In New Zealand, it’s common to hire and buy shipping containers. Which is the right option comes down to timeframe, budget, and how fixed your storage requirements really are.
At Boxman, we help customers with this decision daily. In this guide, we lay out the facts so you can make a clear call.
What Hiring and Buying Actually Mean
Hiring a Shipping Container: Pros and Cons
Generally, hiring works well when there’s an end date. It becomes less attractive when that end date keeps moving.
Pros
- Lower upfront cost
- Easy to return when you’re finished
- Flexible if your storage requirements change
- Well suited to renovations, house moves, short projects, and seasonal business storage
Cons
- Costs continue for as long as the container stays on site
- Over time, hire fees can add up
- Return transport costs at the end of your lease term
- You don’t own anything at the end
How to Choose the Right Container Size for Hire
The trick is not to start with the container, but with what you’re storing.
Shipping container size | Dimensions (approx.) | Internal storage volume | Rough capacity guide |
10ft | 2.99m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H) | 15.9m³ | 30–35 large moving boxes |
20ft | 6.10m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H) | 33.1m³ | 65–75 large moving boxes 2-3 bedroom house |
40ft | 12.19m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H) | 67.7m³ | 130–150 large moving boxes 4-5+ bedroom house |
Where the Break-Even Point Is
The cost difference between hiring and buying isn’t so much about comparing weekly rates to purchase prices. It really comes down to how long you need the container for.
If you intend to use the container for the medium to long term, buying it is usually the more sensible option. As a general rule, once you’ve hired a container for around two years, you’ll typically have paid roughly the same as if you had purchased it outright.
In a nutshell, hiring usually makes sense for short timeframes, and buying becomes more cost-effective if storage becomes ongoing or permanent.
So, Should You Hire or Buy?
Hiring is usually the better option if:
- Your storage is short-term or uncertain
- You need flexibility
- You want to avoid a large upfront cost
Buying is usually the better option if:
- Your storage is long-term
- You expect to use the container for years
- You prefer a fixed cost rather than ongoing fees
Shipping Container Hire and Sales NZ
There isn’t a fixed right answer here. The most suitable option for you depends firstly on your timeframe and secondly on your budget.
At Boxman, we supply high-quality shipping containers for hire and a large range of shipping containers for sale. We also have self-storage and modification options available. Need help to work out the right next step? We’re here to help! Contact us today.
