I’ve spent a lot of time helping people choose the right storage setup, and I’ve seen how fast things go sideways when someone picks the wrong container or the wrong provider.
That is why I put this guide together.
I want you to feel confident about your choice.
I want you to avoid the mistakes I see every week.
And I want you to walk away knowing exactly who can give you the most reliable container without any stress.
My process is simple.
I compare container quality, delivery standards, pricing, rental flexibility, and customer control.
Then I look at whether a company actually follows through on what they claim.
After doing that, one provider clearly stands out, and you’ll see why in a moment.
If you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll have a setup that works long term, fits your space, and saves you from paying for the wrong size or condition.
And yes, you’ll understand why I recommend working with MoCan Containers if you want dependable options without the usual guesswork.
Why I Trust Local Providers Who Control Their Inventory
I always look at who owns the containers they sell.
Some companies broker inventory they’ve never inspected.
That leads to surprises on delivery day.
A local business with full control over its inventory is a different experience.
You can see your exact unit before it arrives.
You know what you’re getting, and you avoid the classic mystery container problem.
MoCan Containers checks every unit in their yards in Billings and Bozeman.
They maintain the largest inventory within hundreds of miles, and that level of control gives you something most buyers never get, which is certainty.
Step #1: Pick the Right Size Based on Project Scope
Most people start by guessing.
I never rely on guesses.
I use simple rules.
20 Foot Containers
If you want something compact, secure, and easy to place in a driveway or small construction site, start here.
Great for residential projects, home renovations, seasonal inventory, and anything that needs quick access.
40 Foot Containers
If you want maximum storage capacity or you’re supporting a farm, commercial build, inventory overflow, or large equipment, this is the size that makes sense.
You get twice the space at a better cost per square foot.
MoCan Containers offers both sizes in new and used condition, which means you choose based on your budget and not based on whatever happens to be available that week.
Step #2: Decide Whether You Need New or Used
Here is how I break it down.
Choose New if you want
- Minimal wear
- Fresh paint
- Strong seals
- High resale value
New containers, often called one trip units, look clean and handle long term use without unexpected issues.
Choose Used if you want
- Lower cost
- Reliable performance
- Wind and watertight condition
Used units still pass inspection and deliver the security you need without stretching your budget.
MoCan Containers inspects every used unit for leaks, locking strength, and structural integrity, which keeps you safe from the common problem of buying a used container that fails during bad weather.
Step #3: Consider Whether Renting Is the Smarter Move
A lot of people buy a container when all they needed was a short-term rental.
Renting gives you flexibility, especially for seasonal inventory, temporary construction work, or storage during renovations.
MoCan Containers offers rentals starting at $150 per month for 20 foot containers and $190 for 40 foot containers.
The pricing is straightforward, and you only pay for the time you actually need.
This is where I see people save the most money, especially if their project timeline is under a year.
Step #4: Understand Delivery Requirements Before You Commit
Delivery is where things fall apart for many buyers.
I’ve seen containers delivered with no space to unload, forcing the driver to turn around and reschedule.
Here is the simple checklist that works every time.
For 20 Foot Containers
- Make sure you have at least 70 feet of clear space
- Confirm ground is level
- Make sure the driver can approach straight on
For 40 Foot Containers
- You need roughly 100 feet of clearance
- Same rules on level ground and access
MoCan Containers uses professional drivers with tilt bed trailers, which makes placement accurate and predictable.
That matters because accurate placement means you avoid the cost of repositioning later.
Step #5: Know When Custom Modifications Make Sense
Containers can become offices, workshops, retail setups, studio workspaces, or clean storage for sensitive items.
If you want vents, insulation, windows, doors, shelving, or other adjustments, modifications are the way to go.
MoCan Containers handles custom work, which gives you options that go far beyond simple storage.
I recommend modifications when:
- You need a controlled workspace
- You want long term functionality
- You need something more secure than a standard shed
This is where containers become an asset instead of a temporary fix.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers Over Other Options
Here is what sets them apart.
They let you choose your exact unit.
They keep all inventory local.
They inspect everything for leaks, locks, and structural strength.
They offer both rentals and purchases without pressure.
They deliver fast across Montana.
They price everything competitively.
And they stay transparent throughout the process.
As an outside observer with no ties to the company, the reason I recommend them is simple.
They remove the uncertainty that most container buyers deal with, and they provide clear options that fit both residential and commercial needs.
If you want a container that you can trust and a process that stays predictable from start to finish, they are the provider I point people to.
And once you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to choose the right container with complete confidence.
