The Simple Guide to Buying a Shipping Container

Everything you need to determine if a Moving Container is right for you, what size of Container you need, and how to choose a good Moving Container company. 

Introduction to Buying Shipping Containers

In this guide to buying a shipping container, we’ll walk through the essential aspects of purchasing a shipping container for various purposes. Discover the common uses of shipping containers, from efficient storage solutions, to convenient container offices, to innovative container house projects. 

Learn about the features of different types of containers, ensuring you make an informed choice that suits your requirements. We’ll also provide valuable insights on preparing for your purchase, helping you navigate through size options, modifications, and budget considerations. 

Once you’ve bought your shipping container, we’ll guide you on best practices for maintaining your container and tips for moving or reselling it in the future. Our FAQ section is also here to address any lingering questions you may have.

1. Reasons to Buy a Shipping Container

Discover how shipping containers provide practical storage space and can be upgraded to convenient offices and retail spaces. Learn about creative uses for containers, ranging from art installations to pop-up coffee shops. Explore surprising applications beyond cargo transportation. Embrace the versatility of shipping containers, from tiny homes to vibrant pop-up stores, revolutionizing modern spaces.

The Simple Guide to Buying a Shipping Container Get Simple Box new 20 foot shipping container
Smaller size Shipping Container Get Simple Box 10 foot container

2. Shipping Container Features

Shipping containers are versatile due to their diverse sizes, weather-resistant construction, and customizable options. They feature doors, vents, rubber gasket, flooring, D-rings, forklift pockets, and corner castings. They are secure with padlocks, locks, lighting, and are made of durable steel and paint. Learn more about these features and more here.

3. Preparing for your Container Purchase

This section will help you take essential steps before buying a shipping container. From comprehensive planning to key considerations, you will be equipped with the knowledge needed for a smooth and successful shipping container investment. Get ready to make an informed decision and set the stage for a seamless buying experience.

The Simple Guide to Buying a Shipping Container Get Simple Box used 20 foot container
The Simple Guide to Buying a Shipping Container Get Simple Box new 40 foot container

4. Maintaining, Moving, and Re-selling Your Shipping Container

This is your ultimate resource for preserving the powerhouses that shipping containers are. Discover best practices for long-term care, weathering the elements, and ensuring structural integrity. Learn vital tips for rust prevention and understand the significance of regular maintenance. Additionally, find out how to efficiently move your shipping container. Keep it strong, durable, and ready to serve your needs for years to come.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on a question below to view the answer. If you have any additional questions, we’d love to hear from you!

Yes! As far as we know, we’re the only company around that will let you start as a rental and switch to a purchase later on. (Note: this option is not available on Boxes with custom modifications)

There is not much that needs to be done to maintain a container. Unlike a structure made of wood or tin, like a shed, a container is built to withstand the harshest conditions. That being said, we recommend sweeping or blowing the roof from time to time to ensure debris isn’t building up and to prevent potential rust or leaks. It is also a good idea to make sure the container is elevated a few inches above the ground by using dunnage or pier blocks at the four corners of the container. This allows air to flow underneath the container which can prevent condensation from building up under the floor. You may also grease the hinges and inspect the rubber door gasket as needed.

We recommend a Heavy-Duty Alkyd Enamel paint in Satin or low-gloss sheen to spray onto the container to get even and full coverage. It’s important to keep in mind that factors like base color and the sheen you choose can slightly affect the appearance of the color you choose. Brush off any rusty areas with a wire brush and apply a rust inhibitor to convert any rust to a paintable surface 24 hours before painting.

Always close the left-hand door first and make sure the doors seal up tight and that nothing is interfering with the rubber door gasket. Check that nothing is blocking the ventilators on the sides of the container to help keep air flowing. Sweep the roof from time-to-time to prevent debris from building up.

Yes, at Get Simple Box we always allow our customers to come choose and inspect their own container – in fact, we encourage them to! Other container companies may advertise this option as well, but we often hear from customers that they were discouraged from doing so. This is often because the company claiming to sell the container does not actually own or have access to the container – they are simply a reseller or broker and they are not physically present where the container is.

We have developed a 7-point Container Inspection checklist to help you evaluate and grade the condition of a container.

You should be looking at the Doors, Gaskets, Walls, Floors, Roof, Paint, and Aesthetics.

Want a copy of the checklist? Just reach out to a Get Simple Box location and ask for it!

Customer Testimonials

"To be able to have my storage onsite and accessible, for however long I needed it. And then to have it picked up when I called, all for a great price. Priceless!“
Susanna A.
Burlington, WA
"Very professional with great customer service. Answered all our questions, delivered and set up our container without any issues."
John B.
Woodburn, OR

Typical Shipping Container Prices

Shipping Containers are convenient storage options that hold their value well.

Used Shipping Container for Sale Get Simple Box

Used Containers

Convenient and Cost-effective

New Shipping Container for Sale Get Simple Box

New Containers

Our Most Popular Choice.

Modified Shipping Container Get Simple Box

Modified Containers

Customized for your Needs

It's a great time to Buy a Container.

Our team is standing by to help you get the storage when you need it, delivered where you need it.

CONTACT US TO BUY A SHIPPING CONTAINER

OFFICE HOURS | Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm | Saturday: By appointment | Sunday: Closed

ARIZONA

Get Simple Box of Phoenix
10201 N 121st. Ave.,
El Mirage AZ 85335

(602) 926-2987

CALIFORNIA

OREGON

Get Simple Box of Salem 5191 Portland Rd. NE, Salem OR 97305 (503) 765-5421

WASHINGTON

Get Simple Box of Burlington

10941 Chuckanut Drive, Burlington, WA 98233

(360) 200-6609

Get Simple Box of Ellensburg
2402 W. Dolarway Rd.,
Ellensburg, WA 98926

(509) 289-2095

Get Simple Box of Marysville
15310 Smokey Point Boulevard, Marysville, WA 98271

(425) 420-2320

Get Simple Box Modification Shop
12998 Farm to Market Rd,
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 961-7600

PRICING & SERVICE AREA DISCLAIMER:

Our goal is to offer a good container at a fair price, with expert local delivery and excellent customer service throughout. We aim to have transparent process so that you can feel confident in the condition of the shipping container and the price quoted for delivery. Because shipping containers are heavily influenced by the price of steel, wood, fuel, and labor, all prices, including delivery rates, are subject to change without notice.

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