3.6m vs 4.8m: Which Cabin Size Actually Fits Your Furniture?
Have you ever found yourself standing in your driveway with a measuring tape, trying to imagine if a portable room will actually solve your space problems? It is a common puzzle. You need more room—perhaps for a growing teenager, a quiet home office, or a cozy hobby space—but picking the right cabin size feels like a guessing game. Choosing between a standard 3.6m cabin and an extra Large 4.8m cabin is about more than just numbers on a floor plan; it is about how you will move, breathe, and live inside that space.
At Room2rent, we see this “size stress” every day. The difference between 3.6 metres and 4.8 metres might seem small on paper, but in reality, it is the difference between a snug bedroom and a multi-purpose studio. Making the wrong choice can lead to a cramped environment where you are constantly bumping into corners. This guide will walk you through exactly what fits where, helping you visualize your life inside our mobile cabins before the delivery truck even arrives.
Key Takeaways
- The 3.6m Standard Cabin is perfect for single occupants, featuring a queen bed and basic storage.
- The 4.8m Extra Large Cabin offers 33% more floor space, allowing for lounge areas or large workstations.
- Spatial Flow matters more than square footage; always leave 60cm of walking space around furniture.
- Versatility is higher in the 4.8m model, making it a better long-term investment for growing needs.
The Standard 3.6m Cabin Size: The Compact Powerhouse
The 3.6m x 2.4m cabin is our most popular choice for a reason. It fits comfortably into most New Zealand backyards without requiring a massive footprint. If you are looking for a dedicated sleepout or a private study, this is your go-to option.
Inside a 3.6m cabin, the layout works best when you prioritize the essentials. Imagine placing a queen-sized bed against the back wall. You still have enough room for a bedside table and a tallboy or a small desk. It feels like a standard hotel room—efficient, cozy, and private. This size is ideal for those who need a “room to sleep” rather than a “room to live in” all day. It provides a sanctuary away from the main house, giving a teenager or a guest their own four walls.
The Extra Large 4.8m Cabin Size: Room to Breathe
When you step up to the 4.8m x 2.4m Extra Large cabin, the atmosphere changes instantly. That extra 1.2 metres of length unlocks possibilities that simply aren’t available in the standard model. It isn’t just a bedroom anymore; it is a studio apartment.
In this layout, you can easily fit a double or queen bed at one end and still have a significant “living zone” at the other. This means you can add a two-seater sofa, a coffee table, and a full-sized office desk. If you are working from home full-time, the 4.8m cabin allows you to separate your “work zone” from your “relaxation zone.” This mental separation is vital for productivity and well-being. For many of our customers across various regions in NZ, this extra space prevents the “cabin fever” feeling that can happen in smaller quarters.
Visualising Your Layout: A Side-by-Side Comparison
When deciding between these two portable cabins, it helps to think about specific furniture pieces.
In the 3.6m cabin, a queen bed (approx. 1.5m wide) leaves you with about 2.1m of length for everything else. Once you add a wardrobe or a desk, your walking path becomes quite narrow. It is a functional space, but it requires smart furniture choices, like using wall-mounted shelves instead of bulky floor units.
Contrast this with the 4.8m cabin. With a queen bed in place, you still have 3.3m of open floor. You could fit a small dining table or a kitchenette setup (if using the space for an artist’s studio). This extra length means you don’t have to choose between a bed and a couch—you can have both. For a detailed size comparison, seeing the floor plans side-by-side often makes the decision clear.
Why Quality and Comfort Matter
We have spent years refining our cabins to suit the New Zealand climate. It isn’t just about the size; it is about the experience of being inside. Our cabins are fully insulated, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. This is important because a well-lit 3.6m cabin can feel much larger than a dark, cramped 4.8m one.
Trust is built on durability. At Room2rent, our cabins are built on galvanised steel trailers, ensuring they stay level and dry, no matter the weather. We understand that this cabin is an extension of your home. Whether you are following professional advice on proper room sizes or looking for a flexible rental, we ensure that every square metre is built to high standards.
Which Size Should You Choose?
The decision usually comes down to two things: your backyard space and your daily activities.
Choose the 3.6m Standard Cabin if you have limited outdoor space or if you only need a quiet place to sleep or study for a few hours a day. It is cost-effective and fits most basic needs perfectly.
Choose the 4.8m Extra Large Cabin if you plan on spending most of your day inside. If you are a freelancer, a small business owner, or have a tenant who needs a full living space, the extra investment pays off in comfort and functionality. Many people find that once they move their furniture in, they are grateful for that extra 1.2 metres. You can see more ideas on fitting furniture into cabins to help you decide.
Ready to Claim Your Space?
Don’t let a lack of space hold your life back any longer. Whether you need the compact efficiency of our Standard model or the expansive freedom of our Extra Large cabin, Room2rent is here to help you get through your front door. Our team can help you measure your site and choose the layout that feels like home.
Contact Room2rent Mobile Cabins today to discuss your needs and get a quote for your new space. Let’s make sure your furniture—and your lifestyle—fits perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary difference is the length, providing an additional 1.2 metres of floor space in the 4.8m model. While both share the same 2.4m width, the 4.8m cabin offers roughly 11.5 square metres of space compared to the 8.6 square metres in the 3.6m version. This extra room allows for more versatile furniture layouts, such as adding a lounge area alongside a bedroom setup. The 3.6m is best for single-use rooms like a bedroom or small office, whereas the 4.8m functions more like a self-contained studio or a spacious double office.
Yes, a king-sized bed will fit, but it will dominate the room. A standard NZ king bed is about 1.65m wide and 2.03m long. In a 3.6m x 2.4m cabin, this leaves very little room for other furniture like desks or wardrobes. You would have about 1.5 metres of length left at the end of the bed. If the cabin is purely for sleeping, it works well. However, if you need a workspace as well, we highly recommend upgrading to the 4.8m cabin to ensure you have enough walking space and room for a desk.
Generally, mobile cabins under 30 square metres that are on wheels do not require a building consent, but rules can vary by local council. Because Room2rent cabins are built on trailers and are non-permanent structures, they usually fall under different categories than fixed buildings. However, it is always wise to check your specific local council’s district plan regarding “temporary buildings” or “ancillary dwellings.” Factors like distance from boundaries and connection to services can sometimes trigger specific requirements, so a quick call to your council is a good safety step.
All Room2rent cabins are designed for the New Zealand climate and come fully insulated in the walls, floor, and ceiling. This ensures the space stays warm in the winter and cool during the summer. We use high-quality materials to provide a comfortable living environment that meets residential standards. Good insulation also helps with sound dampening, making the cabins ideal for home offices or quiet sleepouts. You won’t feel like you are in a “shed”; it will feel like a modern, comfortable room attached to your house.
Power is typically supplied via a standard 15-amp or 10-amp heavy-duty caravan lead that plugs into your main house. The cabin comes equipped with a standard power inlet and an internal switchboard with a safety RCD. Inside, you will find multiple power points and LED lighting already installed. It is a “plug and play” system. If you plan on running high-energy appliances like large heaters or ovens, you should ensure your home’s circuit can handle the load, but for standard office and bedroom use, the caravan lead is perfect.
Absolutely. The 4.8m cabin is the ideal size for a shared professional workspace. With nearly 5 metres of length, you can easily set up two large desks at opposite ends of the cabin or along one long wall. This leaves plenty of room in the centre for filing cabinets, a small meeting table, or a coffee station. The extra space prevents the “cramped” feeling that occurs when two people work in a smaller room, allowing for better focus and professional comfort for client meetings.
The site needs to be relatively level and have clear access for a large vehicle and trailer. While the cabins have leveling jacks, a flat area of firm ground, gravel, or concrete is best to prevent sinking over time. You should also ensure there are no low-hanging branches or power lines that could obstruct the delivery truck. A clear path of at least 3 metres wide is usually required. If your site is tricky or on a slope, let us know beforehand so we can plan the best delivery method.
Yes, that is the greatest benefit of a mobile cabin. Because they are built on a registered trailer with a WOF and Registration, they can be towed to a new location relatively easily. If you are renting the cabin, we simply come and collect it when your lease is up. If you own one, you can take your extra room with you whenever you move, protecting your investment. This makes them a much more flexible and cost-effective option than building a permanent wooden sleepout in your backyard.
Our cabins are built to withstand high wind zones and heavy rainfall common in New Zealand. The joinery is residential-grade aluminium, and the roofing is designed for maximum water runoff. Because the cabin is raised off the ground on a trailer, it is naturally protected from rising damp and surface flooding. The stabilising jacks provide a firm base, ensuring the cabin doesn’t rock or move during stormy weather, giving you a safe and dry environment regardless of the season.
Our standard rental cabins are designed as “dry” rooms (no plumbing) to keep them simple and affordable. Adding plumbing usually requires building consents and permanent connections to your home’s wastewater system, which removes the “temporary” benefit of a mobile cabin. However, many users find that the 4.8m cabin has enough space for a “dry” kitchenette area with a microwave, bar fridge, and kettle. For bathroom needs, most users simply use the facilities in the main house, which is just a few steps away.