If you’re looking for secure, weatherproof storage without the cost or delay of new construction, a portable storage container from Great Lakes Kwik Space can provide the fastest way to get there. We carry new and used containers in sizes from 10 feet to 53 feet in length, including standard dry, high-cube, double-door, and side-door configurations, available for both rent and purchase. Whether you’re outfitting a single backyard project or supporting a full distribution yard, we can provide a unit in the right size for the job.
Great Lakes Kwik Space has supplied Chicagoland businesses, contractors, and homeowners with portable storage since 1990. Every container in our fleet is built from corrosion-resistant steel, inspected for wind- and watertightness, and ready for immediate use as storage for short-term or long-term needs. Our team can help match the right size, condition, and rental or purchase terms to your project, with delivery often available within 24 hours.
“Just starting a shop project that will take 4 containers. We only had about a 60 hour windows to get the first one placed. It only took Rob and his team about 20 hours to get us one in perfect condition exactly squared up on our slab! Thanks guys, we’re getting ready for #2!” — Kevin C.
A portable storage container is a steel shipping container repurposed for on-site storage. These are the same units used in international ocean freight, engineered to be stacked, craned, and hauled without compromising structural integrity. Once a unit is delivered to your property, it’s built to sit outdoors indefinitely with minimal maintenance, whether it stays for a month or becomes a permanent fixture.
What can you expect from a GLKS container? These features help you get the best results from your unit:
| Container Type | Exterior Dimensions | Door Opening (W x H) | Cubic Capacity | Tare Weight | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10′ Standard Dry |
|
7’8″ x 7’6″ | 563 cu ft | 2,870 lb | ~ |
| 20′ Standard Dry |
|
7’8″ x 7’5″ | 1,165 cu ft | 5,050 lb | 62,150 lb |
| 40′ Standard Dry |
|
7’8″ x 7’5″ | 2,350 cu ft | 8,000 lb | 59,200 lb |
| 40′ High Cube |
|
7’8″ x 8’5 1/2″ | 2,694 cu ft | 8,775 lb | 58,425 lb |
| 45′ High Cube |
|
7’8″ x 8’5 1/2″ | 3,043 cu ft | 9,810 lb | 62,990 lb |
| 48′ High Cube |
|
8’2″ x 8’6″ | 3,454 cu ft | 10,850 lb | 56,350 lb |
| 53′ High Cube |
|
7’10” x 8’10” | 3,857 cu ft | 11,110 lb | 58,425 lb |
Portable storage units meet the varied needs of businesses and households due to their adaptable nature. These uses stand out as some of the most common reasons customers rent or buy.
General contractors and specialty trades use containers to lock up tools, materials, and equipment overnight, reducing the likelihood of theft and weather damage. A container can move from site to site as one project wraps and the next begins, which is often more cost-effective than renting a trailer for the same stretch of time.
When a warehouse runs out of racking space during a busy season, a container parked in the yard can absorb the overflow without requiring a lease expansion. High-cube units in particular allow for taller shelving than a standard container, allowing businesses not to sacrifice capacity just because the unit sits outside the building.
Seasonal retailers and online sellers often need somewhere to stage inventory ahead of peak sales periods. A container provides enough floor space to organize stock, build out simple shelving, and keep everything dry and secure until it’s ready to ship or move onto shelves.
Manufacturers use containers to hold raw materials, packaging, or finished goods close to the production floor without permanently expanding the building footprint. Because the containers are steel and weathertight, they hold up well even when placed directly against an exterior wall or loading dock.
Public entities use containers for equipment storage, seasonal supplies, and secure archives, often appreciating the lower cost compared to permanent structures. A container can also be moved between properties as a district’s needs shift from year to year.
Whether a resident is going through a whole-home renovation, a move between houses, or simply needing more room than a garage provides, they can use containers as secure, weatherproof storage that sits right on the property for as long as it’s needed.
Farms and rural properties use containers to store seasonal equipment, feed, or supplies. The steel exterior keeps rodents and moisture away from anything stored inside, and larger high-cube units accommodate equipment that needs to be parked upright.
Short-term and seasonal needs usually point toward renting. This option keeps upfront cost low, lets you return the unit once a project wraps, and gives you the flexibility to swap sizes if your needs change mid-project. Contractors moving between job sites and retailers managing a seasonal inventory spike are typical rental customers.
Buying typically makes more sense for long-term or permanent storage needs. Ownership eliminates recurring rental fees, allows full customization of the unit, and turns the container into an asset rather than an ongoing expense. Property owners with continuous storage needs, or businesses that have already rented a size and confirmed it works for their operation, are the most common buyers. If a container will realistically stay on your property longer than about a year, purchasing usually costs less over time than an extended rental.
New (one-trip) containers have typically made a single voyage carrying cargo before being made available for storage use. They show minimal wear, have no dents or rust, and offer the longest usable lifespan of any option. If you want a container that looks close to factory-new and plan to keep it for many years, a one-trip unit is usually worth the higher price tag.
Used and refurbished containers have completed multiple shipping cycles, usually 10 to 12 years. They show more visible wear but remain fully functional for storage purposes. Refurbished units go through inspection and repair before entering our fleet, so structural issues like holes or compromised doors are addressed before the container reaches you. These are a strong option if your budget is tighter or cosmetic condition isn’t a priority.
As-is and WWT (wind and watertight) containers sit at the lower end of the price range. As-is units are offered without guaranteed weatherproofing and are best suited for basic outdoor storage of items that can tolerate some exposure. WWT containers are inspected specifically to confirm they keep out wind and water, making them a reasonable budget option when cosmetic condition isn’t a top priority.
Great Lakes Kwik Space carries all four categories, available to rent or buy, so you can match the container’s condition to your budget and how long you plan to use it.
“Great Lakes Kwik Space is a good partner to have for storage container requirements. Very responsive, quality offerings, and reasonably priced. We will definitely continue to work with them.” — Katie M.
If floor space is your limiting factor and you don’t need extra vertical room, a standard container will save you some money. But if you’re trying to squeeze more storage out of the same footprint, a high-cube unit is usually the better long-term value, since you’re paying a modest premium for a significant jump in usable volume. Smaller 10′ and 20′ units suit residential projects and tight lots, while 40′ and larger containers fit warehouse, distribution, and large-scale jobsite use.
Most containers can be delivered within 24 hours of order confirmation, provided your site is ready. A level, firm surface, such as gravel, pavement, or compacted dirt, gives a container the most stable base, and clearing the delivery path of vehicles, debris, or low-hanging branches helps our trucks maneuver into place without delay.
Great Lakes Kwik Space stands behind every container we rent or sell. New and refurbished units are inspected before delivery, and our team walks you through the exact condition of your container before you commit. Because container condition and pricing vary by unit and availability, we handle terms on a container-by-container
basis rather than a single blanket policy, so ask your sales rep for specifics on the unit you’re considering.
“I have bought two containers from them and they have help moved them from yard to yard. Great people to work with. highly recommended.” — Kelly K.
Great Lakes Kwik Space has provided reliable portable storage to Chicagoland since 1990. A few things that set us apart:
All our containers are constructed with the strongest available materials and inspected before they leave our lot, whether you’re renting, buying new, buying refurbished, or buying as-is.
We offer competitive rates on every container category and rental term, from one-trip purchase units to budget-friendly as-is boxes, so you can find an option that fits your project instead of stretching your budget to fit the container.
Most containers are delivered within 24 hours of your order being confirmed, with our team handling placement on your site.
“Delivery is always on time. We have used Great lakes Kwik Space for a few years now and will continue to rely on their great customer job after job!” — Jeff W.
As a Veteran-Owned Business and an NPSA member, we bring the same commitment to excellence and discipline to every delivery, whether it’s a single container or a multi-unit order.
We’ve served contractors, businesses, and homeowners throughout the Chicago region for over 30 years, and our team can help you figure out which container size, condition, and rental or purchase terms actually fit your situation.
Running out of secure storage space is an easy problem to fix with the right container. Whether you need a compact 10-footer or a full 53-foot high cube, Great Lakes Kwik Space has a unit in the condition that fits your project.
Our team can walk you through current inventory, help you decide on the right size, and get a container delivered to your site, often within 24 hours. Call 866.524.6603 or request your free quote online to get started on portable storage in Chicagoland.
Great Lakes Kwik Space carries containers ranging from 10 feet up to 53 feet, including standard dry containers, high-cube units, double-door containers, and side-door configurations. Most residential customers land in the 10 to 20-foot range, while commercial and industrial customers often need 40 feet or larger.
It depends on how long you’ll need the space. Renting suits short-term or seasonal projects and keeps upfront costs low, while buying makes more sense for long-term or permanent storage, since ownership eliminates recurring fees and lets you fully customize the unit.
It depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the container. New one-trip containers cost more but arrive in near-pristine condition with the longest usable lifespan, while used containers cost less and still hold up well for job sites, temporary storage, or any situation where appearance matters less than function.
Customization is generally available for purchased containers rather than rentals. Common upgrades include additional doors and windows, insulation, shelving, electrical wiring, and climate control. Let our team know what you’re planning to use the container for, and we can recommend modifications that fit your budget.
In-stock containers typically deliver within a day or two, while units requiring custom modifications can take a couple of weeks depending on the work involved. We’ll confirm an exact delivery window once your order is placed.
Rob was always very honest and upfront about everything and took the time to explain everything I needed.
“highly recommended. They provided us with a great storage container with ontime services.”
“Bought a used container, its perfect, no leaks and in good condition.”
“Good service and prompt delivery. A great option for temporary storage at a decent price.”
