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Shipping container hire: monthly price, hire period and flexible options

Prices & Financing · 4 min read · Updated 11 Jul 2026

In short: Hiring a shipping container typically costs from around €60 per month, depending on the size, condition and hire period. The longer the hire period, the lower the monthly price usually is. Hiring is especially worthwhile for temporary needs: a renovation, house move, event, or a period of extra storage space without a large upfront investment. For a specific quote based on the type, location and desired period, HEROX sends a hire proposal by email within an hour on working days.

Not everyone needs a shipping container for years on end. For a renovation, house move or event, hiring a shipping container per month is often the smarter choice than buying. You only pay for the period you need, without a large upfront purchase cost. In this article, you'll find out what it costs, how the hire period affects the monthly price, and which situations are best suited to hiring.

How much does it cost to hire a shipping container per month

The monthly price of hiring a shipping container starts at around €60 per month. What you pay exactly depends on a few factors:

  • Size: a 10ft container (around 3 metres) is cheaper per month than a 20ft (around 6 metres) or 40ft (around 12 metres) container.
  • Type: hiring a standard storage container is cheaper than a High Cube with extra headroom, or a container with modifications such as extra doors, ventilation or electrics.
  • Hire period: the longer you hire for, the lower the monthly price usually is. Short-term hire for a few weeks is more expensive per month than a year-long contract.
  • Location and delivery: delivery costs using a crane lorry or sideloader can vary depending on the situation, distance and accessibility.

As these factors vary per request, we don't publish a fixed price list. Via the quote request you'll receive a specific hire proposal within an hour on working days, based on your situation: the type you want, the hire period and the delivery location.

Short-term versus long-term container hire

The choice between short-term and long-term hire mainly depends on the purpose.

Short-term container hire

Short-term hire, from a few weeks to a few months, is suitable for:

  • An event where you temporarily need extra storage or a backstage area.
  • A house move where the old and new locations aren't available at the same time.
  • A short renovation where belongings need to be kept dry and secure somewhere temporarily.

With short-term hire, the monthly price is relatively higher, because the container needs to become available again more quickly for the next hirer, and the set-up and collection costs are spread over fewer months.

Long-term container hire

For longer periods, from six months to several years, hiring is worthwhile when:

  • You're not yet sure whether you'll continue to need extra space in the long term.
  • You'd rather not tie up capital in a purchase, for example for a temporary project or construction site.
  • You want to stay flexible to scale up to a larger size if your needs change.

With long-term hire, the average monthly price is lower. If you're certain you'll need the container for years to come, buying may be worth considering: work out whether the total hire cost over time ends up higher than a purchase. You can read more about that trade-off in our article on buying a shipping container safely.

Hiring a container for an event

For events, a hired shipping container is a practical solution for the temporary storage of materials, equipment or catering supplies. A container can be positioned quickly with a crane lorry on a hard-standing, accessible site, and collected just as quickly once the event is over. For events, popular choices include:

  • A 20ft or 40ft container for general storage of materials.
  • A container with extra personnel doors for easy access during set-up.
  • A lock box to prevent break-ins, so valuable equipment stays safe.

As events often run to a tight schedule, it's important to submit the hire request in good time, especially if modifications are needed.

Storage container during a renovation or house move

During a renovation or house move, temporary storage is one of the most common reasons to hire a shipping container. Think of:

  • Furniture and belongings that need to be kept elsewhere temporarily during a renovation.
  • Building materials that need to be stored dry and secure on the construction site.
  • Household contents during a move where the new home isn't ready yet.

A used container in cargo-worthy or A-grade condition usually offers the best value for these applications: it's guaranteed wind and watertight and CSC-certified, and inspected at the depot before delivery. For short hire periods, that's often more than sufficient, without having to invest in a new (one-trip) container.

Comparison: hiring versus buying

HiringBuying
Ideal forTemporary need: event, renovation, house moveOngoing or long-term storage need
Upfront investmentLow, from around €60 per monthPurchase price paid in full, or spread via financing
FlexibilityContract adjustable in length and sizeFixed investment, but you own it
Over timeCan work out more expensive with long-term useBetter value when used for several years

How does a hire request work at HEROX

Interested in hiring a shipping container? Provide your name and phone number, and let us know which type of container you're looking for, your preferred hire period and the delivery location. You'll then receive a tailored hire proposal. You can also check current stock in the webshop for an idea of the available sizes and types. Delivery is available nationwide by crane lorry or sideloader, usually within 3 to 7 working days, provided the site is accessible for a lorry and the ground is reasonably flat and firm.

Paying for hire

The same applies to hiring: safe payment comes first. Just as with a purchase, HEROX offers protected ways to pay, so you never have to transfer the full amount upfront without any security. Not sure whether to hire or buy, or want to know what's most cost-effective for your situation in the long run? Get in touch via the quote page for personal advice, with no sales pressure.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost on average to hire a shipping container per month?

The monthly price starts at around €60, depending on size, type and hire period. Short-term hire is more expensive per month than a longer contract. For a specific quote based on your situation, HEROX sends a hire proposal by email within an hour on working days.

Is short-term hire more expensive than long-term hire?

Yes, generally the monthly price is higher for short-term hire, because the container needs to become available again more quickly and the set-up and collection costs are spread over fewer months. For longer hire periods, such as six months or more, the average monthly price is lower.

Which container is suitable for temporary storage during a renovation?

A used container in cargo-worthy or A-grade condition is usually the best choice for temporary storage. It's guaranteed wind and watertight, CSC-certified and inspected before delivery. For shorter hire periods, this condition is more than sufficient and better value than a new one-trip container.

Can I hire a container for an event with extra doors or security included?

Yes, containers can be fitted with extra personnel doors, ventilation louvres, electrics or a lock box to prevent break-ins. These modifications are carried out in our own workshop before delivery. Let us know which adjustments you'd like when you submit your request, so they can be factored into the planning.

Is it more cost-effective to hire or to buy?

That depends on how long you'll need it. For temporary needs such as a renovation, house move or event, hiring is usually better value, as it doesn't require a large upfront investment. For long-term use spanning several years, buying can work out cheaper over time. Ask for advice via the quote page.

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