Shipping Container Hire in Australia: A Complete Guide to Renting Containers for Storage

Renting a Shipping Container in Australia? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Finding enough space to store your items—especially during a renovation, relocation, or decluttering project—can be challenging.

Shipping containers make for an excellent answer to most storage conundrums, but buying your own could be a bit cost-prohibitive for situations like a minor remodeling project or a move. Instead, it might make sense to rent your next shipping container and return it once you've finished using it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full container rental process in Australia — from planning and delivery to site prep, features, and return options — so you can hire the right container with total confidence.

Planning: Get Ahead to Stay on Track

Before renting a shipping container, take time to check local regulations, the duration of your rental, and access to your site. Councils may require permits, especially in residential or urban zones, while rural properties often need fewer approvals.

Ensure you plan ahead based on the type and size of container, placement site, and intended use.

Q: Do I need a council permit to rent a shipping container in Australia?
A: In many urban areas, yes. You may need a permit from your local council if the container will stay on-site for more than a few days. Rural areas often have fewer restrictions.

Permits and Regulations

Property zoning can come into play, depending on your location and the length of time you intend to keep your shipping container on your property. City and municipal permits could affect you if you are within regional boundaries.

Keep in mind that rural areas are much less likely to demand the use of a permit to place a container on your property for any reasonable stretch of time. If you live in a rural community and the container you choose to rent is well-maintained (not an eyesore), then you may be able to make do without one.

Q: What happens if I don’t get a permit for my container?
A: You may face council fines or be required to remove the container at your own cost. Always check local zoning rules first.

Delivery and Pickup Pricing

Shipping containers are designed to be transported safely and easily on relatively common vehicles, so finding a service that is well-equipped to help you pick yours up from a shipping yard and place it securely on your property should not be much of a hassle.

It helps to get in contact with your delivery service provider of choice early on in the planning stage of renting your container so that they have time to ready their equipment and plan out a route before your container has arrived.

Container Sizes and What They Mean

Size matters when it comes to shipping containers. Smaller containers will cost you less across the board as they are easier to transport and take up very little space. However, if you anticipate needing a lot of room to store your belongings, larger shipping containers could prove to be ideal.

A standard 20ft shipping container can carry up to 20 metric tons of weight safely, but you might not need all of that space unless you are planning a move, etc.

Container Features: Choose What You Need

Getting the right shipping container for your needs involves picking a model with the right features. Precisely what you need depends on the items you intend to store and the amount of time you expect they will be in the container.

You should also consider whether or not your container will need to be shipped somewhere else when you're finished loading it up and what type of journey it will need to make (land, sea or air).

Shipping containers of all types are available at CBOX, including special varieties outfitted for hazardous chemicals, perishable goods and more.

Q: Can I store chemicals or food in a rented container?
A: Yes — but only in specialised containers designed for hazardous goods or refrigerated storage. Speak to your rental provider about your needs.

Preparing Your Site for Delivery

Before your shipping container arrives, you should take some time to prepare the space you intend to place it in.

Containers are designed for use in a variety of conditions and are tough enough to withstand a bit of rough treatment, but unstable foundations and insufficient space can make for quite a headache once your container has been dropped off.

Muddy areas may need to be packed down or amended with suitable material to provide a stable foundation for your container. Ensure there is enough space for the truck that is carrying it to reach your chosen location as well.

Renting a Shipping Container: Step-by-Step

The rental process for shipping containers starts with the selection of an appropriate leasing plan.

You can choose from a variety of leasing options with CBOX, from fixed-term agreements and as-needed options to long-term and finance leases. The latter allows you to purchase your rented shipping container outright after a given term and once all the payments have been made.

Once you have determined which leasing option works best for you, a delivery plan can be arranged.

Q: How long can I rent a shipping container for?
A: From a few days to several months or even years. You can choose short- or long-term hire, depending on your project needs.

Delivery and Setup

With your chosen spot prepared for the perfect container to arrive, the next step is to have it delivered to your property and set in place. Once it has been set down on your property, take a moment to make sure it is level and all of the doors are functioning properly.

Q: Do I need to be home for delivery?
A: Yes, it’s recommended. Being onsite helps guide placement and ensures your container is delivered exactly where you want it.

Using Your Shipping Container for Storage

With your container in place, you can open it up and store your belongings inside. Depending on the type of container you have chosen, you may have access to shelving inside. If not, you can arrange items as you see fit.

Q: Can I access my stored items anytime?
A: Yes — as long as the container is on your property, you can access your belongings 24/7.

Container Pickup and Return

Once your container is full or you have finished using it, you can arrange to have it picked up and taken away. Depending on your location, you may be able to send shipping containers that you're done using to a nearby pickup location to simplify the return process.

Renting the perfect shipping container can make temporary self-storage, moving and more a breeze. By hiring your container from CBOX, you can be sure you're getting the best there is.

Q: Do I need to clean the container before return?
A: Yes — containers should be emptied and returned in reasonable condition. Extra cleaning fees may apply if it's left dirty or damaged.

Reach out to us today to learn more about the shipping container rental process and how we can help you handle it.