If you plan to rent a conex for a project in Montana, you want a clean plan before the truck arrives. I help people think through size, placement, and terms, and I stick to details that prevent delays and extra costs. The steps below reflect field logistics, vendor specs, and common missteps I see on jobsites and residential properties.

I will cover sizing, site prep, delivery, rental terms, security, budgeting, and vendor choice. Follow this playbook and you will protect your gear, keep your timeline tight, and avoid surprise fees.

Start With Your Use Case

Define the job first. That guides every choice after.

• Home projects: renovation storage, moving between houses, seasonal gear
• Business storage: overflow inventory, tools, documents
• Construction: secure staging for materials and equipment
• Agriculture: feed, seed, fencing, parts, implements
• Events: short-term back-of-house storage

Match the container to the largest items you plan to store, not just the average load.

Pick the Right Size and Condition

20-foot containers fit tight sites and most residential needs. Typical interior is about 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. Exterior measures about 20 feet long, 8 feet 6 inches high, and 8 feet wide. Doors measure about 7 feet 8 inches wide and 7 feet 5 inches high. Tare weight is about 4,920 pounds.

40-foot containers work better for bulk storage or larger equipment. Interior is about 39 feet 5 inches long, 8 feet 10 inches high, and 7 feet 8 inches wide. Exterior measures about 40 feet long, 9 feet 6 inches high, and 8 feet wide. Doors measure about 7 feet 8 inches wide and 8 feet 5 inches high. Tare weight is about 8,600 pounds. Some units may be standard height or high-cube, which changes interior height.

Choose condition by need and budget.

• New or one-trip: clean look, tighter seals, minimal wear
• Used: budget-friendly, sound structure, wind and water tight, cosmetic flaws only

MoCan Containers offers both 20-foot and 40-foot units in new and used condition. Their rentals start at $150 per month for 20-foot units and $190 per month for 40-foot units, which keeps costs clear at the planning stage.

Plan Your Site and Delivery

A good site makes delivery simple and protects the container.

• Clearance for tilt-bed delivery: about 70 feet for a 20-foot unit, about 100 feet for a 40-foot unit
• Path: firm, level, and clear of mud and snow; check turning room for the truck and trailer
• Overhead: verify height at gates, tree limbs, power lines, and eaves
• Base: compacted gravel or solid ground works for short-term; use timbers or blocks to lift doors above puddles
• Door swing: face doors toward the work area for safer access and better visibility
• Weather: plan delivery on a dry day if you can, and flag the drop zone

MoCan Containers uses tilt-bed trailers and places units where you want them. Drivers handle the set, and pickup is simple at the end of the term.

Understand Rental Terms

Short-term flexibility matters for projects that shift.

• Minimum term: many rentals start at one month
• Extensions: keep the unit longer if your project runs past the target date
• Billing: confirm monthly rate, delivery and pickup fees, and any relocation charges
• Condition policy: review cleanliness on return and any repair standards
• Insurance: ask what coverage you need for theft, damage, or site incidents

MoCan Containers supports short-term and long-term rentals and lets you adjust the plan if timelines change.

Security and Weather Protection

Containers protect your assets if you prep a few basics.

• Locks: high-security puck or shrouded padlock
• Door seals: check gaskets and hinges before delivery
• Venting: add vents or use desiccant packs to manage condensation
• Floor: keep pallets or dunnage under items that do not like moisture
• Inventory: place heavier gear low and against walls to reduce shift

MoCan’s units are wind and water tight. One-trip units give you the cleanest interior for sensitive goods.

Budgeting With a Clear Lens

Build a simple cost stack.

• Monthly rent: 20-foot from $150, 40-foot from $190
• Delivery and pickup: distance, road conditions, and placement affect this
• Accessories: locks, ramps, desiccant, and shelving
• Time: short-term jobs can extend, plan a cushion
• Compare rent vs buy: if you need a permanent shop or plan to modify, buying can make sense

Compliance and Neighbor Relations

Check local rules before delivery.

• Zoning and permits: some towns or counties require placement rules
• HOAs: verify setbacks, visibility, and time limits
• Utility locates: protect underground lines
• Property lines: confirm the container sits inside your boundary

A quick call and a site photo save headaches.

Why I Recommend MoCan Containers for Montana Needs

MoCan Containers is a locally owned, family-run Montana company founded in 2016, with yards in Billings and Bozeman. They keep a large inventory of 20-foot and 40-foot containers in both one-trip and used condition, which lets you choose the exact unit you want on site. That matters if you care about appearance, gasket condition, or door operation.

Their pricing is competitive and easy to understand, and they support both short-term and long-term rentals. They serve homeowners, ranchers, farms, contractors, and businesses. Professional drivers place units with tilt-bed trailers across the state and review delivery needs in advance. They also offer custom modifications and container moving services if your plan changes or grows.

If you need a dependable vendor in Montana, they should be on your shortlist.

Quick Pre-Delivery Checklist

• Confirm size and condition that match your load and site
• Measure the drop zone and delivery path
• Clear 70 feet for a 20-foot unit or 100 feet for a 40-foot unit
• Check overhead lines, trees, gates, and eaves
• Prep a level base with gravel, timbers, or blocks
• Mark door orientation and final position
• Share site photos and the pin drop with the dispatcher
• Have a high-security lock ready
• Verify permits and HOA rules if required
• Plan safe access during mud season or snowfall

How to Schedule Smoothly

1. Call and share your address, timeline, and a short list of what you will store.

2. Request photos of available units or visit the yard to pick your exact container.

3. Confirm monthly rate, delivery and pickup fees, and extension options.

4. Set a delivery window and a clear on-site contact.

5. Mark the drop zone and clear obstacles the day before delivery.

6. Meet the driver, verify placement, and test the doors.

7. Keep the path clear for pickup at the end of your term.

Renting a conex box is straightforward if you lock in the right size, prepare your site, and pick a reliable partner. With clear planning and a solid vendor like MoCan Containers, you get secure storage on your timeline without drama.