Running a business comes with a host of challenges. Whether you have a construction company, a landscaping business or a retail store, you need solutions that save you time and money and allow you to focus on serving your client base. One of the ways you can help your business work smarter, not harder, is by using shipping containers as portable storage.
Why are shipping containers becoming popular as portable storage containers?
Shipping containers are becoming increasingly popular as solutions for all kinds of business needs. Repurposed storage containers have presented business owners and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to implement creative and innovative solutions from office space to portable storage.
Shipping containers are environmentally friendly because they are built to last and can be repurposed over and over. This makes shipping containers useful as portable storage due to their versatility and durability. Containers are available in several sizes and can be modified for a variety of purposes.
They are also an economical option compared to traditional commercial storage. Whether you have a construction company or a retail business, shipping containers can change the way you store your goods and get work done.
Reasons why portable storage shipping containers are a game changer for your business
1. Portable storage containers are cost-effective
Shipping containers can be rented at less than half the rate of a traditional storage unit, making them an extremely cost-effective storage solution for your business. You can currently rent a 10 or 20-foot container from Gateway from $24.50 per week, or a 40-foot container starting at $52.50 per week.
And, because you can rent your container on a monthly basis, you only pay for the time you need. If you want to purchase your own portable storage container instead of renting, you may be investing more initially but you’ll save even more over time.
2. Reduce inventory costs by keeping goods stored off-site
By storing your inventory in an offsite storage container, you can cut down on overhead costs by reducing the amount of space you’ll need to rent or lease in your permanent location. Storing backstock inventory and other materials offsite means you can take advantage of bulk pricing and reorder less often.
Refrigerated containers, insulated containers, high cubes, open-top containers and all kinds of custom solutions make it easy to store any items or materials that you use for your business.
3. Save space in warehouses and storerooms
By using a portable shipping container for storage, you can save a significant amount of space in your business’s permanent location and keep your goods organised. Instead of taking up valuable space in your shop, office, or storeroom, you can keep excess inventory and equipment in a portable storage container.
Store seasonal inventory and decor, backstock, tools, machinery, equipment, archived documents, and more with a portable shipping container.
4. Minimise downtime when storing goods away from premises
Portable storage containers can save you money and time. With a portable storage container, you can keep equipment at your worksite and reduce downtime and the cost of transporting your tools between your storage facility and worksite each day.
You can keep everything you need in secure storage on-site, and get straight to work. Keep your team moving so you can get things done with a quicker turnaround, accept more jobs, and grow your business.
5. They’re versatile and durable
Shipping containers are extremely versatile; their business uses are virtually limitless. There are so many ways to use shipping containers to enhance your business beyond storage alone. If your business involves travel or fieldwork, turn a modified shipping container into an office in the field. Or, use a shipping container as a training facility.
If you have a retail business, you can use a shipping container as a portable pop-up shop, enabling you to find new customers and take part in community events and festivals.
You can also take advantage of storage container versatility to house whatever your business uses. Store everything from heavy equipment to important documents and files. Refrigerated containers are available too.
Shipping containers are popular for short or long term storage because of their superior durability, and are built to withstand high winds and heavy rain. Your portable storage container will be weather-resistant, dry, safe, and vermin-proof. With proper modifications, your shipping container storage unit will be able to maintain temperature control and endure harsh weather conditions.
6. They’re easy to move around
One of the major benefits of shipping container storage units is the fact that they’re portable. If your business involves a lot of travel between different locations, or if you want the flexibility to relocate your business headquarters, shipping container storage units are a great solution.
Tips for storing your items in small portable storage containers
To get the most out of your portable storage container, carefully and properly store your items so that they will be safe and easily accessible.
When storing items in a shipping container, it’s important to keep everything organised. Start by making a plan for what you’ll store where and keep a list of everything that goes into the container in case you need to reference it later.
Use signs and labels to keep your goods organised and make it easy to find what you’re looking for. Use shelves and racks to make it easier to access smaller items and things kept in boxes.
Consider what kinds of modifications your container will need based on your environment and what kinds of items you plan to store. Gateway provides containers modified and ready for specific storage purposes, as well as Brisbane container self storage facilities.
For example, if you need to store important documents and archives, you can keep them safe and secure in a portable container outfitted with adjustable shelving, power and lighting, ventilation to keep out excess moisture, temperature control, and security lock boxes.
Likewise, if your company deals with flammable or potentially hazardous chemicals, you can keep them safe and secure in a storage container specifically equipped for flammable goods like paint, chemicals, or fuel. These containers will conform to local and national requirements regarding the storage and transport of flammable substances.
Finding the right shipping container
It is important to know how to choose the right shipping container for your needs. Shipping containers come in multiple sizes and in various conditions.
Standard sizes include 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot long options. All of these containers are 243.8cm (or 8 feet) wide and 259 cm (or 8.5 feet) high. A 20-foot container is a popular choice at Gateway; enough space to accommodate one or two people, or store one vehicle or possibly even small household’s worth of goods.
Mini and custom-built containers are also available. If you’re not sure what size you need, you can consult with the experienced team at Gateway to come up with the right container solution for your business.
It’s also important to get a container in the right condition. Shipping containers available for storage can be found in various states ranging from brand new to heavily used. At Gateway, containers are classed as “New” “A Grade” and “Cargo Worthy” to give buyers a specific and accurate description of their container’s condition.
New containers arrive directly from their manufacturer in Asia, and are often designated “one trip” or “one way” containers that have been loaded with cargo on their way to Australia. A-Grade containers have been used but are still in good condition and suitable for storage.
Cargo worthy containers, sometimes referred to as “as is,” are used and usually retain their wind and water resistance. They may have suffered some wear and tear and/or cosmetic damage. To make sure your items will be safe, a representative from Gateway can help you select the right container for your needs and your budget.
Contact Gateway to find your shipping container storage solution
The best way to ensure you get a high-quality container that meets your needs for a fair price is to buy from a reliable supplier. Gateway is one of a small number of companies who can purchase shipping containers directly from the shipping lines.
Gateway is a family run business with 21 years of proud history and experience, as well as a highly trained and experienced team. Not only can Gateway help you find the right container, the team can also perform all necessary modifications to make your container fit your needs. Gateway delivers container solutions for the mining sector, councils, events industry, construction, removals & transport and schools.
Businesses within the service area can contact Gateway Containers directly and inquire about buying or renting shipping containers for business storage purposes. Gateway offers self storage for hire at a secure and professionally managed location. Or, you can rent or buy your own container and transport it wherever your work takes you.
