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If you own a business, chances are that you know all about the struggle to find enough storage space for all your supplies and inventory. Managing large deliveries, keeping track of inventory and supplies, and all of the other difficulties of managing a company or a store can really weigh on you– and when you aren’t sure what kind of storage solutions are out there, it can be even more stressful. Even if you aren’t a business owner yourself, it’s likely that you’ve had to deal with limited storage space yourself, too. Sometimes, there’s just not enough room in your house or your apartment. So what can you do to fix your storage issue? It might seem impossible to get a clear idea of how and where to store all of your belongings. But did you know that there are a wide variety of new and used shipping containers for sale all across the United States? Better yet, did you know that you can have them delivered directly to your business or home? If you’re unfamiliar with shipping containers and how to buy them and you want to know where to begin, we can help! This guide includes everything you need to know to navigate the shipping container purchasing process, as well as questions and details you might want to consider before actually going out and buying your containers. Not ready to buy? Rent-A-Container also has shipping container rental options.   Types of Shipping Containers Shipping containers come in a wide variety of types and sizes– including different lengths, different heights, different door configurations, and any of several possible features or customizations that can be added on. One shipping container doesn’t fit all needs. Fortunately, when browsing online, you can find several different types. Evaluate your specific needs in order to decide what kind of container will work best for you. Here are some tips: Start By Choosing the Length It may seem a little strange to start your shipping container journey by trying to figure out how long you need your container to be, but this really is one of the most important things to consider. Unless you have a warehouse that you plan on using to store your shipping containers, chances are you’ll be keeping them outside– and that means that they have to fit into the amount of space you have available for them. In order to make sure that you’ll have enough space to actually keep your storage container, it’s important to have an understanding of how long and how wide of an area you’re working with. In terms of container width, most shipping containers are 8′ wide. This means that, as long as the width of the site where you want to put your container is greater than 8’, you’ll probably be able to fit it just fine. The real thing to consider in terms of shipping container size is its length. Containers can come in several different lengths, depending on your needs and how much space you have to work with: 10’ Shipping Containers If you don’t have a large amount of space outside to put your shipping container, a 10’ container might be a great solution for you. Since these containers are 10’ long by 8’ wide, they fit easily into most outside spaces, making them great options for those who don’t have much space to work with. Even better, in spite of their deceptively small size, 10’ shipping containers offer you quite a bit of storage space– 563 cubic feet, to be exact. This size is comparable to a small shed, to give you some context– the main difference is that it may be easier to take full advantage of vertical storage space in a 10’ shipping container than in your shed. 10’ shipping containers are less common than their 20’ and 40’ counterparts, and this is usually because they are made out of 20’ containers divided in two. As a result, they often have a higher price in relation to their size than most other shipping containers– this can still be worth it, though, if you really need the space and have a limited area in which to place a container. In most places, a 10’ shipping container will cost you over $3,000. At Rent-A-Container, we offer this size of container for a comparable price– generally between $3,000 and $4,500, and only in new or 1-trip condition. Even if it costs a little more, you’ll know that your 10’ Rent-A-Container container is going to be in good condition! 20’ Shipping Containers If you need more space than a 10’ shipping container provides, don’t worry! 20’ containers are a very common size to see. They still fit relatively easily into most outdoor spaces, too, so they’re convenient. With such an easy-to-accommodate size, 20’ containers are used for a wide variety of things– besides storage and shipping, they can be converted into garages, sheds, offices, and more. They’re even used for living spaces sometimes– a 20’ container offers you about as much space as a one or two bedroom apartment, and those who are fans of the tiny home movement have definitely caught on to this. These containers are also often found on construction sites as temporary offices or in the retail and food industries as extra storage space. In general, a 20’ shipping container could cost you anywhere from $1,600 to $3,400 on average,with prices rising as high as $6,500 depending on what features you need it to have. At Rent-A-Container, 20’ shipping containers are at a competitive price range of $1,100 to $5,000 to purchase and between $75 and $90 per month to rent. 40’ Shipping Containers Is a 20’ shipping container still not quite enough space for you? No worries, because you can find an even bigger container to suit your needs just fine. 40’ shipping containers require a larger resting site than 20’ and 10’ containers, but they’re still generally easy to find space for.  Besides that, they

Shipping containers are sturdy enough to last for a long time. But like a lot of structures, some shipping containers need some extra support to prevent damage. Does your storage or shipping container need a foundation? The answer will depend on your unique circumstances. In this post, we explore shipping container foundations and when they are and are not necessary.  Keep reading for the inside scoop on when a shipping container needs a foundation.  To understand shipping container foundation requirements better based on your needs and location, reach out to the expert team at ModuGo.     When a Shipping Container Foundation Is Necessary If you are already aware that your shipping container requires a foundation, you should also know there are major risks to skipping it. Not installing a foundation for a shipping container could lead to long-term damage. We’re talking issues with the container and your stored items, as well as a shorter life span for the container itself. To prevent those kinds of problems, check out the following situations in which a shipping container foundation is a no-brainer.   Container Foundations in Wet Areas If you are planning to place your storage container on ground that remains damp all the time or sees a lot of water flow during storms, you may want to consider preparing a foundation. A foundation can prevent water seepage and rust damage that happen when you keep the container somewhere wet.   Uneven Ground? Shipping Container Foundation Required If your chosen container site is on sloping or uneven ground, consider a foundation. The pressure on the underside of the container increases exponentially if the unit is on uneven ground. This can lead to floor damage.   Multi-Container Structures Need Foundations If you are stacking two or more containers or housing a multi-container structure or shipping container office, a foundation is most likely necessary. While solid, packed ground can typically accommodate a single container for a short period, multiple containers may be too heavy, causing them to sink into the ground over time.    Shipping Container Foundations for Long-Term Storage Whether you buy or rent a shipping container, you may move it from site to site. While purchased shipping containers may stay put for years, even those may see some transport. If you plan to use your container for long-term storage, a shipping container foundation could prevent drifting and sinking.   When Shipping Container Foundation Requirements May Not Apply Pouring a concrete foundation, placing railroad ties or driving concrete piles can be a huge time and money investment, so you want to make sure you actually need a shipping container foundation for your intended use. Here are some situations where you may not need a container foundation.   Short-Term Use? Container Foundation May Be Unnecessary Only need the container for a few months? Plan to move it from place to place fairly often? The shipping container foundation requirement is much more flexible in these situations.  Shorter time frames prevent some of the issues that happen when you have a container with no foundation in the same spot for years.   Dry, Level Ground Can Replace a Foundation Ground that is dry, packed tightly and level may provide similar benefits to those of a container foundation. Even if the area you have picked out is dry at the moment, be sure to check it within a day or two of a heavy rain. Make sure the soil is draining moisture quickly and staying relatively solid.   No Shipping Container Foundation for Single Units and Light Loads If you have a great site picked for your container and you are using a light load or moderately packed single unit, a foundation may not be necessary. While all containers without foundations sink and drift a little over time, the lighter the unit is, the better chance you have of skipping the container foundation requirement.   Beyond Shipping Container Foundations: Container Site Preparation Requirements Selecting the right spot and deciding whether you need a foundation are the first steps to shipping container site preparation.  Here are a few more steps to consider before your new container arrives: Check the area surrounding the container site for debris or obstructions, including large rocks, power lines and other buildings. Ensure that your container can be delivered easily. Make sure the container delivery driver will have enough clearance to maneuver the truck to the site and offload the container.  If possible, choose a spot that allows enough space to add more containers if your storage needs increase over time. Check out ModuGo’s shipping container delivery guide for more information.   Need Shipping Container Help? ModuGo Is On Call Whether you have questions about shipping container foundation requirements or simply need help finding a suitable container in the first place, ModuGo is your go-to source for assistance. To speak with a member of our team, give us a call at (800) 880-7061 or contact us online. Shop ModuGo!

Shipping containers provide plenty of solutions to your storage and space obstacles – they can be homes, schools, or restaurants, as well as simply fulfilling their original purpose as some of the best long-term storage solutions in the world. But sometimes we forget that their appeal and durability relies somewhat on how well you prepare the site where you’ll be keeping them. Shipping containers are made out of heavy materials, and they can store a huge amount – and failing to account for that in the process of preparing a storage site will definitely have effects on how durable your containers actually turn out to be. As a result, properly preparing a site for your shipping containers is a vital part of receiving and using your containers for as long as possible. To that end, let’s discuss how you can choose an ideal shipping container site and what types of foundations you should consider for long-term shipping container storage or use. The Importance of Shipping Container Site Preparation In a nutshell, you need to prepare a site for your shipping container before it arrives to protect both the container itself and the surrounding land. This is absolutely necessary no matter what kind of shipping container you are purchasing. Even standard shipping containers – whether they’re 20’ or 40’ in length – are usually too heavy to rest on unprepared, soft ground without some negative side effects. For instance, most ground – even normally-dry desert soil types – eventually gets wet. That wet soil will stick to the bottom of a shipping container and over time will cause the exterior to degrade and become weaker. This has a staggering effect on the amount of use you’ll end up getting out of your containers. It can shorten their lifespan by several years. Besides that, failing to pack a container’s foundation materials tightly enough can result in your shipping container sinking into your yard or the ground around it outright. Beyond the fact that this damages the container and the land it’s on, it also inhibits your ability to access the inside of the container. Shipping containers that will be used as permanent fixtures (say, as part of a home) will be sitting in place for a long time, experiencing frequent movement and weight redistribution. If the shipping container site preparation isn’t done properly beforehand, the shipping container may unevenly sink and lean. Or the bottom of your container may steadily decompose if there isn’t any space underneath the container to let moisture evaporate. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to accommodate the delivery and installment of your shipping containers.  Prioritizing Site Access and Location The first thing to scope out is whether there’s easy access for the truck bringing the shipping container and for anyone looking to access the goods or doors of the container itself.  This involves: Checking the surrounding area to ensure that it is clear of debris and potential obstacles This includes removing or avoiding any overhead obstructions such as phone lines, power cables, or tree branches that will potentially interfere with the container, truck and the driver’s ability to efficiently make the delivery.  Additionally, make sure there’s enough room for the truck to maneuver any shipping container around if you want the doors to face a certain way. In order to allow a truck to back up in order to deliver a shipping container, you should definitely provide at least 15 feet of clearance space at the truck’s front and sides. If you want more information on specific space needs based on the truck and container size, check out our guide to buying shipping containers. Inspecting the site area to see if it’s compact Depending on the stability of the ground already, you may or may not need a concrete foundation (more on those later). It helps to know your soil types (clay, sand, loam, and mixtures), and how the area responds to moisture in the ground. Surveying the area for proper sloping In addition to knowing how compact an area is, be sure to avoid low areas where the ground can become saturated or pool with water. Properly graded sites help direct moisture away from the foundation of your containers. Considering Accessibility to the Container and Proximity to Important Structures and Utilities If you’re planning on using multiple containers to create a shipping container home or a building that you’ll use frequently, consider important utility tie-ins. This includes electrical, gas, cabling and plumbing requirements. You’ll want to make sure you’ve also taken care of any permits required in order to install electric and plumbing in your container. If you’ll need frequent, daily or weekly access to the container, consider where it is placed in relation to other important buildings. This will help make sure you’re not making unnecessarily long trips, and that your containers fit into the flow and logistics of your property. Having space for growth If it’s possible and space allows, try choosing a location that will allow you to add more shipping containers easily. A lot of users of containers regret setting up and preparing their sites in a small area, only to realize that they wish they could house more containers. Keep your focus on the long term demands of your storage or housing needs. How Do You Prepare Ground for a Shipping Container? Now that you’ve made sure you have a good location for your shipping container, it’s time to actually prepare the ground to support your container. There are various ways to do this, which we will go through. But at the very least, it’s extremely important to have an even, level site to put your container on– or, perhaps, a crushed stone pad. An even installation site will go a long way in keeping your container in good shape and your belongings safe. Here  are some other ways to prepare your location for a shipping container: Leveling and compacting Whether you’re going to pour a more formal, cement foundation,

You strain as you push the doors shut. They’re heavy. But that’s good. Since you’ve moved your materials and equipment to this location, you haven’t lost a single piece to thieves. Hauling materials and equipment every morning and evening is getting to you, though. It seems a high price to pay for security. But what else can you do? Your coworkers in construction are telling you good things about using construction storage containers. But you’re not convinced just yet. Leaving high value equipment and materials at a job site is taking a risk. High risk. Because even if the chances of your property getting stolen or damaged were low, the effects would still be huge. You’ve experienced it yourself, and you don’t want to again. That’s perfectly understandable, but your coworkers do have a point. So, get a cup of coffee, sit back, and read on. You’ll learn all about what containers for construction sites can do for you, including all the reasons that you want to buy or rent one and how they affect your bottom line.   Already Know What You Want? Click to check out the ModuGo Store!   Reason 1: One size fits all Commercial storage containers are extremely versatile and flexible despite the limited number of sizes that they come in. You can use shipping containers (which is what they are), to store almost everything imaginable. Jobsite materials, building supplies, construction tools, equipment and machinery. You name it, you can store it. The only restriction is that it has to fit inside and through the doors. But that’s no different from any other storage facility. And though the number of container sizes is limited, you can find small ones, large ones, extra high ones, and ones with more doors than just the pair on the end.   Reason 2: Made for rest and work The versatility and flexibility of containers extends their use far beyond putting your tools and equipment to rest at night. You can also use these construction storage boxes perfectly well for working. Of course, you’ll then want specialty containers, built with windows and doors for humans, fit to be used as offices. With these office shipping containers you have an instant on-site office; no more scribbling notes using the back of a colleague.   Reason 3: Construction storage solutions not just for construction sites Storage containers are not limited to construction sites. They can be used anywhere by anyone who needs to store something. Permanently or temporarily. They’re even used as hunting cabins and by doomsday preppers.   Reason 4: Containers are the world’s greatest backpackers Shipping containers were originally used as standardized boxes to make loading and unloading of ships easier and more efficient. Storage containers often sit in one place, but they are portable. Although mobile is probably a better word, as you wouldn’t want to try carrying one.   Reason 5: The sky’s the limit Because of their nautical heritage, storage containers are meant to be stackable. Faced with limited footage on the ground, going up is always an option with containers.   Reason 6: Custom fit and fitted You can add and remove storage containers to meet your needs. And you can fit them with shelves, storage cabinets, tool racks, and everything else you can think of to keep them (and yourself) organized.   Reason 7: The more the merrier Construction storage containers allow you to keep a lot around. And that allows you to purchase materials in bulk, so you can enjoy the advantages: wholesale prices and deeper discounts, cutting down delivery and freight costs, and consistency of materials.   Reason 8: Everyone likes derailing the bad guys Up until 2015, equipment theft was the biggest risk construction companies faced. It still is a huge issue, coming in at 400 million annual cost in most reports. Putting your materials, tools, and equipment inside a lockable, steel container allows you to have them on-site and give the bad guys a headache   Reason 9: Singing and dancing in the rain Rain, frost, hail, storm, they can do a lot of damage. Storing your materials and equipment on-site, inside a storage container protects them from that.   Reason 10: You want to have the last laugh Have the last laugh when you won’t have to replace anything and work doesn’t get delayed waiting for the replacements of things that didn’t get stolen or damaged.   Reason 11: Everybody loves a short commute Using construction storage containers to store your equipment and materials safely on-site, will save you having to get them in the morning and return them at night. That means more time available for work and lower fuel costs.   Reason 12: Have a crush on not being crushed Not hauling heavy equipment to and from a job site every day, means a lot less lifting of heavy equipment on and off trucks. That means less risk of injury to your people and of all the consequences injuries bring.   Reason 13: Save your memory for sweet memories Having everything you need on site, means you no longer face the risk of forgetting to bring something you need. That’ll save you the time and fuel of going back to get them.   Reason 14: Rest and relaxation on your terms On-site storage containers mean that you can ensure having enough of everything for the next day’s work and everyone can keep working. So you can take breaks on your terms instead of when you’re forced to wait for deliveries. That’ll save you the cost of work delays as well as penalties for missed deadlines.   Reason 15: Commit to not committing Portable storage containers for rent free you from having to make the investment up front to buy your own. That allows you to rent only what you need when you need it and avoid the risk of having them sit idle.   Get yourself some peace of mind and breathe easier There you have it.

Every construction site manager is always looking for ways to enhance their site’s efficiency, safety, and organization. While there are many ways you can improve your workforce or equipment quality, one particular improvement to consider is using jobsite storage containers. Indeed, jobsite shipping containers can provide tons of benefits to your construction site just by acting as secure, organized places to keep your equipment and tools. Let’s break down the 5 major ways that your construction site might become more profitable and efficient thanks to jobsite shipping containers. Make Your Jobsite Safer Firstly, shipping containers on your jobsite can help improve safety across the board. There’s no denying that many jobsites can be hazardous to employees and those just passing through (after all, there’s a reason why hardhats are a requirement!). However, by using storage containers you are able keep any potentially dangerous equipment or tools locked away in an organized space without leaving them as hazards for others. This, in turn, allows you to keep your jobsite well-organized and on-schedule, while providing access to any tools or material you might need, without losing them or having to wait for them to arrive. Plus, jobsite storage containers can easily be relocated from site to site. This means moving your tools and equipment from one contract or job to another is a lot easier and safer, eliminating the need to move any heavy equipment or tools piece by piece. Avoid Permanent Storage Solutions – Keep Flexibility! There’s a lot to be said about the benefits of maintaining flexibility with your operation. For instance, you may need to switch projects rapidly when a contract goes under or when you need to leap on a new job opportunity. Either way, you may need the ability to quickly move your equipment and tools from site to site without placing undue strain on your employees. The solution? Jobsite storage containers. These storage containers can easily be moved by truck or train across the country when needed. With several companies that can do the logistics for you, you’ll have ample options when the time comes to move, and won’t be tied down to a specific date or time. Need your equipment at a new jobsite ASAP? Loading everything into a jobsite storage container will make it a lot easier to get your equipment where it needs to be on time, rather than moving all of your tools individually or in the back of a pickup truck. Make Budgeting for Your Jobsite Easier But those aren’t the only two ways to enhance your construction jobsite with storage containers. Storage containers placed right on the jobsite can also make budgeting for future jobs much easier. Purchasing or renting portable, jobsite storage containers is quick and easy due to their clear and consistent pricing. You can even browse different companies that offer different sizes and prices for shipping containers online, and take your pick based on what you need and what your budget looks like. This makes it easy to factor in the cost of moving your equipment from place to place when calculating the overall budget. No need to worry about unnecessary expenses or sudden price upticks – what you see is what you get. All in all, moving your equipment from place to place or storing it with jobsite storage containers is much easier to predict budget-wise than an alternative approach. Protect Your Tools and Equipment from Thieves – Save Money! Of course, the best equipment and tool storage containers will come with a variety of safety features, such as locks or latch systems. Depending on what exactly the container in question has, you could end up storing your equipment in a very secure space that’s practically impregnable to thieves. This could also end up saving you a lot of money on your contract. Each year, millions of dollars are lost at jobsites because thieves steal equipment, or certain pieces “go missing” when workers are laid off. By keeping your equipment in sealed jobsite storage containers, you can keep track of everything you pay for, and won’t have to purchase new equipment for the next job just because someone came by and stole your best pieces. This can be even more valuable if you purchase new equipment that is brand new and looks pristine. It’s best to keep that stuff locked up and secure before you start breaking it in – otherwise, you might lose your investment to someone with sticky fingers. Defend Your Equipment from the Weather Similarly, jobsite storage containers can protect your equipment and valuable tools from inclement weather and all of the corrosive effects that come with it. For instance, rain often wrecks havoc on machinery or tools, particularly their metal surfaces. It’s all too easy for rust to accrue over time, even if you try to protect your equipment using tarps and other temporary shelters. Storage containers on your contracted jobsite can go a long way toward protecting your equipment over the long-term, as well as provide better protection in general since they’re airtight and won’t let rain or snow inside. Plus, they’re great storage solutions if your jobsite is infested with pests like rats or certain types of bugs. The right storage containers can effectively keep these things off and away from your equipment, allowing you to use everything longer and preventing you from having to pay more money to repair or replace it. Improve Your Workflow With Jobsite Shipping Containers  All in all, jobsite storage containers really are the way to go when it comes to storing and organizing your equipment and tools. They’re the best way to enhance the efficiency of your construction site, secure its valuables, and help to make sure you don’t run into unnecessary and unanticipated expenses or costs due to broken equipment and thieves. Ready to get started? Check out storage containers available to rent or purchase in your area right now on ModuGo’s website. Once you place your order, ensure your prepared for

If you’re looking for a temporary workspace, there are lots of options out there. What’s right for your needs? We’re all familiar with the layout of a traditional office space– several floors of cubicles in which everyone works together throughout the day. But in recent years, there’s been a growing shift in what workspaces look like. Many businesses, large and small, find that they don’t actually need a large office complex– their time and resources may be better spent on smaller, cheaper offices that can be relocated and reorganized as necessary as their needs change. As far as smaller, more modular office spaces go, there are plenty of options available out there. Among these are office trailers and ground-level offices, but which one will work best for you largely depends on your specific needs. So what are all the differences and similarities between office trailers and ground-level offices? Where is each most useful? And how can Rent-A-Container help get you started on pulling together your small office space? Here, we’ll go through the pros and cons of each office type and point you toward the right path for your business. Ground-Level Offices, Office Trailers, and Modular Offices– What’s the Same and What’s Different? As we’ve mentioned, there are several options out there for temporary office space solutions or even just for small workspaces– ground-level offices and office trailers are just a couple of them. But what are the differences between these office types, and where do ground-level containers really shine? Most modular offices require some construction once they reach their destination. Although it takes significantly less labor and money to build them on a given site, you will need to put some real thought into the layout of your space, how big you need your modular office to be, and what utilities will need to be installed. Since these offices often take some work to install, they’re difficult– although not impossible– to move. Office trailers are attached to a truck from the very beginning– a trailer that has been modified to serve as an office is hitched to a truck, and that’s about all there is to it. This makes office trailers extremely mobile– all you have to do to move them is to secure all your belongings inside and drive to a new location. Ground-level offices, in contrast to other modular offices, are usually installed outdoors– they’re very popular on construction sites. They are not suspended off of the ground, have no steps leading up to them, and are also not on wheels the way office trailers are. The materials used to make these offices also differ. The construction materials for modular offices vary greatly, but office trailers are frequently made out of aluminum. Ground-level offices are flexible, too, but it’s extremely common to find them made out of modified shipping containers– which are, in turn, constructed from corrugated steel, an extremely strong metal that withstands bending and breaking more than many other materials. What are the Pros and Cons of Different Types of Offices? If you’re just starting the hunt for your temporary or small office space, it may be difficult to tell what drawbacks and perks come with each type of office. What are the pros and cons of different types of office solutions? Modular Offices Modular offices come in many, many different arrangements and styles– they can be small and implanted into a bigger building, stand multiple stories tall, or be freestanding. In this sense, they are versatile workspaces. However, it does take more work to install them, depending on your needs, where you need them to be located, and how big you need them to be. For example, building a small complex of modular offices is going to be more involved than simply plopping a one-story ground-level office on your worksite outside. Office Trailers As the name suggests, office trailers are extremely mobile– they are permanently installed on a set of wheels, and all you need to do to move them is to drive to a new location. This sounds appealing to those whose businesses demand that they show up at several worksites in a short amount of time. But it’s not all perfect with these temporary offices. Since office trailers are permanently on a set of wheels, they are limited in what they can carry– too much equipment and too much weight can damage the chassis that supports the office. If your office needs to be able to house some heavy equipment as well as your work desk and papers, you might run into some problems with an office trailer. In a similar vein, wheels, axles, and chassis require maintenance– not only in relation to the amount of weight and pressure put on them, but also in response to the terrain that they travel over. Especially on construction sites, the terrain is not always smooth, and this can force you to bring your work to a halt in order to repair your office trailer. Your wheels can also sink into the ground if it’s too soft, which can damage the office as well as the wheels and axles– so these types of offices usually do best on solid, even concrete. Ground-Level Container Offices Ground-level offices, especially ground-level container offices, combine the best characteristics of other types of small offices. Requiring no wheels and usually no foundation, it’s pretty easy to install these– you may need a crane to set one on your worksite, but that’s about it. You won’t need to maintain any wheels, and you won’t have to worry about your office reaching its upper weight limit while on the ground. This makes ground-level container offices rather stable, like many traditional modular offices. But the pros don’t end there. Although it can’t be denied that ground-level offices aren’t as mobile as office trailers, which are ready to go at a moment’s notice, you still aren’t sacrificing your office space’s mobility overall. You may need a crane again, but it’s relatively easy to