Container hire vs self-storage units: which is the best value?

Finding a place for your possessions can be tough, no matter if you're moving, downsizing, or just need to clear some clutter. Two of the most common solutions people look into are hiring a shipping container or renting a self-storage unit. Space is space after all, right?

Well, not always. Both of these options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for you really depends on your specific needs, like how much space you need, how often you’ll need to access your belongings, and what your budget looks like.

At TEU, we care about finding the right fit for our clients. While we won’t dismiss you for wanting more or less than you need, we believe the following helpful guide can help you find the best value for your money. Let’s begin:

Understanding The Options

We think of shipping containers as logistics storage items; they’re meant for shipping and being carried as freight after all. They’re not solely used for that purpose, but it is the image most people have.

A shipping container is typically a big metal box that a supplier either delivers to your property or you rent a space for it at their site. Alternatively, a self-storage unit is a dedicated room that you rent within a large facility, and has other options such as being air-conditioned, cooled, or many other features, depending on the service you use.

The main difference to keep in mind is the location and how you can access your belongings. A shipping container can come to you, offering a lot of location flexibility, while a self-storage unit is part of a managed facility with its own rules and hours. Most are twenty-four hours and give their clients independent access, but this can depend on where you go, and who you choose.

Cost Comparison

Generally, a shipping container can offer more value for the amount of space you get. That’s especially true if you need a long-term solution, especially near your home.

Self storage units often come with a higher monthly fee, and they can have additional charges if you use any of the advanced features we discussed. However, there’s rarely a size limit here, as the partitions of a warehouse space can be at any width, depth and height a company chooses.

These also work best for insurance or accessing your unit outside of normal business hours. You should also consider that while there’s an upfront cost for a shipping container to be delivered, the ongoing fees are often a lot lower than for a storage unit.

Convenience & Access

The level of convenience you experience depends heavily on where you decide to put your belongings. If your shipping container is on your own property, you have access to it whenever you want, day or night, and you don't need to travel anywhere.

With self-storage units, you have to drive to the facility, and you’re usually limited to their specific hours. A container at a supplier's yard can be a nice middle ground. It gives you a secure place to store things while still providing local access.

Security

Security is a major concern with any kind of storage. Shipping containers are built from strong steel and are weatherproof, with a sturdy lock box and places for additional locks. We’re not suggesting they’re impervious to any theft attempt, but they are considered highly secure and safe for most - it’s why international shipping companies use them to ship freight internationally, over the high seas so to speak.

If you want a more monitored location, self-storage facilities frequently have utilities like CCTV cameras, gated entry, and on-site staff, patrolling the space 24 hours a day. Both options offer great security, but you should think about how much control you want to have over your belongings. One gives you full control of your own property, while the other puts the control in the hands of the storage provider.

Flexibility & Space

Shipping containers are available in many different sizes, like 10, 20, and 40 feet. It’s pretty simple to scale up or down by either swapping out your container or adding another one. Note that most are 8 feet wide so they can be transported effectively despite the length.

Self-storage facilities can sometimes be less flexible in that regard. You’re typically limited to the sizes they have available at that specific location, though they can be diverse and wider, or even just a locker if you need a small shelf to store your goods.

Which Is Right For You?

Deciding between a shipping container and a self-storage unit comes down to what you need. If you value 24/7 access on your own property and a lower long-term cost, then a shipping container could be the perfect solution.

If you'd rather have the security of a managed facility, a self-storage unit might be a better fit. You should weigh all the factors we’ve discussed, from cost and convenience to security and flexibility, to determine which option is the right fit for your situation. 

If you have any questions at all, please contact TEU, and our team will be delighted to help you!