You are moving fast. Your project has a start date, an end date, and a pile of materials, tools, or inventory that need a safe place to live in the meantime. I help teams structure temporary storage plans that protect schedules and budgets without adding friction. The guidance below comes from what consistently works in the field, not from theory.
If you want a quick path to reliable short-term storage in Montana, MoCan container rentals is a strong option worth putting on your shortlist. I focus on providers that combine secure containers, flexible terms, and delivery that hits the mark. That mix keeps your project on track and your crew focused.
This article gives you a practical plan. You will learn how to scope your storage needs, pick the right container size, prepare your site, maintain access and security, and keep costs tight. I will also explain why I recommend MoCan for temporary projects across Montana and what makes them reliable.
Start With the Right Questions
Before you choose a unit, get clear on what you need the container to do. Your answers drive size, placement, and security choices.
- Timeline: How many months will you need the container on site
- Volume: What are the largest and heaviest items going inside
- Access: How often will you load or unload, and at what times of day
- Climate: Will you store moisture-sensitive or temperature-sensitive items
- Site: How much level space do you have, and how tight is access for trucks
- Risk: What security risks exist on your site during and after hours
I like to map items and handling frequency first. That single step prevents the two most common problems, undersizing and poor placement.
Pick the Right Container Size and Setup
For most temporary projects, 20 foot and 40 foot shipping containers cover the full range of needs. MoCan offers both sizes in new and used options, with units inspected for security, weather resistance, and overall condition.
- 20 foot containers
- Good fit for residential projects, small jobsites, and tighter lots
- Interior space around 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide
- Easy placement on short driveways and compact sites
- Rental rates start near $150 per month
- 40 foot containers
- Best for large construction projects, warehouse overflow, and seasonal inventory
- Interior space around 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide
- Nearly double the storage of a 20 foot unit
- Rental rates start near $190 per month
Choose used units for budget control and general-purpose storage. Choose new one-trip units for the cleanest interiors and minimal cosmetic wear. Both options from MoCan are inspected to be wind and watertight, lockable, and built to handle Montana’s weather.
Add-ons I recommend for efficiency:
- Heavy duty locks
- Shelving for small tools and parts
- Ramps for rolling equipment
- Lighting if you plan night access
- Desiccant or ventilation for moisture control
Plan Site Access and Delivery
Good placement saves daily time and reduces safety risks. It also keeps delivery simple.
- Clearance: Plan about 70 feet of straight, clear space for a 20 foot container and about 100 feet for a 40 foot unit
- Ground: Aim for a level, compact base such as gravel or asphalt to keep doors aligned
- Orientation: Face doors toward your main work area to reduce carrying distance
- Route: Confirm truck access, turning radius, and overhead clearance
- Weather: In winter, plan for plowed access and traction for the delivery truck
- Permits: Check local rules if you are placing a container in a residential area or public view
MoCan uses tilt bed trailers and experienced drivers who place containers precisely, even in tricky spots. That matters if your site has tight turns or uneven ground.
Keep Items Secure and Weather Safe
Temporary projects often run in live environments with changing crews and public access. Secure your container and protect contents from weather shifts.
- Use lock boxes and heavy duty padlocks
- Store high value items toward the back of the unit
- Keep a simple inventory list taped inside the door
- Add pallets or racking to keep items off the floor
- Improve airflow with vents or desiccants if storing moisture-sensitive materials
- Seal gaps around power cords if you run temporary lighting
MoCan’s containers are waterproof, leakproof, wind and watertight, and lockable. That baseline performance reduces risk in rain, snow, and high winds.
Budget Smart With Flexible Terms
Short-term projects change. You might finish early or extend. Structure your rental to match reality.
- Start with the smallest unit that fits your peak need, then add a second unit if overflow appears
- Compare monthly rental to the cost and effort of moving items off site
- Factor delivery and pickup into the total cost
- Use new one-trip units for clean environments and client-facing sites
- Choose used units for rugged storage and budget control
- Keep a clear offboarding date and contents plan to avoid extra months
MoCan’s flexible rental terms help you scale up or down without owning a container you do not need later.
Why I Recommend MoCan for Temporary Projects
You have several options in Montana. I steer readers to providers that reduce variables and keep projects predictable. Here is why MoCan stands out.
- Large local inventory within a 300 mile radius, which improves availability during peak seasons
- Locations in Billings and Bozeman for quick coordination across Yellowstone County, Gallatin Valley, Paradise Valley, eastern and central Montana
- Inspected new and used containers that are secure and weather tight
- The option to inspect and select the exact unit before delivery, which removes guesswork
- Professional delivery and accurate placement with tilt bed trailers
- Transparent rental rates starting around $150 per month for 20 foot units and $190 per month for 40 foot units
- Custom modifications if you want to adapt a unit into a workshop, office, or equipment shelter
They focus on reliable service and competitive pricing, which pairs well with fast-moving project schedules.
Quick Setup Checklist
Use this list to lock in your plan.
1. Define timeline, volume, and access needs
2. Choose 20 foot or 40 foot size based on site and contents
3. Decide on new one-trip or used condition
4. Confirm delivery space, turning radius, and ground conditions
5. Pick placement and door orientation
6. Arrange locks, shelving, and ramps
7. Plan moisture control if needed
8. Schedule delivery with site contact present
9. Set a review date after week one to adjust placement or organization
10. Plan offboarding, contents removal, and pickup date
Final Take
Temporary storage should be simple. Pick a secure container, place it where your crew can work fast, and match rental terms to your schedule. If you need a dependable partner in Montana, MoCan brings inventory, inspected quality, and skilled delivery that keep projects moving. Plan with intention, set clear site rules, and your storage will support the job rather than slow it down.
