A shipping container has various uses across various industries. You can use it as a mobile office, storage, classroom, and as overflow or inventory storage during your events.
However, because you are taking temporary ownership of a shipping container when renting it for storage, there are several things to consider.
Here are 6 insights when you’re ready to rent shipping containers for storage.
1. Determine How Much Space You Need
Before you begin looking for shipping containers for rent in your area, be sure you know how much room you require.
Understanding the space you need helps you choose the right size. As a result, you avoid overspending on unused space or renting another storage container if you underestimate the amount of storage you require.
Additionally, having empty spaces prevents moisture accumulation, thus reducing the risk of mold growth.
Once you understand the space you need, you can now start researching for the best storage container to use.
But if you want to prioritize quality, use our storage shipping containers at Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage. We have a variety of sizes including:
- 10′ storage unit with a load limit of 5,000 lbs
- 20′ storage unit with a load limit of 10,000 lbs
- 20’ office and storage
- 40’ storage unit with a load limit of 20,000 lbs
- 40′ storage unit with double doors
- 40’ office unit and storage
2. Request Quotes of Exactly What You Are Getting
Once you know the size of shipping container for storage you need, ensure that you get a quotation that clearly outlines the covered services and costs. It will allow you to make informed decisions based on the pricing and any additional services offered, such as transportation.
You will also be able to inquire about any additional costs or fees not included in the initial quote. Getting quotes from multiple sources helps you budget your finances and also avoid any surprises in the future.
3. Thoroughly Inspect the Container Before Renting
After you settle on which provider to rent a shipping container from, you should inspect the shipping container before renting it.
Here is a checklist we have prepared that you can use to ensure that you do a thorough inspection:
A. Examine the exterior and interior. Check for any signs of dents, rust, chipped paint, or holes or the exterior. As for the interior, look for mold and water stains that may indicate the prior renter didn’t report damage to us.
B. Inspect the floor for any damage. Check for any wrapping or soft spots. Also, ensure that the material on the floor is intact.
C. Check the whole container for any pest evidence. To ensure that you don’t miss any corner, carry a flashlight with you and be very mindful of checking every corner, crevice, and underneath the container.
4. Ensure It Has a Strong and Secure Lock
A secure lock helps to guard yourself against unauthorized access, theft, and vandalism. You can ensure that your shipping container is secure by checking:
I. If it’s equipped with a high-quality lock that is resistant to tampering and cutting.
II. If it has a lock box. This is not a must-have but it helps prevent easy access to the padlock shackle. By using a lock box you make it hard for any intruder to cut or pry open the padlock shackle. You also slow down break-ins because it takes time and effort to try the lock open while it is enclosed in a box.
III. Leverage technology to enhance the tamper resistance.Since some of these features, like retina and fingerprint scanners are expensive, you might consider taking up these costs. You can install tamper-resistant features to detect how long you want to have the shipping container and what you are storing.
Remember that these add-ons are not available at Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage. It is therefore up to you to customize your container by including these add-ons.
5. Comply With Local Regulations and Zoning Laws
Remember to examine the zoning rules and local requirements, even if you plan to place the container on your land. You may find that shipping containers are not allowed in some specific places, or you need a permit to have one. Failure to comply with local laws and zoning laws could lead to:
- Fines or penalties.
- Forced relocation of the shipping container from your property.
- Legal action like civil lawsuits and criminal charges.
6. Avoid Placing the Shipping Container Directly on the Ground
Shipping containers are made of steel, , making it tempting to place them directly on the ground. However, no matter how strong the shipping container looks, you should avoid placing it on the ground because of:
- Warping of the floor by placing it on uneven ground.
- The door to not opening or closing easily.
- Termite and rodent infestations may cause more damage to the objects you have stored in the shipping container.
- Water collecting and flooding the shipping container. This could cause moisture issues that could lead to mold, rust, and corrosion.
To ensure that the shipping container is off the ground safely, you can use the following support systems:
- Concrete (cinder) blocks
- Gravel bed
- Timber sleepers
- Adjustable metal stands
- Steel support posts
- Build a permanent base using concrete, sand, and stones
Rent a Shipping Container from Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage
When you rent a steel shipping container from Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage we ensure that you get one in good condition. If you don’t know which size suits your needs, we have friendly and helpful customer care representatives who will help you pick a shipping container to fit your storage needs perfectly.
We also provide delivery and pick-up services if you live in Jonesboro or Hoxie. Additionally, we can also help with relocations in case you decide to move your storage shipping container to a new location.
Get a free quote and let us help you rent the right storage solution for all your needs.