Mobile storage units typically cost $100-$250 per month to rent, plus delivery and pickup, while buying a new unit can cost $2,000-$6,000 or more. Mobile storage unit prices depend mainly on container size, rental duration, delivery distance, condition, and whether the unit stays on-site or goes to a storage facility.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly rental | $100 | $175 | $250 | Common residential sizes, before delivery |
| Delivery and pickup | $150 | $300 | $600 | Combined trip fees; distance and access affect price |
| New unit purchase | $2,000 | $3,800 | $6,000+ | Size, construction, and features vary |
| Off-site storage | $75 | $150 | $300 | Monthly facility charge, often in addition to rental |
What a 12- to 16-foot mobile storage unit costs
A typical 12-foot unit rents for about $120-$180 per month, and a 16-foot unit for roughly $150-$220. A one-month rental with local delivery and pickup commonly totals $300-$550; three months can bring the total to $550-$1,000, depending on transport charges and any facility storage.
For a standard household move, budgeting $500-$900 for a 16-foot unit used for two months is a reasonable starting point. These figures assume a weather-resistant container, ordinary driveway access, and local delivery. A basic 8-foot unit may rent for $100-$150 monthly, while larger or specialty units can exceed $250 monthly.
Assumptions: Typical U.S. metro-area rates, standard container condition, local transport, and no unusual site preparation.
How delivery, rental, and storage appear on the quote
Providers may bundle transportation into a flat rate or bill delivery and pickup separately. The quote should identify the monthly rental charge, minimum rental term, transportation, facility storage if needed, and fees for extending or ending service.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly rental | $100 | $175 | $250 | Container size and term |
| Delivery and pickup | $150 | $300 | $600 | Mileage, access, and number of trips |
| Off-site storage | $75/mo | $150/mo | $300/mo | Facility and container size |
| Lock or supplies | $15 | $35 | $75 | Lock type, blankets, or packing materials |
| Purchase price | $2,000 | $3,800 | $6,000+ | Size, condition, and construction |
Transportation can be a major share of a short rental, so request the complete in-and-out delivery price before comparing monthly rates. Some companies charge extra for redelivery, repositioning, or a pickup requested outside the standard service area.
When labor is billed separately, a crew may charge $75-$125 per hour, often with a minimum visit. Most residential deliveries do not include loading or unloading labor.
How container size, distance, and access raise the price
Size affects both the rental rate and the number of containers required. An 8-foot unit can suit a small room or limited overflow; a 12-foot unit holds more furnishings, while a 16-foot unit is a common choice for larger household contents. Confirm the provider’s usable interior dimensions, not only its exterior length.
Each extra transport leg or difficult placement can add more than a month of basic rental. A delivery beyond roughly 25-50 miles may add $2-$5 per mile or trigger a zone surcharge. Narrow driveways, steep grades, low branches, and limited truck turning space can require a smaller unit or an additional trip, adding about $75-$300 or more.
Rental length is another threshold: a minimum term of one month is common, and partial months may be charged as full months. Ask whether the billing date resets on delivery day and whether extending by a week costs a prorated amount or another full month.
Cut mobile storage costs by controlling the rental term
Estimate loading and unloading dates before delivery and reserve only the time needed. A unit kept for an extra month at $150-$220 can cost more than choosing a slightly larger container for a shorter period. Packing before delivery and scheduling pickup promptly can also avoid extension charges.
Compare the total price for the same size, dates, and service arrangement—not just the advertised monthly rate. Ask whether delivery, pickup, a lock, and facility storage are included. For an on-site container, confirm that the parking location is ready and that the truck can place it without a return visit.
Use the smallest size that fits without unsafe overpacking, but check the provider’s capacity guidance first. If storing items off-site, ask whether a facility charge replaces or adds to the monthly container rental; the distinction can change the total substantially.
Why mobile storage prices differ by U.S. region
Local labor, fuel, facility costs, and provider competition produce different quotes. In dense urban markets, total delivery and pickup fees may run 15%-30% above a comparable suburban quote, especially when truck access or parking is difficult. Rural customers may pay 10%-25% more when the service area is distant from the provider’s depot.
Regional differences apply to the complete job, not necessarily the listed monthly rent alone. A low monthly rate can be offset by long-distance transport, while a nearby provider with a higher rental charge may deliver a lower all-in price. Request a written quote using the property ZIP code and exact service dates.
Three sample mobile storage quotes by job size
A one-month small-apartment job might use an 8-foot unit at $125, with $225 for delivery and pickup and $25 for a lock, totaling about $375. This assumes local placement and no off-site storage.
A two-month move using a 16-foot unit could cost $360 in rent, $300 for transport, and $40 for supplies, for about $700. If the container goes to a storage facility for both months at $150 monthly, the total rises to about $1,000.
A longer renovation project can make purchase worth comparing with rental. For example, six months in a 16-foot unit at $175 monthly plus $300 transport totals about $1,350 before storage fees. A used unit priced at $2,000-$3,500 may cost more upfront but can make sense if it will be reused or resold; include delivery, site space, and maintenance in that comparison.
When buying beats renting a mobile storage container
Rental is generally more practical for a move, temporary renovation, or short-term overflow because the provider handles pickup and the customer avoids resale. Buying can be economical for recurring storage, long projects, or business use when a suitable permanent site is available.
Compare the ownership price with all rental months, transport, and eventual resale—not simply the purchase price against one monthly charge. New units commonly cost $2,000-$6,000 or more, while used prices vary with condition, size, and delivery distance. Check for floor damage, door operation, leaks, and included warranty before paying.
Extra charges to check before container delivery
Ask about minimum rental periods, cancellation fees, redelivery, fuel or mileage surcharges, and charges for a missed pickup. Some providers require a clear, level surface and may refuse delivery if overhead clearance or truck access is inadequate. Site preparation can cost $50-$300 when leveling or protective blocks are needed.
Get the quote in writing with the delivery address, container size, rental dates, access assumptions, and every fee listed. Confirm whether taxes are extra and whether damage protection is included or optional. If a company stores the unit at its facility, verify the monthly rate and whether retrieving belongings requires an appointment or additional transport charge.