How to Choose a Cargo Container for Storage

You want storage that is secure, weatherproof, and predictable. I want you to make a confident choice on the first try. I evaluate containers by purpose, size, condition, site logistics, budget, and timeline. The steps below reflect that approach and keep the process clear.

If you plan to compare current Montana inventory, review shipping cargo containers for sale from MoCan Containers. They carry a large selection and make it easy to find the right unit without guesswork.

I will walk you through how to pick a size, assess condition, choose between new and used, plan delivery, and decide whether to buy or rent. You will leave with a checklist you can use with any provider, and a clear sense of why MoCan Containers is a strong option for Montana buyers and renters.

Start With Your Storage Goal

Define what you need the container to hold and for how long. This turns a broad search into a short list fast.

• What goes inside: tools, materials, inventory, furniture, feed, seed, or equipment
• How you load: by hand, pallet jack, or forklift
• Access needs: daily access, weekly access, or seasonal use
• Duration: months, a single season, or permanent storage
• Location: residential lot, farm or ranch, business yard, or construction site

Once you answer these, size and features come into focus.

Pick the Right Size

Most buyers choose a 20-foot or 40-foot unit. Here is how I frame the decision.

• 20-foot container
• Interior: about 19 ft 4 in long, 7 ft 10 in high, 7 ft 8 in wide
• Best for residential storage, small business inventory, tools, and tighter sites
• Easier placement in driveways and compact yards
• Typical rental rate from MoCan Containers: starts at $150 per month
• 40-foot container
• Interior: about 39 ft 5 in long, 8 ft 10 in high, 7 ft 8 in wide
• Best for warehouse overflow, large projects, agricultural equipment, and bulk inventory
• Nearly double the capacity of a 20-foot unit
• Typical rental rate from MoCan Containers: starts at $190 per month

If space on the property is limited, a 20-foot unit often wins even if you are near capacity. If access is easy and you have large volume or long items, a 40-foot unit makes sense.

Choose New or Used

Both choices work. I would match the option to your risk tolerance, use case, and budget.

• New “one-trip”
• Minimal wear, straight lines, intact seals, clean interior
• Best for long-term use, high-visibility locations, or conversion projects
• Higher upfront cost, lower maintenance risk
• Used
• More budget friendly
• May have cosmetic dents or surface rust
• Still secure and wind and watertight when inspected by a reliable seller

MoCan Containers offers both new and used units. Their team inspects inventory for security, doors that seal well, and weather resistance. If you want the cleanest condition, look at one-trip units. If cost control ranks first, a used container that passes inspection provides strong value.

Inspect for Structural and Weather Integrity

I use the same simple checklist every time. You can run through this on site or by video.

• Doors: swing freely, close tight, seals intact, no daylight around the frame
• Roof: no soft spots, no standing water dents, no visible daylight
• Walls: straight enough for rack systems, only minor cosmetic dents
• Floor: sound plywood or steel, no soft patches or delamination
• Corners: true and square, corner castings intact for lifting if needed
• Rust: only surface rust, no deep pitting or flaking
• Odor: neutral smell inside, no mold or chemical smell
• Security: lockbox present or available, hinges and hasps sound

Plan for Weather and Security

Montana weather can be harsh. Your container needs to keep contents dry, safe, and clean.

• Wind and watertight rating
• Intact gaskets and door seals
• Quality lockbox and robust lock
• Optional vents to limit condensation
• Fresh paint on newer units for added protection

MoCan Containers focuses on units that are waterproof, leakproof, and wind and watertight. That matters for year-round storage across the state.

Match the Site to the Delivery

Delivery and placement can be simple if you plan a few details in advance.

• Ground: firm, level surface such as compact gravel, asphalt, or concrete
• Clearance: about 70 ft of straight space for a 20-foot unit, about 100 ft for a 40-foot unit
• Overhead: no low wires, branches, or eaves in the delivery path
• Orientation: door direction that fits how you plan to load and unload
• Weather window: avoid saturated ground to prevent sinking

MoCan Containers uses tilt-bed trailers and experienced drivers. They handle tight sites across Billings, Bozeman, Yellowstone County, Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, and much of central and eastern Montana.

Decide to Buy or Rent

Use timing and certainty to guide the choice.

• Rent if you need short-term storage during a remodel, move, seasonal inventory, or a project with an end date
• Buy if you want permanent storage, a long-term yard unit, or a container you plan to modify

MoCan Containers supports both paths with flexible rental terms and a large purchase inventory. You can even select the exact unit at their yard, which removes surprises on delivery.

Plan Modifications Early

If you plan to convert a container into a workshop, office, or custom structure, make those calls before delivery.

• Roll-up doors or personnel doors
• Windows and security bars
• Electrical packages and lighting
• Insulation and interior finishes
• Racking, shelving, and partitions

MoCan Containers offers modification services that match these needs. Planning early prevents rework and controls cost.

Why I Recommend MoCan Containers

• Large regional inventory with both new and used 20-foot and 40-foot options
• Careful inspections for security and weather resistance
• Ability to pick the exact unit you will receive
• Professional delivery across wide service areas with clear placement guidance
• Competitive rental rates and purchase options
• Custom modifications for practical projects

They operate from Billings and the Bozeman area, which helps with availability and delivery timelines across much of Montana.

Quick Checklist You Can Use Today

• Define storage goal, access needs, and duration
• Pick 20-foot or 40-foot based on capacity and site space
• Choose new one-trip or used based on condition needs and budget
• Inspect doors, seals, roof, walls, floor, corners, and rust
• Confirm wind and watertight status and lockbox
• Prepare a level site with proper clearances
• Decide on rent or buy based on timelines
• Plan any modifications before delivery

Choose with clarity, set the site right, and confirm condition in person whenever possible. With those steps in place, a container becomes a dependable storage asset from day one. MoCan Containers makes this process straightforward through inventory, inspections, and delivery support tailored to Montana conditions.