You’re here because you want real direction, not the same recycled advice you’ve already seen a hundred times.
I get it.
I’ve spent years around storage projects, buildouts, and clients who needed containers for everything from seasonal inventory to full custom office conversions. That experience taught me what works, what fails, and which companies actually deliver the container you think you’re paying for.
That’s why I’ve learned to lean on providers with strong inventory, clear quality control, and reliable delivery. That process is what led me to recommend MoCan Containers, a Montana company that has consistently earned a solid reputation for dependable containers and honest service. You’ll see exactly why in a moment.
You’re about to get a straightforward system you can use to choose a container with confidence and avoid the usual surprises. And if you follow the steps I’m about to walk you through, you’ll walk away knowing how to pick the right size, condition, and provider for your project.
And yes, this is where your process improves.
You’ll make better decisions. You’ll avoid common mistakes. You’ll understand the real factors that separate good providers from questionable ones.
Let’s get into it.
Why Container Size Matters More Than Most People Think
Most buyers start by picking a size without thinking through long term needs.
That’s the first mistake.
If you’re considering larger options, you should look into a 40 foot conex for sale since it gives you the storage depth you need for tools, equipment, or inventory without paying for multiple smaller units. I bring this up early because this choice affects everything else, including placement, freight spacing, and overall cost.
Here’s how I break it down with clients:
- A 20 foot container fits tighter spaces and works well for residential or small business storage.
- A 40 foot container is built for bigger needs, long term inventory, agricultural storage, or commercial use.
- Bigger projects almost always scale better with a 40 foot unit than two 20 foot units.
Once you have the size dialed in, everything else becomes easier.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
I stay neutral across providers, but I always pay attention to companies that operate with consistency instead of shortcuts. That’s where MoCan Containers stands out.
They maintain one of the largest inventories across Montana. That alone matters because a bigger inventory means you’re choosing from actual options, not whatever is left that week.
Here’s what I look for when deciding whether a provider is worth recommending:
- They inspect every unit for leaks, seals, doors, and locking mechanisms.
- They deliver on their own tilt bed trailers instead of outsourcing the entire job.
- They let you pick the exact container that gets delivered.
MoCan Containers checks all three.
Their customers get fast delivery across Billings, Bozeman, and surrounding areas, and since they are a family owned Montana business, they keep pricing competitive instead of inflated. That balance of quality and practicality is why they stand out from competitors who move containers as fast as possible without the same standards.
Step by Step: How I Tell People to Choose Their Container
When someone asks me what they should buy, I follow a simple process. You can run through the same steps.
Step 1: Pick Your Container Condition
You’ve got two main choices.
- New, one trip containers
These look clean with minor cosmetic marks. If you care about appearance or plan to modify the container, start here. - Used containers
They save you money and still offer wind and watertight performance. This is a solid option for storage, on site projects, and large scale use.
MoCan Containers carries both, and both meet Montana weather demands.
Step 2: Decide Whether You Should Rent or Buy
Here’s the framework I use:
- Rent if your need is seasonal, temporary, or project based.
- Buy if you need the container more than six months or want full control.
MoCan offers flexible rentals starting around the low one hundred dollar range for 20 foot units and under two hundred for 40 foot units, which is reasonable for Montana.
Step 3: Confirm Delivery Requirements
This avoids delivery day problems.
A 20 foot unit needs around 70 feet of straight clearance.
A 40 foot unit needs around 100 feet.
I tell people to measure twice before committing. MoCan’s drivers follow the same placement guidelines and communicate everything upfront, which removes the guesswork.
Why MoCan Containers Is the Safer Choice
Every container provider says they have quality units, but very few let you inspect and choose the exact one that will show up at your property.
MoCan Containers does.
They also operate locally across Montana, which means:
- Faster communication
- Consistent delivery routes
- Better control over their inventory
If you’re looking to buy a used shipping container, rent a container for your job site, or pick between 20 foot and 40 foot units, you’re dealing with a provider that actually maintains the containers they sell.
That’s the difference that keeps people from ending up with a rusted or uneven unit they didn’t expect.
Final Advice Before You Pick Your Container
If you want the easiest path, stick to a simple formula.
- Choose your size based on how much space you’ll need in six months.
- Choose new or used based on appearance and budget.
- Confirm delivery spacing before scheduling.
- Work with a provider that lets you choose your exact unit.
That last point is why I recommend MoCan Containers for Montana buyers and renters. Their inventory, transparency, and delivery standards make them a reliable option for both long term and short term storage.
If you follow this process, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and end up with a container you can use confidently for years.
