How to Rent a Storage Container
Bring the storage unit to your stuff
Portable storage containers can be used for moves and on-site or remote storage.
Size options include 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers.
Average storage container rental costs fall between $75 and $200 per month.
Overall costs could be from $50 to $3,600, depending on the rental duration and location.
You’ve seen them looming in neighbors’ driveways, sitting beside the curb at the nearby cul-de-sac, or stacked up as cargo on a tractor-trailer: large portable storage containers branded with names like PODS or U-Box. Since its appearance in the late 1990s, this moving and storage innovation has changed the way we transport and stash away our stuff.
Whether you’re moving or just curious about how they work, we’ll break down all the important details on how to rent a storage container.
Renting a Storage Container: Step by Step
Follow these steps to secure the right portable storage container rental and avoid overpaying or being short on space.
Choose a Company
Don’t simply settle on the first company someone recommends or that you see in a local directory. Shop around and get quotes from at least three local storage container rental companies. When comparing their rates, look at their prices, reviews, condition of the containers, and any security features, such as alarms, tamper-proof locks, and CCTV cameras.
Review the small print of the rental contract. You don't want to be charged unexpected fees for not cleaning the unit at the end of the agreement or for making a late payment.
Select Container Size
Go too big, and you’ll be paying more than you need to; go too small, and you might struggle to fit all your items. Ask the rental company for guidance. They may ask for details of your home size and the type of content you plan to store, or even conduct a virtual tour or in-person visit of the room or home you plan to pack up.
Schedule Dates For Delivery
Consider your timeline and the potential costs when scheduling your storage container delivery. Some companies offer discounts if you book during the low season (winter), while others might only deliver on weekdays during office hours, and you’ll need to book the day off work.
If you need to book the storage container to clear space before contractors come in to remodel a kitchen or living room at short notice, a rush delivery date could incur higher fees.
Load Container
Packing and positioning items thoughtfully allows you to fit more, reduces the chance of damage, and makes it easier to access items you'll need during their time in the container. Put heavy items and boxes you're less likely to need toward the back of the container, leaving a path through the middle, where possible. Label boxes and wrap fragile items.
Don't pack items you've just cleaned damp or wrap them in unbreathable plastic. This can encourage mold and mildew buildup. Dismantling bigger furniture items takes time, but it makes them easier to move and maximizes storage space.
Types of Storage Containers
Your reasoning for renting a storage container is unique, and so are the units themselves. Most portable storage units are made from weatherproofed plywood, corrugated steel, or a combination of the two. Some feature rolling doors while others have swinging, barn-style doors.
Some companies offer different portable shipping container sizes, while others are limited to a single standard model. The precise dimensions vary among companies, but your general size options are:
8-foot container: Roughly equivalent in capacity to a 10-foot moving truck, 8-foot containers are the most common size, designed to pack up a studio or small apartment comfortably.
12-foot container: Suitable for packing up a 2–3 bedroom home, the 12-foot container compares to a 15-foot moving truck.
16-foot container: Extra large 16-foot containers, the biggest commonly available, are meant to be a substitute for a 20-foot moving truck.
Different companies may provide accessories like tie-down rings, locks, and padding as part of the rental or for an additional fee. These features offer protection against inclement weather and theft, so if either is a concern, be sure to bring these features up.
Ways to Use Portable Storage Containers
Consumers rent storage containers for moving or for temporary or long-term storage, whether kept at home or transported to a remote facility.
On-Site Storage
A novel possibility created by portable storage container rental is the opportunity to clear bulky or infrequently used items out of the home without bringing them to a faraway facility. You can simply get the container delivered to your driveway or yard, load it up, and forget about it, enjoying your decluttered house for as long as you’re willing to continue paying for the rental.
While it is possible to do this for the long-term, portable storage containers are a more popular choice for those who need temporary outdoor storage over a renovation, for example. If you’re refinishing your hardwood floors, for instance, you can simply move all the furniture in a room into the portable container during the duration of the job and easily bring it back inside when you’ve finished.
Bring the Storage Facility To You
Many companies offer the other option to pick up the unit and deliver it to a remote storage facility. In essence, this provides traditional self-storage without the hassle of renting a truck to haul the items yourself. If you’re deciding between a self-storage unit and a portable storage container, keep in mind that you will pay a premium for the portable container. Significant additional charges come when you need the portable unit delivered, so it may not be the best option for items you anticipate bringing in and out of storage rather than just stashing away for a long time.
Moving
Perhaps most commonly, portable storage containers are also used as a substitute for or supplement to a moving truck. Not only does it require less work from the renter to get the container to their home, but most portable storage units are also easier to load than a truck since they sit flat on the ground and do not require a ramp for access.
The majority of storage companies provide options for local or long-distance moves, though some only make their products available for one or the other.
Pros and Cons of Portable Storage Containers
Portable storage containers provide a perfect solution for some moving and storage needs, but they are not right for every job.
Pros
Advantages include:
Less expensive than hiring a full-service moving company
Easier to load than DIY moving with a rental truck
Stiff competition between companies, meaning a wide range of different choices for the consumer
Perfect for short-term storage needs, like during a renovation
Cons
Keep these downsides in mind.
Keeping a portable storage container at home requires a significant amount of outdoor space and, in some cases, the approval of parking authorities or an HOA.
They’re not available everywhere.
They can be a more expensive option than combining truck rentals and traditional local storage facilities in the short term.
Pricing can vary widely.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Portable Storage Container?
The costs to rent a shipping container are wide-ranging, varying from $75 per day to $3,600 for a year. The final bill depends on the size of the container, local availability, whether or not you’re transporting it, the distance it will travel, and the rental duration.
The average rental costs fall between $50 and $500 per month. Many companies offer 30 free rental days if you move the container to another home or a storage facility. If you need the container long-term, buying one may be a better investment. Purchasing a shipping container costs between $1,800 and $8,300 on average.
Additional Storage Container Costs
Below are some factors that can bump up basic portable storage container rental costs.
Delivery Fees
Generally, customers pay between $160 and $250 for the delivery of the container. Some companies have a flat rate delivery and removal fee for storage containers; for others, it can depend on the container size, distance for delivery, and site accessibility.
Loading Assistance
You can save money by packing and unpacking the container yourself. If you're short on time, have a bad back, or have a bunch of bulky, heavy items, hiring a company that offers an additional loading and unloading service for a fee could be worth it. Alternatively, you can hire local movers to load and unload the container. The average cost to hire movers for this task is $25 to $75 per hour.
Number of Containers
You may need to rent multiple storage containers if you're doing a major house remodel. Shop around, as some companies offer generous discounts for renting a second or third container.
Rental Time Frame
The longer you rent a storage container, the more it will cost. However, the discounts offered for weekly, monthly, or quarterly rentals vary, so it always pays to shop around and do your research early.
Insurance
Some storage container rental companies include insurance coverage within their rates or can provide it for an additional fee. If not, enquire whether your home insurance covers items in a container—they might if the container is sitting within your property lines. Other times, you might have to pay for a policy add-on or a separate policy.
Permits
Depending on your municipality, the location of the container, and the amount of time it spends there, you may have to apply for a permit. Always check the local rules to avoid penalties and peeving off your neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When comparing the costs of portable containers vs. storage units, the monthly rates are often higher for portable containers. However, you don’t have the hassle or potential extra cost of hiring a truck or movers to transport your items to a storage unit location. If you have to add these costs, a portable container can work out better value for shorter-term rentals.
Renting the right type of storage unit is sometimes a more practical alternative to renting a storage container if you don't need regular access to your items. It saves you from having an unsightly container sitting on or near your property, you won't have to worry about permits, climate-control facilities are safer for some items, and you'll have peace of mind from on-site security.
There are several things to avoid packing into your storage container to reduce the risk of damage or danger. This includes weapons, ammunition, and combustible, flammable, or toxic items, such as gasoline, fireworks, or chemicals. Perishable items, such as plants or food (except for canned goods), are also a no-go, as are damp goods.
