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Pricing
Renting or leasing are by far the most common ways to obtain storage containers. Most businesses only turn to storage containers for temporary storage, so it simply makes more financial sense to rent them.
Smaller containers can rent for $50 per month, but the standard 20' containers are usually closer to $75 to $100 per month. Long-term leases tend to reduce your overall costs somewhat; short-term rentals may be priced by the day but can cost quite a bit more, sometimes in as little as 1 month.
Add-ons such as custom paint, extra partitions or shelving, and vents will all add to your monthly costs, but not significantly. Do expect to pay a more substantial premium if you need a "reefer" – a refrigerated storage container.
If you want to install a storage container permanently, skip the lease and go straight to a purchase. Buying a new 20' storage container will usually set you back around $2,000 to $4,000. 40' containers can range up to $5,000. You can get a used container for as little as $500, but be sure you inspect such a "bargain" carefully – you may find that it's not such a bargain at all.
Delivery is usually fairly inexpensive – between $50 and $500, depending on how far you are from the distributor. If you're leasing the container, you may have to pay a take-away fee as well. If you negotiate with the dealer, you may be able to get free delivery and pickup if you're signing a long-term lease (1 year of more).
Placement and delivery of storage containers
Setting up a storage container is very straightforward: you supply a clear, level patch of ground or pavement, and the vendor delivers the storage container there. You'll only need an electrical connection if you've chosen a unit with HVAC or refrigeration.
Do make sure there's plenty of room for the delivery truck to get at your chosen location: at least twice the length of the storage container will ensure they can get in and out quickly.