Home remodeling and renovation projects can be exciting, but they can also be challenging and costly. When working on a project, whether large or small, you’ll face a couple primary challenges: Where should you put your things while you’re renovating? And where do you store the equipment you need for the renovations?

Renovations can take days, weeks, or even months, and it’s important you have a plan to help keep items protected, secure, and out of the way. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, finishing your basement, laying new floors, or another project, make it easier by buying or leasing a residential storage container.

Why Use a Storage Container for Home Renovations?

Renovating a home comes with a variety of variables, from deadlines to costs. Planning ahead for storage can help make the renovation more stress-free while also providing peace of mind that your belongings will be safe. A few benefits to using a storage container during your renovation include:

1. Store A Variety of Items

You can use a storage container to keep items you need for renovations, such as tools, saws, ladders, drop cloths, etc. You can also keep the new items like paint, new flooring and cabinets, etc. until you need it in the home.

Or, you can store your own items that you need to get out of the way during the renovations, such as furniture, appliances, toys, clothes, items in your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, and more.

2. Easy Access to Your Things

If you’re storing the container in your driveway or on your property, you’re just steps away from what you need and your items are accessible 24/7. You don’t have to worry about renting a moving truck or hauling your items somewhere else for storage, plus you can load and unload at your own pace.

3. Protect Your Belongings

All-steel, weatherproof storage containers are resistant against rain, wind, snow, ice, and other weather, and they are sealed tight which keeps out pests and vermin. In addition to being made of high-grade steel that’s virtually impenetrable to someone looking to make trouble, you can install additional security features like:

• Padlocks
• Alarm systems
• Video surveillance
• Exterior lighting/motion detection

4. Keep the Mess to a Minimum

Whether you’re keeping your own items or items needed for the renovation in the container, having them out of your house and organized elsewhere can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

5. Modifications Fit Your Needs

Add shelving systems designed to utilize unique features of a shipping container and help keep your belongings even more organized. Ramps can be added for use with hand trucks and dollies, ensuring a secure connection and easy loading and unloading. Or, illuminate the container with magnetic fluorescent light fixtures, with flexibility to position them where you need extra light.

6. Cost Effective

Renting a storage container for your home renovation needs may be cheaper than renting a space in a storage facility. There’s also increased flexibility with month-to-month rentals. Plus, container can be dropped off at your location and picked up when you’re done so you don’t have to pay for truck rentals or other moving equipment or fees.

What Size Storage Container Do I Need During a Home Renovation?

There are a variety of storage container sizes to choose from depending on the size of your project:

• If packed efficiently, 20-foot containers can hold 1-4 typical rooms of furniture or a single garage stall.
• For smaller driveways or urban applications, 10-foot containers can hold a single typical room of furniture.

Multiple containers may be utilized for as long as your project requires. If one container is emptied before the other, it can be sent back as soon as you are ready.

Ultimately, the size you need depends on how much you need to store – talk to a storage container professional for help determining which size is best for you.

How To Rent a Storage Container for a Home Renovation

Page Street Leasing has the answer to fit your home project needs and budget. With one of the largest New England storage container rental fleets and the ability to deliver clean containers quickly, rely on our onsite storage professionals to help you reserve a high quality, secure container:

1. Determine which size(s) fit your needs and location.
2. Request a quote online or call 603-622-1673.
3. Fill out a rental application.
4. Your storage container will be delivered to you when it’s convenient for you.
5. Keep the container for as long as you need. Rentals are month-to-month, so when you’re done, we will schedule a pick-up.

Contact Page Street Leasing for New Hampshire Storage Containers

For the best storage containers for home renovations and much more, contact Page Street Leasing. We have decades of experience helping people across New England find the best storage containers and trailers for their needs.

Storage containers are great for storing a variety of items – they are durable, weather- and pest-resistant, which will keep anything inside protected against damage. They are secure, keeping thieves and vandals away from your things. They are also cost-effective with both rental and purchase options and low maintenance costs.

Plus, there are different sizes depending on your needs and you can install modifications such as shelving, lighting, climate control, and more.

When using your storage container for storage, packing your items the right way can ensure you make the most of the space and your items are kept safe while also giving easy access to the things you need when you need them:

What Can You Store in a Storage Container?

You can store a variety of items in a storage container, including (but not limited to):

• Clothing
• Holiday décor
• Lawn and garden equipment
• Sports equipment
• Event supplies
• Furniture and household appliances

Things You Can’t Store in a Storage Container

On the other hand, there are some things you cannot keep in a storage container, such as:

• Plants
• Animals
• Perishable food
• Gasoline or lighter fluid
• Cleaning solvents, including bleach
• Batteries
• Firearms or ammunition
• Fertilizer or pesticides
• Paint
• Fireworks

How To Prepare Your Storage Container

Whether you’re renting or have purchased a storage container, there are a few things you should do to prepare it:

• Make sure it’s on a secure and proper foundation. Otherwise, your container may get damaged and anything inside could be ruined. An uneven, shifting ground can lead to cracks, rust, and other damage.
  
  
• Clean it thoroughly. Remove dust and dirt, check walls, corners, and ceilings for cracks and/or leaks (and repair anything you find), and make sure the roof is clear of water and debris.
• Install shelving or other customizations. Take advantage of your unit’s space by adding items that will make storing your things easier and more efficient.
  
  
• Invest in quality storage items. Plastic bins and sturdy and clean cardboard boxes will help ensure whatever you store stays clean, dry, and protected.

Dos For Storing Items in a Storage Container

When storing items in a storage container, DO:

• Take inventory of your items and decide what will go in the container. This will help keep you organized and determine which container sizes and customizations you may need.
  
  
• Keep larger items or things you don’t need often at the back of the container, and items you need more frequently at the front.
  
  
• Make a map or outline of what items are where.
  
  
• Leave paths down your container to access things easily.
  
  
• Storage boxes and containers should be sturdy. Put heavy items on the bottom, don’t overfill the containers, and wrap fragile items.
  
  
• Ensure all boxes and containers are properly labeled.
  
  
• Clean items thoroughly to avoid buildup of moss, mold, fungus.
  
  
• Break down larger items or furniture to maximize storage space.
  
  
• Install shelving.
  
  
• Be sure it’s always locked; consider additional security features like lock boxes, cameras, or alarms.
  
  
• Invest in climate control if storing items like paperwork, electronics, or upholstered furniture.
  
  
• Use furniture dead space, such as inside drawers and cabinets, to take full advantage of all of the allotted space.
  
  
• Cover furniture with old sheets, plastic covers, blankets, or similar items to keep them from being damaged.
  
  
• Inspect your container and conduct maintenance when necessary.
  
  
• Consider leaving baking soda, silica packets, or oxygen absorbers to prevent mold growth and absorb odors.
  
  
• Make sure all items are dry before storing to prevent condensation/mold.

Don’ts For Storing Items in a Storage Container

There are also things you should avoid, including:

• Wrapping items (like furniture) in plastic, which can retain moisture and damage your items.
  
  
• Randomly stacking boxes, which can damage items or fall, causing injury.
  
  
• Keeping flammable or other prohibited items in your container.
  
  
• Loading all of the heavy items on one side, which could cause one corner of the container to sink and make the doors difficult or impossible to open/close.

FAQ: Using Storage Containers for Safe, Efficient Storage

Q: How do I know what size storage container I need?
A: It depends on how much you plan to store. Start by making an inventory list of your items, then consider if you’ll need extra space for shelving, walking paths, or future storage. Our team at Page Street Leasing can help you choose the right size based on your specific needs.

Q: Can I install shelves or lighting in my storage container?
A: Yes! Storage containers are highly customizable. You can install shelving, lighting, climate control, and even security features like cameras or lockboxes to make your container safer and more efficient.

Q: Do storage containers need maintenance?
A: Minimal maintenance is needed, but it’s important to inspect your container regularly. Check for leaks, clean the roof, lubricate door hinges, and ensure your container stays on a level foundation to prevent damage.

Q: What items should I avoid storing in a container?
A: Avoid storing hazardous materials such as gasoline, paint, batteries, bleach, firearms, fireworks, and perishable foods. Also, never store plants or animals in your container.

Q: How do I keep my storage container organized?
A: Use a smart layout by placing frequently used items near the front, using sturdy storage boxes, installing shelves, and leaving clear paths for easy access. Creating an inventory list or container map is also very helpful.

Q: Are storage containers weatherproof?
A: Storage containers are built to withstand tough weather conditions and keep contents safe from rain, snow, pests, and UV exposure. For sensitive items, adding climate control is recommended.

Q: Can moisture or condensation build up inside my storage container?
A: Yes, it can, especially if items are damp when stored. Always ensure your items are completely dry before storing and consider using moisture absorbers like silica packets or baking soda to reduce humidity.

Q: Can I move a storage container after it’s filled?
A: Containers are designed to stay stationary once in place, especially when full. Moving a loaded container requires specialized equipment, so it’s best to position it correctly before loading.

Q: How secure are storage containers?
A: Storage containers are highly secure and feature strong steel construction with lockable doors. For added protection, consider using lock boxes, alarms, or security cameras.

Get Help from The New England Storage Container Professionals

Whether you need to store items for a few months or create extra space for a few years, contact the experts at Page Street Leasing. We can help you choose the right container for your needs, determine and install any modifications, and provide expertise to ensure the process is easy, transparent, and informative. Call us today at 603-622-1673.

As the US and global economies emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains are stressed by demand coupled with scarce materials and labor shortages. The 2021 shipping container shortage and the associated increase in shipping container costs and availability is both a cause and a symptom of overall economic inflation. Shipping containers are scarcer now than they have been in the past 30 years, putting supply chains and storage operations in a challenging predicament.

What Has Caused the Container Shortage?

Since containers transport roughly 70% of the world’s goods, the shipping container shortage has led to broad scarcities of products and components on a global scale. This affects us at Page Street Leasing and our customers in a similar way, with decreased availability and increased prices on shipping containers for onsite storage. While the factors that have created this issue are complex, we’re going to examine some of the major contributors.

Manufacturing Bottleneck

It should come as no surprise that almost all ISO steel shipping containers, which comprise most of Page Street Leasing’s rental fleet, are produced by a handful of factories in China. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in late 2019 into early 2020, factories producing containers largely shut down due pandemic mitigation efforts. However, during this period, demand for products carried by containers increased greatly. Essentially, while North America was facing lockdowns and remote work arrangements, consumers increased purchases from large store chains and online retail giants whose goods are overwhelmingly container-borne from Asia. Thus, the shipping container ship owners saw an increase in demand for ocean transport, but they were unable to purchase enough containers to meet this demand due to the factories being shut down. Even after manufacturing capacity began to rebound, the backlog of orders from container ship owners and companies that lease to them has put order fulfillment out far into the future. Stated plainly, the demand for shipping containers by ship owners has created more orders than factories can supply for the next year.

Soaring Shipping Rates

For companies like Page Street Leasing and for our customers, shipping container cost and availability is highly correlated with the prevailing shipping rate being charged by ocean carriers. The cost of shipping a container from ports in China to the East Coast of the US has increased by over 4x. Last year, shipping a 40’ container was approximately $1,500. As of September 2021, it is over $10,000.

How does this affect shipping container costs? The ocean carriers’ ability to charge such high rates for transportation feeds their need for more containers and dominates most of the container production capacity. Ship owners are able to make so much revenue that they are willing to pay a lot more for shipping containers than in the past. They are also much less willing to sell off shipping containers that are currently in service, which is where the supply of used containers for portable storage typically originates.

Congested Ports

As of October 2021, there are over 75 container ships anchored waiting to unload cargo at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The reasons range from shortages of longshoremen at the ports to offload the ships and a dearth of truck drivers to take the loaded shipping containers to their ultimate destination so they can be unloaded and returned to the port and the ships. While the port worker shortage is more localized, the truck driver shortage is a national issue that has been slowly coming to a crescendo over the past decade. The American Trucking Associations indicated a shortage of 60,000 drivers for available freight in 2019. More drivers are retiring or exiting the profession than new drivers starting their career. By 2024, the shortage is projected to top 100,000 unless the rate of replenishment changes course. Driver compensation has been climbing to help attract and retain a fleet of safe, professional CDL holders, but many factors will need to change and at a faster rate than is realistic to expect. Rail capacity is similarly constrained. What does this mean for end-users of containers for portable storage? The congestion and wait time involved in unloading containers is keeping availability exceptionally slim.

Other Factors

There have been other events in recent months in addition to some ongoing concerns that have caused the shipping container shortage. The blockage of the Suez Canal by a giant container vessel was a global news headline for weeks starting in March 2021. The Ever Given, a 20,000+ TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) container ship, was out-of-service when it was stuck in the canal and for months later while the ship operator reached a settlement with government authorities. The tens of thousands of shipping containers on the Ever Given were prevented from reaching their destinations and from reuse, but more importantly, other cargo ships were blocked from utilizing the vital canal route to navigate on to their destination ports.

The trade imbalance between the United States and China also poses a challenge to the global supply chain and flow of container traffic. The greater need for containers is wherever goods to be shipped are located. In this case, the overwhelming majority of goods are in Asia and destined for North America and Europe. Early 2020 saw a shipping container shortage starting on the US coasts and proceeding to inland commercial centers, where the need for empty containers in China to accept product pandemic-fueled consumers became akin to a giant magnet attracting containers from all points of the globe.

Factories in China have been hampered by electricity constraints in 2021, further dampening inventory replenishment efforts. Goldman Sachs estimates that over 40% of China’s industry has been affected by outages and rationing. The extent to which this has specifically impacted container manufacturing is not clear, but suffice it to say that production of shipping containers and the Corten steel used to construct them will likely be hampered.

On The Horizon

Attempting to forecast container availability is a formidable task even for trained supply chain economists. The ability to reliably predict the myriad of moving parts of this issue is difficult and any recommendations should be considered critically. If you are in the market to rent or purchase a container for onsite storage, there are some options to consider, depending upon your individual needs. One option would be to wait it out. There are some indications that this shortage could be temporary, as Chinese manufacturers are on track to produce a record number of shipping containers in 2021, which would be a logical way to effectively nullify a shortage. Increased production could cause container prices to stabilize and return to a level more in line with the 10-year average within the next couple of quarters. However, there’s reason to believe that this will not help the shortage anytime soon, as the number of ships to take these new containers will not be in service for another year or two, and this does not address the bottleneck at the ports and inland transportation. A near-term decrease in container prices may depend upon a sharp decrease in demand for consumer products.

If you need a container sooner than the ‘wait and see’ scenario, renting is an option that might make sense. In general, rental prices have not increased at nearly the same rate as purchase prices. If you’re planning upon having the container for less than 3 years or so, renting a unit may protect against the risk of buying an expensive container only to have the asset value drop significantly if/when the market normalizes. The cost to rent a container for a year could very well be less than the amount it would depreciate if it were purchased at a record high in the market. If you plan on keeping the container for longer than that and need it now, then the higher price might not make as much of a difference to you in the long term, especially when broken down by years of useful life left in the container. However, it’s important to realize that this is all speculative and should not be taken as financial advice.

Contact Us

Whether you decide to rent or buy a shipping container or trailer, our purpose is to help fulfill the onsite storage needs of our extended local community. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance or for any insights we might be able to add with respect to your situation. We’ll continue to look ahead and navigate through the supply chain issues with the best information available.

Page Street Leasing LLC was established in 1986 to provide convenient, flexible storage at the customers’ site. For over twenty years, homeowners and businesses have trusted Page Street Leasing for their on-site storage solutions throughout southern New Hampshire and beyond.

Areas served include the following and surrounding areas: Nashua, NH, Portsmouth, NH, Concord, NH, Brattleboro, VT, Keene, NH, Lebanon, NH, Sanford, ME, Kittery, ME, Biddeford, ME, York, ME, Claremont, NH, Tewksbury, MA, Andover, MA, Rochester, NH, Derry, NH, Exeter, NH, Haverhill, MA, Chelmsford, MA, Billerica, MA, Lowell, MA, and Wilmington, MA.