Shipping container storage - resale market?

[MrBreeze]

I'm considering getting a 20' One-Trip shipping container for temporary storage while we build the extra garage/shop, which may be a year+ before that gets built. The rental storage pods are too small and a 40' container too large for the lot. There is no HOA, so I'm ok there.

The question I have is how easy is it to sell one once I'm done with it? Most of us don't have the equipment to move, so would be reliant on a transport company. While there are less expensive containers - wind/water tight - I don't want it to be an eye-sore, thus I'd go with a one-trip container. I can get one delivered for $3,200. Any idea as to what portion of that price I could recoup when I need to sell? I'm trying to calculate the cost per month so I can compare to a storage rental unit.

Thanks.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Around here, you can get half pretty easy if you don't crash it too bad. Maybe more if it's nice, I don't see many nice ones come up.

 

[Pluribus]

Definitely curious about this as well. I have a really nice one with doors on both ends and internal bars. Uses puck locks, and there are recesses for them. Don't see them very often, so I'm betting I'd be able to get close to what I paid for it, which was around $3,400 delivered. Actual sales experience would be way better than my wild *** guess though.

Keep in mind that these things do heat up during the summer. Will the stuff you put in it be able to handle the heat?

 

[matt_i]

Its been a few years but I recall renting sea containers from "Mobile Mini" in metro Phx. We called them the "Mini Mobile" but I think there's an easy process to pick them up at the end. No idea on costs.

 

[Ji m]

How wide are they?,
if a 20' would fit on a roll off tow truck you'd be golden,
any willing tow company could help you out, and make selling it easier for the next guy.

 

[RWorth]

I'll bet you can build a nice shed for less cost than a container and have it forever.

 

[MrBreeze]

Its been a few years but I recall renting sea containers from "Mobile Mini" in metro Phx. We called them the "Mini Mobile" but I think there's an easy process to pick them up at the end. No idea on costs.

Thanks, I'll see what I can find out about them.

 

[MrBreeze]

How wide are they?,
if a 20' would fit on a roll off tow truck you'd be golden,
any willing tow company could help you out, and make selling it easier for the next guy.

They are 8' wide and the smaller ones (20 footers) are pretty much delivered with a tilt tray flat bead truck - they weigh about 5,000 lbs

 

[MrBreeze]

I'll bet you can build a nice shed for less cost than a container and have it forever.

No doubt, but the container would be available for use immediately, which is what I'm needing - just didn't want to get stuck with something I can't sell/remove when done.

 

[MrBreeze]

Definitely curious about this as well. I have a really nice one with doors on both ends and internal bars. Uses puck locks, and there are recesses for them. Don't see them very often, so I'm betting I'd be able to get close to what I paid for it, which was around $3,400 delivered. Actual sales experience would be way better than my wild *** guess though.

Keep in mind that these things do heat up during the summer. Will the stuff you put in it be able to handle the heat?

Thanks for the reply.
With regard to the heat, yes, particularly here in AZ. I'd most likely add some container-specific vents for passive air flow, and also consider a solar powered vent fan. A light-colored container also is helpful here in the desert.

 

[A**holes Garage]

Thanks for the reply.
With regard to the heat, yes, particularly here in AZ. I'd most likely add some container-specific vents for passive air flow, and also consider a solar powered vent fan. A light-colored container also is helpful here in the desert.

A buddy of mine has been running a mini-split in one of his containers to keep his container cool the last couple of AZ Summers.

 

[MrBreeze]

A buddy of mine has been running a mini-split in one of his containers to keep his container cool the last couple of AZ Summers.

Smart.
I'm planning on a mini-split in the shop (perhaps even powered by solar)

I'm thinking a container with appropriate passive venting would be easier to re-sell when I'm done using. If I were going to keep it, I'd consider conditioning the space.

 

[garrett1812]

You could consider a large enclosed trailer. Easy to resell and move.

 

[MrBreeze]

Its been a few years but I recall renting sea containers from "Mobile Mini" in metro Phx. We called them the "Mini Mobile" but I think there's an easy process to pick them up at the end. No idea on costs.

Found them. https://www.mobilemini.com/en
Interestingly, they have "extra wide" containers (10' vs standard 8') which for my use (temporary vehicle storage) would be more convenient.
Submitted a request for a rental quote.
We'll see how it compares to purchase-resale and a rental storage unit.
Thanks!

 

[reader2580]

I paid around $150 a month to rent a 20 foot container for five months here in Minneapolis. They didn’t seem to have long term rates.

 

[Baw335]

You could consider a large enclosed trailer. Easy to resell and move.

+1; enclosed trailers hold their value well if you pay a good price to begin with, especially if you start calculating in what it might cost to move a container.

Here's one all ready to go:
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/rvs/d/7x16-enclosed-cargo-trailer/6423287439.html

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I think it a non-issue, 'cause once you have it you won't want to get rid of it!

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

I think it a non-issue, 'cause once you have it you won't want to get rid of it!

^^ I concur!

 

[MrBreeze]

Got a quote from Mobile Mini for rental:

10x18 - $138 month
10x25 - $176 month
Delivery $150, pick up $150

8x20 - $97 month
8x25 - $110 month
Normally $110 delivery & pickup, now $50

The 25 footers have doors both ends.
All units are month-to-month, no contract

Need to do some math as to buy and re-sell vs renting.

Regarding an enclosed trailer, considered that, but usually not large enough to hold my rock-crawling Jeep. (wide 1 ton axles)

 

[d300]

Sea-cons are popular with some folks building odd-ball housing so you might find a buyer from that market when time comes. They are certainly more secure than a cargo trailer and easy to move on a roll-back.

...bury it in the back yard and get ready for the zombies....

 

[6768rogues]

The last time I rented any it was $100 per month for an 8x40 container. There was a charge of around $100 for delivery or pickup or any other reason they came out to move it. I told them which end to put on the truck first so the doors would be on the right end when they dropped it off. If not permanent, I would rent. It will be hard to sell and get moved out unless you sell it back to a rental company at a discount.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Got a quote from Mobile Mini for rental:

10x18 - $138 month
10x25 - $176 month
Delivery $150, pick up $150

8x20 - $97 month
8x25 - $110 month
Normally $110 delivery & pickup, now $50

The 25 footers have doors both ends.
All units are month-to-month, no contract

Need to do some math as to buy and re-sell vs renting.

Regarding an enclosed trailer, considered that, but usually not large enough to hold my rock-crawling Jeep. (wide 1 ton axles)

$176/mo x 12 months = $2112. If the cost you were looking at was $3400 to buy, in a years time, you'd be at 2/3 cost of owning one.

I'd consider buying one and then building over it or adding on to it to match what you plan on making permanent.

 

[nes999]

If you know it'll be longer than a year ask them for a yearly rate. You should see significant savings.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[climb.on]

If you can find a local dealer to go look at used containers, you should be able to get one for under $2k and you probably don't need a 1 tripper. I thought I did, but after looking for a while, I found a good used multi-tripper, but I looked at a lot of really roached out ones too. I paid $1600 for my used 20' container last spring when I started building my house. I might sell it, I might not. If i do, it will sell in 5 minutes for the same price I paid. If I would have rented one, I'd be way over the $1600 already. Expect you will have to rent it for 4-6 months longer than you think you will. I usually tend to buy and sell, over rent.

 

[Jon_E]

I built a shed but it wasn't big enough for everything I needed to store, so I rented a shipping container. $75 a month for an 8 x 20. I spent over a grand on it before I was able to empty it and release it back to the rental company, and all the stuff that was in it is now in my way until I can finish my garage. I should have bought one right from the start. I would have been out a little more money, but then at least it would be my container. I highly doubt I would resell one if I still had it. I would use it for storage of off-season equipment and the many piles of lumber I have sitting around. They also make great dry kilns.

 

[apollo11]

I bought a BAT (big *** trailer) about 10 years ago and it was one of the best investments I've ever made.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

If you do any sort of fabricating, they make a great place to keep your material out of the way and easily accessible. This one is in my shop and has a sheet storage rack on the left, tubing storage on the right and shelves with bin storage in the back. I added a couple of light fixtures inside and fabbed a mezzanine floor above to store more 'stuff'

 

[kbs2244]

The 20 footers are popular with contractors for on site tool and material storage.
Keep a large scale, commercial plumbing or electric company in mind when it comes time to sell,

 

[IBEW702]

I bought a well used 20' container during our new house build.I had about $1800 in it after tax and delivery. I rented a paint sprayer and painted it for about $200. It was delivered on a rollback wrecker. I posted an ad on Craigslist on a Saturday and sold it the next day. I was asking $1500 and sold it to another dealer for $1350.

 

[VocaTexas]

I sell and lease sea containers in my area. The price you were quoted for a one-tripper is a very good price. Container prices have shot up this year due to several factors. There is a running shortage on 20 foot containers.

It takes about three gallons of paint to cover the sides and ends of a used 20 footer. A good used container with a coat of new paint would look good and should be fairly easy to resell.

I lease 20 footers for $60 a month plus a $300 pick up and delivery fee. They can be moved with a roll-off wrecker truck. I use a tilt-bed trailer and winch. Contact a local dealer and see what he'd lease you one for.

 

[Barnabas]

On my property I can not have a storage pod for more than 90 days, so I am looking at used Semi-Trailers, which I can have as many as I want for as long as I want.

They cost more, but might have a higher resale value when you are done with it. One drawback is the height, so you need to build steps or a platform to get to the door.

 

[MrBreeze]

Great info, personal experience and advice. Some good considerations. Thanks!

 

[PTFab]

When I bought my property there was (is) no shop. I bought 2 20’ containers, dropped them on some 6x6 timbers side by side. I cut an 8’ walkway threw them and put some roofing tar on the small gap between them. I did tack them together lightly to make sure they didn’t move. I set them up as a machine shop on one side with a mill and lathe and somel work space on the other side. When I’m done I will re use them for other storage sheds elsewhere once I build my shop. It was expensive yet instant and I needed a solid place to put my heavy machine tools. There an easy sell if you put a want it gone price on them that’s for sure.

Also, I suggest having the ceiling spray foamed. No condensation problems and keeps them cool in the summer. Worth the money but there’s ways around it.

 

[MrBreeze]

When I bought my property there was (is) no shop. I bought 2 20’ containers, dropped them on some 6x6 timbers side by side. I cut an 8’ walkway threw them and put some roofing tar on the small gap between them. I did tack them together lightly to make sure they didn’t move. I set them up as a machine shop on one side with a mill and lathe and somel work space on the other side. When I’m done I will re use them for other storage sheds elsewhere once I build my shop. It was expensive yet instant and I needed a solid place to put my heavy machine tools. There an easy sell if you put a want it gone price on them that’s for sure.

Also, I suggest having the ceiling spray foamed. No condensation problems and keeps them cool in the summer. Worth the money but there’s ways around it.

Nicely done. Any pics?

 

[hiredgun58]

Around here (Vancouver B.C.) a 20 ft 1 tripper is $3550, last year they were $2800
You can sell them all day long for $3200 on a quick sale.
I have 4 on our property I have them moved by a Hiab Truck , they can place them accurately and quickly .

 

[MrBreeze]

An update: Purchased a One-Trip 20 footer for $3,200 (includes tax & delivery)
I have a bit of site prep to do first, but will be delivered Jan 6th.

 

[bad_idea]

Check with zoning before you go too far. I am outside of city limits, still not allowed to have a shipping container on my land for a prolonged period of time.

 

[laser3kw]

Yup! when your done, bury it!
Just think, secret entrance, underground fort - you always wanted one when you were a kid.

 

[MrBreeze]

Check with zoning before you go too far. I am outside of city limits, still not allowed to have a shipping container on my land for a prolonged period of time.

Good thought. Fortunately, I'm not in an HOA and there are others in the neighborhood who have them in their back yards (it is common in AZ to have 6' high block walls surrounding the back part of the property) so I should be ok if not that visible from the street.

 

[apollo11]

Yup! when your done, bury it!
Just think, secret entrance, underground fort - you always wanted one when you were a kid.

I was thinking about this myself.