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Life After Hawaii

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Container Moves From Hawaii, Explained

Almost every household move from Hawaii ends up in a container. Whether a full-service crew packs it or you load it yourself, understanding container sizes, loading and the fees that come with them will help you read quotes and avoid paying for empty space.

Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Key takeaways

  • Common options are wooden vaults, 20-foot containers and 40-foot containers.
  • Pay for the space you need: sorting before your survey is the best way to cut cost.
  • Ocean loading must be tight, braced and heavy-on-the-bottom; loose loads shift and break.
  • Ask about port, fuel, residential delivery, shuttle and storage fees before you sign.

Container and vault sizes

Wooden liftvans (vaults)

Wooden crates that are packed and sealed at your home, then loaded into a larger container at the mover's facility. Good for small or medium moves and homes without curb space for a full container.

20-foot container

Roughly 1,100 cubic feet of internal space. Often a fit for a studio to two-bedroom home, depending on furniture.

40-foot container

Roughly double a 20-foot. Often used for three- to four-bedroom homes, sometimes with room for a vehicle when loaded professionally.

Exclusive use vs. consolidated

An exclusive-use container carries only your goods, which can mean a more predictable schedule and less handling. Consolidated shipments share space with others and can be cheaper but may wait for the container to fill. Ask which your quote assumes.

How to load for an ocean crossing

  • Heaviest items (appliances, dressers, boxes of books) on the floor, against the front wall
  • Load in tight tiers, floor to ceiling, and brace or strap each tier
  • Wrap all furniture in pads; never let wood touch metal walls
  • Fill gaps with soft goods so nothing can slide
  • Keep a written inventory with numbered boxes

Fees to ask about

Container quotes can include charges beyond the base price. Ask each company to list, in writing, whether these apply:

  • Origin and destination terminal or port handling
  • Fuel or bunker surcharges
  • Residential pickup or delivery fees
  • Shuttle trucks where a container can't reach your home
  • Storage at origin or destination, and how it's billed
  • Long carries, stairs and elevators

Self-pack container checklist

  1. Measure your inventory and choose a size with a small buffer.
  2. Buy new, double-wall boxes; avoid boxes stored in humid garages.
  3. Clean outdoor items of soil and sand before they go in.
  4. Book loading help if you can't lift and stack safely.
  5. Photograph the loaded container before it's sealed and record the seal number.

Frequently asked questions

Will a 20-foot container fit my 3-bedroom home?

Sometimes, if you've sold a lot of furniture. Many full three-bedroom homes need more space. A survey of your actual inventory is the only reliable way to know.

Can I put my car in my household container?

In some cases, especially in a 40-foot container loaded professionally. It requires specific bracing and documentation, so ask your mover or carrier first.

Sources

Rules, schedules and fees change. Confirm details with the official source before you act.

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