Sometimes it can be hard to even know where to start. Even though buying agents or contractors may buy more than one container per year, most people don’t buy containers very often. So, here are quick tips to help you get started if you want to buy a shipping container.

Start close to home.

Instead of starting your search with a national company, start with a local SCF 40ft shipping containers company. When you look for local companies, you’ll be able to get what you need faster and easily. When you buy something close to home, you can choose the container and check it out before you buy it. Try looking for shipping containers in your state or town instead of just looking for them in general. If you type “shipping containers” into Google Maps, you should find a few local options. When you buy something local, you can choose your own container and get it quickly.

Choose Between Renting or Buying (or Rent-to-Own)

The best choice depends on your situation and how long you think you might need the storage space. For example, renting a container is probably your best option if you only need one for moving and don’t plan to store anything else. If you’re going to need a storage container for at least 6 months, it might make sense to buy one.

Get a shipping container on rent-to-own. You can pay for a shipping container over several months (or even years) and still build equity. Whether you should rent or buy a container usually depends on how long you will need it. If you know exactly what you want, you can quickly narrow down your options.

Think about the difference between used and new shipping containers.

In fact, there is no such thing as a “Brand New Container.” Every container made abroad has crossed the ocean at least once. Because of this, new containers are called “One-trip Containers.” If you choose a new box, it will have better door seals and doors that are easier to open. Plus, there will be fewer dings, dents, and scratches. A used container will be a little rougher, but it should still be wind- and watertight, or even be certified as cargo-worthy (able to make another trip across the ocean). Most of the time, used containers are several hundred dollars cheaper than new ones.

Think about any special needs for storage.

Last, think about whether you have any unique storage needs. Most people will be fine with a standard container. Others can only be put in certain SCF 40ft shipping containers. A container that is one foot taller will make it easier to drive equipment inside. This type of container is called a “high-cube container.”