Not everyone needs a shipping container for years on end. For a renovation, a move or an event, renting is often the smarter choice than buying: you only pay for the period you need, without a large purchase cost upfront. In this article you will read what determines the monthly price, how the rental term factors in and which situations renting suits best.
There is no fixed price list for renting a shipping container: the monthly price is determined per request. A few factors carry the most weight:
Because these factors differ per request, we do not quote a fixed price in advance. Through the quote request you receive a concrete rental proposal within one hour on working days, based on your situation: the type you want, the rental term and the delivery location.
The choice between renting short-term and long-term depends mainly on the purpose. Short-term rental, from a few weeks to several months, suits an event, a move where the old and new locations are not available at the same time, or a short renovation. The monthly price is then relatively higher: the container has to become available again sooner and the set-up and removal costs are spread over fewer months.
For longer periods, from six months to several years, renting is attractive when you are not yet sure whether you will need the extra space on a structural basis, would rather not tie up capital, or want to stay flexible to scale up to a larger size. With long-term rental the average monthly price is lower. If you are certain the container will be needed for years, work out whether the total rental sum will eventually come to more than a purchase.
| Renting | Buying | |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for | Temporary need: event, renovation, move | Structural or long-term storage need |
| Upfront investment | Low, spread over monthly instalments | Purchase amount in one go or spread via financing |
| Flexibility | Rental term and size adjustable | Fixed investment, but ownership |
| In the long run | Can work out more expensive with prolonged use | Cheaper when used for several years |
There is no hard cut-off, but at around a year of use the sums tip from renting towards buying for most situations. If you want to work through the trade-off for your own situation, our article on buying or renting will help you further. If you do opt to buy, read how to buy a shipping container safely without a middleman.
Note down your name and phone number, and let us know which type of container you are looking for, the rental term you want and the delivery location. You will then receive a rental proposal by email within one hour on working days, with no sales pitch.
At events, a rented shipping container is a practical solution for the temporary storage of materials, equipment or catering. The container is placed quickly with a crane truck on a paved and accessible location, and collected just as quickly afterwards. Popular choices are a 20ft or 40ft container for general storage, a version with extra personnel doors for easy access during the build-up, and a lock box against break-ins so that valuable equipment stays safe. Extra doors, ventilation and a lock box are among the bespoke modifications carried out in our own workshop before delivery. Because events run to a tight schedule, submit your rental request in good time, especially if any modifications are needed.
A renovation or a move is one of the most common reasons to rent a shipping container. Think of furniture that needs to be stored elsewhere during the renovation, building materials kept dry and secure on the building site, or household belongings while the new home is not yet ready. You will find more examples in our article on renting a container for a move, renovation or event.
For these uses, a used container in cargo-worthy or A-grade condition is usually the best value for money: guaranteed wind and watertight, CSC-certified and inspected at the depot before delivery. For short rental periods that is more than adequate, without investing in a new one-trip container.
Delivery takes place throughout the country with a crane truck or sideloader, usually within 3 to 7 working days. The container is set down exactly where you want it, provided the ground is reasonably level and paved and the location is accessible to a lorry. Check in advance whether the crane truck can reach the spot; you can read more about positioning at placing a container in the garden.
Wondering whether renting is still the cheapest option? Work out the total rental sum over the expected period and compare it with a purchase. For prolonged use, buying often wins, whereas for an uncertain or short need you keep the flexibility of renting.
Safe payment comes first with renting too. In the container trade there are unfortunately fraudsters who ask for full payment in advance and never deliver. That is why HEROX offers protected payment methods, so you never have to transfer the full amount blindly in advance. Undecided between renting and buying, or want to know what is most cost-effective in the long run? Feel free to get in touch for personal advice with no sales pitch.
Let us know your container type, rental term and delivery location and receive a tailored rental proposal by email within one hour on working days. Our local team stays reachable after delivery too, for service and questions.
The monthly price depends on the size, the condition and the rental term, plus the delivery costs to your location. A larger or modified type is more expensive than a standard storage container. For a concrete figure based on your situation, HEROX sends a rental proposal by email within one hour on working days.
Yes, in general the monthly price is higher for short-term rental, because the container has to become available again sooner and the set-up and removal costs are spread over fewer months. For longer terms, such as six months or more, the average monthly price is lower.
A used container in cargo-worthy or A-grade condition is usually the best choice for temporary storage. It is guaranteed wind and watertight, CSC-certified and inspected before delivery. For shorter rental periods this condition is more than adequate and cheaper than a new one-trip container.
Yes, containers can be fitted with extra personnel doors, ventilation grilles, electrics or a lock box against break-ins. These modifications are carried out before delivery in our own workshop. State which modifications you would like when you request the quote, so this is factored into the planning.
That depends on how long you will use it. For temporary needs such as a renovation, move or event, renting is usually cheaper, because no large upfront investment is required. For prolonged use over several years, buying can work out cheaper in the long run. Request advice via the quote page.
View live stock with prices, or get a tailored quote within one business hour.
