9 Things You Didn’t Know About Renting a Shipping Container

Shipping container rentals have become more readily available to both consumers and commercial sectors. Their design makes them ideal for a long list of applications including the obvious – shipping and storage. Since there is a growing number of people renting shipping containers, there is also a growing need to explain how shipping container rentals work.

Here are 9 things you didn’t know about renting a shipping container whether you are a novice renter, or you consider yourself an expert!

1. Shipping Containers Are the Perfect Moving Solution

Since storage containers are designed for shipping, they are ideal for moving. They can be delivered to your site, allowing you to pack your belongings and then when you are ready, we pick them up and move them to your new site. This allows you to pack at your own pace.

It’s also an excellent compromise between renting a moving van and hiring professional movers. You can load your own items easily as the container has doors and is at ground level to reduce back strain. You then have dependable drivers pick up the container, so you don’t have to contend with driving an unfamiliar vehicle. It works for both commercial and residential moves.

2. Shipping Containers Are a Green Storage Solution

With more and more companies and consumers looking for eco-friendly options that won’t harm the planet, even the moving and storage industry is feeling the pressure. Storage containers are now being repurposed for multiple uses including as sustainable building material.

Instead of old storage containers ending up in landfill sites, they are being made into affordable housing, schools, homes, offices, swimming pools, restaurants, shops and more. So when you rent shipping containers you are actually using something that will contribute to a healthier planet.

3. Shipping Containers Are Customizable

Shipping containers can be modified to suit storage needs. This includes ventilation, heating and/or cooling and more. This makes it an excellent option for a wide range of uses, whether you need to ship and store, just store or just ship.

4. Shipping Containers Are Affordable

Shipping container rentals are the most affordable way to increase on-site storage for both businesses and homeowners. As long as you have the space, you can choose the size to suit your needs, and continue to add (or take away) containers as your needs change. You then have access to everything you need on-site, without costly construction or installation for expansions.

This can work for a long list of applications from farms to construction sites and large residential properties to storage facilities. It can be on a large scale or simply involve a single shipping container. They are very flexible allowing you to use them as required.

5. Containers Are Very Secure

Storage containers are designed to travel long distances under extreme weather conditions. As a result, they are made with sturdy Corten steel and impenetrable walls and doors to protect the items during shipping. What’s more, since they often sit at poorly lit ports where security can be tricky, they have to withstand the force of the tools commonly used by thieves.

This makes them an excellent option for storing expensive equipment at job sites, but also for residential applications during a move to ensure your belongings cannot be accessed easily. You’ll know your belongings are safe when you rent a shipping container for storage as they offer:

• A secure padlock box to protect the padlock from common break-in tools
• Weatherproof vents to prevent condensation build-up during storage
• Corten steel composition remains sound under any weather condition

6. Shipping Containers Have Multiple Uses

You would be surprised at how versatile rental shipping containers can be. More and more industries are finding new uses for containers including:

• Construction sites
• Retail storage
• Affordable additional seating for restaurants and bars
• Additional kitchen space for expanding restaurants and bakeries
• Permanent food service locations at event sites
• TV and film set storage, makeup/dressing rooms, costumes etc.
• Car dealership offices and storage
• Temporary workstations or mobile offices
• Landscaping companies
• Hospitality and special events companies
• Emergency preparedness services

As you can see these containers are being used in many different ways across many different industries.

7. You Need to Consider Space for Delivery

This is very important and something you don’t want to find out the hard way. Although you might have measured your site to accommodate the placement of your container, you also have to ensure you have enough space for the actual delivery. Clearance space is required for us to enter your property, unload the container and then back up. We will explain what is required based on the containers you order.

8. Shipping Containers Are Always the Same Width

Although shipping containers come in a few different sizes, they are always the same width. They gain or lose space based on the length only, as they have to fit on trucks and trains for shipping purposes.

9. Shipping Containers Have Rent to Own Options

Sometimes shipping containers end up being used much longer than expected. Or often you know you’ll need them over a longer period of time and don’t like the idea of all that rent going to “waste”. However, you can often arrange to rent to own your shipping containers. This adds to their affordability.

Shipping containers can actually prove to be a very worthwhile investment. Right now there is a shipping container shortage, so if you find you no longer need your shipping container you are sure to find a buyer with little effort. Containers will maintain their value as well, so you can easily see your investment pay off.

In Conclusion

So there you have it. Shipping containers are far more versatile and interesting than you think. You can take advantage of their flexibility, convenience and cost-efficiency for a long list of purposes.

If you would like to rent a shipping container, or are interested in a new shipping container in Ontario, call Sigma Containers at (416) 366-7762 or contact us here.