A 20ft storage container gives you roughly 160 square feet of lockable space, built on a steel frame that ships and stacks like the boxes you see on rail cars. In Ankeny, most renters use one for jobsite tools, seasonal inventory, or a move that needs a pause button. Monthly rates for the size class run $100 to $250.
A standard 20ft unit runs about 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet tall on the outside, with a bit less clearance once you're inside past the door frame and corner posts. Empty, a steel container this size weighs in the neighborhood of 5,000 pounds, though exact weight varies by manufacturer and floor type. That matters if you're placing one on soft ground near a construction site in Ankeny, because the weight sits on four corner castings, not spread evenly. If you're also running a temporary fence rental around the container for security, plan pad space for both. Cold storage versions, insulated and often refrigerated, weigh more once the cooling unit and lining are added, and they cost more to rent than a standard dry box. If you need a bigger footprint instead, look at a 40ft storage container for comparison, or check general storage container rental options before you commit to a size.
Pricing depends on length of rental and whether delivery is bundled in. Here's what the range looks like for the month-to-month rate most renters choose:
| Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| 20ft storage container, monthly | $100 to $250 |
| Delivery fee, one-time | $120 to $420 (month-term delivery) |
Delivery pricing depends on distance and site access, and it's a separate line from the monthly rate, so ask for both numbers up front through storage container rental cost before you sign anything. If you're comparing against a mobile setup, a mobile office trailer rental prices differently because it includes built-out interior space, not just steel walls. Some jobs pair a container with a 20ft storage container-sized dumpster footprint nearby; if debris hauling is part of your project, a 10 yard dumpster rental or 20 yard dumpster rental fits most cleanup jobs without crowding the container pad.
Yes, some 20ft units come mounted on a trailer chassis so they roll in like a flatbed load and don't need a separate delivery truck maneuver. That's a different setup than a static ground-drop container, and it changes what clearance you need on site. A roll-off style delivery, similar in principle, needs about 60 feet of straight clearance behind the truck to land safely, and the same rule of thumb applies to container trailers backing into a tight Ankeny lot. If your access is narrow, walk the site with your provider before delivery day. For jobsites running power tools or lighting off the container, a temporary power pole or light tower rental can round out the setup, and if the crew needs restrooms while the container sits on site, a construction site services package or a porta john rental covers that separately.
Renters near Johnston, about 10.2 miles southwest of Ankeny, often run the same container size for both home renovation storage and short-term business overflow, so sizing isn't just a construction question. Check porta potty rental in Ankeny or service areas if you're coordinating multiple equipment drops across one job.
Most rentals run month to month, with no fixed ceiling on renewals as long as you give notice. Short-term rentals under a month are harder to find at the same rate, since pricing is built around the monthly band. Ask your provider directly about week-to-week terms if your project timeline is still moving.
Placement rules depend on where the container sits, especially near a right of way or on unpermitted ground. This needs confirming directly with the City of Ankeny before delivery. Check porta potty permit requirements for the general permitting conversation, since siting rules often overlap across equipment types.
Standard steel containers are built to shipping specifications and handle rain and snow well when the door seals are intact. Cold storage units add insulation and, sometimes, active cooling, which is a different rental tier. Ask about door gasket condition on any used unit before you sign.
A 20ft unit gives about half the floor space of a 40ft storage container, roughly 160 square feet versus double that. Weight, delivery clearance, and monthly cost scale up with the larger size. Most single-crew jobsites in Ankeny do fine with the 20ft option.
Yes, but the ground needs to be level and firm enough to support corner-casting weight without shifting. Soft or sloped ground can cause the container doors to bind over time. A quick site walk with your delivery driver settles this before the truck ever shows up.
Yes. Ankeny Porta Pros delivers 20ft storage container across Ankeny and the surrounding metro, with same-day and next-day drop-off available on most orders.
Pricing depends on the unit and how long you need it. See our cost breakdown and request a free quote for an exact figure.
Standard rentals include scheduled service — a pump-out, a clean, a restock and fresh deodorizer. Busy or hot-weather sites can be serviced more often.
Call now or request a free quote — clean units, on-time delivery, transparent pricing.
