6ft Shipping Containers For Sale UK
The 6ft shipping container for sale UK is the most compact, secure storage option available — purpose-built for locations where space is genuinely limited. Measuring just 1.83 metres long by 1.98 metres wide, it delivers approximately 10 cubic metres of weatherproof, lockable storage in a footprint smaller than most garden sheds. At Blue Fin, we supply new one-trip and used 6ft shipping containers for sale across the UK. All units are built from Corten (COR-TEN A grade) weathering steel, supplied wind & watertight, and available with fast nationwide delivery.
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30+ Years
Group expertise worldwide
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CSC Certified
All units, export-ready
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Same-day Quotes
Transparent pricing
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Nationwide Delivery
All UK depots covered
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Compact storage solutions perfect for tight spaces. Available in 6ft, 8ft, and 10ft lengths, these containers fit where standard sizes won’t.
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New - Used - Custom
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Why the 6ft container?
Absolute Smallest Secure Option
Properties with extreme space constraints and micro-storage needs benefit from the tiny 6ft x 8ft footprint. Perfect for situations where even an 8ft container would be too large but security remains non-negotiable.
Unmatched Space Optimization
Urban micro-properties and tiny commercial spaces choose 6ft containers for their space optimization. They provide meaningful secure storage without consuming valuable outdoor or commercial space.
Simplified Handling and Access
Residential users in dense urban areas and businesses with extreme access constraints benefit from simplified logistics. Delivery often requires minimal specialized equipment compared to larger container sizes.
New vs used 6ft containers
Choosing between a new and used 6ft shipping container comes down to budget, intended use, and how long you need it.
New Containers
New (one-trip) 6ft containers arrive in near-pristine condition. Because they are manufactured in China and transported to the UK nested inside larger containers, they have never been used for on-site storage or exposed to UK weather. Expect clean interiors, fresh paintwork (typically blue or green), and a service life of 20+ years. New units are the right choice when appearance matters — for residential gardens, customer-facing locations, or event use.
Used Containers
Used 6ft containers have been in UK storage or site use for some years. Cosmetically, expect surface rust, minor dents, and scuffs — none of which affect waterproofing or structural integrity. All used units from Blue Fin are inspected and supplied wind & watertight. They offer excellent value for construction sites, agricultural use, and any application where performance matters more than appearanc
ASIS Containers
Standard
vs
High Cube
- Standard Height: 8ft 6in exterior height (6ft length). Works for micro storage applications with 352 cubic feet of volume.
- High Cube: 9ft 6in exterior height (6ft length). The extra foot of height provides 396 cubic feet of storage - an additional 44 cubic feet compared to standard.
What can you use a 6ft container for?
Residential storage:
- Garden tool and equipment storage — a secure, weatherproof alternative to a wooden shed
- Bicycle and motorcycle storage — lockable steel security for two-wheelers
- Seasonal item storage — garden furniture, BBQs, sports equipment
- Urban garden storage — fits where larger containers won’t, including terraced garden side returns
- Allotment storage — compact, secure, planning-friendly
Commercial and site use:
- Construction site tool storage — securing hand tools, power tools, and small plant
- Small-scale site welfare — first aid kit, housing, document storage, cable storage
- Event storage — compact equipment storage at festivals, markets, and outdoor events
- Compact kiosk or ticket booth — with basic modifications, suitable for small retail or security use
- Agricultural use — small equipment, chemicals, and seasonal supplies
6ft Shipping Container — Full Specifications
External Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
| External length | 6 ft | 1.83 m |
| External width | 6 ft 5 in | 1.95 m |
| External height (standard) | 6 ft 3 in | 1.91 m |
| External height (high cube) | 7 ft 3 in | 2.21 m |
Internal Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
| Internal length | 5 ft 7 in | 1.70 m |
| Internal width | 5 ft 10 in | 1.78 m |
| Internal height (standard) | 5 ft 8 in | 1.73 m |
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Floor area | ~31 sq ft / ~2.9 m² |
| Internal volume (standard) | ~175 cu ft / ~5 m³ |
| Tare weight (approx) | 600–800 kg |
| Construction | Corten (COR-TEN A grade) weathering steel |
| Floor material | Marine-grade plywood (options: bamboo, varnished ply) |
| Door type | Double swing doors with lockbox |
| ISO standard | Non-standard ISO — not suitable for sea freight |
| Stacking | Not rated for standard container stacking |
For slightly more space, see our 8ft container.
Why Blue Fin Shipping International?
- 5 Years UK
- Quality Options
- Who We Supply
- Full Container Range
- Basic Modifications Available
- Nationwide Coverage
We deliver 20ft shipping containers across the full UK from depots near London, Manchester, Birmingham, Felixstowe, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, and Cardiff — with HIAB delivery to your specific postcode. Same-day or next-day delivery available in most areas.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by construction firms, events teams, industrial leaders, and small businesses alike — here’s what they’re saying:
Frequently Asked Questions — 6ft Shipping Containers
How much does a 6ft shipping container cost in the UK?
The cost of a 6ft shipping container in the UK varies by condition and specification. Used 6ft containers typically start from around £700–£1,100 + VAT, while new one-trip units range from £1,100–£1,800 + VAT depending on floor options and any modifications. Contact our team for a same-day quote including delivery to your postcode.
What are the dimensions of a 6ft shipping container?
A 6ft shipping container measures approximately 1.83m long × 1.95m wide × 1.91m high externally — making it almost cube-shaped when viewed from the front. Internal dimensions are approximately 1.70m long × 1.78m wide × 1.73m high, with an internal volume of around 5 cubic metres. Note that 6ft containers are non-standard ISO units and are narrower and shorter than standard shipping containers.
Is a 6ft container a standard shipping container?
No — 6ft containers are non-standard ISO units. Unlike 20ft containers and 40ft containers which conform to international ISO shipping standards, 6ft containers are manufactured to nest inside larger containers for transport (6ft inside 8ft, inside 10ft shipping container, inside 20ft). This means they are slightly narrower and shorter than standard containers and are not suitable for international sea freight. They are designed for UK storage, residential, and site use.
Will a 6ft container fit in my garden?
With an external footprint of approximately 1.83m × 1.95m — smaller than most garden sheds — a 6ft container fits in the vast majority of UK residential gardens. You’ll need a hard, level surface for placement (concrete, paving, or compacted hardcore) and sufficient vehicle access for delivery. Because 6ft containers are lighter than standard containers, delivery requirements are less demanding — a standard flatbed or van delivery is usually sufficient rather than a large HIAB crane vehicle.
Do I need planning permission for a 6ft container in the UK?
In most cases, placing a 6ft container on private residential land in the UK does not require planning permission, particularly for temporary storage use. Their compact size makes them less likely to raise planning concerns than larger containers. However, rules vary by local authority, location, and intended use. We always recommend checking with your local planning authority before installation, especially for long-term placements or conversions.
How is a 6ft container delivered?
Because 6ft containers are significantly lighter than standard shipping containers (typically 600–800kg), they can often be delivered using smaller vehicles than a full HIAB crane truck — making residential and urban delivery more straightforward. You will need clear vehicle access to the delivery point, a hard level surface for placement, and no overhead obstacles. Contact our team at point of order to confirm the best delivery method for your location. Standard delivery takes 3–5 working days.
What security features does a 6ft container have?
New 6ft containers come with a factory-fitted lockbox as standard — a steel cowl that shields the padlock from bolt cutters and pry bars, making forced entry significantly more difficult. The containers themselves are constructed from Corten steel, which is far stronger than timber or composite shed materials. For used containers, a lockbox can be fitted as a modification before delivery if not already present.
Can a 6ft container be converted or modified?
Yes — though the compact internal dimensions (approximately 1.70m × 1.78m × 1.73m) do limit conversion options compared to larger containers. Practical modifications include: electrics (LED lighting, sockets), shelving and racking, ventilation vents, and custom repainting. Small access improvements such as personnel doors or ramps can also be fitted. Contact our team to discuss your specific modification requirements.
What can I store in a 6ft container?
Despite their compact size, 6ft containers are well-suited to: garden tools and equipment, bicycles and motorcycles, seasonal items (garden furniture, BBQs, sports gear), construction site hand tools, small plant and equipment, agricultural supplies, event equipment, and archive documents. With an internal floor area of approximately 2.9m², careful organisation allows storage of more than the compact footprint suggests.
How long does a 6ft shipping container last?
A new one-trip 6ft container, properly maintained in static storage use, can realistically last 20–30 years. The Corten steel construction develops a protective rust layer over time that prevents further corrosion. Used containers have a remaining service life that varies by age and prior use — typically 10–20 years of further storage use. All Blue Fin containers are inspected and supplied wind & watertight.