Need a secure, portable place to store equipment, tools, or materials? A storage container can make life a whole lot easier. But should you buy or rent it?
Renting can be a great fit for short-term projects, while buying a container can provide long-term value if you need storage across multiple projects or locations. Let’s walk through the factors to consider for renting vs. buying storage, so you can decide what makes the most sense for you.
5 Questions to Consider Beforehand
To decide if you should buy or rent a storage container, try asking yourself these questions:
- How long will I need the container? If you just need the storage space for two years or less, renting may be more convenient and cost-effective. But if the container will be used for longer, buying is better because you’ll eventually spend as much on rent as you would to buy.
- Will I use it just once? Buying a container usually only makes sense if secure storage is needed permanently or across multiple projects or locations. Otherwise, it can be overkill, considering the up-front costs and the hassle of figuring out what to do with the container once the project wraps up.
- Do I have a permanent place for it? Owning a container works best when there’s a place for it when it’s not in use. If your storage needs vary from project to project and you find yourself scrambling for a place to put it, go with renting.
- How much can I spend on storage? Buying a storage container is typically costlier than renting one, unless you keep it for more than three years. When you buy a container, you pay for the container plus delivery up front. When you rent, you pay for delivery, pick up and the first month up front.
- Do I need to customize the container? If you’ll be adding roll-up doors, windows, vents, HVAC, or similar features to your container, buying it gives you more flexibility. Not all rentals allow customization, even if you just want to do something simple, like paint it.
Buying a Portable Storage Container
When you buy a portable storage container, you own the unit outright. You can move it from location to location, store tools, materials, and belongings, and tailor it to your wants and needs. Like any investment, though, storage container ownership comes with its pros and cons.
Pros of Buying a Container for Storage
Buying a portable storage space comes with a few advantages:
- Guaranteed availability: When you own the container, you don’t have to worry about scheduling deliveries or arranging rentals ahead of peak periods.
- Greater customization flexibility: Paint it, clad it, and shelve it to your heart’s desire. You can add windows, security locks, and phone line outlets as you please. For example, if you’re representing an institution, you can decorate your portable storage container to be on-brand.
- Mobility between locations: Once you’ve bought the container, you can control when and where to move it. Jumping to another jobsite, office location, or property is easy, even on a whim.
- Resale or repurposing potential: A container can retain value if it’s kept in good condition. When your storage needs change later on, you may be able to sell it and recover part of your investment. Alternatively, you can convert it into another usable space.
Cons of Buying a Container for Storage
That said, storage container ownership comes with considerations worth thinking through, too:
- Higher initial investment: You need to be ready to cover the larger purchase cost at the start if you choose to buy a container. If you don’t want to break the bank, consider used units and carefully decide on the sizes and special features.
- Maintenance and compliance responsibilities: When the container is yours, you’re the one handling upkeep. This can include fixing doors, repainting, treating rust, and greasing moving parts. You’ll also need to inspect seals and gaskets and maintain ventilation to prevent moisture damage. You must comply with the general storage requirements set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well.
- Relocation costs: While you have flexibility over where and when you move the container as an owner, you’re responsible for the associated hauling costs. It’s important to factor this in when budgeting for your storage container investment.
When Buying a Container Is Likely the Right Call
Buying a storage container may make sense if you:
- Run construction projects and need to store tools and materials across multiple jobsites.
- Want a permanent storage solution for supplies on your property.
- Plan to turn the container into a customized workspace or specialty storage unit.
- Regularly need onsite storage and don’t want to arrange rentals again and again.
- Need a long-term storage setup for your business.
Renting a Portable Storage Container
When you rent a portable storage container, you’re paying to use the unit for a set period. Renting is a simple way to get secure storage without the strings attached, but just like buying, it has its pros and cons.
Pros of Renting a Container for Storage
If you only need storage space temporarily, renting offers:
- Lower starting costs: Compared to purchasing the container, renting may be more affordable. The pricing is already all-inclusive, and many providers provide lock-in rates, so you know exactly what you’ll be paying until you return the container.
- Short-term flexibility and convenience: You can keep the container for as long as the project, move, renovation, or cleanup takes, and have it picked up when you’re finished.
- Minimal maintenance: You just need to keep the container tidy while using it. Everything else will be taken care of for you. This is especially helpful when you need to focus on transferring household items or managing seasonal sales for your business.
Cons of Renting a Container for Storage
Renting a portable container storage comes with some drawbacks, though:
- Recurring rental payments: Because you’re paying to use the container, the cost continues for as long as the rental lasts. Over several years, those payments can add up.
- Dependence on the provider: Since you’re not picking and dropping the container off yourself, you will need to go by the provider’s schedule. During busy periods, you may have to plan arrangements in advance.
- Limited customization options: Rental containers are usually provided as is. Although some may come with features such as windows or HVAC, you won’t have the same level of freedom to modify the container as you would if you bought it.
When Renting a Container Is Likely the Right Call
Renting a storage container may make sense if you:
- Must keep tools at a jobsite while your short project is underway.
- Need to store your furniture and belongings somewhere to move between homes.
- Need a place to keep belongings protected while rooms are being renovated.
- Host an event and need a secure place to store supplies during setup or teardown.
- Handle seasonal inventory overflow for your business.
Got Stuff That Needs a Secure Storage Spot?
Choosing to rent or buy a storage container comes down to how you plan to use it. Whether you’re buying or renting, the goal is the same — secure storage without the runaround. Pro Box Portable Storage provides secure storage for contractors, homeowners, and businesses across Arizona, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas.
Our rental options offer wind- and watertight (WWT) storage with 2-3 day delivery, locked-in rates, and a patented Pro Vault Locking System® that stops pry bars, drills, and sawzalls before they even get started. Choose from 10- to 40-foot containers and grab extras like ramps to make loading tools, materials, or inventory a whole lot easier.
If you’re looking to buy a container, you get the same tough steel build plus the option to customize it however you want — think windows, skylights, shelves, HVAC, and more. We can make it happen! Pick between new and used containers based on your budget and how you plan to use your storage space.
Request a quote or call us at 844-277-6268. We will walk you through the options and help you choose the right container, minus the headache.
