Where can I buy storage pods? Most portable storage pods are offered through moving and storage companies, which usually rent them by the month, and some sell them outright. If you want something you own and can keep for years, a steel shipping container is a durable alternative. Queen Container sells new and used steel containers, so this guide compares the two.
Where can I buy storage pods and who sells them?
Storage pods are portable units that a company drops at your home, you fill, and they pick up and store or move for you. Most providers focus on rentals and moving services rather than sales, so ask directly whether a unit can be purchased and what the terms are. Availability, sizes and pricing vary by company and region, so confirm details in writing. Beware of confusing a pod rental with ownership, because monthly fees add up over a long storage period.
Pods vs steel containers
Both give you a secure box at your property, but they are built for different jobs. Use this comparison as a general guide.
| Factor | Storage pod | Steel container |
|---|---|---|
| Typical arrangement | Rent monthly | Buy once |
| Material | Often wood, metal or composite panels | Corrugated steel |
| Lifespan | Designed for short to medium use | Built for years of outdoor use |
| Best for | Moves and temporary storage | Long-term storage and workspaces |
What a steel container costs
A used 20 ft typically costs about $1,500 to $4,000 and a used 40 ft about $2,500 to $5,500. New or one-trip units are commonly $3,500 to $6,500 for a 20 ft and $5,000 to $9,000 for a 40 ft. These ranges vary by location, condition and grade. Delivery is extra, often $150 to $500 locally and $1,000 or more over long distances. If you store for a year or more, owning can compare well with ongoing rental fees, though you should run your own numbers.
Which option suits you?
Choose a pod if
- You are moving and need storage for a few weeks or months.
- You want the company to handle pickup and transport.
- You cannot place a large steel box on your property.
Choose a steel container if
- You need long-term or permanent storage.
- You want a lockable, weather-resistant space you own.
- You may later turn it into a workshop or office.
Security and weather protection
Steel containers have lockable doors and a sealed steel shell, which many owners value for tools, inventory and seasonal items. Look for a unit with sound door gaskets and a solid floor, and raise it slightly on blocks so air can flow underneath. Pods vary by maker, so ask about locks, weather sealing and how long units are meant to stay outside.
Sizes and placement
A 20 ft container holds roughly 1,170 cubic feet and weighs about 5,000 lb empty, and a 10 ft unit suits smaller yards. The 10 ft storage container is easy to place on tight lots, while a 40 ft offers much more room. You need a level, firm area and room for the truck, and you should check local rules, since some neighborhoods limit containers. Our delivery areas page shows where we ship.
Next steps
If your real question is where can i buy storage pods that you can keep, decide how long you need the space and what you can place on your property. Compare steel options in our storage containers category, or see the 20 ft double door container for a popular size. Send your address through the contact page for a quote, or browse our shipping containers for sale.
