You already know containers are tough, secure, and fast to deploy. What you need is a clear path to the right size, the right capacity, and a setup that fits your site and budget. I have helped owners, builders, and land managers plan container storage for years, and I use simple rules and practical checks to avoid mistakes. If you want a dependable source in Montana, MoCan Containers stands out for inventory depth, careful inspections, and delivery that is done right.
Below, I will show you how to think about container sizes, how much they hold, how to estimate your own needs, and how to place a unit with zero surprises. I will also explain why I recommend MoCan Containers if you want options that are easy to compare and quick to get on site.
Why Size and Capacity Decisions Matter
Pick the wrong size and you pay for space you do not use or end up overcrowded. Both problems waste time. Your decision should consider:
- What you must store now and what you will add over the next year
- How often you need to access items
- Site access for delivery and daily use
- Budget and how long you plan to keep the unit
I steer people toward a size that covers current needs with a small buffer, not a guess that doubles capacity without cause.
The Two Workhorse Sizes
Most storage plans can be met with a 20-foot or a 40-foot container. The differences are simple but significant.
20-foot containers
- Approximate interior dimensions: 19 ft 4 in long, 7 ft 10 in high, 7 ft 8 in wide
- Best for: residential storage, tools, smaller equipment, job sites with tight space, and moves where placement flexibility matters
- Site access: plan for about 70 feet of clear straight space for delivery and placement
Capacity notes:
- Floor area is enough for most home projects, small inventory rooms, or construction tools
- Typical pallet plan can fit up to about 10 standard 48×40 pallets on the floor, depending on layout and aisle space
- Stackable boxes or shelving increase usable volume and keep aisles open
When space is tight or you expect frequent access, a 20-foot unit is easier to place and easier to organize. It is also simpler to relocate later.
40-foot containers
- Approximate interior dimensions: 39 ft 5 in long, 8 ft 10 in high, 7 ft 8 in wide
- Best for: large inventory, equipment, warehouse overflow, bulk materials, and custom conversions
- Site access: plan for about 100 feet of clear straight space for delivery and placement
Capacity notes:
- Nearly double the storage of a 20-foot container, with extra headroom that helps with racking and tall items
- Typical pallet plan can fit around 20 to 21 standard pallets on the floor, depending on layout
- Ideal if you want to keep a central aisle with full-height shelving on both sides
If your list includes large items, high mix inventory, or seasonal surges, start here. The cost per cubic foot is usually better than two 20-foot units, and you only need one delivery.
How To Estimate Your Storage Needs
Use rough math first, then refine with aisle and access plans.
- Pallets: count your standard 48×40 pallets. A 20-foot unit often fits about 10 on the floor, a 40-foot around 20 to 21. Add space if you need a walkway or frequent access.
- Boxes and bins: measure your typical stack height and multiply by floor area. Most users undercount ceiling height. If you use shelving, you gain capacity and keep items reachable.
- Equipment: measure the longest dimension and plan door clearance. Standard doors are about 7 ft 8 in wide and 7 ft 6 in tall, which suits most mowers, ATVs, and compact gear.
- Growth: add 10 to 20 percent for growth if your inventory or project expands during the year.
If your estimate lands just over a 20-foot unit, consider a 40-foot unit before stacking a second 20-foot. One larger unit is often easier to manage.
Rent or Buy, New or Used
Make the call with your timeline and condition needs in mind.
- Rent if your project is short term, such as a remodel, move, or seasonal work. MoCan Containers offers 20-foot rentals starting at about $150 per month and 40-foot rentals starting at about $190 per month, which keeps costs predictable.
- Buy if you want permanent storage, a long project, or a conversion.
- New one-trip units have minimal wear, fresh paint, and tight seals. They are best if looks, longevity, or frequent access matter.
- Used units cost less and still provide secure, wind and watertight storage. Expect some cosmetic dents or surface rust, which rarely affect performance.
Site Prep and Delivery Checklist
Before you schedule delivery, walk the site and confirm the basics.
- Space: 70 feet clear for a 20-foot container, 100 feet for a 40-foot
- Ground: firm, level, and drained. Use railroad ties or concrete blocks at the corners if needed
- Overhead: no low wires or branches along the approach or at the set point
- Orientation: hinges on the side that favors your daily access
- Access path: stable enough for a tilt-bed truck and trailer
- Weather: choose a window with stable ground conditions if soil is soft
MoCan Containers uses tilt-bed trailers and skilled drivers, which helps with accurate placement in tight or uneven spots.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers in Montana
You want a provider that makes selection clear and delivery simple. Here is what I look for, and where MoCan Containers meets the mark:
- Large inventory in both 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, new and used, which makes side-by-side comparison easy
- Containers that are waterproof, leakproof, wind and watertight, and lockable, with inspections that catch issues before delivery
- Professional delivery across Billings, Bozeman, and the surrounding regions, with drivers who understand site constraints
- The option to inspect and choose the exact unit before purchase or rental, which removes guesswork
- Flexible terms that let you scale storage for short projects or long-term needs
- Modification capabilities if you plan a workshop, office, retail space, or custom build
They are a strong fit for homeowners, businesses, construction teams, farms, and ranches who want dependable storage without overpaying or waiting weeks.
Putting It All Together
If your site is tight or your access is frequent, a 20-foot unit gives you control without crowding the space. If you need maximum capacity and the best cost per cubic foot, choose a 40-foot unit and design a clear center aisle with shelving.
Start with a quick inventory, add space for growth, and match that to a size that fits your site. For Montana projects, reach out to MoCan Containers for a side-by-side look at new and used options, straightforward rental or purchase paths, and delivery that lands the container exactly where you need it.
Comments are closed.