A method is provided for replacing a permanent magnet of a generator of a wind turbine from a first position to a second position. A container is provided having a shell and an opening through the shell. The opening defines an open space for storing the permanent magnet. The open space is surrounded by the shell, and the shell having a thickness that provides that the permanent magnet does not come close enough to other magnetic material to exert significant force on it. The method involves placing the permanent magnet from the first position into the container, transporting the container with the permanent magnet to the second position, removing the permanent magnet from the container, and placing the permanent magnet in the second position.