather
- Challenge: Snowstorms can delay traditional moves or make driving a truck risky.
- MI-BOX Solution: Load indoors if needed, and we handle transport—our containers are built for Alberta winters.
- Busy Schedules
- Challenge: Juggling work, kids, or hockey practice makes tight moving windows tough.
- MI-BOX Solution: Load whenever you’re free—no deadlines.
- Tight Spaces
- Challenge: Downtown Calgary condos often have small driveways or parking restrictions.
- MI-BOX Solution: Our 8FT container fits most spaces, and we’ll confirm before delivery.
- Long Distances
- Challenge: Moving from Calgary to rural Alberta (like an acreage near High River) means high mileage fees with trucks.
- MI-BOX Solution: No mileage fees—we deliver Alberta-wide.
How to Start Your Move with MI-BOX
Ready to go? Here’s the simple process:
- Call Us or request a quote online
Schedule your container drop-off anywhere in Calgary or Alberta. We’ll find the perfect spot.
- Load Up
Fill the container at your pace—no rush, no pressure. - We Pick Up
We’ll store it at our secure facility or deliver it to your new location. Done!
Choose The Smarter Calgary Self Storage with MI-BOX
Choosing the right moving container size in Calgary is easy with MI-BOX. Pick the 8FT for small moves, 16FT for families, or 20FT for big homes. With no truck rental, no mileage fees, and the freedom to move at your pace, we make moving and storage stress-free for Albertans.
Get in touch with MI-BOX today for a free quote—let’s make your next move the easiest one yet!
