Long associated with transporting goods across the world's oceans, shipping containers have always been understood as a means to move things from place to place. In recent years, however, shipping containers have changed their purpose from transport to storage solutions.
Whether you are in need of extra space for a business or you want to buy a shipping container and turn it into a private storage space next to your house, the fact that they can be used as great storage solutions has changed the game for many. They can be used as a makeshift workshop, they can be used as a store for personal belongings, but they are versatile, durable and a cheaper option than most other storage.
Before you go ahead and use one for storage yourself, there are some things that you have to keep in mind. We're going to take you through the benefits of using shipping containers for storage and what you should consider when you are choosing one.
The benefits of using shipping containers for storage
Durability
Shipping containers are made from high quality steel. They have been designed to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions, whether that be rain, snow or falling into an ocean. This makes them a reliable option for indoor and outdoor storage, which gives you much better options.
With a properly maintained shipping container it can last for decades and this is why they are often used in commercial and industrial applications for the long term. They have a robust construction and this ensures that your belongings will remain protected whether you are storing furniture, equipment or personal items.
They're secure
Security is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to any kind of storage, but shipping containers are built differently. They have stronger lockable doors and these are often reinforced with high security locks. This makes them resistant to theft.
Let's not also forget they're designed to be waterproof, so those doors are heavy and they will seal correctly. If you're storing anything sensitive or high value, you can install an alarm system or a security camera around the container so that you can safeguard your belongings further.
They're versatile
Shipping containers for a wide variety of reasons. They come in a range of sizes, from the smaller 10 foot units to a massive 40 foot container. This means that you can choose the right size based on your storage needs.
They can be used for residential storage, business storage, as a temporary workspace, and they can even be modified with ventilation systems, shelving, or insulation. It's all dependent on what you are using it for.
Cost-effective
When you compare shipping containers to other storage solutions, you gain an affordable option. Renting or buying a container is much less expensive than renting a storage unit from a commercial facility, and this is particularly the case if you need storage for the long term.
Once you've bought your container, the ongoing costs are minimal. You'll only really have to pay for maintenance and delivery so you get a high value solution without having to spend all of your money.
What to consider?
Shipping containers can offer numerous benefits, as we've just listed, but there are a few important things that you need to think about before you decide to get one.
What size do you need?
As we already mentioned, shipping containers come in a range of sizes. The smaller 10 foot containers are great for storing a small amount of goods such as seasonal equipment or a few pieces of furniture.
The 20 foot containers are one of the most popular sizes because they are mid range. These are great for small business needs, storing household items, or just personal storage in general.
The larger 40 foot containers provide you with ample space and are commonly used for larger scale storage. Industrial equipment can fit here as well as large personal belongings or even inventory for your store. You need to measure the space carefully before you make a purchase or rent so that you can ensure that it will fit comfortably where you need it to be.
Have you considered the delivery process?
When you buy it or rent a shipping container, the delivery process is as important a consideration. Our Units are delivered by crane-mounted lorry so we need to have clear access to the delivery location.
You have to make sure that the site where you plan to place a container is also clear of any obstacles and that you have enough space that you have pre measured before you bought or rented.
Have you prepared the site?
Before your container arrives, you need to prepare the location where it's going to be placed. You need to make sure that the ground is level so that you don't have to worry about any instability or potential damage to the container or the ground itself.
You have to think about drainage and whether or not rainwater is going to pool around the bottom of the container, which can be problematic. A concrete pad is usually recommended so that you have good drainage for around your container and nothing will flood. Is there decent access? You need to ensure that delivery trucks can reach your site, especially if you live in a rural area.
Using shipping containers for storage is effective and practical, whether you're a homeowner needing extra space or a business looking for secure and affordable storage.
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