How Much Do Storage Containers Cost

Storage containers, sometimes called “storage pods” or “moving pods," are attractive lightweight portable containers that can be assembled and disassembled onsite. These portable containers were popularized as “moving containers” by the PODS Moving and Storage company. 

However, sInce they only offer container rentals, many people wonder how much does a storage container cost to buy?

Prices for storage containers range from $3500 to $5000 including delivery to your property. Storage container prices primarily depend on the size of the container and your location.

Smaller storage container sizes cost less than larger containers. See below for the exact dimensions for these containers.

The delivery cost is potentially a large part of your storage container price, especially if you live far outside of a major city. So it’s important to get a container price quote that includes delivery.

The cost of storage containers remains the same when you make a purchase with financing for low monthly payments. We offer both rent-to-own and financing for storage containers.

Get an instant price quote for storage containers for sale here. Our price includes delivery to your location.

Storage containers are durable, mobile, and flexible, making them invaluable across various industries. Because they are portable and more attractive than other storage options, these containers are versatile. Here are just some of the uses for storage containers:

Residential or Commercial Moving: Storage containers provide a secure, weather-resistant space for transporting household or business items during a move.

Home Storage: Ideal for temporary or long-term storage as an alternative to sheds or during renovations or decluttering. They keep belongings organized, safe from elements, and secure from theft.

Event and Business Storage: Offers convenient on-site storage for equipment, supplies, or seasonal items during events or for business operations.

Construction Site Storage: Used on construction sites to securely store tools and materials, protecting them from theft and weather damage.

Self-Storage Business: These are perfect self-storage containers for a commercial facility, offering clients a reliable and accessible option for storing personal or business items.

Storage containers are not the same thing as shipping or cargo containers. Shipping containers are standardized durable steel boxes primarily used for shipping goods across the ocean or on trains or trucks. Meanwhile, storage containers are lighter weight portable storage and moving containers.

Similar to shipping containers, storage containers are 100% weather resistant with corrugated roofs to allow for optimal durability and water runoff. The floors are coated and sealed to provide a waterproof, non-slip, non-toxic, non-odorous surface. And they include forklift pockets, receiver tubes, d-rings, e-track and tie down rings, vents, and an ultra secure door locking mechanism.

However there are some significant differences between storage containers and shipping containers.

Shipping containers, typically made entirely from steel, are designed for global transport, carrying heavy cargo and enduring harsh conditions at sea. They are standardized in size, with common dimensions being 20 or 40 feet in length, and are built to be stackable up to 10, weather-resistant, and secure. Because they’re so strong and durable, people use them for building projects like shipping container homes and container garages. 

Storage or moving containers, on the other hand, are designed for more localized use, such as moving household items or temporary storage. They are smaller (8-20 feet), lighter, and hold less cargo weight than shipping containers. These containers are more attractive for storage in suburban settings, but they are not intended for construction projects.

The cost of a 20 ft storage container is around $4500 (delivered). Meanwhile, a new 20 ft shipping container costs around $4000 (delivered) depending on your location.

However, used shipping containers for sale are cheaper than new storage containers. Used 20 ft shipping containers start around $2500. 

The most common storage container sizes for sale are 12, 16, and 20 feet long. They all have a standard width of 8 feet and height of 8 feet. 

See the full storage container dimensions breakdown in the graph below:

Storage containers are water, wind, dust, and pest-proof. They have a cargo capacity of 10,000 lbs. They can withstand 120 mph winds and 60 psf snow load on the roof. And they can be stacked three high fully loaded.

The walls are made from 19-gauge steel and the ceiling is made from 6-gauge corrugated steel. All hardware is made from stainless steel to prevent corroding even in extreme elements.The floors are made from 19mm marine grade plywood with non-slip water-resistant sealer.

The door comes with a heavy duty stainless steel locking system that is welded and riveted for ultimate security. The door also has t-latches to prop the door open and a glow-in-the-dark emergency release cable if you get stuck on the inside with the door shut. 

Storage containers are delivered in a flat pack and must be assembled onsite. Assembly only requires 24 total nuts and bolts. However, you’ll need 3-4 people and a forklift in order to safely put together these containers because they are heavy duty.

Find complete step-by-step assembly instructions here and watch the video below for the workflow:

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Glenn Taylor is the founder and CEO of Container One. With over 35 years in the shipping industry, Taylor pioneered online container sales. Today Container One is a leading provider of shipping containers for sale in the USA.”