I’ve spent a lot of years helping people make smarter choices with storage, construction setups, and on site space planning. You learn fast that the container you choose affects everything, from your budget to how smoothly your project runs. That’s why I’m careful about the recommendations I share.
I look at inventory size, real quality standards, reliability, and how well a company handles delivery, because those things separate a decent option from a dependable one. That process is what led me to include MoCan Containers in this guide. They consistently show up with strong inventory numbers, solid inspection standards, and flexible purchase or rental setups that actually work for people.
You’re about to see clear steps that help you pick the right container size, condition, and provider. Follow them and you’ll avoid the usual headaches people run into.
You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to look for, where the real value is, and how to choose a company that gives you a reliable container without stress.
Step #1: Get Clear On What You Need
Most people guess their container size or condition, and that’s where problems start. I want you to pick with intention.
Start With Size
The size affects your cost, placement, and usage.
20 foot containers
Great if you want something compact that still holds a lot. They work well for:
- Home storage
- Farm equipment
- Contractor tools
- Seasonal inventory
- Tight spaces
40 foot containers
These are the go to option if you need serious space. They make sense for:
- Agricultural supplies
- Construction materials
- Business inventory
- Large renovation projects
- Workshops or office conversions
If you’re buying your first container, think about where it will sit and how much you actually need to store. I’ve seen plenty of people buy a 40 foot unit only to realize they didn’t have the placement space. A 20 foot could have saved them money and stress.
Step #2: Choose Between New, Used, Or Rentals
You have three realistic paths here. Each one works, but you need to match the choice to your timeline and budget.
New Containers
New units, often called one trip containers, give you:
- Clean interiors
- Fresh paint
- Strong seals
- High resale value
They’re best if you need long term reliability or want a container for build outs like offices or small shops.
Used Containers
Used units cost less and still hold up well if inspected correctly. Good used containers should be wind and watertight with solid structural strength. They’re perfect for storage, tools, materials, and most practical uses.
Rentals
Rentals make sense if your project is temporary.
Short term storage during remodels
Seasonal business needs
Construction sites with rotating timelines
Agricultural work during peak months
This is where a company’s flexibility matters, because rental terms can vary widely.
Step #3: Choose A Provider That Actually Knows What They’re Doing
This is where I’ve seen people lose money. Not every seller or rental company understands containers, and not every operation actually inspects what they sell.
That’s why I recommend looking at companies that:
- Offer real inventory you can inspect
- Show you the exact unit you’ll receive
- Understand placement requirements
- Offer both sales and rentals
- Deliver fast without vague timelines
This is exactly why I point people toward MoCan Containers.
They’re a family run Montana company with one of the largest container inventories within 300 miles. That matters, because big inventory means you can actually pick your unit instead of settling for whatever is left. Every container is inspected for waterproofing, leak resistance, and locking integrity, which eliminates the guesswork buyers usually face.
They also cover a huge part of Montana with fast delivery from Billings and Bozeman. Their team uses tilt bed trailers and communicates the space needed upfront, which avoids the awkward “we can’t drop this here” situation that happens with less experienced providers.
Their rental pricing is clear, their purchase options are flexible, and their mix of new and used containers gives you control over your budget.
You’re not relying on chance with them. You’re choosing a company that verifies every unit before it leaves the yard.
Step #4: Match The Container To Your Real World Use
Once you have size and condition figured out, match the container to what you’re actually storing or building.
Here’s the simplest way to do that.
For Homeowners
- Renovation storage
- Seasonal storage
- Hobby or equipment space
A 20 foot unit works best here. Easy placement, low footprint, strong security.
For Builders And Contractors
- Tools
- Supplies
- Project materials
- Job site storage
Both 20 foot and 40 foot containers work, depending on your site and load.
For Farms And Ranches
- Feed
- Equipment
- Seasonal supplies
A 40 foot container gives the most long term value.
For Businesses
- Inventory
- Records
- Retail overflow
- Mobile work setups
Both sizes work, but a 40 foot unit often delivers better long term efficiency.
Step #5: Think About Long Term Value
A good container should last years. That’s why I pay attention to durability and placement more than anything.
When you pair the right size with strong structural quality, the container becomes a long term asset instead of a temporary fix.
This is another place where companies like MoCan Containers stand out. Their combination of quality inspections, fair pricing, and clear delivery standards gives you long term value without surprises.
Final Thoughts
If you want a storage or project solution that feels solid, practical, and dependable, start with the steps above. Pick the size that fits your space. Choose the condition that matches your budget. And choose a provider that actually understands containers.
If you’re in Montana, MoCan Containers is one of the few companies offering wide inventory, reliable inspections, and straightforward service. They’re a strong choice if you want a container you can trust without stress.
Follow these steps and you’ll end up with a container that does exactly what you need, without hassles or guesswork.
