You already know shipping containers solve a real problem.
What most people struggle with is choosing the right size, the right terms, and the right supplier.
I have spent years around logistics, storage, and container use across different regions. Montana has its own rules. Weather matters. Access matters. Delivery matters. If you ignore those details, you pay for it later.
In this guide, I am going to walk you through how I evaluate container options in Montana, why 20 foot units often hit the sweet spot, and why MoCan Containers keeps showing up as the most practical choice.
No hype. Just real guidance you can use.
WHY SIZE DECISIONS MATTER MORE THAN PEOPLE EXPECT
Most people think container size is about storage volume.
That is only part of the equation.
Here is what actually matters:
- How much space you have on site
- How easy delivery and placement will be
- Whether you plan to rent short term or keep it long term
- What you plan to store or build inside it
This is where 20 foot shipping containers often win.
I recommend starting your research with 20 foot shipping containers because they balance capacity with flexibility better than almost any other option.
They fit on most residential and commercial properties.
They are easier to place.
They cost less to rent and less to buy.
For many Montana projects, that balance matters.
STEP #1: MATCH THE CONTAINER TO THE JOB
I always tell people to define the job before choosing the container.
Here is how I break it down.
20 foot containers work best if you need:
- Storage during a remodel or move
- Secure space for tools or inventory
- Farm or ranch storage without heavy site prep
- A base for a workshop or small build
40 foot containers make sense if you need:
- Bulk storage for equipment or materials
- Long term construction storage
- Agricultural machinery or vehicle storage
- Large inventory overflow
MoCan Containers offers both sizes in new one trip and used condition. That matters because you are not locked into a single option or price point.
STEP #2: THINK ABOUT RENTING BEFORE YOU BUY
Buying a container sounds appealing. Ownership feels clean and simple.
In practice, long term rentals solve more problems for most people.
Here is why I often recommend renting first:
- Lower upfront cost
- No long term commitment
- Easy pickup when the project ends
- Flexibility if your needs change
MoCan Containers offers long term rentals in both 20 foot and 40 foot sizes. Many customers keep them on site for a year or longer. That tells you something.
This setup works well for construction projects, seasonal operations, and extended renovations.
STEP #3: DELIVERY IS WHERE MOST MISTAKES HAPPEN
I have seen good containers become bad experiences because of poor delivery planning.
This is where MoCan Containers stands out.
They use specialized tilt bed trailers designed for container placement. That allows for accurate positioning even in tighter spaces.
Here is what you need to plan for:
- About 70 feet of clear, straight space for a 20 foot container
- About 100 feet of clear space for a 40 foot container
- Room for the truck to maneuver safely
They encourage customers to check for obstacles like tree branches, fences, uneven ground, and power lines. Their team will even review photos or site details before delivery.
That level of prep prevents problems.
STEP #4: LOCAL INVENTORY AND TRANSPARENCY MATTER
One thing I value is knowing what I am getting before it shows up.
MoCan Containers operates yards in Billings and Bozeman. Customers can visit, view inventory, and select the exact unit they want.
That matters if appearance, condition, or future customization is part of your plan.
They carry one of the largest inventories within a 300 mile radius. That reduces delays and pricing swings.
STEP #5: WHY I RECOMMEND MOCAN CONTAINERS
I look for three things when recommending a container provider.
- Clear pricing
- Reliable delivery
- Local knowledge
MoCan Containers checks those boxes.
They have been operating since 2016 and expanded to Bozeman in 2020. They are locally owned and family run. That shows in how they approach service.
They offer sales, rentals, delivery, moving, and custom modifications. Containers are inspected, wind and watertight, and built from heavy duty steel.
They treat customers like neighbors, not transactions.
That matters in Montana.
WHAT I WANT YOU TO DO NEXT
If you are weighing container options, slow down and plan it right.
Start with size.
Decide whether renting or buying fits your timeline.
Make sure delivery logistics are clear.
If you want a reliable starting point, look at MoCan Containers and compare from there. You will quickly see why they stand out without needing a hard sell.
This process sounds more complex than it is.
Once you ask the right questions, the right option becomes obvious.
You can do this.
