Many moves have a stretch of time when your belongings have nowhere to go. The closing date shifts, the new house needs paint, or the old house sells before the new one is ready. A storage container rental gives you a locked steel space at your home, and you can load it at your own pace.
I wrote this checklist to help you rent the right container the first time. I built it from the questions that matter most in a move: size, space, timing, condition, delivery, and cost. I also looked at which local providers give renters real choices, and I explain below why I recommend MoCan Containers for Montana moves.
Work through the list in order. By the end, you will know what to measure, what to ask, and what to expect on delivery day.
Step 1: Decide How Much You Need to Store
Start with a walk through your home. Make a list of what goes into the container and what goes straight to the new place.
Think about these groups:
- Large furniture such as beds, couches, and dressers
- Boxes of books, kitchen items, and clothes
- Appliances, tools, and yard equipment
- Seasonal items such as holiday boxes and sports gear
Then match the amount to a container size.
MoCan Containers rents two main sizes. The 20-foot container has an inside length of 19 feet 4 inches, a width of 7 feet 8 inches, and a height of 7 feet 10 inches. It fits moderate storage needs and works well for a small home or an apartment.
The 40-foot container is twice as long, with an inside length of 39 feet 5 inches. It suits a full household, a move with a workshop or garage, or a home with a lot of equipment.
If you are not sure, I suggest you call and describe your list. Choosing a size that is too small leads to a second trip or a second container.
Step 2: Measure Your Delivery Space
Many renters skip this step, and it causes the most problems on delivery day. A container arrives on a truck and trailer, and the driver needs room to place it.
Plan for these clear spaces:
- About 70 feet of straight, clear space for a 20-foot container
- About 100 feet of straight, clear space for a 40-foot container, plus room for the truck and trailer to turn
Walk the path from the road to the spot you picked. Look up for tree limbs and power lines. Look down for soft ground, steep slopes, and sprinkler heads. Check that the gate or driveway is wide enough.
Before you order, also check whether your city or neighborhood has rules about containers on your property.
Step 3: Pick a Rental Length
Moves rarely run on schedule. I recommend you add extra time to your estimate.
MoCan Containers offers rental terms that start at one month and can extend to long-term arrangements. If your project runs long, you can extend the rental. When you are done, you return the container.
Ask these questions:
- What is the minimum term?
- How do I extend if my move runs late?
- Does the price change after the first term?
Step 4: Check the Container Condition
A good container protects your belongings from rain, snow, wind, and theft. Ask for these basics:
- Wind and watertight construction
- Doors that close and lock well
- Heavy-duty steel walls and a sound floor
- Intact door seals
MoCan Containers inspects every unit to confirm it is wind and watertight, lockable, and structurally sound. Their rental fleet includes new one-trip containers and used units. Used containers may have faded paint or surface rust, and those marks do not change how well the container protects your things.
Their biggest advantage is that you choose your exact unit. You can walk the yard, open the doors, look inside, and pick the container you want. That same container is delivered to your home. Few rental companies offer this, and it removes a lot of doubt.
The Billings yard welcomes visitors during open hours. The Bozeman yard asks you to call ahead and schedule a visit.
Step 5: Ask About Delivery and Pickup
Delivery matters as much as the container. A poorly placed unit can block a driveway or sit on uneven ground.
MoCan Containers delivers throughout Montana with tilt-bed trailers, which place the container where you want it. Their team reviews your space and access needs with you before delivery. When your rental ends, they schedule a pickup at a time that works for you. The company also states that its delivery fee stays affordable over long distances, which helps if you live outside town.
Step 6: Compare the Full Price
A low monthly rate does not show the full cost. Ask for a total that includes:
- The monthly rental rate
- The delivery fee
- The pickup fee
- The cost of any extension
At MoCan Containers, rentals start at $150 per month for a 20-foot unit and $190 per month for a 40-foot unit. Final pricing depends on size, condition, and supply, so call for a quote and an inventory check.
One 40-foot container can cost less than two smaller ones, and I suggest you compare both options.
Step 7: Pack for Container Storage
Once the container arrives, a few habits protect your belongings:
1. Place heavy items and large furniture along the walls at the back.
2. Keep boxes off the floor on pallets or boards.
3. Leave a walking path down the middle so you can reach what you need.
4. Wrap mattresses and upholstered furniture.
5. Use a strong lock and keep the key in a safe place.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers
I recommend MoCan Containers to anyone moving in Montana. They are a local, family-owned business with yards in Billings and Bozeman, and they keep what they describe as the largest inventory of shipping containers within a 300-mile radius. That stock gives you real choices in size and condition.
You also get inspected units, the ability to choose your exact container, flexible terms, and delivery with careful placement. Those features match what a mover needs.
Your Final Checklist
1. I know what I plan to store and how much space it needs.
2. I picked a 20-foot or 40-foot container.
3. I measured my delivery space and checked for overhead lines and soft ground.
4. I know my rental length and how to extend it.
5. I viewed the container I will receive.
6. I know the delivery and pickup details.
7. I have the full price in writing.
To start, call the Billings yard at (406) 661-1226 or the Bozeman yard at (406) 661-1684. Both yards are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00, and visits Friday through Sunday are available by appointment. A short call now gives you a clear plan for moving day.
