If you’re looking for secure, weatherproof storage without the wait or expense of new construction, a storage container for sale from Great Lakes Kwik Space is the fastest way to get there. We carry new and used containers in sizes from 10 feet to 53 feet, including standard dry, high-cube, double-door, and side-door configurations. Whether you’re outfitting a single backyard project or a full distribution yard, there’s a unit sized for the job.
Great Lakes Kwik Space has supplied Chicagoland businesses, contractors, and homeowners with shipping containers since 1990. Every container we sell is built from corrosion-resistant steel, inspected for wind- and watertightness, and ready for immediate use as storage for both short-term and long-term needs. Our team can help you match the right size and condition to your project and get it delivered fast, often within 24 hours.
A storage container is a steel shipping container that has been 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. This means that once they land on your property, they’re built to sit outdoors indefinitely with minimal maintenance.
Buying rather than renting makes the most sense once you know a container will stay on your property long-term, since ownership eliminates recurring rental fees and lets you customize the unit however your project requires: additional doors, windows, insulation, shelving, or electrical work, all without a landlord’s restrictions. It also means the container becomes an asset you can resell, relocate, or repurpose whenever your needs change.
What can you expect from the GLKS container? These features will allow you to get the best results possible from your unit:
“Our company has been using Kwik Space for years. Bob always accommodates our requests and has very quick response time.” — Greg G.
| Container Type | Ext. Length | Ext. Width | Ext. Height | Door Opening (W x H) | Cubic Capacity | Tare Weight | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10′ Standard Dry | 10′ | 8′ | 8’6″ | 7’8″ x 7’6″ | 563 cu ft | 2,870 lb | |
| 20′ Standard Dry | 20′ | 8′ | 8’6″ | 7’8″ x 7’5″ | 1,165 cu ft | 5,050 lb | 62,150 lb |
| 40′ Standard Dry | 40′ | 8′ | 8’6″ | 7’8″ x 7’5″ | 2,350 cu ft | 8,000 lb | 59,200 lb |
| 40′ High Cube | 40′ | 8′ | 9’6″ | 7’8″ x 8’5 1/2″ | 2,694 cu ft | 8,775 lb | 58,425 lb |
| 45′ High Cube | 45′ | 8′ | 9’6″ | 7’8″ x 8’5 1/2″ | 3,043 cu ft | 9,810 lb | 62,990 lb |
| 48′ High Cube | 48′ | 8’6″ | 9’6″ | 8’2″ x 8’6″ | 3,454 cu ft | 10,850 lb | 56,350 lb |
| 53′ High Cube | 53′ | 8’6″ | 9’6″ | 7’10” x 8’10” | 3,857 cu ft | 11,110 lb | 58,425 lb |
“I purchased a 40′ used container from Rob and from start to finish it was a 5 star transaction. Rob was always very honest and upfront about everything and took the time to explain everything I needed. It is hard to find companies that are honest and great service like Kwik space was. I would 100% recommend them for anyone looking at purchasing a shipping container.” — K W
Storage containers can meet the varied needs of businesses and households due to their versatile nature. These uses stand out as some of the best options for container usage.
General contractors and specialty trades use containers to lock up tools, materials, and equipment overnight, cutting down on theft and weather damage. A container can move from site to site as one project wraps and the next begins, which is often cheaper than renting a job-box or 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 let you install taller shelving than a standard container allows, so you’re not sacrificing capacity just because the unit sits outside the building.
Seasonal retailers and online sellers often need somewhere to stage inventory ahead of a peak sales period. A container gives you enough floor space to organize stock by SKU, 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 procurement cost compared to permanent structures. A container can also be moved between properties as a district’s needs shift from year to year.
Whether the unit is for a whole-home renovation, a move between houses, or simply needing more room than a garage provides, homeowners 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 shell keeps rodents and moisture away from anything stored inside, and larger high-cube units accommodate equipment that needs to be parked upright.
New (one-trip) containers have typically made a single voyage carrying cargo before being sold for storage use. They show minimal wear, have no dents or rust, and come with 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 resale, 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 sold 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 so you can match the container’s condition to your budget and how long you plan to use it.
“Their customer service sets Great Lakes Kwik Storage apart. They took the time to understand our needs and offered options to meet those needs. I will use them again.” — Sterling M.
| Feature | 20-ft Standard | 40-ft Standard | 40-ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Height | 8′-6″ | 8′-6″ | 9′-6″ |
| Cubic Capacity | ~1,165 cu ft | ~2,350 cu ft | ~2,694 cu ft |
| Best For | Tight lots, smaller projects | Standard-height storage where floor space matters most | Maximum storage volume, tall shelving, bulk inventory |
| Typical Buyer | Homeowners, small businesses | General storage, moving, basic jobsite use | Warehouses, distributors, large contractors |
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 because you’re paying a modest premium for a significant jump in usable volume.
“I bought a 40 foot Grade A container in September of 2020, these guys are top notch…..from Sales to Delivery. And the price was the lowest in the area, Five stars highly recommend. — James S.
Great Lakes Kwik Space stands behind the containers we sell. New and refurbished units are inspected before delivery, and our team will walk you through exactly what condition your container is in before you commit to a purchase. Because container condition and pricing vary by unit and availability, we handle warranty terms on a container-by-container basis rather than a single blanket policy, so ask your sales rep for the specifics on the unit you’re considering.
We also work with customers to make ownership more accessible through flexible payment arrangements. Whether you’re a business looking to spread out a capital expense or an individual purchasing your first container, give our team a call, and we’ll walk through the options available for your purchase.
Great Lakes Kwik Space has been Chicagoland’s independently owned portable storage company 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 buying new, refurbished, or as-is.
We offer competitive rates on every container category, from one-trip 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.
As a Veteran-Owned Business and an NPSA member, we bring the same discipline and follow-through to every delivery, whether it’s a single container or a multi-unit order.
We’ve been serving contractors, businesses, and homeowners throughout the region for over 35 years, and our team can help you figure out which container size and condition actually fits 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 a condition and price range 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. There’s no obligation to request pricing, so if you’re considering extra storage space, now’s a good time to find out what it would cost.
Call 866.524.6603 or request your free quote online to get started on a storage container for sale in Chicagoland.
GLKS 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 buyers land in the 10 to 20-foot range, while commercial and industrial customers often need 40 feet or larger.
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.
Yes. 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.
Yes. You’re welcome to visit our yard by appointment and inspect available units in person before purchasing, and we can also provide detailed condition photos if an in-person visit isn’t practical.
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.”
