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.
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.
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.
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.
Trying to make your storage or worksite as sustainable as possible, having a positive impact on the environment, and ensuring minimal use of energy and low carbon emissions can have a huge positive impact in the long run. Whether you’re using a storage container for storage or converting it into an office, shed, or other living space, doing so can help you reduce your carbon footprint and have less of an impact on the environment.
Using a storage container as a mobile office or storage space is sustainable for many reasons, making them affordable, eco-friendly options. Here are the top ways using a storage container can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Reusable
Storage containers don’t need to be built from scratch to be useful. Many storage container providers in New England and beyond offer containers that have been pre-used. Renters return them in a certain condition. They are cleaned and inspected to ensure they are in optimal condition for use by the next person. While originally created to haul goods overseas and on trains, repurposing a storage container into a storage or office space keeps it out of a landfill and supports recycling. It also removes the need to use more energy to manufacture more containers than necessary.
Storage containers are often remodeled and used as mobile office, warehouse space, storage, housing, classrooms, mobile showrooms, and more.
Require Less Energy to Operate
Storage containers are relatively small. Less energy is needed to maintain insulation and electricity. You can install LED lighting inside and energy-efficient HVAC components, both of which can help save energy and money. Additionally, the small space requires those to work less. Heavy insulation ensures that you can minimize heating/cooling efforts inside. Additionally, storage containers can be fitted in a yard, factory, or lot with no need for construction. This saves the energy and time it would take to build a space from the ground up.
Save Water
If you install a toilet, sink, or drinking fountains in your container, you’ll need a source of water. The good news is storage containers used as or having bathroom or kitchen facilities can easily be connected to an external water tank. This promotes water conversation and reduces strain on the mains water supply. Work with your storage container company to establish your goals for your container. If you want it to have water access, it can be established. Ask your storage company about choosing a certain part of your lot that allows for access to plumbing.
Durable with Little Maintenance
When properly cared for, storage containers last years without needing to be replaced or highly maintained. They are steel and stand up to harsh weather conditions. They protect against pests, and remain functional and structurally sound over time, which cuts down on the energy needed for maintenance and replacement. A brick-and-mortar space for the same purpose would cost significantly more to power and maintain. Storage containers are easy to keep clean and tidy. Consult with a local storage container service to determine the best location for your unit to prevent environmental contamination and/or damage.
Contact Your Local Storage Container Experts
Page Street Leasing is the best New Hampshire storage container and storage trailer company. We serve clients throughout New England with a range of storage solutions. Whether you want to rent or buy a container for a few months or a few years, we have a variety of storage options that will satisfy your needs. Contact us today at 603-622-1673 or fill out our online contact form for more information.
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.
