FAQs

What customers ask us most

• How can I tell what is going to fit in a 20' storage container?

  Household goods
  Enough for a one or two-bedroom apartment, such as furniture, lamps, tables, chairs, and smaller items
  
  Vehicles
  A small to medium-sized vehicle, or two small cars if they are partially overlapped and suspended with straps
  
  Pallets
  Around 10 standard pallets or 12 Euro pallets
  
  Other items
  14,400 bottles of wine, 800 flat screen TVs, 1,000 deck chairs, 25 3-seater sofas, 23 wardrobes, 46 armchairs, 58 washing machines or dishwashers, 19 dining room tables and chairs, 21 fridge freezers, 116 microwaves, 46 bookcases, 193 bikes, 12 double beds, and 19 single beds
  
  A 20-foot container has a total volume of approximately 33 cubic meters (1,172 cubic feet). For tall items like pipes, machinery, and vehicles, a high-cube unit with about 1 ft./ 0.4 m additional height is available.

• Are containers effected by condensation?

  Our containers are raised 4 inches off the ground to help with air circulation. They have 1.25 inch wood floors to help too. All containers have multiple vents, some of our new ones even have 8 vents. The containers do not get hot in the summer because of their ventilation design.

• How old is a used shipping container?

  Speaking generally the shipping lines release shipping containers for re-sale after they have been written down on their books for about ten years. So a container straight out of shipping will likely be at least ten years old.

• Do I need planning permission to place an mobile container?

  Shipping containers are categorized as temporary relocatable buildings and for many applications they do not need planning permission. However, if they are to be placed in a sensitive area or are to be in an location long-term, then planning permission may be required. Planning authorities always say that it is best to enquire if permission is required.

• How secure are shipping containers?

  Shipping containers are made secure by fitting a lock to the doors. There are a number of ways to do this; the simplest is to put a padlock through the customs tag hole in the right hand door handle. For better security is it best to fit a steel hasp (also known as a locking box) across the joint in the two doors at about chest height. A hasp is basically a steel shroud that covers a lock and makes it difficult to tamper with. A universal locking box will accommodate most types of padlock but it is also possible to fit a specific locking box to fit some locks only. With one of these types of lock fitted a container can only be broken into with heavy duty equipment such as burning or grinding gear and then it will take time and make a lot of noise. We have people that live onsite that would hear something and alert us.

• What payments do you accept?

  We accept cash, credit, venmo, paypal, ach, wire transfers, money orders and checks

• Can I see my invoices online?

  Yes, you will be able to login to our freshbooks accounting software to view and pay any and all invoices.

• What sizes of containers are available for rent?

  Currently we are renting 8'x 10', 8'x 20' and 8'x 40' boxes for self storage. Currently we rent 8'x10' and 8'x20' for mobile use.

• How much does it cost to rent a container?

  Monthly cost is $75 for a 8'x10' highcube container.
  Monthly cost is $125 for a 8'x20' standard container.
  Monthly cost is $225 for a 8'x40' highcube container.

• What does a container cost to purchase?

  Because of changes in market, availability and other variables, Tibbetts Storage quotes specific prices daily. For more details, please give us a call or email us.

• How much room is needed for delivery?

  We need 40' of additional space for tilt-bed trucks, and 60' of extra space for roll-off trucks. Plan on having at least 10' of width to fit the truck and 13'6" of clearance height (when the container is tipped off the back, plan on a peak height of around 16').

• When can I access my storage container?

  Access to containers is available during daylight hours or evenings if pre-arranged. If late night access is needed, please call us to let us know.

• Do I need to leave a deposit?

  We only require first and last month’s payment to rent a container. We do most agreements on a month to month basis, but discounts can be given for long term rentals.

• What is the schedule of fees?

  Late fees: 4% after 5 days of non payment
  Request to cut a lock: $25
  Auction setup fee: $50
  Physical Invoice Mailing: $3 per month
  Overlock fee: $25
  Sweep out free: $25

• Is there a minimum or maximum amount of time to rent a storage unit?

  All of our rentals are on a month to month basis. So no maximums apply to the lease agreement. We do require a first and last month's payment up front with all lease agreements, thus we require a minimum of two months rental timeframes. Refunds will not be given to moving out of a unit before a two month term is up.

• Do you offer financing or have a lease / rent to own program to help with buying a shipping container?

  Yes! We offer lease-to-own options through our partner, ClickLease. This gives you the flexibility to get the equipment you need now and pay over time. The process is fast, easy, and doesn’t require perfect credit.

  Here’s how it works:

  1. Choose your equipment.
  2. Apply online with ClickLease — approvals typically take just minutes.
  3. Once approved, you can sign your lease and take possession of your equipment.
  4. At the end of your lease, you’ll have the option to own it outright.

  This is a great option for businesses that want to conserve cash flow or don’t qualify for traditional financing.

  Need help or have questions? Contact us anytime — we're happy to walk you through the process.