At the latest when the shelves at home or at work bend dangerously under the load, most people will think about alternative storage options. Especially if the cellar or attic are already filled up after previous incidents.
Containers that you can simply set up on site in the garden or on the driveway at home or at the business offer at least a temporary option for storing superfluous, space consuming household goods, business inventory, or building materials.
In Germany, storage containers made of steel or zinc can be rented in all kinds of sizes and price ranges. As a rule, these are delivered on site using trucks and cranes, but before you start looking for a suitable container, you should prepare thoroughly.
Why you should rent a storage container
The biggest advantage of on site storage containers compared with storage in, for example, Self Storage is the immediate access on your own premises that this storage solution offers.
In addition, many container landlords offer a good selection of sizes, with which you can determine the extent of the new structure in the garden or on the driveway yourself and adapt it individually to the given conditions.
Container providers also show flexibility with regard to rental contracts and duration. Containers can be rented both short term and longer term, but as a rule they are not suitable for long term storage.
Storage containers are usually made of galvanised steel and offer sufficient protection against theft and the worst weather conditions, but over longer periods they cannot prevent penetrating moisture and frost damage.
The construction industry has long since discovered the advantages of containers and stores tools and building materials on construction sites safely in them overnight. Nowadays, new designs and conversion options, such as, for example, pods, also give other businesses and private households the opportunity to store their items and goods securely.
Renovation, moving, or other projects: When is renting the perfect solution?
For home or commercial renovations, storage containers offer a quick and secure place to store anything that would either be in the way during the renovation work or could be damaged. The same applies to moves where only a short term place is needed to store furniture, household goods, and other everyday items.
Your private household or business inventory can be carried out of the building within a few hours and stored in a safe place. This saves you a lot of time and the hassle of hauling your things to an external storage location in several trips.
However, make sure that you protect furniture and boxes from direct contact with the ground. Obtain pallets or shelves on which you can place your possessions safely protected from ground moisture and ground cold.
At the same time, if necessary, you should protect breakable or sensitive goods with soft underlays and sufficient packaging materials such as bubble wrap, furniture blankets, and polystyrene.
What is the difference between storage and shipping containers?
Storage containers and shipping containers may look the same at first, but they have different features and purposes.
Storage containers are designed specifically for static placement on site. The oversized storage boxes come in different sizes and designs so that they can be adapted to different needs. Storage containers can, for example, be delivered with side doors that allow flexible access.
Shipping or sea containers are manufactured for transporting items. They also come in different sizes. However, these must always be adapted to international standards in shipping and multimodal transport by trains and trucks on land to ensure international handling. Sea containers are opened exclusively from the front and/or rear with double doors, and not from the side.
Sea containers are often heavier than storage containers due to their higher durability and have a much sturdier floor. However, both storage containers and shipping containers are generally fitted with crane pockets and/or fittings for unloading hooks for safe handling.
How large is a storage container?
Due to the obligation for international compatibility, the sizes of sea and shipping containers are based on ISO standards that are originally specified in feet and inches. These standards prescribe the following dimensions:
4 foot container:
- 1.212 m x 1.170 m x 1.110 m inside
- 1.219 m x 1.219 m x 1.219 m outside
- 1.180 m x 1.100 m door
- 1,42 m² floor area
- 1,58 m² volume
5 foot container:
- 1.467 m x 1.120 m x 2.084 m inside
- 1.467 m x 1.120 m x 2.084 m outside
- 1.220 m x 2.048 m door
- 1,64 m² floor area
- 4,05 m² volume
6 foot container:
- 1.781 m x 1.941 m x 1.895 m inside
- 1.905 m x 1.981 m x 2.042 m outside
- 1.900 m x 1.875 m door
- 3,46 m² floor area
- 6,44 m² volume
8 foot container:
- 2.278 m x 2.112 m x 2.060 m inside
- 2,438 m x 2,200 m x 2.260 m outside
- 2.100 m x 1.949 m door
- 4,81 m² floor area
- 9,92 m² volume
10 foot container:
- 2.831 m x 2.352 m x 2.390 m inside
- 2.991 m x 2.438 m x 2.591 m outside
- 2.338 m x 2.280 m door
- 6,66 m² floor area
- 15,9 m² volume
12 foot container:
- 5.898 m x 2.352 m x 2.390 m inside
- 6.058 m x 2.438 m x 2.591 m outside
- 2.338 m x 2.280 m door
- 13,88 m² floor area
- 33,1 m² volume
20 foot container:
- 5.898 m x 2.352 m x 2.390 m inside
- 6.058 m x 2.438 m x 2.591 m outside
- 2.338 m x 2.280 m door
- 13,88 m² floor area
- 33,1 m² volume
40 foot container:
- 12.032 m x 2.352 m x 2.395 m inside
- 12.192 m x 2.438 m x 2.591 m outside
- 2.340 m x 2.280 m door
- 28,37 m² floor area
- 67,7 m² volume
40 foot High Cube:
- 12.032 m x 2.352 m x 2.698 m inside
- 12.192 m x 2.438 m x 2.896 m outside
- 2.340 m x 2.585 m door
- 28,37 m² floor area
- 76,4 m² volume
45 foot High Cube:
- 13.556 m x 2.345 m x 2.695 m inside
- 13.716 m x 2.438 m x 2.896 m outside
- 2.340 m x 2.597 m door
- 31,79 m² floor area
- 86,0 m² volume
Storage containers sold or rented in Germany that are not used for shipping are not subject to the same strict ISO standards and can deviate slightly in dimensions.
Mini storage container (3m) — The ideal solution with limited space in front gardens/on driveways
For private individuals and households who are looking for a temporary solution during, for example, a house renovation for boxes with household goods, files, tools, and/or smaller furniture, the smallest variant of storage containers is probably sufficient.
A 3 metre storage container generally measures 3 m (L) x 2,2 m (B) x 2,2 m (H) and has a weight of approximately 450 kg.
Mini storage containers are well suited for driveways, front gardens, and one’s own storage or parking spaces in front of one’s own house. They are easier to transport and can usually also be delivered in narrow alleys.
Use spacers and other markers before arrival to mark the best place for your container. Also ensure that access to the container door is guaranteed after placement.
The rent for mini containers amounts to approximately 40 Euro per month. However, additional one time costs for delivery, placement, and collection of the container of at least 300 Euro are added, depending on where in Germany your location is.
Medium storage container 6 m — Popular for larger household goods and furniture as well as on construction sites
For moves or larger renovation work for, for example, houses with two to three bedrooms, conversions, and other construction sites, a mini container will usually not be sufficient.
In this case, a medium container of 6 metres or more is more appropriate. A 6 metre container measures approximately 6 m (L) x 2,2 m (B) x 2,2 m (H) and has a weight of 780 kg.
6 metre containers are usually available with both single and double doors and are ideal for storing furniture, household goods, and garden equipment as well as construction tools and materials. The monthly rent for a medium container depends on your postcode, but as a rule starts at 70 Euro per month plus delivery and placement costs by truck and crane.
In addition to delivery on site and the monthly rent, container customers can also rent additional storage aids such as pallets, shelves, ramps, and special theft protection.
6 metre containers require more space than mini containers. However, access can often be organised more flexibly through, for example, side doors.
Nevertheless, in many circumstances the costs for a medium sized container solution can prove overall cheaper, because the delivery and placement fee is often only slightly more expensive, if at all, than the costs for a mini container.
Here too, you must measure your available space and plan the delivery precisely in advance. Note that a larger container also requires more space on your street during unloading. You must also be careful that the container does not ultimately restrict access to the actual construction work.
Giant containers 12 m (40 ft) and High Cube containers — For large projects and industrial use
Anyone who chooses a large container of 12 metres or a so called High Cube container has probably planned a project of industrial dimensions and needs space for large machines and equipment and/or even a covered work area with the associated tools.
High Cube containers have the same footprint as conventional storage and sea containers, but on average are much higher. This makes them particularly suitable for long items that can be stood upright and for stacked pallet storage.
Anyone who rents a large container of 12 metres must have a great deal of space available, especially with regard to delivery, because the crane requires a larger radius for placement.
If the container is used as a work area, a power supply, adequate lighting, and sturdy fixtures such as workbenches and sawing table must be ensured.
High Cube containers usually come in the size 12 m (L) x 2,5 m (B) x 2,9 m (H) and weigh approx. 4 tonnes. The rental price per month for High Cube or large containers is at least 140 Euro and more, depending on the location.
Insulated/refrigerated containers — With protection against condensation and mould
Insulated containers and refrigerated containers are needed for special circumstances such as sensitive stored goods, archiving, and food storage.
Insulated containers are particularly suitable for storing electronics, files, and books. This storage option is designed so that no moisture or other unfavourable weather conditions can penetrate. In many cases, this type of container can be delivered with climate control that can balance temperature differences and protect stored items from heat, cold, and high humidity.
Refrigerated containers keep the interior of the container largely at the same low temperature. This option is often used in the food industry for transporting perishable goods such as fruit and vegetables.
Both insulated and refrigerated containers require a secure power supply with sufficient watts and insulation. To prevent condensation water that brings mould, rust, and general decay with it, in addition to insulation boards, further measures such as strategically placed ventilation slots, dehumidifiers, and silica gel can also be used.
Special versions: workshop, office/canteen, environmental and hazard containers
In addition to conventional containers in which household items, tools, or other goods are stored, there is also a range of storage boxes for special tasks.
Anyone who has ever been on a construction site will also have noticed the different sheet metal containers that are made available to workers as shelter in bad weather or during the lunch break.
From the construction site office via mobile workshops to the canteen, everything can be set up quickly and practically almost anywhere. These special versions come fully equipped with windows, power connections, lighting, and side doors.
By now, not only construction sites use these special container versions, but they can be found in every industry in which the workplace, workshop, or office has to be expanded or otherwise accommodated for a short time.
In addition, there are special containers for hazardous, often easily flammable materials that have to be stored outside public access. Hazard and environmental containers are usually equipped with grating floors and a corresponding tray so that in the event of leaks of chemicals, oils, paints, and lubricants the environment is not compromised.
Special containers are often secured with special locking systems due to the values or hazards they contain, in order to protect against theft and ensure insurance cover.
How much does it cost to rent a storage container?
The rent for a storage container depends not only on the size of the desired container, but also on your location. In addition, storage container landlords will take the length of the rental period into account when calculating the price.
In addition to the monthly, weekly, or in some cases even daily rent, further costs for delivery, proper placement, and collection of your container are added. As a rule, at least three employees of the container rental company are required to set up the storage container properly.
Delivery and collection of the container usually starts at 300 Euro and can amount to more than a thousand Euro with special requirements and surroundings.
The more equipment, including cranes and special vehicles, or professional personnel are required for delivery and collection, the higher the delivery costs will be.
For private individuals who need the container as short term storage during a renovation or a move, the MwSt. incurred is an additional expense.
Transport & placement: cranes, shipping, ancillary costs
When calculating the shipping and placement costs, a flat rate for a standard delivery within a distance of 400 km from the container supplier’s location is used as the starting point.
Further costs could arise due to the surroundings in which the container is to be placed. In doing so, you must consider what radius a truck with crane has available for your requested container.
As a rule, containers are delivered with a crane truck, whereby the truck already has a crane integrated on the flatbed. Depending on the model, these have a radius of about 20 metres, but presuppose that they also have enough space for the truck.
In addition to cranes on the flatbed, there are also separate crane trucks that have a longer reach, but as a rule are charged additionally.
Smaller and medium sized containers with a size of up to 6 metres can in some cases also be transported by forklifts from the truck to the placement site. However, these must already be available on site and are not delivered.
Therefore plan your container delivery extremely precisely. Pay particular attention to obstacles that could cause problems in terms of height, including high voltage lines and trees. In addition, the ground on which the container is to be placed must also be suitable for this.
Extras & accessories: shelving, locks, ventilation
In addition to the actual storage container, many container suppliers offer a range of additional equipment. With these accessories you can customise the container individually.
The extras that can usually be added to the base rental price include shelves, work tables, sockets and lighting with associated generators, ramps, and not least locks for the secure safekeeping of your property.
If you want to store files or books in your container, further ancillary costs for an air conditioner or dehumidifier could arise. Other items such as tools or electronics may need insulation to ensure proper storage.
Rental contracts: minimum rental period, notice periods, and payment options
As a rule, storage container landlords are flexible with regard to the rental period. In some cases, storage containers can even be delivered for daily rental. However, the delivery and placement costs mentioned still apply.
Private customers who need the container only for a shorter time usually have to pay their rent in advance. With an agreement over a longer period, weekly and monthly payment can be agreed.
An early termination for an agreed rental period is usually not possible; however, under certain circumstances the rental period can be extended.
As a payment option, container rental companies usually offer advance payment by bank transfer or card payment either directly or via PayPal. Under certain conditions, business customers are often also offered instalment payments. Private customers should note with the prices that these are usually stated without Umsatzsteuer. This adds an additional 19 % MwSt. to the invoice.
When signing the contract, note whether your container is insured by the landlord against theft or damage, or whether the insurance obligation is left to you.
Delivery & placement at home or elsewhere
Before you start looking for a container landlord, you should prepare well for delivery and placement and plan well in advance. In doing so, you should pay particular attention to the following:
- Do you have enough space for the container? Also calculate the radius of the delivery crane, sufficient safety distances to buildings and fences, both yours and those of the neighbours.
- Make sure that the container does not become an obstacle for others.
- Is the ground on which the container is to be placed suitable for its size and weight?
- Do you need an official permit to place the container at your home or at the business?
Delivery times for containers vary and depend on your location and the current stock held by your chosen supplier.
If you are unsure about the size of the container in relation to the chosen placement location, you should give the container landlord not only the exact dimensions, but also photo documentation and possibly floor plans.
When the container arrives, you should also take photos of the container and compare them with the condition upon collection in order to avoid conflicts with the landlord.
Placement requirements: ground/subsurface, clearance & crane reach
If you rent a storage container, the landlord will usually ask about some details, including:
- On what subsurface will the container be placed? Is it a solid surface such as paving or concrete, or a soft subsurface with pebbles or gravel?
- Is there sufficient drainage in rain or snow to prevent corrosion or flooding of the container?
- How much can the subsurface bear?
- Is the ground on which the container is to stand level? Check this with a spirit level to ensure that your container does not slip.
- Can a crane truck place the container safely? Calculate a radius of at least ten metres for the crane and ensure that neither trees nor overhead lines are in the way during unloading.
- Where should the container doors be? At the front or on the side?
Only when these questions have been clarified can you start contract negotiations.
Truck access: street, parking spaces, and work areas
Storage containers are generally delivered with a truck that already requires certain conditions in order to unload the container safely. When planning the unloading, allow for the crane truck a width of about 2,5 metres and a minimum length of 11 metres.
Therefore ensure that your container location can also be approached by heavy goods vehicles. In addition, you should consider the possible turning circle or the trouble free onward journey in the same direction of travel. If you suspect that the crane truck or truck could encounter a problematic route on the way, inform the container landlord before departure.
In addition, you should mark the parking space for the truck before arrival using traffic cones or other barriers. It goes without saying that you should ensure that you provide the correct address.
When it arrives, keep onlookers and random passers by away from the work area to avoid accidents and errors. To better respond to complaints in the neighbourhood, you should have any official permits ready.
Quality, security & climate control
In addition to the rental price, the manufacturing and quality of the containers offered should play a role for you. The rented storage container will be exposed to the weather around the clock. Even one night of heavy rain could cause enormous damage to your property with a rusty container.
Make sure that you order a container made of galvanised steel, possibly with weather resistant and scratch resistant paint. Ensure that the floor on which your inventory will stand also meets the requirements of the stored items.
Make sure that the doors, walls, and the roof are guaranteed watertight and, if necessary, sufficiently insulated. If you rent the container over a longer period, you should regularly check the condition of both the stored items and the container.
Business customers in particular should value securing the containers when expensive construction machinery and tools are stored inside. Keep your machines securely locked away and place the container in a well lit area if possible.
Permits and legal regulations
Before you order your container, you should inform yourself about the local regulations for containers. This applies especially if the container is to be placed wholly or partly on a public area, such as, for example, a parking space or pavement.
Contact your local authorities, including the Straßenverkehrsamt, the Ordnungsamt and, if applicable, the Bauamt as well as the Polizei, to find out what rights and obligations you have and whether permits are required at your location. This also applies to a possible traffic control during placement and collection.
When do you need a permit?
If you place containers in public space, you will always need a permit from the local authorities. Obtaining the permit is your responsibility. If you choose a reputable container landlord, they will help you with the paperwork.
Even if you place the container on your own property, you could be obliged to obtain a legally prescribed permit. This applies especially to large containers that cause offence in the neighbourhood and could be regarded by the Bauamt as an extension.
The processing time for the placement permit for your storage container depends on your location, but as a rule takes 1-2 weeks. The costs for the permit also vary from city administration to city administration and lie between 50 Euro and 100 Euro.
Private property compared with public space: official inspections and notifications
Containers that are placed in public space must be properly registered with the Straßenverkehrsbehörde by both private households and businesses.
When the permit is issued, certain conditions for traffic safety are given, including warning signs and prescribed distances. In addition, the so called Stellgenehmigung for the container may remain only for a period registered in advance. In some cases, a standing fee could also be incurred, but this depends on the location, the container size, and the period.
Containers in public space are usually checked by the authorities after delivery to ensure that the placement complies with the regulations.
On private property there are fewer restrictions, but here too the safety of the surroundings must be ensured. In addition, placing containers on private property is limited to three months in most cities and municipalities.
Environmental protection and safety guidelines on construction sites
Containers on construction sites have many functions and are used by more people than, for example, a container for a house renovation. Therefore, further safety measures are necessary when using containers on construction sites.
No one may therefore move around construction sites without personal PSA-Ausrüstung. Containers in construction must also be well anchored on soft, muddy ground.
Containers that contain vessels that are potentially harmful to the environment, including oil, lubricants, paints, and varnishes, must be particularly well secured with spill trays to prevent leaks.
In addition, construction site containers in many cases have to be marked with safety instructions to prevent accidents and environmental damage.
Alternatives to storage containers
Storage containers seem to many to be a convenient and in some cases even cost effective solution for storage needs. In most cases, however, this option is suitable only for a short period. Private households are limited to three months already by official regulations. Businesses can also be limited by legal requirements.
Added to this is the time and effort for the paperwork, permits, ground measurements, and safety precautions for delivery, storage, and collection.
Self Storage solutions, especially those with Full Service, could represent a less complex and longer term alternative in comparison. Issues such as climate control of the storage unit to protect, for example, files and other paper products, sufficient theft protection, and not least greater flexibility with regard to contracts occur less or not at all with Self Storage solutions.
Self Storage options
Self Storage offers off site storage solutions for private individuals and businesses. This option offers, in particular, businesses and households that are running out of space in major cities storage units in different sizes that can easily be adapted to operational or family changes.
In the short term, Self Storage facilities can help with moves, renovations, or in connection with students during the semester break to store items on a short term basis.
Businesses use Self Storage solutions to store infrequently used tools or machines as well as materials bought in bulk.
Short-term moving/storage solutions
Self Storage landlords offer secure, dry, and well ventilated storage at cost effective prices.
As with container rental, short term contracts can be agreed. In contrast to container rental, however, there are no major set up costs such as delivery fees, crane rental, and personnel costs for placement.
In terms of monthly rent, Self Storage providers and container rental companies are roughly the same. However, Self Storage landlords are much more flexible and adaptable with regard to the size of the storage units.
Self Storage is available from as little as 1 m² and can be increased or reduced as needed. Consumers can also choose between different containers and storage boxes. Protection and monitoring of the stored goods are also taken over by the Self Storage providers.
Options such as Full Service Storage also offer a delivery service with which you can have your things collected from your home at short notice and have them transported back either partially or completely.
