Dave,

I have found a cheaper source than what I first posted. Conex Containers
quoted me $2100 delivered to Grass Valley from Oakland. I talked to
Matt, phone is 800-216-1830. Surplus City, just mentioned in another
post, is closer, but they get a couple hundred more for the container
and delivery is $70/hour. Your distance from the source has a lot to do
with final price. A container is really ideal for me, and I just might
go with this. One reason I balked at containers at first was the cost of
moving. First place to give me a quote said another $800 to come back
and move it when I move. But I've since learned that a local tow company
can move a 20' unit on their rollback, for $150/hr. That would run maybe
$300 max for a local move, and I'd sure shop around come the day...

If I buy a trailer, when we move I can load it up and eliminate half a
dozen Uhaul trips G. But the trailer has to back in leaving the door
in the back yard and a 2' wide access path, kind of a pain in the ass.
Complicating things, a trailer can be had a lot cheaper than the
container. I've seen 50' trailers on ebay for $700, damn cheap storage
if one has the space.

BTW, there's a guy selling a CD on ebay that covers using containers for
temporary and permanent storage/building use. It's all stuff you can
learn for yourself of course, but if you value your time, it's worth the
$8 or so.

Jon