No doubt, shipping containers make superior storage solutions. And if you’re a home or business owner in Grand Rapids, a used shipping container is the perfect place to store your unwanted items, inventory, and supplies. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is that such containers are more durable and secure. Additionally, they are easy to install and maintain and are more affordable than traditional sheds.
Here’s your ultimate guide to choosing the best shipping container for your varied needs in Grand Rapids, home to 606,000.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Containers for Storage in Grand Rapids
Before you make the decision to buy a container, consider your needs and do your homework on all the options available to you. Check out the first part of our guide on selecting the right shipping container in Grand Rapids — interestingly enough, known as a world leader in the production of office furniture!
Determine the Purpose
With so many types of containers on the market today, it’s only a matter of finding the one that serves your specific needs. Perhaps you need to store items that must stay refrigerated. In this case, go with a reefer container, as it will keep your items frozen, cool, or cold. Or maybe you have awkward-shaped items to store, such as equipment or toys. In this case, an open-sided container would be best for organization purposes.
Make a List
Create a list of what you need to store in the unit, and do this before you even consider sizes. This will ensure you don’t choose a container that is too large or small for your needs.
Load More in Small Spaces
If you require a high number of raw materials in order to operate, you may need multiple containers. Don’t think you’ll have enough space on site to fit them all? Consider stacking. That’s what they were designed for anyway! Go one step further and designate one of those containers as your office or showroom.
Understand Condition
Many shipping containers have spent years in rigorous marine conditions or simply outdoors. So even though they’re built to last, damage can and does occur. Be on the lookout for dents, dings, and rust, and repair them right away. Do a thorough inspection of the whole unit to see if there’s more than just surface damage before you sign on the dotted line.
You may want to select a “wind and watertight” or “cargo worthy” container rather than an “as is” container for the most durability and longevity. Talk to your provider to see what options they offer and which ones they recommend.
Hire a Trustworthy Provider
How successful your storage container purchase is will depend on how reliable and trustworthy your provider is. They should have been in business in Ellendale for many years because this means they know how the local weather affects their products. Always ask questions about the size, type, and grade of container that will suit your needs and budget.
Considerations When Buying a New Shipping Container in Grand Rapids
Looking for a new container? If you live or work in Grand Rapids and have been on the hunt for a 20 or 40-foot shipping container, you may wonder: should I buy new or used? While buying used is good for certain situations, buying new is a smart decision in many scenarios. Here are some of the top benefits of buying a new shipping container in Grand Rapids, the county seat of Kent County, and a community that’s situated along the Grand River.
You should buy new shipping containers because:
1. They Are Ready to Use
Brand-new containers are in seaworthy condition, which means they are already prepped to be loaded and then transported overseas with no need for maintenance, repair, or cleaning. It’s like buying a new car – you’re the first owner!
2. They Have a Lower Long-Term Cost
You will spend more to buy a new shipping container, to be sure. But over time, you will recoup your investment. If you rented the container, you would be faced with monthly payments that add up over time.
Generally, if you think you will have to rent a container for more than 18 months or so, it’s probably better to just buy it.
You should rent a shipping container if you have never used one before and are thinking about a custom build to see if it works for your goals, says Medium.
3. They Come With Many Options
With used or rental containers, you’re limited to which sizes are available at any one time. With shipping containers for sale, you have your pick of sizes and options.
4. They Can be Modified
Buying a shipping container helps you to retain control over setting it up exactly as you want it. You can implement modifications to improve security, increase functionality, or boost visual appeal. It’s easy to customize your container any way you see fit when you own it outright. You can’t do that with rentals.
5. They Have Residual Value
With rentals, there’s no benefit of residual value. At the end of the rental agreement period, you have to return the unit and stop your monthly payments, which translates to a sunk cost that you cannot recoup. Think of this like buying a home vs. renting an apartment. Buying a home is an investment that helps you build equity. When you rent, you are just paying the mortgage for your landlord, and you are no closer to owning your own property.
When buying a new shipping container, you have the option of selling it later at residual value. Did you know that shipping containers retain their value even a decade after they were initially purchased? With good care, some last 30 years or more. In the end, buying new is just a smart investment opportunity.
Contact Any Way You Want It Moving and Storage
If you are interested in purchasing a 20 or 40-foot shipping container in Grand Rapids, the second most populated city in Michigan after Detroit, get in touch with us for a free quote today.
