Storage containers have a variety of commercial and personal uses. They are available to rent for short-term projects or purchase for those with long-term storage needs. Beyond this, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent a storage container, such as where you plan to keep the unit, how many you need, and how much you want to spend. Read on for considerations for whether you should rent or buy a storage container.

What is a Storage Container?

A storage container is a steel unit that provides clean, airtight storage in a stationary location. They are built from strong steel in order to protect contents from the following hazards:

• Weather events
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Pests
• Water damage

Storage containers come in a variety of widths, heights, and lengths. They can be used to store residential or commercial goods, and are often large enough to house large quantities of items. Storage containers can be securely locked and stacked on top of one another, making them a great choice for those who need multiple units but have limited space available. Storage containers offer ground-level access, making it easy to access stored goods without a receiving dock.

Considerations for Choosing Whether to Rent or Buy a Storage Container

Cost and Budget

Obviously, one of the most important considerations for anyone looking for a storage container to rent or buy is budget. Storage containers are available in a variety of sizes. Therefore, it is easy to select a unit that accommodates your needs without paying for a lot of space you don’t need. Storage container rentals are a good choice for those in need of short-term storage. If you are working on a project for a certain amount of time, such as home construction or renovation, a storage container can make the process easier. You can rent a unit for the exact timeframe during which you actually need it. That way, you won’t be paying for time you don’t.

Conversely, purchasing a storage container is a sensible choice for those who anticipate long-term needs. For example, a farmer might buy a storage container to house tools and raw materials for years, rather than having to continuously rent and return units and maintain certain conditions. There are often delivery and pickup fees associated with storage container rentals. If you own your unit, you will pay a one-time sum, but the container will be yours for permanent reliable storage.

Length of Time Needed

The length of time during which you need storage is another main consideration in determining whether to rent or buy. An individual or business with long-term storage needs can benefit tremendously from purchasing a unit. Some examples of materials for which a container can be used as a permanent storage space include:

• Inventory overflow
• Seasonal items
• Records and files
• Tools and equipment
• Furniture

A storage container can be purchased and placed in an easily accessed location. This affords a business or home permanent extra space.

Those with short-term storage needs may consider renting a unit. A storage container kept on-site for a construction project or home renovation, for example, provides easy, convenient access to tools that need to be used frequently. You can return them to the unit for secure storage until they are needed again. If you are in need of fast, easy storage in a fixed location for a certain amount of time, renting a storage container is likely the best choice.

Ease

Storage containers are ground level and do not require attachment to a receiving dock. If you have permanent or long-term storage needs, you can simply place your unit in a convenient location and come and go as you please. Ground-level access makes it easy to access stored goods, which may be cumbersome and heavy. A storage container can act as an extra space on your property that provides airtight and watertight shelter for whatever you choose to keep inside.

Renting storage containers for storage during a temporary project is a good idea for those looking to house tools and materials at one location. It will eliminate the need for multiple trips to a stationary unit, which can be a major hassle and take up a lot of extra time.

Storage Needs

The type of materials you need to keep inside your unit can influence whether you should rent or buy. If you plan on storing a relatively small number of items, a rental may be sufficient. A rental may also work best if your stored goods are easy to move and on the lighter side. Conversely, it might be more prudent to purchase a storage container if you need to house a large number of items. If your stored goods are heavy, bulky, and difficult to move, it may also be beneficial to have a permanent storage space for them so that they do not need to be moved every time you need to rent and return a new unit.

Container Location

If you own the property on which you need to keep your storage container, purchasing might be a good option. You can keep your unit there as long as you’d like, making it an extension of your securable property. If your space is limited, you can stack containers on top of one another for an ample amount of storage space.

If you do not own the lot on which the unit is kept, however, renting is your best option. Unlike storage trailers, storage containers are stationary, and therefore not particularly travelable. If you can only keep the container on the property for a fixed amount of time, renting is likely the better choice.

Contact Us for the Best Storage Containers in the Indianapolis Area

If you are interested in purchasing or renting a storage container in Indiana, contact Storage On-Site today. We have decades of experience with providing reliable storage solutions to the people of Indiana.