Renting and buying a storage trailer are both smart investments. For some, renting a trailer is a better option for the flexibility it affords. For others, permanent storage is a necessity, and purchasing a unit is the most cost-effective choice. The following are considerations for deciding whether you should buy or rent a storage trailer.
What is a Storage Trailer?
A storage trailer is a travelable loading dock that has either a roll-up or swing-style door. Storage trailers are ideal for those that need storage across multiple jobsites or locations on a property, such as:
- Business owners
- Contractors
- Landscapers
- Construction workers
- Warehouse workers
- Special event companies
Consideration for Choosing Whether to Buy or Rent a Storage Trailer
Cost
Before deciding whether to buy or rent a storage trailer, it is best to have a budget so that you know your options. Storage trailers are available in various sizes and door styles that have different costs associated with them. While buying a storage trailer is a larger upfront investment than renting, your trailer will pay for itself overtime, especially if you have ongoing storage needs. Traveling back-and-forth between jobsites and a stationary storage locker is costly. It requires time, money, and labor that might otherwise be spent more productively. A storage trailer enables you to keep the items you need on the location where you need to be able to access them. Money you might otherwise spend renting a storage locker or driving back-and-forth between locations and hiring people to haul machinery and materials can be used to purchase a storage trailer once and reap the benefits indefinitely.
On the other hand, if you only need storage for a fixed period of time, renting may be the best choice for you. You might anticipate moving out of state or your storage needs changing in the future. In cases such as these, renting a storage trailer is a flexible option that allows you to pay only for the time you actually need and return your unit once you are done using it.
Length of Time
If you know you will only need your storage trailer for a fixed period of time or while completing a specific project, renting might be your best option. It is a fast and simple short-term storage solution that makes completing a contract job, home move or project easy. Some people do not have the space on which to permanently keep a trailer, in which case renting is ideal. However, most people could use some additional storage at home or at work. Business owners who have an indefinite need for tools and materials storage can benefit tremendously from the convenience of owning a storage trailer. Homeowners looking to free up some space by storing things like records, seasonal items and furniture can also benefit from purchasing a storage trailer that they can keep on their property and access whenever they choose.
Trailer Location
Anyone who is interested in purchasing or renting a storage trailer must, of course, have somewhere to keep it. Most business owners can keep their trailers on site, either at their own commercial property or at various jobsites. Homeowners and landowners can also keep their units on their own property as permitted by local guidance (HSAs, etc.). Buying a unit may not be the most suitable choice for those who do not have a physical location on which they can keep their unit indefinitely.
Door Style
Storage trailers are available with either swing or roll-up doors. Consider the average size of your stored items and the importance of ease of movement when choosing a door style.
Roll-up doors are easy to operate, making them an ideal choice for those that need to access their stored items frequently. They are also easy to close and lock while not in use. They offer a slightly smaller doorway space, which makes them a less suitable choice for those who need to store larger items. However, they can be used with a variety of security features and can be operated while the trailer is parked at a loading dock. If you own your storage trailer, you can place your branding material on a roll-up door for a convenient marketing opportunity.
Swing-style doors offer an optimal opening clearance. Moving cumbersome machinery and inventory in and out is easy and efficient with swing doors. However, they must be opened prior to the trailer being attached to the loading docks and then closed after the dock has been cleared.
Storage Needs
Thing about the items you are planning to store. Are they large and bulky, or are they numerous and small? This will help you to determine the size of the storage trailer you need to purchase or rent. Once you have an idea of the dimensions you will need, a storage professional can help you select an appropriate unit. Think about whether your storage needs are permanent or temporary, which is perhaps the most important factor in deciding between renting and buying. If the convenience of extra space in which to store your items indefinitely would be beneficial to you or your business on an ongoing basis, buying a trailer might be the best option. If you only need to store a few items for a short period time, you should rent a storage trailer.
What Size Storage Trailer Do You Need?
Choosing the right storage trailer size is just as important as deciding whether to rent or buy. A trailer that is too small can leave you scrambling for additional space, while a trailer that is much larger than necessary may mean paying for capacity you don’t use. Storage trailers are commonly available in several lengths. Storage On-Site offers 28-foot, 48-foot, and 53-foot storage trailers, giving businesses flexibility based on their available space and storage requirements. When choosing a storage trailer size, consider:
- Volume of inventory: Estimate how much material you need to store now and whether that amount is likely to increase.
- Size of individual items: Pallets, machinery, equipment, and other bulky items may require more usable floor space.
- Loading method: Consider whether employees will load the trailer by hand or use pallet jacks, forklifts, or other material-handling equipment.
- Frequency of access: If employees regularly retrieve items from the trailer, additional space can make it easier to keep inventory organized and accessible.
- Available site space: Make sure your property can accommodate the trailer itself as well as the equipment needed to position it.
A smaller 28-foot storage trailer may provide sufficient capacity when space is limited or storage needs are relatively modest. Businesses managing larger quantities of inventory, materials, or palletized goods may benefit from a 48- or 53-foot storage trailer. If you’re unsure which size you need, discuss what you plan to store with your storage provider before renting or purchasing. Choosing the right size from the beginning can help you use your available space more efficiently.
What Site Requirements Should You Consider Before Getting a Storage Trailer?
Before scheduling storage trailer delivery, make sure your property can safely accommodate the trailer. Unlike a ground-level storage container, a storage trailer remains elevated on its wheels, making site conditions and accessibility especially important. Start by choosing a firm, stable, relatively level surface that can support the trailer and its contents. Consider drainage as well. Low-lying areas where water regularly collects may create accessibility or stability problems, particularly after heavy rain, snow, or repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles.
You should also evaluate:
- Available space for the delivery vehicle to maneuver
- Overhead power lines, branches, signs, or structures
- Gates, fences, parked vehicles, and other obstacles
- Surface conditions and drainage
- Access for employees and material-handling equipment
- Proximity to your loading dock, if applicable
- Snow and ice removal during winter
- Local zoning, property, or placement requirements
If you’re using a storage trailer as temporary warehouse storage, positioning it near a loading dock can make it easier to move inventory between your facility and the trailer. Businesses without loading docks should consider how employees will safely access the elevated trailer before choosing it over a ground-level storage container. Planning the placement area before delivery can help prevent delays and make the storage trailer safer and more convenient to use throughout the rental period or ownership of the unit.
Contact Us for Affordable Indianapolis Storage Trailers
To rent or buy a storage trailer in Indianapolis and the surrounding area, contact Storage On-Site or call 317-358-0380 to get started. Our experts will help you find the best trailer for your specific storage needs.