Shipping containers can be hired for temporary projects or longer storage requirements. The right shipping container hire period depends on what you need the unit for, how long the project is expected to last and whether your storage needs could change.
Businesses might hire a container for extra stock during a busy period, while construction companies may need one throughout a building project. Homeowners can also use containers during renovations, moves or other temporary storage situations.
Unit Group provides shipping container storage for hire across the UK, with sizes from compact 6ft units through to 45ft containers.
How Long Can You Hire a Shipping Container?
Shipping containers can be hired for short or extended periods, subject to the supplier’s hire terms.
Some customers only need additional storage for a few weeks or months. Others require long-term container hire because a project runs for a year or more.
The main benefit of hiring is flexibility. Instead of purchasing a container for a temporary requirement, you can arrange hire based on the expected duration of your project.
When requesting a quote, provide an estimated hire period. If you are unsure exactly when the container will no longer be needed, discuss this with the supplier before agreeing to the hire.
When Does Short-Term Container Hire Make Sense?
Short-term hire is useful when there is a clear reason for needing temporary storage.
Common examples include:
- Home renovations
- Commercial refurbishment
- Construction projects
- Temporary stock storage
- Seasonal business stock
- Events
- Office moves
- Equipment storage
- Short-term contracts
A retailer, for example, may need more storage before a busy sales period but have no need for the additional space afterwards.
Similarly, a homeowner renovating a property may only require storage until building work is complete.
Hiring means the container can be collected once the temporary requirement ends.
When Does Long-Term Container Hire Make Sense?
Some storage requirements last much longer.
Construction projects can continue for many months, while businesses may need ongoing space for tools, machinery, materials or stock.
Long-term container hire can suit:
- Extended construction projects
- Warehouses needing overflow capacity
- Growing businesses
- Long-term equipment storage
- Manufacturing sites
- Self-storage operations
- Businesses with limited permanent storage
Hiring can also make sense when you know additional space is needed but are not yet ready to invest in a permanent building, warehouse extension or purchased container.
Is It Better to Hire or Buy a Shipping Container?
The expected length of use is one of the main factors when deciding whether to hire or buy.
Hiring for Temporary Requirements
Hiring can be a sensible option when the storage requirement has an expected end date.
You avoid purchasing an asset that may no longer be needed when a project finishes. Collection can also be arranged when the hire ends, removing the problem of finding another use for the container.
Buying for Permanent Requirements
Buying may be worth considering when you expect to use a container for several years and have a suitable permanent location.
The decision should not be based on the hire period alone. Compare the total expected hire cost against the purchase price, delivery costs and what you would do with an owned container if your requirements change.
Unit Group supplies both new and used containers for customers considering shipping container hire or purchase.
Does Container Size Affect the Hire Period?
The size does not determine how long you can hire a container, but choosing the right capacity can help you avoid paying for unnecessary space.
Smaller 6ft, 8ft and 10ft containers can suit limited storage requirements. A 20ft container provides more capacity for commercial stock, equipment and construction materials, while 40ft and 45ft units are available for larger requirements.
If you are unsure about sizing, the Unit Group guide on what can fit inside a 40ft shipping container can help you compare available space.
What Happens if You Need the Container for Longer?
Projects do not always finish on schedule.
Construction work can be delayed, refurbishment projects can take longer than expected and businesses may find that temporary storage is needed for another few months.
If you think the shipping container hire period may need extending, contact the supplier as early as possible.
Before hiring, check the terms covering extensions, collection and notice periods. This reduces the chance of confusion when your original hire period approaches its end.
Unit Group’s recent guide to hiring shipping containers also explains the booking, delivery and collection process.
Remember to Plan for Delivery and Collection
The hire period is only one part of arranging container storage.
You also need a suitable location for delivery and enough access for the transport vehicle. The ground should be suitable for the container, and obstacles such as gates, overhead cables, trees, drains and parked vehicles should be considered.
Unit Group’s shipping container transport guidelines explain the access and delivery requirements in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a shipping container for a few months?
Can I extend my shipping container hire?
Can businesses hire containers long-term?
Is long-term hire cheaper than buying?
Get a Shipping Container Hire Quote
Whether you need a container for a short project or require long-term container hire, start by estimating how much space you need and how long you expect to use it.
Unit Group supplies shipping containers for hire across the UK from more than 20 depot locations. Contact the team with your preferred container size, delivery location and estimated hire period to request a quote.