If you need long-term or short-term storage, consider the many benefits of shipping containers.
How are shipping containers used?
Shipping containers can be used to serve numerous purposes. Thousands of containers that have been placed out of service after a single shipment are finding new life as building materials, storage solutions, temporary housing, and more.
Businesses and individuals alike use shipping containers for virtually limitless purposes. Since shipping containers can be modified and customised in a variety of ways, the possibilities are nearly endless.
A shipping container can be converted into a training space, a kitchen or lunchroom, a meeting space, field office, or workshop. This can also be especially handy if you have a construction company that requires temporary or portable workspaces at a job site. Or, if you are a traveling worker or tradie, shipping containers can provide comfortable, portable accommodation.
People have also begun using shipping containers to make permanent homes. Containers can be modified to create a standalone tiny house, or used as building material to create multi-level structures and even multi-unit apartment complexes.
One of the most popular ways people use shipping containers is for storage.
Using shipping containers as a storage solution
Shipping containers provide an excellent way to store all kinds of items. They can be utilised for short-term storage or long-term storage depending on your needs.
Short term storage generally refers to storage for three months or less. This is a good option for people who are preparing to move homes, or if your home or business is undergoing renovation or construction, keeping your belongings in a shipping container storage unit will allow you to keep them safe, organised, and out of the way until the work is done.
With shipping container storage, you have the option of renting or buying. You can also choose whether to have the container delivered to your home, worksite, or place of business, or to store your container at a secure facility until you need to access it again.
What kind of items can be stored in shipping containers?
Shipping containers can be used to store all kinds of personal items, equipment, furniture, and more.
Vehicles – If you have a car that you only drive during certain months of the year, or a vintage car you want to keep in good condition, a shipping container can keep your vehicles safe in between drives. And, shipping containers are often less expensive than renting a garage.
Furniture and household items – One of the most common reasons people seek out a shipping container storage unit is to house furniture and other household items. If you’re downsizing, temporarily relocating for work, or travelling for an extended period of time, shipping container storage can keep your belongings safe until you’re ready to use them again.
Or if you’ve inherited a loved one’s belongings, a shipping container can provide a safe and secure space to hold those items until you are able to sell, donate, or rehome them. When packing furniture in a storage container, be sure to clean everything before storing them, and cover furniture in packing blankets and/or tarps to keep dust from building up.
Tools and equipment – Shipping containers can be used to house tractors, lawnmowers, gardening tools, and other construction equipment. You can use the container as a permanent storage shed, or rent a container for seasonal use. If you have a construction company or landscaping business, you can use your storage container to house your equipment at your worksite, saving you time and money for transporting your tools to the job location every day.
Important papers – Businesses with archives of important documents and files can use a shipping container to keep their paperwork safe and secure. You can even outfit your container with built-in shelving to make organisation easier.
Seasonal inventory and decor – If your business needs a place to store seasonal decorations or wares, a shipping container can be a great solution. Storing your items off-site will save you space in your primary location, cutting down on overhead costs.
Overstock – Your retail business can save space and money by keeping overstock inventory in a secure, temperature controlled shipping container.
Benefits of using shipping containers for storage
There are numerous benefits to using a shipping container for residential or commercial storage.
Secure – Shipping containers can help keep intruders and vermin out. Your container can even be outfitted with a secure lock box for extra security.
Durable – Shipping containers are built to withstand the harshest elements aboard cargo vessels. Made of ultra-strong Corten steel, they are water and wind resistant, and can endure decades of wear and tear.
Portable – Shipping containers are easily portable, so you can take your unit with you wherever you need to be. And, with Gateway, all you have to do is schedule pick-up and delivery dates – we’ll take care of the rest.
Versatile – Shipping containers are extremely versatile. You can use a container for virtually any storage purpose. Containers can be modified with temperature control, lighting, shelving, flooring, and more. They are so versatile that you can convert your shipping container into a workspace or accommodation if you no longer need it for storage.
Tips for converting a shipping container into a storage unit
One of the best things about using a shipping container for storage is that your container can be modified in so many ways depending on your needs. You can purchase a container with modifications already performed, or work with your supplier to create custom modifications.
Add lighting – Your container can be modified with electrical wiring and lighting to make it easy for you to find what you need. Alternatively, you could add windows or skylights to let light in and save on electricity during daylight hours.
Shelving and built-in racks – For document and archive storage, or storage of boxes and smaller items, built-in racking can be extremely useful to keep important belongings off the floor and easily organised.
Ventilation, temperature control – Extreme temperatures and fluctuations in humidity can cause damage to your belongings. If you plan to use your container for long-term storage, a container with proper ventilation and temperature control will keep your items in their original condition. Gateway can provide a container with insulation, air vents, air conditioning, and even refrigeration.
Flammable goods – If you need to store paint or other flammable materials, Gateway can provide special containers that conform to local and national regulations on the safe storage of potentially hazardous chemicals.
Gateway sells a number of modified containers and performs custom modifications as needed. The options are virtually endless. You can also choose to add a side door or other custom entry point for easier access to your belongings.
Choosing the right shipping container for your needs
Shipping containers are available in a range of sizes and conditions. They come in a few standard sizes: 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot long.
Use the following measurements as a guide:
- a 10-foot container provides 15 cubic metres of space and can suit storing seasonal equipment and gear, the contents of an office, or excess inventory for your business.
- a 20-foot container provides 33 cubic metres of space, and can hold the furniture and household effects of an average 2-3 bedroom home.
- a 40-foot container offers 67 cubic metres of space and can accommodate the items in a 4-5 bedroom home.
You’ll also want to consider the condition of your shipping container. Shipping containers can be purchased new or nearly new, or once they’ve been placed out of service by the shipping lines.
While many suppliers list their containers as simply “A” or “B” grade, Gateway designates our containers as “New” “A Grade” and “Cargo Worthy” to give you a better idea of what you’re getting. If you’re not sure what type of container is best for you, we can help you decide between the different options. An experienced member of the Gateway team can help you choose the right container for your storage needs.
Finding the right shipping container for your needs
Gateway Containers can help you source the right shipping container for your storage needs. We purchase containers directly from the shipping lines, so we are able to offer the widest variety of containers, high quality workmanship, and ensure quick turnaround. If we don’t have the box you need onsite, we will source the best quality box, for the best value, faster than any other provider.
Gateway also offers delivery within our service area, so you don’t have to worry about transporting your shipping container.
Contact Gateway Containers today and enquire about buying or renting shipping containers for on-site or off-site storage purposes.
