Call: (802) 242-2022
Call: 617-387-2070

Storage FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Renting a portable storage container is an excellent option if you need short-term storage or a temporary solution during a move, renovation, or project. It gives you flexibility without a long-term commitment or upfront investment. You can easily adjust the rental period based on your needs, and the container can be delivered right to your location for convenient access. Renting also means you don’t have to worry about maintenance, repairs, or finding permanent space to keep the container once you’re done using it.

Capitol Storage are your single-stop resource for all of your portable storage needs. Whether you are looking to buy a container for your business or home, our representatives are here to assist you in finding the container that fits your needs. We have a wide range of containers to choose from and can deliver to our service area within 24 hours of order processing. We’re also proud to have an amazing team of storage professionals who will give you the best customer service experience possible from start to finish

Capitol Storage’s portable storage containers are designed to be weather-resistant and are able to stand up to any climate or weather conditions. These airtight and watertight containers will protect your materials, tools, inventory, or household belongings from the elements while being stored outside. To reduce the risk of moisture build-up or to keep your container additionally shielded from weather conditions, we also recommend storing your container under an overhang or shelter. 

Regardless of what type of material or items you’re storing in your container, it’s important to know that your container is made of only the highest quality materials that will keep your items safe. Portable storage containers are most commonly constructed from steel, aluminum, wood, polymer, or a combination of these materials to ensure the containers’ durability. Capitol Storage’s containers are constructed with high-grade steel to ensure your items receive reinforced, reliable protection against theft or the elements. 

Portable storage containers serve a variety of residential and commercial uses. From moving and on-site household storage for seasonal items or just decluttering your home or office to construction site storage, agricultural storage, medical storage, and more, these containers can serve any household or industrial need. The following portable storage container uses include:  

  • Construction site storage for raw materials, equipment, tools & more 
  • Agricultural storage for farming equipment, fertilizers, materials & harvested goods 
  • Disaster recovery storage for distributing aid or for use as mobile clinics 
  • Retail inventory storage or pop-up retail storefronts 
  • Storing household items, including seasonal & recreational equipment 
  • Home renovations & remodeling 
  • Moving 
  • Decluttering & downsizing 
  • Vehicle, boat & snowmobile storage 
  • Hunting gear storage 

Capitol Storage offers a wide range of portable shipping containers to fit every residential or commercial need. From our 20’ standard container to the 45’ high-cube or double-door model, we have the container size and type to fit your requirements. 

Portable storage containers are equipped with secure, lockable doors to ensure the safety and security of their stored contents. However, for extra peace of mind, you can also buy additional locks to fit the locking mechanisms on your containers. 

Capitol Storage prides itself on our fast, efficient delivery service. Within 24 hours of your order being placed, we can deliver your container anywhere in our service areas in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Our containers can be placed almost anywhere on a flat, stable outdoor surface that’s free from any obstructions or clutter. Before making your purchase, measure your desired area to ensure there’s enough room for the container of your desired size, and ensure there’s enough clearance for our truck and driver to maneuver your container into your spot. 

After making your purchase, a representative from Capitol Storage will contact you to arrange for the delivery of your container. We’re proud to be able to deliver most containers within 24 hours of purchase processing. 

Packing and loading your portable storage container properly will depend on what kind of materials or goods you’re storing in it. For residential or moving use, pack your items in boxes or plastic totes, store like items with like, and arrange things with the heaviest items on the bottom of your container. For tools or equipment, keep the items you need most often at the front of your container for easy access. Never stack items or boxes on unstable bases or at unsafe heights, as this can increase the risk of injury.  

Depending on your container’s use, you may or may not need a permit for your portable storage container. Examples of instances where you will require a permit for your portable shipping container include: 

  • Keeping your container stored on your residential property 
  • Placing your container in a city or a highly-populated area 
  • Placing your container near highly trafficked areas, government buildings, or schools 

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you’ll need a permit for your container, you can always consult with Capitol Storage as we guide you through the container purchasing process. Before buying your container, you should also contact your local government office to determine if you’ll need a permit, as many municipalities/counties/cities have different policies depending on your location and your container’s use.   

Containers are referred to my many names with the frequent ones being: Intermodal Container, ISO Container, Cargo Container, Freight Container, Sea Can, C-Can, Container Van, Conex Box, CONEX, Marine Container, Portable Storage Container, and Shipping container.  We provide the type of containers you would see on a cargo ship.

We offer 10’ containers, 20’ standard, 40’ standard and 40’ High Cube containers.

If there is something you’re interested in which isn’t shown on the site, please reach out.  We may be able to help you.

 Yes, we have referral partners in other areas which we do not service and for products or services we don’t provide.  
 
We also have a growing network of industry related partners offering complimentary services such as: offsite self-storage, waste removal, junk removal, repairs, dumpster rentals, etc.  Ask if you’d like to join our network.  We love partnering with other local businesses!
 

We service MA, southern NH and RI.

We offer both contents insurance for your belongings and a separate damage waiver for the container itself, through our partner, Storage Protectors.
 

 Yes, we offer accessories such as locks, ramps, shelves, lights and more.  If you need something you don’t see on our site, please ask.  We can likely get it to you quickly and we do ship accessories elsewhere within the US.

We offer monthly and annual rates but require a 3 month minimum.  There is no maximum and we have many customers who have been renting for over 40 years.  We pride ourselves on flexibility.  If you have a unique situation or requirement we will try to accommodate.  

1 year guarantee for all new and WWT containers.
 

If you have any issues, we will come to inspect.  If the unit needs to be repaired due to normal wear and tear we will repair at no charge or swap out if it can’t be repaired to your satisfaction.

Request a quote using our online form, call (617) 387-2070 or email info@capitol.storage.

A minimum of 3 months – the rest is up to you…

Once you have returned your signed lease agreement, we can schedule a date that works for you, which can often be within 48 hours depending on the circumstances.

Call us or email to schedule a pickup and we will stop billing.

You can keep your container anywhere there’s a firm, relatively flat surface. Containers are commonly placed on grass, dirt, asphalt, gravel and concrete. If they are on soft ground such as grass or dirt, the container should be place on beam or corner blocks.  

Let us know! We offer bulk pricing.

They require very little maintenance, which is one of the reasons that they are so great. You may need to touch up the paint from time to time, and oil the door hinges, but for the most part they are very, very low maintenance.

You should not store contaminated, explosive, flammable, hazardous, illegal or toxic items. Wet items are also discouraged, especially if the container will not be opened frequently, as this could increase the risk of mold.  The unit should also filled in a way that allows air flow around the contents.
Used containers are usually about 10 years old, but with a new paint job they can be in like new condition. While 10 years old may seem like a long time, containers can last up to 60 years or more.  Depending on your specific needs the older containers can be a great value, particularly if you can do your own repairs or modifications.  We have containers ranging from one-trip (new) containers to 50+ year old.

About 60’ of space is required to deliver a 20’ container and about 120′ of space for a 40’ container.  You will need 10′ of width to fit the truck and 13’6″ of height clearance and up to 16′ where the container will be tilted off the truck.  We will visit the site in advance if  it’s likely to be a challenging delivery.  

You will be emailed an invoice monthly on your rental date or you can enroll in autopay. Your first payment will include first month rent and pickup/delivery charge.   You can pay online with a credit card eCheck, ACH or mail a check each month.

You just need to make sure that there is clearance for the delivery truck and that there is a dry, firm and flat surface to keep the container.