Boxman has a range of different containers available for self storage at our facilities in Nelson and Christchurch, although all the options may not be available due to previous occupancy. There are also options to buy a new container, buy a used container, or hire a container to store on your own premises.

The range of container sizes (by length) is shown below, along with its capacity in cubic meters and a rough indication of how much it holds in terms of household goods. If you need further help, please call us to discuss your container storage needs.

It all depends on how long you intend to use it for. 

If you intend to use the container for the medium to long-term, then purchasing is the sensible option. We consider this period to be about two years, because usually, once you have leased a container for this period of time you would have paid roughly the same as if you had purchased it outright. 

Your cash-flow is also a consideration, as are tax differences between asset ownership and hire/lease arrangements.  If the container is to be used for a short-term period, then we recommend hire/lease as the most cost effective solution.

Most containers have air vents to allow for air circulation which helps to eliminate or prevent condensation.  However, if your contents stored in the container are damp, or contain moisture, or you take moisture into the container on a rainy day then it is possible for the container to develop condensation issues.

This is the exception, not the norm though.  To assist with the protection of your stored items you can add a moisture collector into the container to absorb unwanted dampness. Ask our team about our Super Dry Absorbmatics

We can arrange finance terms, but it is going to be more cost effective for you to arrange this yourself with a bank or lending facility.

Self storage and hire containers are billed monthly in advance and are expected to be paid for at the beginning of the month of use.

All container sales are transacted on a 'cash before delivery' basis.

Yes in most situations we can make alterations or modifications to your shipping container. We prefer not to make physical changes to our self-storage and hire containers, however, we will gladly modify a container for sale. Have a look at our container modifications.

If you hire a shipping container from Boxman or use our container self storage facilities you can expect the container to be in very good to excellent condition - i.e. 'A Grade' or 'Food Grade'.

Sale containers range from 'C-' to 'A+' and 'Food grade' and are priced accordingly.

Yes, a small range of colour options may be available in stock for some new and used sale containers, and you can have your container painted although this will incur some additional cost. Boxman can paint your container any colour you like. Please click here to view a colour chart pdf showing just some of the colours available.

Yes, this is possible in some cases, but please contact us first to discuss your container and payment requirements.

Yes. All of our containers that are graded will be watertight, lockable and vermin proof

You can pay by credit card (Visa & Mastercard), EFTPOS or internet banking. We do not accept cheques.

If you use our self storage facilities then your contents are very secure. Your container will be locked by you, using your own padlock, so no one else can access it. Our self-storage containers are housed inside our fully fenced depots, which is locked outside of daylight hours and checked by a security firm.

If you have a container on your own site then we recommend the addition of lock boxes for extra security. All Boxman hire containers come with a lock box as standard, and they can be added to sale containers on request. Please refer to our container modifications

Yes, you can get insurance for storage of items in a container. Please contact your insurance company to explain your needs. 

Your previous history with that company, the location of the container and the length of time the goods will be stored will be factors your insurance company considers before issuing a policy.

Boxman can arrange container transport for you, and not only that, but we'll guarantee delivery. 

We will need to discuss site access, the time frame, weight (if moving a full container) and any special placement requirements. Using our considerable experience and transport networks we can arrange to have the container shipped to wherever you need it – whether local, domestic or international. 

Simply talk to one of team to take care of your container transportation requirements.

If the container is going to be static (remain in one place) then the answer is "no". If the container is going to be used domestically and/or internationally to transport goods then the answer is "yes". For further information, please refer to our article Shipping Container Transport and Certification, or talk to one of our team.

Containers are designed to sit on their four corner posts, so the only essential requirement is that the ground is firm and level so as to prevent twisting of the doors. 

If the container is going to remain in a static position for an extended period, we do recommend putting a paving sized block (concrete or treated timber) under each corner to allow for airflow under the container.

As you might expect, this will depend on the conditions it is exposed to, and the level of maintenance. As most containers are made using high quality corrosion resistant Corten Steel they will last a lot longer – some containers currently in static use are 30 years old. 

A new container, maintained once every 10-15 years, could be expected to last upwards of 50 years.