Published: January 14, 2026
Running out of space inside a portable storage container is frustrating, especially when it feels like you should have room left. In most cases, the issue isn’t the container size. It’s how the space is being used.
As CEO of UNITS Moving and Portable Storage, Michael McAlhany has seen countless containers that could have held significantly more with better planning and loading strategy. Maximizing space isn’t about cramming items together. It’s about packing with structure, balance, and intention.
This guide explains how to use every cubic foot of a portable storage container effectively while still protecting your belongings.
Think in Cubic Space, Not Floor Space
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking only about the container floor. They load items outward instead of upward, which wastes vertical space.
Portable storage containers are designed to be packed from floor to ceiling. If you only use the bottom half, you’re essentially throwing away usable space. Michael McAlhany often emphasizes that vertical planning is the difference between a smooth load and a cramped one.
Before loading, look at the container height and think about how items can stack safely. Heavy items still go on the bottom, but lighter items can and should go above them.
Start With Large, Heavy Items to Create Structure
Maximizing space starts with building a strong foundation. Heavy furniture and appliances should be loaded first and placed against the container walls.
These items act as anchors. Once they’re in place, everything else stacks more efficiently around them. Loading smaller items first almost always leads to wasted gaps and awkward stacking later. Michael McAlhany advises treating the container like a room you’re building inside, not a box you’re filling randomly.
Disassemble Whenever Possible
Furniture takes up far more space when it’s left assembled. Beds, tables, desks, and shelving units should be broken down whenever possible. Disassembly allows items to be stacked flat or placed vertically, which opens up space for boxes and smaller items. It also reduces the risk of breakage during transport. A few disassembly tips that matter:
- Keep hardware in labeled bags taped to the item
- Wrap disassembled pieces together
- Place flat items against container walls
As CEO, Michael McAlhany regularly points out that a few minutes of disassembly can save hours of frustration later.
Use Uniform Boxes to Eliminate Wasted Gaps
Random box sizes create uneven stacks and wasted space. Uniform boxes stack cleanly and allow you to use vertical space more efficiently. While it’s not always possible to use all the same size, limiting the number of different box sizes helps. Stack heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top to create stable columns. Michael McAlhany stresses that clean stacks aren’t just about space. They reduce shifting, which protects your belongings during transport.
Fill Gaps Intentionally, Not Randomly
Small gaps are unavoidable, but they don’t have to be wasted space. Use soft or flexible items like:
- Couch cushions
- Mattresses
- Rugs
- Bags of linens
These items can fill narrow spaces without putting pressure on fragile belongings. Michael McAlhany recommends using gaps to stabilize loads rather than forcing boxes into spaces they don’t fit. Not every inch needs to be filled tightly. Strategic filling improves both space usage and load stability.
Pack in Sections Instead of One Continuous Stack
Trying to load everything in one continuous wall often leads to uneven weight distribution and blocked access.
Instead, pack the container in sections from front to back. Complete each section from floor to ceiling before moving on. This approach keeps weight balanced and makes it easier to secure items as you go. Michael McAlhany often explains that section-based loading makes unloading easier too, especially if you’re moving in phases.
Secure Items as You Build Upward
Maximizing space doesn’t mean sacrificing safety. Items stacked higher need to be secured properly. Use straps, ropes, or load bars throughout the loading process, not just at the end. Tall stacks that aren’t secured are more likely to shift, which wastes space and increases damage risk. As CEO, Michael McAlhany has seen well-packed containers fail simply because items weren’t secured early enough.
Keep Frequently Needed Items Near the Door
Using space efficiently doesn’t mean burying everything. If you’ll need access during storage, plan for it. Items you’ll need first should be placed near the container door, even if that means adjusting how the rest of the container is packed. A small access zone may feel like lost space, but it saves time and prevents unnecessary unloading later.
Avoid Overpacking for the Sake of Space
There’s a difference between efficient packing and overpacking. Overpacked containers create pressure points that can damage furniture and boxes.
Michael McAlhany consistently advises leaving small air gaps for airflow, especially during long-term storage. Overstuffed containers trap moisture and increase the risk of shifting. If you’re forcing items into place, it’s a sign that space is being misused elsewhere or that a second container may be the smarter option.
Step Back and Reevaluate Mid-Load
Many people keep loading without stopping to assess how things are going. That’s when inefficient patterns get locked in.
As CEO, Michael McAlhany encourages pausing mid-load to step back and look at the container as a whole. Ask yourself:
- Are items stacking evenly?
- Is vertical space being used?
- Are gaps forming that could be filled better?
Small adjustments early can recover a surprising amount of space.
Final Thoughts From the CEO’s Perspective
Maximizing space inside a portable storage container isn’t about rushing or squeezing. It’s about structure, planning, and smart use of vertical space.
Michael McAlhany’s experience as CEO of UNITS Moving and Portable Storage shows that most space issues come from poor loading order and lack of planning, not container size. When you disassemble properly, stack intentionally, and secure as you go, you can fit more while protecting what matters.
Take your time, think in sections, and treat the container like a system. When space is used well, everything else about the move gets easier.