Figuring Out Your Storage Container Options

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So you know that a storage container is the right choice for your business--now what?

Will you buy, lease, or rent your storage container? How long will you need your storage container? Will you get a new or a used storage container? Although the questions can pile up, we are here to help you figure out the answers, one step at a time.

 

The first thing you need to figure out is if you want to rent, purchase, or lease-to-own your storage container. In order to do that you have to know how long you need it. If you plan on using your storage container for a few years (at least), then purchasing your storage container is the best way to go. Because storage containers depreciate slowly, they have great resale value; you won't be sinking money into a dead-end investment.

If you are tight on cash, or are planning on using the storage container for a year or less, renting could be better. Renting a storage container is much cheaper than purchasing one, at least in the short-term, and can even give you some tax deductions come April. But, if you keep the container for longer than your contract allows you can get hit with substantial fines--so watch out for that fine print on your rental contract!

If you are planning to rent, you will have to decide the length of your storage container rental contract. This might seem easy, but like I mentioned earlier, it can be a costly mistake if you incorrectly estimate the amount of time you will need your storage container. Rentals are usually done month-to-month, and are great for short, open-end projects. Leasing contracts, however, are usually much more affordable once you pass the 6 month mark. Whichever short-term storage container solution you decide upon, familiarize yourself with the contract BEFORE you sign it. Note delivery and pick-up fees, any extras you might need to provide for yourself--it will save you grief down the road.

There is a third option: lease-to-own, sometimes called rent-to-own. While not idea, this can be helpful if you plan on using your storage container long-term but don't have the cash necessary for a purchase. With this method, the cost of your storage container ownership is spread over time, but you pay interest on the price of the purchase, which can get expensive. If this is your best option, though, make sure you know what your interest rate will be, and whether it is a variable or a fixed interest. This can help you budget and make sure you have enough to keep up on your storage container payments.

Now comes the decision between a new and a used storage container. New storage containers measuring 20ft long will run between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the area you are in. Customizations for your storage container like ramps, office amenities, and shelving, can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, and can run $50 - $150 per hour of work.

Keeping that cost in mind, you might be happy to hear that used storage containers are usually 30-50% less expensive than their new counterparts. However, used storage containers often need a bit of "TLC" before they are in top shape. You can pay to have that TLC administered by your storage container vendor, or you can purchase an "as is" storage container for a steeply discounted price. It all depends on what you want to do. Keep in mind, though, that vendor reconditioned storage containers usually come with a guarantee against water or fire damage, which might be important to you.

Once you can answer these questions for yourself, you are ready to go ahead with your purchase. Save time and money by using 360MobileOffice.com to get the best deal on the best storage container for you. All you do is fill out a short form online discussing your storage container needs and up to four storage container vendors in your area will contact you with their offers.

This free service will make shopping for your storage container easy--so fill out the short form now!

 

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