Guide To Renting Storage Containers

Guide To Renting Storage Containers

Meta Description: Renting storage containers offers versatile solutions for temporary storage, additional workspace, and creative studios. This guide covers choosing the right size, customization options, and the rental process.

Shipping and storage containers offer versatile solutions to homeowners, businesses, and contractors. Whether you need temporary storage, additional workspace, or a creative studio, renting a container provides flexibility.

This guide provides an overview of container rentals – from choosing the right size and style to delivery and site preparation. It also answers frequently asked questions to help you select the optimal container rental for your unique needs.

Key Takeaways

• Renting shipping and storage containers provides flexible, cost-effective solutions for temporary and fluctuating storage needs.
• Choosing the right size container and customizing features like height and doors ensures optimal fit.
• Work with experienced rental companies for smooth delivery, site placement assistance, and optional accessories.
• Proper site preparation and container positioning streamline the arrival and setup process.
• Rental containers offer versatile solutions for construction sites, farms, schools, events, inventory, etc.

Why Consider Renting Shipping Containers?

There are several benefits to renting shipping and storage containers rather than purchasing them. These flexible, cost-effective, and low-maintenance rental options can fulfill various storage and workspace needs.

Flexible Storage Solutions

Renting portable storage containers, shipping, or intermodal containers provides unmatched flexibility for temporary or fluctuating storage situations. From construction site storage and on-site storage to additional office space or mobile storage for moving and storage needs, rental containers adapt to meet your unique requirements.

This is preferable to owning containers outright if your needs will change over time. The flexibility of short rental periods allows for easy upgrades to larger or different container styles as your space needs to evolve.

Cost-Effectiveness

Rental containers prove more economical than purchasing for short-term usage scenarios. You avoid significant upfront costs and can expense the monthly rental fees. Rental rates for storage and shipping containers vary widely between companies but typically range from $75-295 per month, depending on size, doors, and other features.

This rental cost is much lower than the thousands required to buy a container, especially if usage is temporary.

Low Maintenance Options

When you rent rather than own containers, the rental company handles maintenance and repairs – relieving you of these responsibilities. As the owner, you would need to inspect, repair, or replace parts as the container withstood heavy loads and weathered over time.

Rental companies also deliver the container, so you avoid finding storage space when usage is complete. This makes rented containers low maintenance options that are secure, weather-resistant, and built to withstand stresses, with no upkeep costs for the renter.

Choosing the Right Container Size

Selecting the appropriately sized shipping container, storage container, or portable storage unit is crucial to fulfilling your specific storage needs efficiently. Let’s examine some popular rental container size options.

10-Foot Containers

Smaller 10-foot containers provide ample storage space for more minor residential needs or portable storage.

These foot containers offer secure storage for seasonal decorations, sporting equipment, or tools. Their compact size allows them to fit in tighter spaces like a one-bedroom apartment or small business. However, their limited interior space may not provide enough long-term or high-volume storage space.

20-Foot Containers

The 20-foot container rental is a versatile mid-sized option and among the most popular. At this size, containers can hold the contents of a standard three-bedroom house yet still maneuver into most residential yards.

They are affordably priced and widely available from many rental companies. With double the capacity of 10-foot units, these containers work well for construction site storage, mobile storage, and temporary on-site storage for renovations or moves.

40-Foot Containers

For maximum storage capacity, consider a 40-foot container. Ideal for warehousing inventory, bulk goods, or long-term storage projects, they hold over two times the volume of a 20-foot unit. Of course, their large size requires ample room and enough space to be delivered and positioned properly.

But for heavy loads and mass quantities of supplies, goods, or records, the 40-foot shipping container delivers high-volume storage space.

Customizing Your Container

When renting portable storage containers or shipping containers, you can customize certain aspects to best suit your storage needs and usage scenario. Let’s review some standard customization options available.

Height Variations

Standard shipping container heights are 8 feet, 6 inches. However, if your cargo requires more interior space, high cube containers provide an additional foot of storage height. Renting high cube or standard containers gives flexibility based on the volume required.

High cube units are ideal for oversized items that wouldn’t fit under normal clearances. Just be aware high cube units also have heavier weights that require enough space and concrete footings to support their loads.

Door Options

Door configuration impacts container accessibility. Most units have single cargo doors, but dual door or side door options provide wider entry points. Dual-door containers allow loading from both ends, while side-door variations give full interior access.

Consider how and from where you’ll be loading/unloading items to select the optimal door style. Side doors may be preferable for storage facilities with low-hanging wires or tight delivery spaces where cargo doors can’t be opened fully.

The right customizations let you optimize your rented container setup. Work with experienced rental companies to identify solutions meeting your specific volume, accessibility, and security measure needs.

Useful Container Accessories

Adding the right accessories can help optimize your rented shipping container or storage container rental. Let’s examine two common accessory options.

Door Handle Extenders

For containers that will be frequently accessed, door handle extenders provide an affordable way to improve usability. Extenders attach to existing cargo doors, extending their length to offer more leverage when opening.

This proves helpful for aged containers facing rust issues, as extended handles enable easier access during loading/unloading. Extenders can prevent delivery delays from containers that are difficult to open, ensuring a smooth delivery process.

Ramps

Ramps are another simple but functional accessory. Whether moving items in/out with a dolly, delivery truck, or pop-up shop equipment, ramps streamline the process. Ramps lay over container thresholds, seamlessly transitioning from ground to interior floor level.

Dual-wedge and full-length varieties accommodate wheeled carts, suitcases, or hand trucks. Ramps ensure efficient and secure movement of goods without risk of spills or injuries from navigating steps.

Consulting experienced rental companies ensures identifying the best accessories meeting your specific needs within rental agreements. Small investments in extenders or ramps can deliver significant returns in convenience and safety during your container’s usage period.

The Rental Process

Working with an experienced rental company streamlines obtaining and using your portable storage container rental. Let’s overview the typical process.

Finding a Rental Provider

Start your search for container rentals by comparing options from multiple rental companies online. Read reviews to evaluate customer service, rental agreements, and flexibility.

Consider companies with wide inventory availability across different portable storage units, shipping container rentals, and storage container sizes. Inquire about rental periods, fees, including delivery and rental fees that don’t vary widely, and optional accessories.

Delivery and Pickup

Once your rental container is reserved, coordinate delivery logistics. Experienced companies will arrange delivery by delivery truck or trailer within your preferred delivery date and rental period. They’ll handle on-site placement and confirm the container is secured before departing.

When storage use ends, notify your rental company. They’ll schedule smooth container removal, often waiving associated pickup fees for repeat customers.

Rely on full-service providers managing the entire process, from finding the right container type to coordinating delivery and collection. Their expertise streamlines your rental experience from start to finish.

Preparing for Your Container’s Arrival

Proper site selection and preparation ensure a smooth delivery process when your rented shipping container arrives.

Site Selection

Choose a stable, level location with ample room and enough space for the container size. Optimal surfaces include concrete, asphalt, or compacted gravel to withstand heavy loads.

Also, consider vertical clearance for the delivery truck and horizontal clearance around the planned placement site. This allows efficient positioning without risks of damage.

Site Preparation

Before the delivery date, clear any debris or obstacles from the placement area. Remove vehicles, equipment, or stored items that may impede the delivery truck’s movement or access to the site.

Inspect for low-hanging wires or other physical barriers. Delivery may require temporary removal of fencing or yard accessories for unloading. Confirm the site can securely support the container’s weight without soil instability or concrete footing issues. Proper preparation streamlines a smooth delivery process and placement of your rented container.

Rely on an experienced rental provider for guidance on on-site evaluations and preparations to receive your portable storage container smoothly.

Common Uses for Rental Containers

Whether you need temporary storage, an additional workspace, or a creative studio, rental containers provide versatile solutions for a variety of needs:

• Construction site storage: Rent containers to store tools, equipment, and supplies securely during renovation projects.
• Agricultural storage: Farmers use containers to house seasonal equipment, supplies, and overflow crops.
• Educational storage: Schools rent containers as movable storage for overflow books, archives, and seasonal items.
• Homeowner storage: Rent a container for basement cleanup, during moves, or to store seasonal belongings like pool toys or winter gear.
• Retail pop-up shops: Entrepreneurs set up temporary shops in rented containers at events and high-traffic areas.
• Warehousing: Companies use containers for inventory storage on busy shipping docks or inside secured facilities.

Choosing Door Placement

Consider where doors will open relative to your site. Front-opening doors may be preferable for easy driveway access. Side-opening doors work well if space is limited on one side. Rear doors suit tight delivery areas where maneuvering is difficult. Discuss options with rental representatives to select the best door placement.

Security Considerations

Peace of mind is essential when items are stored long-term. Rental containers are weather-resistant and can be locked with your padlock. Ask providers about additional security measures like alarms, cameras, or fencing.

Well-lit areas also help deter unwanted access. Rental companies may offer storage facility rentals with around-the-clock security for high-value goods.