Storage Containers For Rent – Rental Guide

If you’re like most homeowners, you sometimes struggle with finding enough space to store your stuff, and you may think of the obvious solution, renting a storage container, as something that’s only done on a temporary basis. For instance, people often rent storage units when they are in the process of moving to a different home or when they’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time to get rid of a lot of the stuff they’ve accumulated over the years. Placing items in storage is an excellent strategy for getting them out of the way as you list them for sale and show them to prospective purchasers, but they also have permanent uses as well. The following guide will provide you with the information you need about renting a storage container. 

This guide will help you navigate the world of mobile storage and shipping container rentals. Leasing or renting mobile storage options is a cost-effective way to meet almost all storage needs, but whether you rent or lease depends on your individual needs and preferences as well as the reason why you need storage. For instance, if you need a temporary storage solution for a short period of time while you relocate from one house to another or downsize after the kids go away to college, renting is the right way to go. However, if your storage needs are more long-term, you should consider leasing. Leasing is a great solution for those who simply don’t have enough storage space in their homes, especially for items such as seasonal sports equipment, holiday decorations, and summer and winter wardrobes. 

Another advantage of renting or leasing a storage container is that you don’t have to make the kind of upfront investment that would be a part of the picture if you were to buy a storage container. Also, keep in mind that there may be municipal codes in your jurisdiction that prohibit the long term placement of mobile storage containers on private property, and even if there isn’t, your neighbors might complain. Renting or leasing a container provides you with flexibility. If you need a storage container for your business, renting or leasing may make more sense than purchasing a container as well. Both homeowners and business owners appreciate the convenience of having the mobile container close to their home or business so that they can have easy access to the contents. 

Those who partner with Haulaway to meet their storage needs can depend on having the unit delivered to their site as well as picked up when the time comes so that you don’t have to worry about getting rid of the container after you no longer need it.

Why Use a Shipping Container for Storage?

Although our shipping containers were manufactured and designed for use on ocean freight carrier vessels, which means they’re made to hold heavy loads and withstand the roughest possible conditions. These containers are strong and durable enough for any purpose, making them the ideal choice for any storage need. With these sturdy containers, your belongings are as safe as possible from environmental damage from earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. After all, if the containers can keep their contents safe and intact for the duration of a transcontinental voyage on the high seas, they’ll do a great job of keeping things safe on land.

Our storage containers feature 12 or 14 gauge corrugated steel construction on the sides, and the frames are made of 6 to 8 gauge steel. Each container has treated 1-inch hardwood flooring, and all standard containers come with a cargo door. Cargo doors are ideal for storage because they feature a tight seal that keeps rodents and insects out of the container as well as keeps contents safe from moisture. As an added bonus, cargo doors allow you to open the entire end of the unit so that you can easily fit large items into them. Unlike roll-up doors, these doors do not come with the risk of water seeping in through the bottom. Be sure to ask your local Haulaway specialist about door options in your specific area. 

Money Matters — How Much Do They Cost?

Prices of storage containers vary by a number of factors. For instance, a standard container generally runs from between $75 per month and $295 per month. Variables include the size of the container and how the door is configured. Dry containers are the most popular type, and as such, they’re the ones that are the most abundant — which means they are also the least expensive. To match personal tastes and preferences, these dry containers are frequently available with a choice of different configuration options, such as double doors or open sides. 

Our containers aren’t just for storage, however. Many of our customers use them for modular offices. They’re ideal as temporary office solutions for construction sites as well as for permanent offices at a variety of businesses. Prices for these run from between $125-$500 per month depending on the size you want and your desired amenities. 

For your convenience, we also offer pickup and delivery at a charge that is designed to be far less than if you were purchasing the same or a similar storage container and having it delivered to the location of your choosing. As an additional benefit to renting or leasing a mobile storage container, it’s highly possible that damage waivers and insurance fees can be applied to your monthly billing invoice, which saves you from having to worry about incidental damage that may happen to the container while it is on your property, such as graffiti and other forms of petty vandalism. Don’t be discouraged or suspicious if your storage container partner mentions insurance costs — these are designed to protect you in the event that damage occurs to the unit during your time of use. Keep in mind that it can be a hassle to navigate through the red tape of individual homeowners’ and business insurance policies to determine whether your leased or rented mobile storage unit is covered. 

Rental Period Lengths

Equipment leasing terms generally run for 28 days, but variations exist designed to fit the needs and preferences of customers. For instance, it may be possible to get a daily rate if your mobile storage needs are extremely short term. You may also be able to negotiate weekly or monthly rates, so don’t be afraid to discuss your unique needs with your storage rental partner. We are committed to working with you to design storage solutions unique to your needs. 

Door Specifications

Mobile storage containers usually have cargo doors on one end, but the majority of companies offer these doors on both ends as well for the ultimate convenience in loading and unloading. Open-side options which allow for the functionality for opening an entire side of the container. 

The most popular choice of homeowners, small businesses, and contractors is the 20-foot container. These containers take up far less room than their counterparts that are 40 feet in length and are also easier to maneuver during the delivery process. However, other lengths are also available. You can choose a 10-foot container for smaller jobs as well as larger ones at 45-feet, 48-feet, and 53-feet. To provide even more room, the larger units are often available with 9.5-foot ceilings. These are known as “high cubes.”

Installation and Delivery Basics

The first step toward getting your container set up on the location of your choice is determining whether the site is accessible to the vehicles typically used in delivery. Our smaller trucks that deliver containers up to 20 feet in length and usually require about 60 feet of room in a straight line in which to maneuver the container into place.  Another important consideration is a firm, level surface. Storage containers and the semi-trucks used to delivery them are supremely heavy pieces of equipment, and it’s unwise to navigate them on any surface besides one that is constructed of sturdy pavement. The surface directly under the container needs to be level enough so that all four corners of the unit have an equal amount of support. it is also necessary to have a good deal of overhead clearance in order to successfully deliver a mobile storage container. You will need at least 14 feet of overhead clearance on the road leading to the desired placement area and at least 20 feet of clearance in the area where the container is to be situated. It is essential for all overhanging trees and electrical wires are out of the way — electrical wires, in particular, pose a significant safety hazard, so be sure to carefully site the location prior to scheduling a delivery. 

Potential Alignment Issues

Door alignment issues occasionally occur after a container has been delivered, which can make the doors difficult to close. Fortunately, this condition can be remedied by making sure that all of the corners are completely supported. This may involve providing added support to one or two of the corners using durable material. The structure can be lifted using a hydraulic jack or a small forklift. Keep in mind that these containers can weigh as much as 5,000 pounds, and there is therefore bound to be some settling after they are placed in position.

Please feel free to reach out to Haulaway at your convenience for more information on how we can help you meet your temporary or permanent mobile storage needs. Our experienced and skilled staff will be more than happy to assist you in developing a customized plan that provides exactly you with the best possible storage solution. 

TESTIMONIALS

"I want to thank John for his persistent care and customer service... I feel like he actually cares about us and our needs, and that speaks volumes. I personally liked his communication via email, and that he was available to speak with me, even in different time zones... Haulaway is great. I will always recommend and think of them for future needs." -M. Chappo 

“Heather is a dream to work with... friendly and professional, always on the ball, and always with a NO PROBLEM attitude. I work with her all the time and always rave about the customer service we receive!” -Rhonda 

“Great service! Carol is the best person to work with when you are having to have multiple locations and multiple containers being moved around. The drivers go above and beyond when it comes to getting the containers placed in the right spots. An example would be when you give these drivers maps to go by, they pull place the containers right where it goes and if does not look right to them in placement, they will contact me before doing anything and if I marked the map wrong, they are always helpful. Been working with these guys for over 10 years so would not go anywhere else.” - Josh 

“Whether you are remodeling or just storing supplies for a month, or even an ongoing long period. Whatever your need they have the container for you...Haulaway has saved us in the long run.” -Jim 

"Leonard was one of our favorite drivers. When he picked up the containers he was so professional and didn't even hesitate to do a great job even with all of the extra work he had to do. Leonard never complained or stopped smiling. Thank you for all the great support you gave us as a company... I would definitely recommend Haulaway Storage Containers for any job... Thank you for all your work, Leonard!" -Fridda 

"Travis is awesome. He is very professional and courteous. We appreciate all of his effort on our job site.” - Brian 

“Our customers count on us to deliver results in a timely manner and Haulaway is without a doubt an integral part of our recipe for success. I'm particularly impressed with the culture of the staff. You can "hear" the smile on their face when you speak to them.” - Peter 

“I rented 20 ft Haulaway shipping container for storing of my house content during recent remodeling after researching extensively all vendors. It’s the best value in town. I was so impressed with the sturdiness and security of this container, practically impenetrable, and never felt that it was at risk of breaching.” -Vlad 

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