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Standard vs High-Cube Container – Key Differences at a Glance When you’re renting a shipping container, size matters—but it’s not just about length. Height plays a huge role in how you use the space inside, and that’s where the standard vs high-cube container decision comes in. You might’ve seen “high-cube” listed next to 20’ or 40’ containers and wondered what the real difference is. Simply put: standard containers are 8’6” tall, while high-cubes are 9’6”—giving you an extra foot of vertical space for storage, mobility, and custom setups. We’ve got you covered—here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the right fit for your project. What’s the Actual Size Difference? Let’s start with the numbers: Standard Container Height: ~8’6” tall (exterior) High-Cube Container Height: ~9’6” tall (exterior) So, you’re getting about one extra foot of vertical space with a high-cube. Doesn’t sound like much? It can make a big difference. Why the Extra Height in a High-Cube Container Matters That extra foot can mean the difference between: Stacking two pallets vs. three Standing up tall shelving vs. laying it down Comfortably walking inside your mobile workspace vs. ducking your head If you plan to maximize vertical space, store oversized equipment, or even convert a container into an office or workspace, the high-cube option is often the smarter choice. When to Choose a Standard Container Go with a standard 8’6” unit if: You’re storing small to medium items like tools, boxes, seasonal inventory The container will be used short-term and doesn’t require interior walk-through space You’re dealing with low clearance areas (under power lines, trees, tight alleyways) Budget is tight and you don’t need the extra foot Pro Tip: Standard containers are slightly more affordable to rent and deliver—especially in tight urban areas. When to Choose a High-Cube Container High-cube containers are ideal for: Tall equipment (like racking systems, industrial gear, or oversized furniture) Jobsites where you’ll frequently walk in/out of the unit Conversions into mobile offices, pop-ups, or workshops Customers who want more cubic footage without upgrading to a longer container They’re especially helpful when floor space is limited but you still need storage volume. A Real Example from Our Customers: We had a customer in Philadelphia converting a 20’ container into a mobile bike repair station. The standard height made it hard for techs to stand comfortably inside. Swapping to a 20’ high-cube gave them extra headroom and space to install wall-mounted tools—problem solved. What About Availability? Both standard and high-cube containers are available in 20’ and 40’ sizes, but high-cubes are slightly less common and may require extra scheduling notice in certain regions. Not sure what’s available near you? Contact us and we’ll walk you through local stock and options. Final Thoughts The difference between a standard and high-cube container might seem small, but it can make a big impact—on space, comfort, efficiency, and budget. If you’re still unsure, start by figuring out what’s going inside, how often you’ll access it, and where it’s going to sit. 👉 Need help choosing a size overall—not just the height?Check out our partner Eagle Leasing’s excellent breakdown:Container Rental Guide: What Size Is Right? Or just give us a call. We’ll give you the honest answer—no up-sell, no pressure.

Shipping containers are a staple on construction sites, but construction container rental mistakes—like choosing the wrong size, ignoring site prep, or mishandling access—can lead to costly delays, safety hazards, or frustrated crews. Whether you’re managing a jobsite or overseeing a large-scale renovation, avoiding these five common mistakes will keep your project running on time and under budget. ❌ 1. Not Measuring Your Jobsite for Container Delivery Why it’s a problem: Many construction teams underestimate the space and clearance needed for delivery trucks and container placement—especially on tight urban sites or rugged terrain. What to do instead: Measure the delivery path and staging area—remember, a 40ft container needs around 100 feet of straight clearance. Look out for common site hazards: loose gravel, unstable slopes, scaffolding, overhanging power lines, etc. Confirm whether access is drive-in or crane-lift, depending on site conditions. ❌ 2. Choosing the Wrong Container for Your Construction Site Why it’s a problem: Choosing a container that’s too small leaves your team disorganized, with tools and supplies left unsecured. Oversizing adds unnecessary rental costs. What to do instead: Take inventory of what needs to be stored: job boxes, scaffolding, power tools, PPE, compressors, etc. For most construction sites: A 20ft container is ideal for tools, ladders, and basic supplies. A 40ft container is better for bulky items, staging long-term materials, or sharing across crews. Pro Tip: If your crew expands mid-project, it’s easier to add a second container than repack a single overloaded one. Trouble deciding what size to choose? Click here ❌ 3. Not Preparing the Site for Heavy Equipment Why it’s a problem: Containers placed on uneven, muddy, or sloped ground can shift, sink, or block access—a major safety risk on active jobsites. What to do instead: Prepare a level, compacted surface: gravel pads, concrete, or steel plates work well. Avoid placing containers too close to excavation zones or moving machinery paths. Elevate containers slightly to avoid water pooling or frozen door seals in cold months. Pro Tip: Use 4x4s, concrete blocks, or crane mats to improve ventilation and accessibility beneath the container. ❌ 4. Poor Planning for Daily Access Needs Why it’s a problem: Crews waste valuable time when frequently used items are buried in the back of the container—or worse, multiple teams are waiting for the same single access point. What to do instead: Zone the container interior: fast-access items like PPE and hand tools should be near the door; bulk storage or infrequent items in back. Label shelves and boxes to minimize dig-through time. Consider double-door or side-access containers if multiple crews will access it simultaneously. Pro Tip: On larger sites, dedicate one container for tools and another for materials to streamline crew access. ❌ 5. Overlooking Permits or Local Placement Rules Why it’s a problem: Even on commercial jobsites, local zoning laws or building codes may restrict container placement or duration—especially in city projects or government contracts. What to do instead: Check city codes, general contractor guidelines, or client requirements. Get written approval before staging containers on sidewalks, easements, or shared property lines. Ask your vendor if they can provide support documents for permit applications. Pro Tip: Some municipalities require permits only for longer than 30-day rentals—know the threshold ahead of time. ✅ Bonus: Choose a Container Partner That Understands Construction Working with a container provider who understands construction container rental mistakes can save you time, money, and jobsite stress. At Rent-A-Container, we’ve supported: Commercial builders Infrastructure contractors Demolition teams Event crews and remodelers We’ll recommend the right container setup, deliver on your schedule, and help your team avoid costly mistakes. 📞 Get Jobsite-Ready Storage With No Guesswork From site prep to right-size planning, we’ve got your back.👉 Contact Rent-A-Container today for a quote and expert guidance.

If you’ve ever considered using a shipping container for storage, you’re not alone. Many suburban homeowners are turning to shipping containers as a cost-effective and durable solution for extra storage space. Whether you’re storing furniture during a home renovation, keeping seasonal equipment safe, or just looking for a long-term storage solution, knowing how to properly load and unload your container is essential. Here are a few shipping container storage tips for homeowners and business owners alike! Preparing for the Shipping Container Process   Choosing the Right Location   Before you even think about loading your container, make sure you have the right spot for it. Find a Level Surface: A shipping container needs to sit on a stable and level surface to prevent shifting or tilting over time. Concrete, gravel, or a compacted dirt pad are good options. Consider Drainage: Avoid placing your container in a low-lying area where water could collect. A slightly elevated spot will help prevent moisture buildup inside. Check Local Regulations: Some suburban neighborhoods have restrictions on shipping containers. Before you bring one onto your property, check zoning laws and HOA guidelines. Gathering Necessary Equipment Loading and unloading heavy or bulky items requires the right tools. Here’s what you should have on hand (also offered by RAC) Dollies and Hand Trucks: Essential for moving large items like furniture and appliances. Ramps: If your container is elevated, a sturdy ramp will make loading and unloading much easier. Ratchet Straps and Tie-Downs: Keep your items from shifting inside the container. Protective Gear: Gloves, steel-toe boots, and back support belts can help prevent injuries. Loading Tips for Maximum Storage Efficiency Plan Your Layout Before You Start The key to an easy-to-access container is good organization. Think of your container as a puzzle—placing items in the right order will make a huge difference. Load Heavy Items First: Start with the largest and heaviest items, like furniture and appliances. Position them along the back and sides of the container to create a stable base. Stack Vertically but Safely: Use sturdy boxes and pallets to stack items up to maximize space. Be sure to leave space for air circulation. Keep Frequently Needed Items Near the Door: If you’ll need access to certain items before others, keep them towards the front of the container for easy retrieval. Use Shelving and Pallets: If you plan to store items long-term, adding shelves or using pallets to keep things off the ground can help prevent moisture damage. Securing Items to Prevent Shifting during and after loading A shipping container can experience temperature changes and slight movement due to ground settling, which can cause stacked items to shift. Secure your belongings properly using these shipping container storage tips when loading and unloading: Use Ratchet Straps: Tie down heavy items to prevent movement. Fill Empty Spaces: Use blankets, foam, or other padding to fill in gaps between items and minimize shifting. Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, furniture pads, or blankets to protect delicate items. Unloading Tips to Ensure Safety Check for Any Shifted Items Before Opening If your container has been sitting for a while, there’s a chance that items may have shifted. Before opening the doors, tap on them gently to check for pressure buildup or anything pressing against them. Open the doors slowly to prevent anything from falling out unexpectedly. Unload in a Controlled Manner Remove Straps and Bracing First: Start by taking off any ratchet straps or tie-downs before moving large items. Work from Front to Back: Take out items in reverse order of how they were loaded, working from front to back to avoid creating unstable stacks. Use a Dolly or Hand Truck for Heavy Items: This will save your back and prevent potential injuries. Get Help if Needed: Some items may be too heavy to handle alone. Having a friend or family member assist can make the process smoother and safer. Special Tips for Long-Term Storage Weather-Proofing and Moisture Control If you’re planning to store items for an extended period, moisture and temperature fluctuations can be a concern. Here’s how to protect your belongings: Use Moisture Absorbers: Placing silica gel packs or moisture absorbers inside the container can help prevent mold and mildew. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Shipping containers can get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Adding vents or using a dehumidifier can help regulate moisture levels. Cover Items with Tarps or Plastic Wrap: This adds an extra layer of protection against dust and moisture. Common Mistakes to Avoid Even with the best planning, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for: Overloading the Container: Keep weight evenly distributed and don’t exceed the container’s weight capacity. Ignoring Safety Gear: Always use gloves, proper footwear, and lifting techniques to prevent injury. Stacking Items Too High Without Support: Tall stacks can collapse, causing damage or injury. Use shelving or stabilizers. Forgetting to Label Boxes: Clearly mark boxes so you can find what you need quickly later on. Not Checking Local Regulations: If your neighborhood has restrictions on shipping containers, you don’t want to find out after it’s already delivered!   Conclusion Using a shipping container for storage can be a fantastic solution for suburban homeowners, offering ample space and security for your belongings. By following these shipping container storage tips, you can ensure your items stay safe, organized, and easily accessible when you need them. A little planning goes a long way—take the time to set up your container properly, and you’ll thank yourself later. Have you used a shipping container for storage before? I’d love to hear your experience and any additional tips you might have! Looking for the right container option? Click here to check out Rent-A-Container.