Essential Factors to Consider when Renting a Shipping Container for Storage

If asked to choose between a building storage shed or hiring a shipping container, it is easy to understand why most people would decide to build a shed. First, the storage shed becomes yours, and second, no costs are involved once you complete the structure. However, believe it or not, hiring a shipping container is a better option for your storage needs. It is mainly the case if you need temporary storage space. However, you need to consider a few factors when renting a shipping container. Read on.

Container Foundation -- One of the most significant mistakes most people make when hiring shipping containers is the failure to consider a foundation for the container. Most people simply have the container delivered on their property and drop it directly onto the ground. To get the most out of a shipping container and avoid charges from a rental company, you have to think about the foundation. Most importantly, you need to allow room for moisture, drainage and ventilation to avoid corrosion. Therefore, ensure you have a container foundation in place ready before the delivery of the shipping container.  

Proper Ventilation -- Just because you live on a farm with lots of open space doesn't mean that your belongings in a shipping container are safe from the impact of moisture. If you live in an area where day and night temperatures fluctuate, then moisture builds up in the container. Therefore, it is essential only to hire shipping containers with adequate ventilation. While you can hire a shipping container equipped with an HVAC system, the models can be quite expensive. Nonetheless, fixed shipping container vents offer the same level of ventilation, and they are much cheaper. Therefore, if you wish to store belongings like fabric or wooden furniture, then a ventilated container is your best bet at keeping the items safe.   

Delivery Method -- Rental shipping containers can either be delivered in a tilt bed or a flatbed truck. The delivery method you choose has a significant impact on the total cost of hiring the facility. Arguably, flatbed trucks offer the cheapest option for shipping container delivery but only if you have a forklift on site for unloading services. If you don't have a forklift, but you stay near an equipment rental firm, then leasing is not expensive. However, if you have to transport a forklift from 100 miles away, then you are better of looking for an alternative delivery method.

Using a shipping container hire for temporary storage can be a good idea. Consider the following tips above to get the most out of your rental. 

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