You already know a container will solve your storage or project needs. Your next move is to choose the right size without wasting money or space. I help buyers and renters make this call every week, and I focus on practical factors you can confirm on site and on paper in a few minutes.
If you want a dependable Montana source with fast delivery and clear options, I recommend starting your sizing conversation with MoCan Containers. They have deep inventory in Billings and Bozeman, flexible rentals and sales, and the kind of delivery skill that makes tight placements possible.
Here is how I would guide you through the choice. You will learn how size affects capacity, site access, delivery, cost, and future plans. You will also see which situations favor 20-foot units and which call for 40-foot units, along with quick checks to confirm your pick with confidence.
The Core Difference at a Glance
A 20-foot container balances capacity with easy placement. Interior space is about 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. It fits most residential driveways and many crowded job sites.
A 40-foot container gives you almost double the floor space. Interior space is about 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. It shines for large inventories, long items, and combined uses like storage plus a small shop area.
- Choose 20 feet for tight sites, frequent access, and moderate volume.
- Choose 40 feet for maximum volume, long materials, and growth room.
How to Decide in Five Straightforward Checks
1. Site and delivery room
- Plan on about 70 feet of clear, straight space for a 20-foot container during delivery.
- Plan on around 100 feet for a 40-foot container.
- Confirm firm, level ground. Check overhead clearance for trees and wires.
- If access is tight, a 20-foot unit is far more forgiving.
2. Volume and item length
- If you store long lumber, pipe, or equipment over 20 feet, a 40-foot container removes awkward diagonal loading.
- If your items are mixed sizes with frequent turnover, a 20-foot unit keeps walking distance short and organization simple.
3. Loading frequency and workflow
- Daily in-and-out access favors 20 feet. You reach everything faster.
- Weekly or seasonal access favors 40 feet if you need the space. Good shelving and aisle planning keep it efficient.
4. Budget and timeframe
- Rentals with MoCan Containers start at about $150 per month for 20-foot units and $190 per month for 40-foot units.
- If you only need a container for a few months, rent and right-size. If your needs are long term, compare rental cost with a purchase.
5. Future plans and modifications
- If you want a workshop corner or plan to add doors and electrical later, a 40-foot unit gives breathing room.
- If you expect to relocate the container often, a 20-foot unit is easier to move and place on new sites.
When a 20-Foot Container Is the Better Fit
Pick 20 feet if you value flexibility, mobility, and quick access. It works well for:
- Residential storage during remodels or moves
- Small business inventory that turns over often
- Job sites with tight access or frequent relocations
- Farms and ranches that need compact storage near active areas
- Custom projects on smaller pads where door clearance is limited
You will appreciate the way a 20-foot unit fits in driveways, alleys, and tight corners. Shorter walkways also keep daily tasks moving fast.
When a 40-Foot Container Is the Smarter Move
Choose 40 feet if you want space to grow and room for long items. It is a strong choice for:
- Commercial inventory and warehouse overflow
- Large construction projects with palletized materials
- Agricultural equipment, feed, and seasonal storage
- Combined use conversions like storage plus a workbench or small office
- Long materials such as pipe, trusses, or steel sections
If you have the site space, a 40-foot container helps you avoid adding a second unit later.
New, Used, or Rental: Match Condition to Your Goals
- New “one-trip” containers
One-trip units arrive in excellent condition with minimal wear, intact seals, and strong paint. They look clean and offer maximum life.
- Used containers
Used units cost less and still provide secure, wind and watertight storage. You might see surface rust or dents, but the structure is sound if inspected well.
- Rentals
Rentals are ideal for projects, harvest seasons, relocations, and remodels. If your storage need might end within a set window, rent and keep options open.
MoCan Containers offers all three paths. Each unit is inspected for security, weather resistance, and durability. Containers are lockable, waterproof, and built to handle Montana’s climate.
Site Prep and Delivery Tips You Should Not Skip
- Measure clear space for delivery: about 70 feet for 20 feet, about 100 feet for 40 feet
- Confirm level ground and plan for door swing
- Check overhead clearance for lines and limbs
- Consider turning radius through gates and drives
- Decide door orientation in advance to match your workflow
- In winter, clear snow and ice to help traction and placement
MoCan Containers uses tilt-bed trailers and experienced drivers. Precise placement matters, and a skilled team reduces the risk of rework or site damage.
Why I Recommend MoCan Containers for Montana Buyers and Renters
You want a provider with deep inventory, honest condition grading, and delivery you can count on. MoCan Containers stands out for a few reasons that matter in real projects:
- Large local inventory across Billings and Bozeman, serving a wide Montana radius
- The option to inspect and select the exact unit you rent or buy
- Flexible rentals and competitive pricing for both 20-foot and 40-foot units
- Careful inspections for weather seals, structure, and security
- Professional placement on challenging sites with clear delivery guidance
- Custom modifications for workshops, offices, retail spaces, and more
Their setup works well for homeowners, businesses, contractors, farms, and ranches. If you want a smooth path from selection to placement, they make it straightforward.
The Bottom-Line Choice
- Pick a 20-foot container if your site is tight, access is frequent, or you plan to move it later.
- Pick a 40-foot container if you need maximum capacity, store long items, or want flexibility for future modifications.
If you are on the fence, start with a rental sized to your current need. Give yourself room to adjust. Then confirm space, delivery path, and door orientation before you schedule.
With a clear plan and a capable provider, you will make the right choice the first time and keep your project on track.
