--- title: "on-site storage: Definition and Meaning | NPSA" description: "On-site storage means keeping a portable storage container on the customer's own property, such as a driveway or a job site." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/on-site-storage publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Industry and products # on-site storage On-site storage means keeping a portable storage container on the customer's own property, such as a driveway or a job site. The provider delivers the container, the customer loads and locks it, and the container stays there until the customer wants it moved or picked up. ## Why it matters On-site storage suits home projects such as a kitchen remodel, a basement project or new floors. NPSA says the customer has access to the contents at any hour while the container sits on the property. It also saves trips to a fixed storage building and the work of loading a rental truck. Contractors use on-site containers for materials and tools. The main mistake is to skip the site check. The container needs level, firm ground, enough room for the truck to deliver it and, in some places, a permit or HOA approval. Ask the provider what they need before delivery day. [Read: On-site storage](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/portable-storage-on-site) Definition source: [npsa.org](https://www.npsa.org/portable-storage-on-site.html) ## Related terms [### off-site storage Off-site storage means keeping a portable storage container at the provider's facility instead of on the customer's property. The customer fills the container at home, the provider picks it up, and the container stays in a secure storage center until the customer asks for delivery.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/off-site-storage)[### storage center A storage center is a secure site where a portable storage company keeps customer containers off the customer's property. After a customer fills a container, the provider picks it up and stores it at the center until the customer wants it back or wants it moved.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/storage-center)[### site preparation Site preparation is the work done on a spot before a container arrives. It includes clearing the access path, checking overhead room, making the ground firm and fairly level, and sometimes adding a gravel or stone base. The goal is a safe drop and a unit that sits flat.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/site-preparation)[### level ground Level ground is a flat, firm surface without noticeable slope or dips. XCaliber Container advises that a site for a container should have level, firm ground free of pooling water and with few tree roots. Level ground helps placement and prevents tilting or sinking.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/level-ground)[### delivery access Delivery access is the space and route a truck needs to reach the drop spot. It includes the road, driveway, gates, turning room and overhead clearance. XCaliber Container gives a guide of about 10 feet of width on each side of the container and 13 feet of overhead clearance.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/delivery-access)[### portable storage container A portable storage container is a container made for rent or sale as movable storage. NPSA describes portable storage containers as ISO shipping containers retired from international shipping and offered on the domestic market. In practice the term also covers other portable units.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-storage-container) [All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits)