Author Archive

Image of storage containers stacked on top of each other at a warehouse

Storage Trailers vs. Storage Containers: What’s the Difference?

When you’re looking for storage solutions for your business or project, you’ll likely come across the terms “storage trailer” and “storage container.” Both offer valuable storage capacity, but depending on your specific needs, one may be a better fit than the other.

Start by considering the storage situation you’re in — such as the types of products you’re storing, how often you’ll need access, whether you’ll be loading with pallets, or if you require mobility. With these factors in mind, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right option.

Read on to explore the key differences between storage trailers and storage containers, and which is best for your needs.

What Is a Storage Trailer?

A storage trailer sits approximately 52 inches off the ground and is wider than a typical container, with widths ranging from 96” to 102”. Storage trailers have axles and wheels, making them highly mobile. They can be attached to vehicles when not fully loaded or brought directly to a loading dock for convenient on-site access.

Trailers offer easy loading and unloading, with options for either overhead doors or swing-style doors depending on your needs. This flexibility makes them ideal for businesses that move inventory frequently.

Note:
Storage trailers require more maintenance than containers due to their tires, brakes, and mechanical parts. Additionally, in winter weather, snow and ice need to be cleared periodically from the roof, as storage trailers are not fully weather-proof.

What Are Storage Trailers Best For?

Storage trailers are perfect for:

  • Businesses needing loading dock access

  • Use as an extension of warehouse space

  • Retail stock overflow or school storage

  • Storing palletized goods (due to wider dimensions)

  • Quick loading and unloading for businesses that move inventory often

Storage Trailers vs. Road Trailers

Many storage trailers are retired road trailers.
Here’s how they differ:

  • Storage trailers: Usually range from 40’ to 53’ in length, unregistered, and can only be transported empty.

  • Road trailers: Typically newer, available in 48’ to 53’ lengths, registered, and carry a DOT safety inspection.

Storage trailers offer cost-effective storage but are limited to non-transport use unless empty.

What Is a Storage Container?

A storage container — often called a shipping container — was originally designed for ocean freight and international shipping. These heavy-duty, steel units sit at ground level, making them easy to access on foot and without the need for loading docks or ramps.

Storage containers are designed to be stackable for efficient use of space and are transported to your site via flatbed or tilt-bed trucks. Best of all, they are low maintenance and provide superior protection from the elements, including snow loads and heavy rain.

Containers are typically 96” wide (exterior) and feature swing-style doors on one or both ends for convenient loading and unloading.

What Are Storage Containers Best For?

Storage containers are ideal if you want:

  • Low-maintenance storage

  • Ground-level access

  • Protection from weather and pests

  • Stackable storage solutions for limited space

  • Flexibility for conversion into offices, pop-up retail spaces, or even restaurants

While it’s wise to periodically check for leaks and oil the doors, storage containers generally require minimal upkeep.

How to Choose Between a Storage Container and Storage Trailer

When it comes to choosing between a storage container and a storage trailer, it all depends on how you plan to use your storage space. Each option offers unique advantages, and understanding your priorities will help you make the best decision for your project or business.

Choose a Storage Container if:

  • ✅ You need ground-level access for easy loading and unloading without ramps or loading docks.

  • ✅ You want a low-maintenance storage solution that holds up well in all weather conditions.

  • ✅ You’re storing items long-term in one location.

  • ✅ You need stackable storage for a small property or job site.

  • ✅ You’re interested in container conversions for office space, pop-up retail, or other custom uses.

  • ✅ You prefer a more secure, weather-tight unit with less frequent maintenance needs.

Choose a Storage Trailer if:

  • ✅ You require mobility and need to move your storage between job sites or locations.

  • ✅ You’re looking for a storage solution compatible with a loading dock for efficient access.

  • ✅ You’re storing palletized goods or bulky inventory that benefits from a wider, taller unit.

  • ✅ You want flexibility to expand warehouse capacity or seasonal overflow storage.

  • ✅ You need fast, frequent loading and unloading with options for swing or roll-up doors.

FAQ: Storage Containers vs. Storage Trailers

Which is more weather-resistant, a storage container or storage trailer?

Storage containers are generally more weather-resistant. They’re designed for ocean freight and can withstand snow loads and heavy rain better than storage trailers.

Can I stack storage trailers like containers?

No. Storage containers are designed to be stackable, while trailers are not intended for stacking due to their wheels and frame design.

Which is better for loading dock access?

Storage trailers are the better option if you need loading dock access. Their elevated design lines up with standard loading dock heights.

Are storage containers easier to maintain than storage trailers?

Yes. Storage containers have fewer mechanical parts and are lower maintenance overall compared to trailers, which have tires, brakes, and moving components.

Can storage containers be moved when full?

Generally, no. Storage containers need to be emptied before transport unless you’re using specialized heavy equipment for relocation.

Are there size differences between containers and trailers?

Yes. Storage containers typically come in 10′, 20’ and 40’ lengths.

Trailers have the following dimensions:

Length x Width

  • 28′ x 96″
  • 45′ x 96″
  • 48′ x 96″
  • 48′ x 102″
  • 53′ x 102″

Contact Your New England Storage Experts

At Page Street Leasing, we offer a wide range of storage containers and storage trailers to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to rent, lease, or buy, our team of experts is here to help you choose the right solution.

Contact us at 603-622-1673, or request a quote now!

Continue Reading

Storage trailer offices

Tips for Creating a Construction Site Storage Trailer Office

Purchasing a storage trailer is a great way to create some extra office space for your construction site.

As a construction manager or business owner, you most likely could use a flexible, secure space to take care of company business, store important documents, meet with employees and clients and much more. A storage trailer is an ideal office space, as it is not only affordable, but highly flexible and customizable. When your construction project is complete, your office can be moved to the next site, whether it takes six months or two years.

Read on for some tips for creating a construction site storage trailer office.

Buy a Quality Storage Trailer

The most important part of building a storage trailer office for your construction company is choosing a durable, high-quality unit. You will want to do some research and find an experienced storage solutions service with plenty of good reviews.

A storage trailer must be made from strong, reliable materials, like steel and aluminum. It should also be compatible with security features and locks to keep sensitive documents, tools, equipment, and other office supplies safe.

Choose a Construction Site Mobile Office Provider

Some storage companies offer jobsite trailers. These units are accessible at ground level and are often available in multiple sizes, depending on the amount of space you anticipate needing. They can include electricity, heating and air conditioning, and can even include plumbing that can hook up to on-site water and sewage lines. Discuss your options with the storage trailer company and work with them towards achieving your ideal mobile office.

Build-In the Basics

Your storage solutions provider may be able to construct some elements of an office into your unit. Basic equipment, such as desks and cabinets, can be placed strategically inside the unit, making it easier to transport your office. You can purchase your unit and get to work faster with furnishings custom-built into the space. Ask your storage trailer office developer about your options for customizing the interior of your mobile office.

Prepare and Choose the Right Space

Depending on your state, make sure you have obtained any building permits and state seals you might need. If you are unsure, ask your storage trailer company.

Once you have planned and purchased your mobile office, you will need to make space for it at your construction site. A firm, flat area is ideal for a safe office. Paving or compacted gravel is ideal, but a foundation of firm dirt will also work. Make sure the area is leveled and avoid areas where water pooling could potentially be an issue. Leave at least six feet of space on each side; depending on local codes, you may need to plan for even more.

If you are planning on having your office anchored to the ground, call 8-11. This number is a free federal service for locating underground utilities. Be sure to call far ahead of time. With notice, the state can send workers to demarcate any utilities that should not be built over.

If you’re planning on connecting to water, sewer, or electrical services, be sure to contact your local utility companies to establish connections properly and safely.

Plan for Flexibility

One of the major benefits of investing in a construction site storage trailer office is the portability. Many construction companies move operations from site-to-site frequently. Consider how often you will need to pack up and move. Bringing in a very heavy desk, for example, might not be the best idea if you think you will need to move your office every few months.

However, if you think your office will be on-site for a longer time, you can plan on some more permanence for your office furnishings. In general, it may be best to choose lighter, more portable chairs, tables, organizational tools, and other items to make moving easier and quicker.

Make Room for Meetings

While you may mostly use your jobsite office for office work, it may be a good idea to create a meeting space. Planning, accounting, and many other important tasks will likely be conducted within your office. You can use your space to speak with clients and/or employees, and a meeting area with a desk and chairs is always useful for construction businesses.

Don’t Crowd Your Space

A jobsite storage trailer office is a great place to keep day-to-day business materials you need. However, it is important not to overcrowd it. Your space is still rather limited, and it is easy to let a small office become disorganized. Prioritize keeping cabinets and desks organized and try to stick to a filing system to keep documents in order. Only keep things in your office that need protection. Make sure there is plenty of walking space. It must be easy to move around and exit the unit in case of an emergency.

In Conclusion

A storage trailer office is a great choice for any construction company. It can be difficult to keep organized and conduct business without a clean, organized, allocated space, especially on a jobsite. Plan ahead and set yourself up for success by selecting furnishings that are portable and easy-to-travel. And, work with a local storage solutions company to design and install your ideal mobile office.


Continue Reading

Image of two shipping containers on Page Street Leasing's website

How A Storage Container Can Help Save Money for Your Business

A variety of businesses can benefit from renting or buying a storage container, from construction companies to restaurants [CC1] and many in between. There are many possibilities in the ways storage containers can be used by businesses, from office space to storage and more, making them versatile and adaptable to a variety of business situations. Plus, with other benefits of storage containers like mobility, lack of maintenance, and safety features, it makes sense to invest in one. In fact, here are the top three ways purchasing a storage container will help save you money for your business.

1. Low-Cost Storage

Renting a storage space can be costly. This is especially true if you have a lot to store or need space for extended periods of time. However, renting or even buying an on-site storage container for storing items is likely cheaper than renting a storage space or unit.

Storage containers can be used to store anything. From files to equipment, supplies, excess inventory, furniture, or anything else taking up space that you need to move elsewhere, a storage container is a great choice. They can also be moved from one location to another. This ensures you have the items you need where you need them. No more worrying about having multiple storage facilities based on business location needs. One container can do the job at a lower cost.

2. Doubles as an Office Space

The cost of rent is at an all-time high. Save money and avoid rising rent prices with a business storage container rental or purchase. Whether you have to travel to different project or construction sites, or simply need more space to host meetings or work, a storage container is a great choice. Instead of renting a location for offices, you can rent or buy a storage container for your business at an affordable price.

Storage containers are mobile. They can go from jobsite to jobsite without packing, moving, paying penalties for ending a lease early. You can also avoid spending time and effort searching for another location. They can act as pop-up retail or restaurant space instead of purchasing a new location or renting out a new space.

Storage containers are customizable. Ask your container company about air conditioning, furniture, desks, and more, just like a regular office space. Your local on-site storage company may offer custom storage container offices that are ready-to-use quickly at your location.

3. Low Maintenance and Adaptable

With a storage container, you don’t have to worry about indoor maintenance. The smaller space makes for easy cleaning and upkeep. The inside is protected from the elements, such as rain and wind, keeping its contents in their original condition. They also keep out pests, so you don’t have to worry about your items inside being compromised.  They are often compatible with a variety of locks and security features.

Storage containers are durable, with minimal maintenance needed for the exterior. Landscaping and other maintenance is also minimal.

Plus, they can be moved or used for a variety of purposes. Their adaptability makes for a good up-front investment with little to no continuous costs.

Contact Us

Curious about how a storage container can help save money for your business? If you want to buy a storage container in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, or the surrounding regions, contact Page Street Leasing. We offer quality storage containers in a range of sizes for any number of uses. With questions about creating a storage container office or anything else related to our offerings, call (603) 622-1673.


Continue Reading

Storage container offices

The Benefits of Using a Storage Container as an Office Space

Buying a storage container comes with a number of benefits. Containers are easy to load and unload and secure against burglars and pests. They are weatherproof, cost-effective, energy efficient, and require little maintenance. They can last many years when properly cared for. Plus, they can be used for a variety of things, not just storage. In fact, storage containers can be used as an office space, and there are several benefits to converting your container into an office. Here are the top six.

1. Temporary

Unlike a traditional office space, storage container offices can be temporary. This makes them perfect for construction sites or for a time you can’t be in your traditional office short-term, like during a renovation. Though you may not need one for an extended period of time, they can either increase or reduce the amount of office space you have on demand depending on your needs. 

2. Transportable

Storage containers can be transported easily. If your business or office needs to make a move, the container can be taken on a truck to wherever you need. Again, this makes them a great option for construction companies or those who have employees who need to move from one location to another.

3. Customizable

Containers are completely customizable, making them an option for a variety of businesses. For example, you can:

  • Add doors and windows wherever they are needed.
  • Add lighting.
  • Create rooms with walls easily depending on what you need in the space.
  • Add furniture such as tables, chairs, desks, filing cabinets, or other office needs.
  • Add air conditioning or insulation so it’s comfortable to work within

Plus, it can even be transitioned back to storage space if your needs change. 

4. Cost-Effective

Depending on your needs, you can rent or buy a storage container. Either is often more affordable than a traditional office lease. It’s helpful that you can rent shipping containers for a short period of time, so you’re not stuck in a commercial lease you may have to risk breaking should your needs change. Additionally, they last a long time and require little maintenance and upkeep, which keeps dollars in your pocket. It can also save you valuable time that might otherwise be spent traveling between your office and your jobsite or other location.

5. Eco-Friendly

These storage containers would otherwise be sent to the landfill. Repurposing them as an office is a great way to create something useful out of trash. Converting a storage container into an office saves space in the landfill and prevents other storage containers from being manufactured for new purposes. Accordingly, the choice to buy a storage container in New England and elsewhere across the country is an effort towards a more sustainable world.

6. Secure

Storage containers are made of steel and other durable materials, which help protect the interior from wind, rain, and other elements. They also hold up against pests and bugs. To keep out other unwanted visitors, you can add locks and/or cameras, making the container and your belongings secure.  They are usually compatible with a variety of locking features in case you need to protect valuable office materials or sensitive documents. You can rest assured that your office space will remain safe and secure on whichever location you choose to keep it.

Our Experts Are Here for You

Considering a storage container office? Our storage container experts at Page Street Storage are here to walk you through all the storage container office advantages and help you find the right solution for your business. We offer a range of New England storage container and storage trailer options to fit virtually all needs. Contact us today at 603-622-1673 or fill out our online contact form for a free quote.


Continue Reading

A man holding a box outside of multiple storage containers

Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Storage Container

The decision to buy or rent a storage container is a great first step towards getting organized at work or at home. For business owners, they provide secure, affordable extra space for equipment, machinery, etc. For individuals and families, they make it easier to keep homes organized and find things like furniture, records, seasonal decorations, tools, and more when you need them. Regardless of what you plan to use your storage container rental or purchase for, it is important to keep it neat and organized so that you can reap the most benefits. Read on for our tips on how to maximize space in your storage container.

Choose the Right Size

One of the most important factors in choosing a storage container to buy or rent is size. Some people and/or businesses require more storage space than others. Storage containers are available in a range of sizes. Carefully consider the general size and volume of items you plan to store. If possible, make a general list of the items you know you will need to house, and work off of that. This might make it easier to rule out certain sizes from the beginning.

If you rent your unit, you can upgrade to a larger size in the future as your storage needs change. Consult with a storage specialist to determine the best storage container size for your specific needs.

Make a Plan for Your Space

Before loading your first item, make a realistic plan that you and/or your staff can stick to. Prioritize making pathways throughout the container with an emphasis on access for most-needed items. You can set your container up with aisles through your items if lots of items require regular access. Consider which items need to be accessed the most often and plan around them. These items should be placed closer to the entryway and closest to walkways and aisles.

Create an organized layout and a master contents list for optimal organization. Make multiple copies of these documents and post them on the wall inside the container. You can also create a map that helps you find each item from the list.

In some cases, it may be more difficult to do this, especially if the things you will need to store change frequently. In that case, be more general with your categorization. For example, if you are running a restaurant and need to store lots of cooking utensils, but the utensils you store change frequently, create a space for “kitchen utensils” rather than “mixers,” “spoons,” or “bowls.”

Use Organization Tools and Products

There are lots of products you would use at home or at the office to keep organized that you can also use to make the most of the space in your storage container. Consider using the following:

  • Shelving systems
  • Boxes
  • Labels
  • Vacuum sealer
  • Filing cabinets
  • Storage bins

If you have large quantities of inventory, consider establishing a barcoding system to make it simpler to add new shipments to your container. This is especially helpful for retail businesses that will need to barcode merchandise anyway. It will be much easier to find the inventory you need to keep shelves stocked if everything is barcoded before it goes into the storage container, and you won’t end up digging through other items and making a mess to find them.

Keeping items packed away in boxes will help you maximize space in your storage container. Label all of your items and the boxes and bins in which they are stored. Store like items together in boxes and don’t mix things in together. Use a vacuum sealer on bags, clothes, fabrics, and any other material you can to save space. Filing cabinets can be stacked on top of one another and make it easy to keep lots of documents organized that might otherwise pile up and take up valuable space. Just be sure not to stack things on top of objects that cannot bear the weight.

Store Upwards

It may go without saying, but the more you can stack your items, the more space you can free up. You can use this space for walkways or to add more stored items to your container. Bulky items like furniture and large machinery can be placed at the bottom. Tools, hardware, office supplies, and other such things can be organized into bins and stacked on top of one another.

However, you need to be strategic in which items you can store on top of one another. Boxes must be strong and sealable to stack safely. Do not stack things too high, especially if they are fragile or breakable. It is also best to use strong boxes rather than paper ones, which can break and tear easily and result in a mess of broken objects.

It can be risky to pack your items in too tightly, so make sure to approach this thoughtfully and consider safety at all times. Never block exits or create stacks that are so tall they might fall over, especially into an aisle or walkway.

In Conclusion

A storage container is a great investment for any business or individual. It can be used to free up a substantial amount of space and provide secure protection for any number of items. However, keeping organized is critical to fully maximizing on the space in your storage container. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take before packing your unit that can make it easy to store your items and find them when you need them quickly and safely.

Contact Page Street

If you would like to rent or buy a storage container in Candia, New Hampshire, or the surrounding area, contact Page Street Leasing today. We offer a range of quality Indiana storage containers that can accommodate all of your needs. Call (603) 622-1673 or fill out our contact form and a representative will be in touch.

Continue Reading