A large water container can look efficient on an empty store shelf. Filled at home, it may be too heavy to move or too awkward to pour. The right size is one the intended user can handle safely in the actual storage space.
Think through three separate actions: carrying it to storage, taking it out again, and dispensing water. A sturdy handle may help the first two but do little for controlled pouring. If you need both hands to lift the container, consider whether you can set it down securely before opening it.
Try the shape before committing
Inspect the handle clearance and the position of the cap or tap. Can your hand fit comfortably? Does the container have a stable base? Would the tap extend beyond the shelf where it will sit? A container that dispenses neatly on a camping table may be inconvenient in a shallow apartment cupboard.
Do not test your lifting limit with a full container on stairs. Start with a manageable amount and a safe level surface, or get help assessing a suitable size. Several smaller containers can be easier to rotate and use than one large one, even if they occupy slightly more space.
If you expect to use a spigot, check that it is designed for the container and storage arrangement. Keep the opening protected from dirt. Avoid dipping cups or hands into stored drinking water; CDC emphasizes dispensing in a way that does not contaminate the supply.
Match the material to drinking water
Choose a container specifically intended for drinking-water storage. Know its previous use if it is not new. A vessel that has held chemicals should not become a water container, regardless of how thoroughly it appears to have been washed.
Follow its cleaning and storage instructions, and keep dates visible. A handle does not make the material suitable for long storage, and an attractive shape does not mean the cap can be cleaned properly.
Before buying several identical containers, use one through a normal fill, carry, pour, and clean cycle. Notice whether water sloshes onto the floor, the cap is difficult to grip, or the last portion cannot be dispensed without lifting. Those small frustrations become larger during an interruption. Choose a size and arrangement that the household can use without depending on its strongest member being home.