The question of buying versus renting depends entirely on the purpose of the container. If you simply need temporary storage, renting is the best option. Some of the uses for renting a shipping container include:

• Storing belongings during a long or difficult move (for residential or commercial)
  

• Adding additional storage space for merchandise during a rush period
  

• Transporting large quantities of goods from one location to another, especially if the move will take more than a few days
  

• During temporary construction work
  

Buying a mobile storage container means you plan on incorporating it as a more permanent structure. Whether for residential or commercial purposes, you should consult your local laws and obtain the appropriate permits to place and use your storage container on your property. Some of these uses include:

• Transforming a storage unit into permanent storage or a residence
  

• Using your container as seasonal storage
  

• Planning multiple projects that will require dependable storage
  

If you plan on using your mobile storage container for temporary storage, you do not typically need permission from your city or town. There will usually be requirements regarding proper placement and safety, so keep that in mind.

For most cities and counties in Utah, the typical amount of time a mobile shipping container can be placed on residential or commercial property is 30 to 90 days. To use a mobile storage container for a longer time, you will likely need to secure permission from your local authority. This is especially true if you plan on making your shipping container a permanent fixture on your property. Search your town or city’s website for zoning laws and forms needed to make your storage container legal. For examples of local laws about mobile storage containers, see below.

Shipping containers are standardized, meaning their measurements are identical, and steel quality is generally high. However, shipping containers come in many grades, and not all of them are watertight or airtight. Age can also factor into the quality of a shipping container. At AAA Mobile Storage, all our mobile storage containers are top-of-the-line, made for international transport overseas. We only offer lightly used, brand-new, or “one-tripper” containers that have only made a single shipment.

Yes. We love assisting our customers face-to-face and want to make sure every mobile storage container rental or purchase is made with confidence. Feel free to stop by or give us a call to check out our available stock of shipping containers and sizes. If you require custom modifications to your mobile container, seeing your purchase ahead of time can ease a lot of your worries!

Mobile storage containers are surprisingly versatile and highly modifiable for almost any purpose. We have even seen some shipping containers transformed into swimming pools by removing the ceiling and burying it below ground level! Once you obtain the right permits and permissions, the only limit to the construction and storage potential of your container is your imagination.