If you’re in the market for a portable office in 2025, buying used can be one of the smartest business decisions you make—if you know what to look for. I’ve spent the last 12 years helping clients across Texas navigate the world of modular and mobile office spaces, and let me tell you: used units can save you a lot of money without sacrificing quality—but only if you buy the right one from the right source.
Whether you need a jobsite office, a sales trailer, or temporary space while your building is under construction, I’m going to walk you through how to find the best deals on used portable offices this year—without getting burned.
Why Buy a Used Portable Office?
Before we dive into how to find the best deals, let’s talk about why used is often the better choice.
Buying used can:
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Cut your costs by 30–50% compared to new units
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Help you get up and running faster (no wait on custom builds)
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Give you access to upgraded features at a lower price
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Offer flexible delivery and setup options
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Hold resale value well if properly maintained
And in 2025, with continued demand for flexible workspace and rising construction costs, the used portable office market is stronger than ever.
Step 1: Know What You Need Before You Shop
This is where I see buyers make the biggest mistake—shopping around without a clear plan. Before you look at a single listing, define your:
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Size requirements (e.g., 8×20, 10×40, double-wide, etc.)
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Number of occupants
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Planned duration of use (temporary or permanent?)
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Site access and setup needs
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Electric, HVAC, and restroom requirements
Having a clear scope saves you from buying more than you need—or worse, not enough.
Step 2: Choose the Right Dealer
Not all portable office dealers are created equal.
Look for sellers who:
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Specialize in commercial modular buildings
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Offer inspected and refurbished used units
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Can provide photos, specs, and floor plans
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Offer delivery, setup, and permitting support
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Have customer reviews and references available
In Texas, we’ve worked with dozens of clients who came to us after buying from a general auction site or private seller—only to find out the trailer needed $10,000 in repairs or didn’t meet code.
Stick with professionals who know the regulations in your area and can guarantee code-compliant, job-ready buildings.
Step 3: Inspect What You Expect
If possible, visit the unit in person before buying. If you can’t, request detailed photos and ask specific questions:
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How old is the unit?
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Has it been relocated multiple times?
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Are there signs of roof or floor damage?
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Does the HVAC system work properly?
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Are all electrical, plumbing, and lighting systems operational?
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Is the structure up to local code (especially wind load, ADA, and fire safety)?
Buying sight-unseen without this info is like buying a used car without popping the hood.
Step 4: Compare Apples to Apples
When comparing used portable office deals, don’t just look at the sticker price. Ask what’s included in the cost:
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Delivery and setup?
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Steps, ramps, or skirting?
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Electrical tie-in or permits?
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Interior furnishings (desks, shelving, partitions)?
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Clean-out or refurbishment?
A low-priced unit may seem like a steal—until you factor in $5,000 in additional costs. Ask for line-item estimates and weigh the total cost of ownership.
Step 5: Consider Renting to Own or Lease-to-Purchase
If budget is tight but you want the benefits of ownership, many companies—including mine—offer rent-to-own options or flexible leasing that allows you to apply part of your monthly payment toward a future purchase.
This can be a great option if:
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You need to deploy fast
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You’re not 100% sure how long you’ll need the space
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You want to test the setup before committing long-term
Ask your dealer about available financing or lease-back programs that may help you secure a unit at today’s pricing, even if you can’t buy it outright.
Bonus Tip: Shop Seasonally for the Best Inventory
The best time to shop for used portable offices is typically late winter to early spring, when construction projects start ramping up and older inventory gets rotated out. That said, in high-demand markets like Texas, availability shifts fast—so if you see a good deal, act quickly.
Understanding the Types of Used Portable Offices Available
Not all portable offices are built the same—and if you’re shopping used, it’s important to know the differences between unit types so you can match the right one to your project or business needs.
Here are a few common types you’ll see on the market:
Single-Wide Office Trailers
These are the most common and most budget-friendly option for small to mid-size jobsites. Typically measuring 8 to 12 feet wide and 20 to 60 feet long, single-wides are great for:
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Construction site supervisors
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Small field offices
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Temporary real estate or sales offices
Used single-wide trailers are widely available and easy to deliver and install, making them ideal for short-term or mobile operations.
Double-Wide Modular Offices
Need more space? Double-wides are essentially two single-wide trailers joined together to create a larger interior footprint. They can be customized with interior walls, meeting rooms, break areas, or restrooms.
These are ideal for:
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Multi-department teams
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Long-term project management
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Temporary school administration buildings
Because of their size, they may require a bit more setup effort and permitting, but you’ll often find excellent deals on gently used double-wide units.
Portable Office & Storage Combos
For contractors and trades that need space to work and store equipment, combination units offer a smart two-in-one solution. These trailers come with a standard office space in the front and lockable storage space or tool rooms in the rear.
Used combo units are perfect for:
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Utility crews
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Landscaping businesses
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Service and repair companies
These models can be harder to find used, but when they show up, they’re worth acting on fast.
Restroom-Equipped Trailers
Some used portable offices include built-in restrooms or break areas—ideal for remote jobsites or areas without easy access to plumbing.
Ask your dealer whether the unit comes with:
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Water and sewer hookups
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Fresh and gray water tanks
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ADA-compliant restroom options
If your site requires sanitation facilities, buying a restroom-equipped unit used can be far more affordable than setting up external restrooms or leasing one separately.
Final Thoughts: Used Units, New Opportunities
Used portable offices offer a smart, affordable, and fast solution for businesses that need space now—without waiting months or breaking the bank. But like anything else in construction, you need to work with people who know what they’re doing.
At US Construction Trailers, we help clients find high-quality, code-compliant used portable offices that are ready to roll—whether you need one unit or twenty. We’ll walk you through specs, pricing, setup, and even local compliance so you can make a confident decision.
If you’re ready to stop overpaying for temporary space and start getting more from your budget, I’d be glad to help.
About the Author
I’m James Holloway, a Texas A&M University graduate with a degree in Construction Engineering and the owner of a successful prefab office building company in Texas. For the past 12 years, I’ve helped businesses across the state create efficient, compliant, and cost-effective portable office solutions that work as hard as they do. As a contributor to US Construction Trailers, I focus on helping business owners make smart investments in modular space.
