By: James Meehan

Resembling the large PODs (Portable on Demand containers) that homeowners use when they are packing slowly to move, portable storage containers can provide a cost effective solution for businesses to keep records and inventory. Weather-ready, these containers are used year-round (even in snow) and can save thousands of dollars for companies who can avoid the hassle of having to rent or construct new space.

Most businesses choose the 20-foot containers because they are designed to give easy access to items that might be stored in the back of the container. Larger portable storage containers (40 feet) give a lot more space, but may have to be customized with built-in doors in order to be able to access items in the rear of the container. Made with grooves for forklifts, the containers are easily stackable.

Businesses that tend to use these containers do so with several purposes in mind. Department stores and retail outlets store inventory overflow, papers, or holiday decorations. Construction companies house equipment and items for temporary office space. Homeowners have used them as tool sheds or to keep non-perishable food items. Medical facilities and government agencies have even used them to store disaster relief supplies and temporary shelters.

The design of portable storage containers is quite heavy-duty. The sides, doors, and roofs are made of corrugated steel, and the marine-grade plywood floors inside of them can handle up to 16,000 pounds of pressure. To guard against theft, most containers have interior locking bars on swing-out doors that resemble the designs of bank vaults.

If you plan to keep your portable storage containers longer than a few months, it is important to check with your city or local governments to be sure you are not violating any zoning laws. After a certain period of time, some cities consider portable storage containers dumpsters and require a permit for you to keep them.