Buying a storage container for long-term or permanent storage needs is a big decision. While buying a unit requires an investment upfront, it can save you a great deal of time and money in the long run. When you own your unit, you can choose to keep it wherever you want for however long you want. You also won’t need to worry about paying rental fees, returning your unit, or keeping it in any certain condition. There are countless benefits to owning a storage container. Before you buy a storage container, however, there are a variety of factors to take into consideration to ensure you have chosen the best possible unit.
Important Factors
Structural Materials
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a storage container is what the container is made of. Storage containers are often needed to provide outdoor storage, so they must be extremely durable and weatherproof. Make sure to inspect the exterior of the container you are considering and check for any obvious problems. The structure of a storage container consists of corrugated walls, cargo doors, frames, and cross members made of heavy-duty steel. This specific type of steel is weldable and rust resistant. Make sure to ask the storage professional assisting you to evaluate the following components of your storage container:
- Corner castings
- Twist locks
- Forklift pockets
- Cargo doors
- Cross members
Size
Before buying a storage container, think carefully about what you need to store and whether your storage needs may change in the future. For some people, storage needs are relatively static. If you anticipate mostly storing smaller objects, a smaller unit might be sufficient. However, if you know you are going to need to store especially bulky objects or a large volume of materials, it may make sense to purchase a larger unit. You should also have a plan for where you intend to keep your unit and how long you need to keep it in one place. If your space is limited, this may be a factor in determining which size you will need.
Interior Conditions
Take a look around the inside of the container. Some issues will be obvious immediately. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, like a strange, damp odor or any cracks, for example, there may be some problems with the unit. Make sure to examine the floors and ask the storage professional who is assisting you about the flooring materials. Flooring should be mildew- and water-resistant, infused with insecticides, and highly resilient overall.
Stored Objects
When buying a storage container, it is important to know your long-term storage needs. What do you plan on keeping in the unit? How long will the unit stay in one place? If you plan on keeping things like tools, machinery, construction materials or agricultural production in your unit, some units may be more suitable than others. This may also play a role in determining what materials you will want to prioritize in the structure of your storage container. For example, some stored materials may be more susceptible to water damage than others. You would then want to make sure to choose a unit that is especially weathertight and water-resistant.
Other Considerations
Location
The location on which you plan to keep your unit is a major consideration when it comes to buying a storage container. You will always need somewhere to keep your unit, so you should have a place prepared before purchasing. You will probably want to keep it on property you own, whether it be a job site, commercial property, or private lot. Consider how long you can keep your unit on the property. This is especially important for storage containers because they are not as transportable as storage trailers.
You will also want to make sure to keep your unit on good, stable ground if you can. Storage trailers are strong and protect inventory from external damage, but it’s always best to expose them to as little as possible. If you have to keep it at the bottom of a slope or in a wooded area, for example, there are certain risks associated with these areas that must be considered. Make sure to have a specific location planned before purchasing a unit and evaluate all of the potential hazards to which your unit will be exposed regularly.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Weather is always an important consideration when it comes to outdoor storage. If you are planning to keep your storage container on property that is exposed to a lot of rain or is near a body of water, for example, it is especially important that take this into consideration before purchasing. Similarly, if you’re keeping your unit in an area that is exposed to forest fires, there may be other extra measures that can be taken to ensure maximum protection for your stored items. Think about long-term weather patterns and average climates in your area and make sure to communicate your needs to a storage professional.
Printable Storage Container Buying Checklist
Shopping for a storage container? Use this checklist to compare units, inspect important features, and make sure your property is ready before you buy. Print this checklist and bring it with you when evaluating a container.
Before You Shop
☐ Decide what you plan to store in the container.
☐ Estimate how much storage space you need now.
☐ Consider whether your storage needs could increase in the future.
☐ Determine how long you expect to use the container.
☐ Decide where the container will be placed.
☐ Measure the available space for the container.
☐ Make sure there is enough room for the delivery vehicle to access and maneuver around the site.
☐ Check local zoning, permit, HOA, lease, or property requirements that could affect container placement.
Container Size & Configuration
☐ Choose a container length appropriate for your storage needs.
☐ Determine whether a standard-height or high-cube container would work better.
☐ Confirm the exterior dimensions will fit your planned location.
☐ Confirm the interior dimensions provide enough usable storage space.
☐ Consider door placement and how you’ll access stored materials.
☐ Make sure you’ll have enough clearance to fully open the doors after the container is placed.
Exterior Inspection
☐ Look for significant rust or corrosion.
☐ Check for holes, cracks, punctures, or other visible damage.
☐ Look for significant dents or structural deformation.
☐ Inspect the roof for visible damage or areas where water could collect.
☐ Examine the corner posts and corner castings.
☐ Inspect the cross members and underside where accessible.
☐ Check the condition of the forklift pockets, if applicable.
☐ Look at the door hinges, locking rods, handles, and other hardware.
Door Inspection
☐ Open and close the cargo doors yourself.
☐ Make sure the doors move properly without excessive force.
☐ Check that the doors align and close securely.
☐ Inspect the door seals for visible wear or damage.
☐ Make sure the locking hardware operates correctly.
☐ Consider how you’ll secure the container after purchase.
Interior Inspection
☐ Check the interior walls and ceiling for visible damage.
☐ Look for evidence of previous or current water intrusion.
☐ Check for unusual or persistent odors.
☐ Inspect the floor for soft spots, cracks, significant damage, or deterioration.
☐ Look for signs of excessive moisture or mold.
☐ Ask about the container’s flooring material and condition.
☐ Check whether daylight is visible through areas where it shouldn’t be.
☐ Make sure the interior condition is appropriate for the items you plan to store.
Your Storage Site
☐ Choose firm, stable, relatively level ground.
☐ Check that the location has adequate drainage.
☐ Avoid low-lying areas where water regularly collects.
☐ Check for overhead power lines, tree branches, structures, or other delivery obstacles.
☐ Look for tight turns, narrow gates, parked vehicles, fences, or other access restrictions.
☐ Consider how rain, snow, ice, and severe weather could affect the site.
☐ Make sure you’ll have convenient access to the container after delivery.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
☐ Is the container new or used?
☐ What is the container’s condition or grade?
☐ Has the container had any significant repairs?
☐ Is it considered wind- and watertight?
☐ Are there known issues I should be aware of?
☐ Is delivery included in the quoted price?
☐ If not, what will delivery cost to my location?
☐ What site conditions are required for delivery?
☐ How much clearance will the delivery truck need?
☐ What forms of payment are accepted?
☐ Is there anything I need to do before delivery day?
Final Check Before You Buy
Container size: __________________________
Container condition/grade: __________________________
Purchase price: $__________________________
Delivery cost: $__________________________
Other fees: $__________________________
Total estimated cost: $__________________________
Delivery location: __________________________
Expected delivery date: __________________________
Notes:
Ready to Find a Storage Container?
Bring this checklist with you when you’re ready to shop. Storage On-Site can help you compare available storage containers, determine which size fits your needs, and plan for delivery to your property.
Call 317-358-0380 to ask about storage containers for sale in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.
Contact Us for Affordable Indiana Storage Containers
If you are interested in purchasing a storage container in Indianapolis or the surrounding areas, contact Storage On-Site today. Regardless of your needs, our storage professionals can help you find a reliable, quality storage container. We offer a range of storage containers at competitive rates throughout Indiana. Call us at 317-358-0380 to get started.