Need extra storage? If you find there's no room left to squeeze out of your warehouse or storage areas, portable storage containers can provide immediate additional space to store anything from company records to excess inventory. Portable storage brings immediate additional space that you would have never considered before.

Durable and waterproof, storage containers can be used year-round in any type of weather without fear of rust or leaks. What's even better, they are far less expensive than new construction, and can be delivered in a matter of days.

Its always to your advantage to compare several vendors for storage containers, and read up on companies reviews in online buyer's guides to learn the essentials and the importance customer satisfaction, including:

1. What portable storage container options are available?

2. What to look for in a company?

3. How to decide between buying, leasing, and renting?

4. How much you can expect to pay for a purchase or rental?

Once you determine what your needs are, a quality vendor or company should be able to provide you with free multiple quotes from portable storage container companies and suppliers in your area.

Industry and Container Uses

Different businesses have various needs for storage containers. Here is just a sample of how certain industries use them:

-Department stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, hospitality, food service, excess inventory, paper records storage, seasonal and holiday needs.

-Construction, landscapers, home improvement: Equipment, machinery, supplies, temporary office space.

-Residents, property owners, tool shed household goods storage, home furnishings, and non-perishable food supplies.

-Truckers, utility companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, film production, document storage, raw materials.

-Medical facilities, military, government agencies, academic institutions, disaster preparation supplies, temporary bunks/shelters, security offices, athletic equipment storage.

Container design

Storage containers are constructed with 12- or 14-gauge corrugated steel sides, doors, and roofs. The floors are made from marine-grade plywood that is just over one inch thick and can withstand 16,000 pounds of pressure per 100 square feet.

Manufacturers weld the containers together using elastic sealing compound to ensure they are air and water tight. This heavy-duty construction meets ISO construction standards and most models are both weather resistant and fireproof.

To protect contents from theft or vandalism, swing-out doors at either end of the container feature galvanized interior locking bars, similar to bank vaults. In addition, cam rods and padlock hasps secure the unit to protect the contents after hours.

Installation & Zoning

Average containers weigh 2,500 to 5,000 pounds and are delivered by flat tilt-bed trucks or trailers. While they can rest on any surface from rough gravel roads to smooth concrete, it's preferred that you reserve a 75 foot by 100 foot area of land that is both level and firm.

The level ground prevents the container from tilting or tipping and the large area provides you with plenty of clearance to move in and out of the unit.

Be careful if you plan to use storage containers for long periods of time. Certain cities view storage containers as "dumpsters" and may require a special permit or official approval for long-term use.

If you plan to keep storage containers on your premises for several months or longer, check with your local government to avoid violating any zoning laws.