When most people think of storage, they picture the classic roll-up-door unit inside a long row of buildings. But over the last few years, shipping-container storage has become one of the fastest-growing storage solutions in Western Canada — and for good reasons.
In Grande Prairie, homeowners, renters, contractors, and businesses are discovering that container storage is stronger, safer, cleaner, and often more affordable than traditional storage units.
At Cans N Boxes Storage, we’ve seen the shift firsthand. Here’s why container storage is becoming the smarter choice for anyone looking to keep their belongings secure all year round.
Grande Prairie sees drastic temperature swings, heavy snow, and harsh winds. Traditional storage buildings aren’t always designed for this kind of punishment — but shipping containers are literally engineered to survive:
Ocean storms
Saltwater corrosion
Long-term global transport
Containers are made from CORTEN steel, meaning they resist rust and hold structural integrity for decades.
For customers storing furniture, tools, business equipment, seasonal items, or renovation materials, this durability matters. A sealed steel box simply performs better in northern Alberta winters.
Bottom line:
If it can handle the Pacific Ocean, it can handle Grande Prairie.
Security is the #1 concern for most renters, and this is where containers shine.
Hidden, welded-steel lock boxes (protects your padlock from bolt cutters)
Solid steel doors instead of thin roll-up doors
Naturally tamper-resistant design
No exposed latches or pry points
At Cans N Boxes, we combine container security with:
gated access
cameras
motion lighting
on-site monitoring
The result?
A storage setup that is extremely difficult to break into compared to traditional drive-up units.
One of the biggest frustrations with indoor storage is navigating:
long hallways
tight corners
elevators
small loading bays
With container storage, you drive right up to the door.
This is a huge advantage for:
contractors
homeowners doing renos
people moving in/out
anyone with large or heavy items
Spend less time hauling your stuff and more time actually getting things done.
Traditional storage buildings often deal with gaps, drafts, mice, and dust — especially older facilities.
Shipping containers are naturally:
When placed on leveled gravel with venting, containers maintain a surprisingly stable interior environment.
Many customers store:
household goods
tools
inventory
personal items
vehicles
business supplies
…with fewer worries about rodents or dust compared to older roll-up units.
Traditional storage facilities often have:
higher construction costs
more overhead
heating and lighting systems
building maintenance costs
Those expenses get passed directly into monthly rental prices.
Container storage avoids all of that — providing premium security at a lower cost.
In Grande Prairie’s competitive market, this means renters get more space for less money, without sacrificing security or convenience.
Because containers are so versatile, we see a balance of both personal and commercial renters.
Homeowners:
moving between homes
renovation storage
decluttering
seasonal gear storage
Businesses & Contractors:
tools and equipment
inventory overflow
temporary project storage
construction materials
job-site prep
document or small equipment storage
If you can store it in a traditional unit, you can store it in a container — usually with fewer headaches.
Most people don’t realize how much a container can hold until they see one.
Great for homes, home renos, tool storage, and seasonal items.
Ideal for contractors, businesses, and people storing multiple rooms worth of furniture or equipment.
If you’re unsure what size you need, our team will walk you through what fits best.
Traditional storage often requires paperwork, scheduling, and office visits.
At Cans N Boxes:
move-ins are fast
everything can be done online or by phone
access instructions are sent immediately
no waiting for office hours
This is especially useful for contractors who need storage today, not next week.
People choose Cans N Boxes because container storage delivers:
For many customers, once they try a container, they never go back to traditional storage units again.
Whether you’re moving, renovating, or running a business, our secure container storage yard has the space you need.
👉 Book a unit in minutes
👉 Affordable monthly rates
👉 24/7 secure access
👉 Drive-up convenience
Click below to see unit availability and pricing: