When COVID-19 turned the world upside down, a lot of organizations found themselves scrambling for space. Hospitals ran out of room for supplies, businesses needed extra offices, and government agencies were tasked with setting up facilities almost overnight. That’s where portable storage containers proved their worth.

They weren’t just boxes with doors. These containers became lifelines, places to keep essential items, flexible mobile offices, even restrooms and sanitation stations. Because they’re modular and transportable, they could be dropped into almost any environment and quickly set up to meet new demands. One week they might be holding medical equipment in Oklahoma City, the next they could be serving as a mobile testing facility in Phoenix or Baltimore. The adaptability was unmatched, and that’s why so many industries leaned on them.

Benefits of Mobile Offices During the Pandemic

Let’s be honest, traditional offices didn’t stand a chance during the pandemic. With distancing rules, shutdowns, and the shift to remote work, companies needed options that didn’t involve months of construction. Mobile office containers became the quick fix that actually worked.

You could rent or buy one, have it delivered to a site, and within a few days it was up and running. Some were basic setups with four walls and power, while others had lighting, furniture, doors, and even restrooms built in. The flexibility was the real draw. Companies could create safe environments for staff and adapt as guidelines changed.

And the demand was huge. By 2020, about 35% of companies had turned to mobile offices to keep their operations going. That number alone tells you how critical they were.

Types of Portable Storage Units

Not every container was used the same way. Some acted as storage, some as offices, and others as sanitation hubs.

• Shipping containers were the go-to for secure storage. They kept equipment, furniture, and supplies safe with durable walls and doors that locked tight.

• Office containers were more specialized, outfitted with lighting, partitions, and the basics needed for a functioning workspace.

• Restroom and sanitation units gave organizations the ability to expand hygiene facilities, which was non-negotiable during the pandemic.

• Custom builds existed too. If a facility needed climate control, signage, or even extra security measures, those could be added.

It’s no surprise demand shot up. In fact, portable storage unit use jumped by 47.2% during 2020, reflecting just how quickly businesses recognized their value.

Designing Temporary Mobile Offices

One of the coolest things about these containers was how customizable they were. If you just needed four walls and some basic lighting, that was possible. If you needed a full-scale office with partitions, restrooms, and climate control, that was on the table too.

Healthcare facilities often added hygiene stations and extra doors to manage access. Government agencies leaned on modular partitions and secure walls for sensitive operations. Businesses wanted furniture, power, and sometimes even signage to keep things organized.

The point is, there wasn’t one “standard” mobile office. Each container could be adapted to the situation at hand. And during a crisis like COVID-19, that kind of flexibility was worth its weight in gold.

COVID-19 Compliance and Safety Measures

Portable storage wasn’t just about convenience; it was about safety. Units were often built out with sanitation areas, modular walls for distancing, and access points that reduced contact between groups of people.

Healthcare facilities leaned on them heavily. Nearly 28% of hospitals and clinics expanded their storage capacity with portable units during the peak months of the pandemic. Extra space meant they could store PPE, medical equipment, and essentials without cluttering up critical areas.

The adaptability also meant compliance wasn’t a guessing game. If guidelines changed, which happened often, facilities could reconfigure their setup without starting over. That’s something permanent buildings couldn’t match.

Cost Analysis of Portable Storage Options

Here’s where portable storage really stood out: cost. Building new space during the pandemic wasn’t realistic. Between delays, labor shortages, and the sheer expense, it just wasn’t happening. Portable storage, on the other hand, was budget-friendly and fast.

Renting was the most common choice for short-term needs. Monthly rates were often just a fraction of what permanent construction would cost, and organizations could return the unit when the project wrapped up. For long-term needs, purchasing made sense. Businesses that knew they’d keep using containers for future projects often invested in buying, and many got quotes tailored to their exact situation.

The numbers speak for themselves. More than 85% of businesses said portable storage improved their operational efficiency during the pandemic. It wasn’t just about saving money; it was about saving time, reducing stress, and keeping things moving.

The Impact of Portable Storage During COVID-19

Looking back, it’s clear just how much portable storage mattered. Over 60,000 units were deployed across industries during COVID-19. That’s everything from extra hospital storage to mobile government offices to sanitation facilities in communities that needed them most.

And it wasn’t just the scale, it was the efficiency. Portable storage gave organizations the ability to move quickly. Businesses stayed open, healthcare facilities stayed supplied, and government agencies had the infrastructure they needed to manage emergencies.

In a time when nothing felt stable, portable storage provided some stability. That’s why many companies still see these solutions as part of their long-term strategy, not just a quick fix during the pandemic.

FAQ: Portable Storage and Mobile Office Solutions During COVID-19

1. What portable storage solutions were available for COVID-19?
Organizations could choose from standard shipping containers, office containers, and sanitation units. Each one served a different purpose, from storing supplies to creating safe workspaces.

2. How did temporary mobile offices work during the pandemic?
They were shipping containers converted into modular offices. With lighting, restrooms, walls, and sanitation setups, they gave businesses and agencies a way to keep working while following distancing rules.

3. What sizes do portable storage units come in?
Common sizes ranged from 10-foot units for compact needs to 40-foot shipping containers for larger projects. Some providers even offered custom sizes or configurations.

4. Are there climate-controlled portable storage options?
Yes. Climate-controlled units were available and used heavily by healthcare facilities and companies with sensitive equipment or perishable supplies.

5. How much did portable storage units cost?
It varied. Rentals were the most budget-friendly for short-term projects, while buying made more sense for long-term use. Costs depended on size, customization, and location.

6. What companies offered mobile office solutions for COVID-19?
Both national and regional portable storage providers offered these solutions. Many operated in high-demand areas like Texas, Oklahoma, Phoenix, Baltimore, Oakland, and South Carolina.

7. Could you customize a temporary mobile office layout?
Absolutely. Customization was one of the biggest advantages. Layouts could include partitions, sanitation areas, lighting, restrooms, or furniture depending on the project.

8. How long could you rent a portable storage solution?
Rental timelines were flexible. Some lasted a few weeks, others several months. Most companies allowed extensions if projects ran longer than expected.

9. What were the delivery options for portable storage units?
Containers were delivered by truck and placed directly at a facility, job site, or driveway. If needed, they could be relocated to another location without much hassle.

10. Were there health guidelines for using mobile offices during COVID-19?
Yes. Most mobile offices were outfitted to follow CDC and local guidelines. That meant sanitation setups, distancing partitions, and layouts designed to reduce contact.

Let us help with your COVID-19 response

Whether you need additional workspace to increase operations, or you require a private area to perform COVID-19 screenings, we're here to help.

If you'd like to see more about the specific examples of some of the suggested uses for our buildings, visit our Pandemic Preparedness page. 

Also remember that you can always reach your regular point of contact at SiteBox by calling their direct line, or 855-SITEBOX, or visit SiteBox Storage. 

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