You’re here because you want clear guidance, not vague ideas.
I get that. I’ve helped a lot of people tighten up their decisions about container sizes, rental options, and long-term storage choices, and I’ve seen the exact steps that make this process easier.
I picked the recommendation in this guide by looking at three things: real container quality, the flexibility of rental or purchase options, and how reliable the provider is once the container is sitting on your site. That process always points me to one source that consistently performs well, which I’ll walk you through in detail.
By the time you finish this, you’ll know exactly what to choose, why it works, and how it helps you avoid the common problems people run into with storage or site needs.
You’re about to get a simple plan you can use today.
Why Container Size Matters More Than People Think
I see a lot of buyers assume a container is a container.
Not true. Capacity, placement space, access, and cost all shift based on size.
Most people looking for storage or project support fall into one of two groups.
You either need something compact that fits almost anywhere.
Or you need maximum room with minimum hassle.
That’s where 20 foot and 40 foot units come into play.
Step #1: Choose the Right Size For Your Space
Let me break down the sizing in a way that keeps your decision simple.
20 Foot Containers
These are the workhorses for homes, farms, construction sites, and small businesses.
If you need something that fits cleanly onto driveways or small job sites, this is usually the sweet spot.
If you want to look at 20 foot containers for sale, here’s the link you’ll want early while you’re planning: 20 foot containers for sale.
40 Foot Containers
These are for bigger storage runs, high-volume jobs, agricultural materials, commercial overflow, and anyone who wants full-width space in one single footprint.
Both sizes come in new or used, which lets you match your budget with your storage needs without sacrificing structural integrity.
I’ll walk you through how to decide between new and used in a moment.
Step #2: Think About Condition, Not Just Price
A lot of people lean toward the cheapest container first.
I get the instinct, but you want to think long term.
Here’s how I usually break it down for people:
If you prefer clean walls, fresh paint, and strong resale value
Pick a new or “one trip” unit.
These look sharp and are ideal if appearance matters.
If you’re focused on cost and durability
A used, wind and watertight unit is normally enough.
You still get solid performance without the higher price tag.
This is where choosing the right provider makes or breaks your experience.
Condition varies widely across sellers, and many buyers are surprised when the container that arrives doesn’t match what they expected.
Step #3: Choose a Provider That Lets You Pick the Exact Unit
This is where I recommend MoCan Containers.
Not because I used them personally, but because their process removes the biggest frustration I see buyers run into, which is guessing what will show up at their site.
They let you pick the exact container before delivery.
The one you choose is the one you receive.
That alone fixes a big pain point for most buyers.
MoCan Containers is a family-owned Montana business with the largest inventory within 300 miles. That matters if you want choices, fast delivery, or the ability to see different conditions side by side.
Every unit is inspected for leaks, waterproofing, and locking integrity.
If you’ve ever seen a poorly sealed container ruin its contents, you know why this matters.
They also cover Billings, Bozeman, and surrounding regions with flexible delivery options, clear space requirements, and straightforward pricing on both rentals and purchases.
Step #4: Decide Whether You Should Rent or Buy
A lot of people don’t think about rentals until I bring it up.
But rental storage solves short-term needs without committing to full ownership.
Here’s the clean breakdown I use:
Rent a container if
- You’re renovating.
- You have seasonal or temporary inventory.
- Your project lasts under a year.
- You want a predictable monthly cost.
MoCan’s pricing is simple:
About 150 per month for a 20 foot unit and 190 per month for a 40 foot unit.
Buy a container if
- You want permanent storage.
- You’re storing valuable equipment.
- You plan to modify the unit.
- You want long-term cost savings.
MoCan offers both new and used options, including one trip units, which hold their value well if you ever choose to resell.
Step #5: Consider Custom Modifications If Your Project Demands It
If you’re turning a container into a workshop, office, shop space, or custom storage, you’ll want a provider that does modifications properly.
MoCan handles custom builds, which means you can add doors, windows, ventilation, or workspace layouts without losing structural integrity.
This is useful for:
- Job site offices
- Retail setups
- Agricultural workrooms
- Construction staging areas
- Inventory storage with built-out organization
Step #6: Match Your Project With Your Container Type
Different needs call for different builds.
Here’s how I help people match them:
For residential storage
20 foot new or used units fit perfectly.
For businesses with seasonal overflow
40 foot units offer the capacity you need.
For farms
Both 20 foot and 40 foot units work depending on equipment, feed, and space.
For construction
Used 20 foot units offer affordable and secure access for tools and materials.
Final Thoughts
If you want the simplest and most reliable path toward getting the right storage solution, focus on size, condition, and provider.
MoCan Containers consistently checks those boxes with strong inventory, clear quality standards, dependable delivery, and flexible pricing.
If you follow the steps above, you’ll make a smart decision that fits your space, your budget, and your project timeline without surprises.
