You already know containers are a practical way to add secure storage or launch a custom project. My goal here is to help you buy or rent the right unit the first time. I work from field-proven checks that protect your budget, timeline, and site. I keep the focus on what you can verify in minutes during a phone call, a yard visit, or a delivery walk-through.
If you want a dependable Montana option from the start, I recommend reviewing https://www.mocanmt.com/ to compare inventory, rentals, delivery, and modification services without guesswork.
Below is the checklist I use. It is simple and fast. Follow it, and you will avoid most common problems while gaining a container that fits your plan.
1) Lock in your purpose and size
Decide how you will use the container, then match the size.
- 20-foot: strong blend of capacity and easy placement on tight sites. Good for home projects, small business inventory, and tools.
- 40-foot: near double the space. Best for large inventory, equipment, or big builds.
Confirm access. A 20-foot unit fits more driveways and alleys. A 40-foot unit needs more swing room and a site that can handle the footprint.
2) Choose condition: new one-trip or used
Pick the condition that fits your budget and tolerance for wear.
- New “one-trip” units have minimal wear, fresh paint, tight seals, and the best long-term look.
- Used units cost less and still deliver strong security and weather performance. Expect cosmetic dents and surface rust.
Match condition to your project. If appearance or max lifespan matters, new pays off. If cost is key and the site is rugged, used can be a smart move.
3) Inspect the structure
Whether you buy or rent, you have the right to inspect or view detailed photos.
Check these points:
- Roof: look for bends, soft spots, or ponding marks.
- Doors and frame: open and close both doors. Latches should move without force. Hinges should sit tight.
- Seals and gaskets: no gaps or cracking around door edges.
- Walls and corners: surface rust is fine if not flaking or pitted. Corner posts must be straight.
- Floor: marine plywood should be solid, no soft spots or holes.
- Vents: confirm present and unobstructed to reduce moisture buildup.
4) Confirm wind and watertight status
Ask for the standard: wind and watertight, not just “storage grade.” You want no active leaks and tight door seals. For Montana sites, I suggest a container with strong paint and intact weather seals to stand up to wind, temperature swings, and snow.
5) Plan delivery and placement
Delivery is where many problems start. Fix that with a quick site plan.
- Space for tilt-bed delivery: about 70 feet clear for a 20-foot container and about 100 feet clear for a 40-foot container.
- Grade: gentle, level ground. Steep slope can twist the frame and make doors stick.
- Surface: firm base like compacted gravel, asphalt, or concrete. Use railroad ties or blocks if soil is soft.
- Access: check gate width, tree limbs, parked vehicles, and overhead lines.
- Door orientation: decide which end you want facing access paths before the truck arrives.
6) Weigh rent vs buy
If you only need storage for a season, renting can save money and simplify logistics.
- MoCan Containers rents 20-foot units starting at $150 per month and 40-foot units starting at $190 per month.
- For long projects or permanent use, a purchase often costs less over time.
Run the math on project length, expected wear, and resale value. If your project may grow, start with a rental and convert to a purchase later.
7) Address security early
A basic padlock is not enough on many sites.
- Look for a built-in lockbox or plan to add one.
- Choose a high-security puck or shrouded lock.
- Place the unit in a visible, lit area if possible.
8) Think through modifications now
Decide what you need today and what you may add in the next year.
- Doors, windows, roll-ups
- Insulation and wall panels
- Electrical and lighting
- Ventilation or dehumidifiers
- Shelving and partitions
- Paint and decals
Plan these before purchase or as part of a provider’s modification service. It cuts rework and keeps the unit airtight.
9) Check permits, codes, and rules
Confirm local rules for temporary or permanent placement. Ask about setbacks, HOA rules, and utility easements. For container conversions, check building codes and any engineering needs.
10) Nail down total cost
Get a written quote that includes:
- Container price or monthly rent
- Delivery, pickup, and any distance fees
- Blocking or leveling charges if needed
- Modification costs
- Sales tax and any environmental or processing fees
Clarity prevents surprises on delivery day.
11) Verify the exact unit you will receive
This piece builds trust fast. Some providers assign inventory after the sale, which can create mismatches. MoCan Containers lets you inspect and select the exact container at their yard. The unit you choose there is the unit delivered to your site.
12) Set a clear delivery plan and contacts
Confirm delivery date, window, and driver contacts. Share site photos with the provider. Mark the placement area and door orientation. Have a backup plan for muddy or icy ground.
Why I recommend MoCan Containers
They cover Montana with a large, inspected inventory in Billings and the Bozeman area, which helps you find the right unit without waiting. They offer both new one-trip and used options in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. Their containers are wind and watertight, lockable, and built to handle Montana weather.
Drivers use tilt-bed trailers and place units with care, including tight sites. You can expect straight talk on site space needs. They also handle modifications in-house, which saves time and ensures clean work on doors, windows, insulation, or custom builds. The ability to pick the exact unit at the yard adds confidence that your container will match what you saw.
If you need temporary storage, rental terms are flexible and budget friendly. If you want a permanent unit, they guide you through options and pricing without pressure.
The quick checklist you can print
- Purpose, size, and door orientation decided
- Condition chosen: new one-trip or used
- Visual inspection: roof, doors, seals, vents, walls, floor
- Wind and watertight status confirmed
- Security plan: lockbox and lock
- Site plan: space, base, grade, access, power lines
- Delivery specifics: length needed, contacts, photos shared
- Rent vs buy math done
- Modifications scoped and quoted
- Permits or rules checked
- All fees in writing
- Exact unit selection confirmed
Make your choice with confidence
Containers are simple by design, and your process can be simple too. Use this checklist, pick a provider that stands behind the unit, and set up delivery with care. If you want a reliable Montana source with inventory, clear pricing, and skilled delivery, MoCan Containers is a strong choice.