Storage Options 101: A Guide to Finding Your Best Storage Option

OK, you’re thinking storage. Over easy, hold the hassles. What are the options?

There’s that ready-to-assemble shed you saw at Home Depot … or that pole barn kit from something-dot-com … and those fiberglass storage units provided by the big national moving and storage company occasionally trucked on and off neighbors’ driveways.

Large pole barn style shed on red dirt road

white portable storage pod unit with blue doors

red shipping container shed with dog in foreground

But wait—what about a steel shipping container? If it’s not on your list, maybe it should be. Yeah, we admit we’re biased. But it’s a fact that steel containers have many advantages compared to other storage solutions. See the pros and cons highlighted below to see how the various storage options compare:

Shed Storages Solutions

Storage Solution	Pros	Cons
Sheds	Prefab kits available locally or online Buy with installation option or DIY Usually easy delivery Various height and width options You can pick options to fit your needs – windows, color, shelving, etc.	DIY may take many weekends Site prep (crushed stone bed or cement slab) Many not very sturdy (cheap metal, waferboard, or plastic) Premium cost for durability Upkeep/lifespan issues Not moveable (can’t withstand being deconstructed and reconstructed)
Pole Barns	DIY kits available locally or online Can customize design & size Versatile to fit your exact needs	Building costs add up fast Long lead time Site prep (may need cement slab) May be overkill for your needs Need building permit May need equipment to DIY Not moveable
National Branded Portable Storage Units	Easy delivery Ready to store in a warehouse	Rent only (a few suppliers sell) rental rates generally match containers per unit, but sizes are the same. Limited sizes (biggest is 16’ x 8’, smaller than the smallest steel container) Not highly sturdy or durable (plywood walls, translucent plastic tops tacked on top) Not designed to stay outside
Shipping Containers	Come ready to use Relatively inexpensive Flexible delivery options No building permit issues in many places Many customization options (paint, doors, windows, vents, lights, shelving, etc.) - Modifications can be DIY or come with mods done before delivery Rugged, designed to withstand all weather Highly secure Marine-grade wood floors with steel support beams Big enough for cars, boats, contents of 3-bedroom house Moveable Use for storage or for modifying for other uses 40’ high cube is 9’6” high on the outside, 8’10” inside is perfect for insulating and converting to insulated space.	Fixed height and width (8’ wide x 20’ or 40’ long) The 20’ long come 8’6” high as standard height (but 40’ high cubes can be cut up to be different options and 20’ high cubes, which specialty containers, are available) Costs higher in some locations (usually due to delivery more than anything else) Some zoning issues in some areas. Modification shops not available in all markets

Find out more: Shipping Containers or Self Storage: Which is Right for You?

You know your storage situation best, but the table and resources above can help if you were on the fence about which style to go with.

Cost Comparison

The cost of every type of shed differs greatly depending on the initial buying cost, delivery and permit price, site preparation, and maintenance costs.

Overall, plastic sheds tend to be the cheapest in the short-term but don’t hold up very well against the weather and normal wear and tear. Pole barns and wood sheds involve the most work for setup and last fairly long but the cost is extremely high and maintenance costs amount to more in the long run.The non-shipping container storage containers lack durability and competitive pricing. Shipping containers involve an upfront cost but offer a lower price point than most options, ease of installation, and extreme durability that holds up against the weather for years to come.

Check Out This: 20 Foot Container Converted Into a Shed

Why Shipping Containers Win Every Time

blue shipping container storage

One-trip container next to a workshop

Overall, our vote for the best storage option is shipping containers because they are so easy and versatile, but only you are going to know your specific needs. When it comes to relatively cheap, easy storage options, shipping containers win every time. Shipping containers are:

Easy to install — just move to your location and you’re done — no setup required
More affordable than other storage options
Watertight, durable, and weather-proof
Low maintenance
Have yours modified to fit any need before it comes out to you — place shelves, create windows, add vents, etc.
Modifications can DIY as well with our DIY kits
Resistant to pests, mold, and rust

20’ container with roll-up door and vent added in and painted black.

20’ container with man door and air vent

Where to Buy Shipping Containers

Our team at Super Cubes offers a wide variety of shipping containers to buy when you’re ready to create your dream container shed. If you want more information on containers, please visit the rest of our site or call us at 877-374-5452.

Used 20’ container that a customer camouflaged

Super Cubes is a family-owned business located in Minneapolis, MN, that provides containers anywhere in the continental US. We offer personalized service for individuals and businesses, providing high-quality containers at competitive prices. With nationwide facilities, we can modify and deliver containers close to you. Contact our experienced team for your next container project.

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Post by Super Cubes
October 24, 2024

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