27-gallon totes: tote sizes and what fits
Moving totes come in many sizes, and the 27-gallon tote is one of the most common for moving because it balances capacity with a weight you can still lift. Here's what typically fits in a 27-gal tote, how tote sizes compare, and how 27-gallon tote rental works with STORVA.
How big is 27 gallons?
Twenty-seven gallons is about 3.6 cubic feet of space. Exact outside dimensions vary by manufacturer, so treat any tote size as a guide rather than a precise measurement. What matters most for moving is that a full tote is still comfortable to lift and stacks well.
What fits in a 27-gallon tote
These are typical examples, and real results depend on the items and how you pack:
- Folded clothes from a dresser drawer or two.
- Bed linens and towels for a bedroom or bathroom.
- Kitchen dishes, wrapped and stood on edge — heavy, so don't overfill.
- Pantry items and small appliances.
- Kids' toys, games and craft supplies.
- Bathroom cabinet contents.
- Books — fill only partway; books get heavy fast.
Tote sizes compared
Smaller totes are easier to lift but take more trips. Larger totes hold more but can become too heavy, especially with books or dishes. Mid-size totes like the 27-gallon are a common middle ground for moving.
Packing a 27-gallon tote well
- Heavy items in the bottom third.
- Fill gaps with soft items.
- Close the lid fully; don't overfill.
- Label the end and lid.
Totes with dollies
Stacks of 27-gallon totes roll easily on a 4-wheel dolly. The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies; extra dollies are $9 each.
Rent 27-gallon totes near you
If you're searching for tote rental near me in Dallas–Fort Worth, STORVA delivers 27-gallon black totes with yellow snap-on lids across our DFW service area and picks them up empty. See the moving tote rental page for details.
How many 27-gallon totes per room?
There's no universal number — two bedrooms of the same size can need very different counts. A sparse guest room might need just a few totes, while a full kitchen or a home office with lots of paperwork can need many more. Closets and garages are where estimates most often fall short.
The most reliable approach is to start from the package that matches your home size, then walk each room and adjust. Our tote calculator does this room by room. If you're between two packages, the larger one leaves room for the items you forget until the last day; unused totes go back at pickup with the rest.
How STORVA tote rental works
STORVA rents reusable 27-gallon black totes with yellow snap-on lids across Dallas–Fort Worth. We drop the empty totes off at your door, you pack, move and unpack your own belongings, and we pick the empty totes back up on the date you chose. We don't move, pack or haul anything for you — we supply the equipment.
Packages start at $79. The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies; extra dollies are $9 each. Next-day drop-off is available across DFW; for weekends and the end of the month, book 2–3 days ahead.
- Dorm / Studio: 10 totes, 1 week included, $79.
- 1 Bedroom: 20 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $109.
- 2–3 Bedrooms: 40 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $189.
- 4+ Bedrooms: 60 totes + 2 dollies, 2 weeks included, $239.
Rent totes · Use the tote calculator
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 27-gallon tote hold?
About 3.6 cubic feet. For moving, examples include a drawer or two of folded clothes, bedding and towels, or wrapped dishes (don't overfill with heavy items).
How many 27-gallon totes do I need to move?
Start with the package for your home size, then use the tote calculator to adjust for your belongings.
Can I rent 27-gallon totes near me?
If you're in our Dallas–Fort Worth service area, yes — we drop them off empty and pick them up empty.