Shipping Containers for Storage: A Buyer's Guide
A practical buyer's guide to using shipping containers for storage in Saudi Arabia — choosing size and grade, keeping contents dry in the heat, security and what it costs to buy one.
Quick answer
For storage in Saudi Arabia, a Wind & Watertight used container is usually the best value — dry, lockable and secure. A 20FT used unit starts from around SAR 6,900 and a 40FT high cube from about SAR 9,800, before 15% VAT and delivery. Add vents and a lock box to control heat and theft.
Key takeaways
- Wind & Watertight used containers are the value sweet spot for ground-level storage.
- A 20FT holds roughly a 2-3 bedroom house of goods; a 40FT doubles it for far less than double the price.
- Vents and raising the unit off the ground control condensation and heat damage.
- A lock box over a heavy-duty padlock is the single best, cheapest security upgrade.
A shipping container is the most cost-effective secure storage you can buy. It is weatherproof, stackable, movable and — once paid for — costs nothing to keep, unlike rented self-storage. For sites, farms, workshops and businesses across Saudi Arabia it is the default answer to "where do we put all this?" This guide covers how to choose, protect and price a storage container.
Which size do you need?
Match the box to your volume. A 20FT holds roughly the contents of a two-to-three bedroom house or around 10 standard pallets; a 40FT roughly doubles that. Because a 40FT costs well under twice a 20FT, it is cheaper per cubic metre — see the 20FT vs 40FT comparison and the full container sizes guide for exact dimensions and pallet counts.
| Unit | Internal volume | Holds (approx.) | Used from (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20FT standard | ~33 m³ | 2-3 bedroom house / 10 pallets | 6,900 |
| 40FT standard | ~67 m³ | 4-5 bedroom house / 20 pallets | 9,200 |
| 40FT high cube | ~76 m³ | Bulky / tall goods, 20+ pallets | 9,800 |
Which grade for storage?
For storage you almost never need a certified shipping unit. A Wind & Watertight used container is dry, sound and lockable at the lowest sensible price — the value choice for a box that stays on the ground. Pay for Cargo Worthy only if you might ship it later, or One-Trip if appearance matters. Our container grades guide explains the difference in full.
Keeping contents dry in the Saudi climate
Heat and humidity swings cause condensation — "container rain" — that can damage stored goods. Three cheap measures fix it: fit vents on both sides for airflow, raise the container on timber or concrete so air moves underneath and water drains away, and add desiccant for sensitive items. For heat-sensitive stock, insulation or a reefer may be worth it — our guide to storing goods in the Saudi heat goes deeper.
Security
A container is already hard to break into, but the padlock is the weak point. The best upgrade is a lock box — a steel shroud welded over the door handles that hides the padlock from bolt cutters. Add a closed-shackle padlock and, for high-value stock, a lock bar. See our full guide to container security and locks.
Placement and delivery
Put the container on firm, level ground with a clear route for the delivery truck — a tilt-bed drops a single unit neatly, while tight or soft sites may need a side-loader. Our delivery and site preparation guide covers the ground work. We deliver storage units across Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam from our Eastern Province yard.
Tell us what you're storing and your city — we'll recommend a size and grade and quote it the same day.
Price a storage container
