The Top Reasons to Buy a Shipping Container

You want to travel the country, start a business, or have your parents move in with you. But you don’t want to get an RV, an office, or squeeze your parents into your small home.

No matter your situation, you may want to buy a shipping container. The extra space can help you travel the country, set up a workspace, or provide space for your parents.

Read on to learn more about why you should purchase a shipping container.

Store Items

You may want to buy a shipping container if you need a place to store extra stuff. Whether you have a small home or are outgrowing your office, you have options when it comes to storing your belongings.

A lot of people will rent storage units, which can be nice. However, you’ll have to pay the rental fee for each month you need to use the unit, and you might have to move items if you need to move to a different storage unit.

If you use a shipping container to store your items, you won’t have that problem. You’ll pay for the container upfront, and it will be yours to use whenever and wherever you need it.

Move Cargo Easily

Maybe you have a lot of larger items that you use in your business or personal life. Instead of renting a big truck or having someone else move the items, you can do so with a shipping container.

Whether you need to move items across town or to another state, shipping containers make it easy. It’s especially convenient if you already use a container to store the items.

You won’t have to move everything into a truck and out of the truck when you get to your destination. Moving cargo can take a lot of work, and it may be expensive.

When you have a shipping container, all you need to do is load it up and attach it to a truck. Then, you can drive the cargo wherever you need it to go.

Move Long Distance

Even if you don’t currently use one, you can buy a shipping container to help move a long distance. You can load all of your precious items into the shipping container and secure everything.

Similar to moving general cargo, you can attach the shipping container to a truck. Then, you’ll be able to move all of your belongings at once, and you won’t have to use as many vehicles for the move.

Whether you need to move your business or your personal items, a shipping container is great. Plus, you can use it for storage when you get to your destination in case you don’t have a new office or home yet.

Live on the Road

Another excellent reason to buy a shipping container is to live on the road. You can learn how to renovate a shipping container to turn it into a tiny house.

Then, you’ll be able to live in the container as you travel around the state or country. You won’t have to worry about renting an RV or finding a hotel in each city you want to visit.

Plus, a good shipping container can fit all of your necessities, so you don’t have to leave anything at home. That can make your life on the road more enjoyable, and you’ll look forward to traveling.

You also won’t have to worry about getting to a hotel before you can go to sleep. As long as you find a rest stop or something similar, you can park the shipping container for the night.

Launch a Pop-Up Shop

If you want to start or grow your business, consider using a shipping container to launch a pop-up shop. A pop-up shop is where you set up a small business inside the container, and you run the store for a short period.

You can stock the container with inventory and set up a checkout counter with a register or a tablet that you use to take money. Then, you can advertise the shop around your area to get people to show up.

Pop-up shops can be easier to maintain than full stores. They’re usually cheaper, and you can move them around in case the first location you try doesn’t bring in a ton of customers or sales.

Have a Portable Office

Another one of the best reasons to buy a shipping container is to set up a portable office or an office, in general. Leasing office space can get expensive, and the space may not be in the most convenient area.

When you use a shipping container, you can place the office wherever it needs to be, such as near a worksite. You can even put it in your neighborhood if you want a small commute but don’t want to work out of your home.

An office container can be big enough to fit you and a small team of people. You should have room for desks or other work areas so that you and your team can get everything done.

Build an Extension

Maybe you don’t have a business, but you feel like your house is a little small. An excellent idea for how to use a shipping container is to build an extension for your home.

You can also set up the container separately so that it acts as a guest house. Then, you won’t have to cram your family and any guests into a small home.

An extension can be more affordable than having guests stay in a hotel. It’s also nice if your parents need to move in with you full-time because they can still have their own space.

A shipping container is ready to go, so you don’t have to build an extension or guest house from scratch. It can take some work to prepare, but it won’t be as difficult.

Rent It Out

No matter what shipping container uses appeal to you, you can rent out your container. While you can be the renter, you can buy one and rent it to people in your area.

Then, you can make money on the people who borrow your shipping container when you aren’t using it. If you do a bit of work on the inside, you may be able to charge more for the rental.

For example, if you renovate the container to be a small guest living space, you can charge similar rates to a hotel. Or you might keep the container simple and let people rent it to move cargo around town.

You can do a lot of things with a shipping container that you intend to rent out. And you can schedule times where you want to use the container so that you don’t give it to renters during that time.

Residual Value

Another of the best reasons to buy a shipping container is that you can enjoy residual value from it. The longer you own the container, the more use you’ll get out of it.

And if you rent out the container, you can earn more rent on it. While renting yourself can be a good option, you won’t build residual value, even if you rent a shipping container long-term.

The residual value can help whether you plan to rent out the container or if you plan to sell it. You may be able to get a good sale price, even after you’ve used the container for a while.

Reduce Waste

If you buy a shipping container to use as an office or guest house, for example, you can reduce waste. When you buy materials to build something from scratch, that can lead to a lot of excess waste.

Maybe you know you need a small office, so you can find a shipping container with enough space. Or perhaps you don’t want to spend the time and money on building materials that you’ll just throw away.

In either case, a shipping container may be the perfect solution. You can still buy materials and supplies to customize the interior, but you won’t need to waste as much stuff to get the container to work well.

Durability

When deciding what to use a shipping container for, consider that these containers are quite durable. You can get a lot of use out of a good quality container, which can make your investment well worth it.

If you try to build an office or guest house, you have to choose the best materials to make the addition durable. With a shipping container, the materials are already set, and they can withstand a lot of different things.

That can come in handy if you need to use the shipping container in extreme conditions, such as heavy snow. Of course, you can build something yourself with durable materials, but it can be hard to beat the construction of a nice shipping container.

Affordable

As you shop around for shipping containers, you may find that some cost more than others. However, that means some of the containers you find can be quite affordable.

Even a more expensive container can become cost-effective after enough time. You’ll only have to pay for the container once, so you can save money on renting a storage unit or leasing an office.

Think about your personal or business budget and how much you can spend on something like a shipping container. Whether you need an office, a guest house, or a tiny house, a container could meet your needs.

Of course, larger containers will cost more, but the price per square foot can be much less than other options. You may save a lot of money over multiple years.

Ready to Use

While you can modify it, a good shipping container will come ready to use immediately. If you don’t want to spend time or money making updates, you don’t have to worry about that.

You can shop for a shipping container with the right size and layout to meet your needs. Then, you’ll be able to get the shipping container and use it right away.

This is useful if you need a new office or an extra guest room quickly. You won’t have to waste a bunch of time finding an office or hiring a crew to build a guest house from scratch.

Option to Modify

If you find the shipping container you want doesn’t quite meet your needs, that’s okay. You should be able to make a few container modifications or buy a shipping container from a company that offers modifications.

In some cases, you might not need to modify a ton of stuff other than adding an extra door. However, you might want to redo the entire inside of the container.

That way, you can separate the container to have a kitchen, living area, and a bedroom area. Think about how you plan to use the container so that you’ll select the best modifications for you.

Different Colors

Another one of the best reasons to buy a shipping container instead of renting is to change the color. You can change the outside color of the container to fit in with the surroundings, which is nice for a guest house.

If you want to use your container for an office, you can also paint your logo on the side. That way, people who pass by can learn of your business and look it up to learn more.

When renting a container, you’ll have to keep it the way it is when you acquire it. While renting may be nice at first, if you want to customize the unit, you’ll need permission from the owner.

Even then, you’ll have to give the container back at some point. So all of the modifications you do make might go to waste unless you manage to buy the container from the owner.

Various Sizes

You can also look to buy a shipping container in the best size. Some containers are much smaller, which can be nice if you need a bit of storage space or something to use as a tiny house.

On the other hand, you may want a larger shipping container if you plan to set up a pop-up shop or an office. That way, you and your team will have plenty of space to set up desks and do your work.

Of course, you can rent a shipping container that’s the right size. But if you know you’ll want the same size container for a long time, it makes more sense to buy one.

General or Specific Use

As you decide how to buy a shipping container, consider how you’ll use it. Maybe you want a general container that you can use as an office on workdays and as a storage unit on the weekends.

Or perhaps you need somewhere to store cold items, such as if you sell groceries. Some shipping containers can keep the items inside cool, so this is something to think about before you buy.

However, if you want to use some of the container for cold storage and the rest for something else, you may want a general container. Then, you can add a cooler or refrigerator.

Multiple Uses

If you rent or borrow a shipping container, you will have to work with its current design and layout. That can be okay if you know you’ll use the container in one way and choose the right container to rent.

However, if you want to use the container in multiple ways, buying is better. You’ll be able to design the inside to fit your needs, such as by having one side of the container for an office and the other for a break room.

Especially if you get a larger shipping container, you should be able to use it for multiple things. You just need to figure out how you want to use it so that you can get the right size.

Then, you’ll be able to make the necessary customizations to make the design work. Soon enough, you’ll be able to live or work in the container or use it for general storage.

Keep Private Areas Private

Perhaps you want to throw a party at your home or office, but you don’t want just anyone to access private areas. If you throw a party in your home, for example, people can go upstairs without permission.

In an office, people may explore areas like desks and storage closets. While most people won’t do this, you never know when someone will want to venture off.

If you host a party or event in a shipping container, you won’t have that issue. You can bring refreshments and some seating into the container before the event.

That way, people will be able to enjoy themselves, and you won’t worry that people are getting into your stuff. You’ll have more control over what goes in the container before the event begins.

Easy Access

Another one of the best reasons to buy a shipping container is that they’re easy to access. You may be able to buy a shipping container that’s already in your city, so it will be easy to pick up.

Even when containers aren’t near you, they are shipping containers, so they’re easy to ship. That way, you can have a company or seller send the shipping container to your door.

Container delivery can make getting your container less stressful. If you know where you want to use it or load it up, you can set the delivery address accordingly.

Then, you won’t have to spend time or money picking it up and transporting the container yourself.

How to Choose a Shipping Container

It’s one thing to understand why you should buy a shipping container. However, it’s another thing to know how to choose the best container for you.

Here are a few things you should consider when shopping for your next shipping container.

Purpose

First, you should consider how you’ll use the container. Think about if you will use it personally or for a business and if you’ll use it or rent it out to people in your area.

Also, determine if you will use it for something specific, such as storing cool items. Then, you can look for a shipping container that will work well for that particular purpose.

If you aren’t sure how you’ll use the container, look for something general. You can always adapt it later once you decide how you’ll use it.

Size

You should also think about the size of the container you want to buy. First, think about what you plan to put inside and how you want to organize the container.

Then, you’ll be able to find a container that is big enough to store what you want.

Think about the width, length, and height of the container. If you ignore one of those measurements, you may find a container is too skinny or that taller people to squat down when inside.

Location

Another thing to consider is where you plan to put the container. If you have a small backyard, you may need to get a smaller shipping container to use as a guest house or extension.

On the other hand, you may have more room if you’re placing the container at a worksite. Knowing where you’ll put the container can help you ensure you have enough space for it without blocking any doors.

Cost

Unless you have a massive budget, you’ll also need to think about the cost of a container. Things like size, design, and inside features may all affect how much a shipping container costs.

If you haven’t already, set a budget and be sure to stick to it. Without a budget, it can be easy to overspend on a container, but having a number in mind can help limit your search so that you get what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Shipping Containers

Why should I buy a shipping container?

Buying a shipping container can be a great choice for several reasons:

• Durability: They’re made to endure harsh conditions, so they last long.
• Versatility: You can use them for storage, as a home, an office, or even a shop.
• Affordability: Often cheaper than traditional building methods.
• Eco-friendly: Repurposing containers is a form of recycling.
• Portability: They can be moved to different locations if needed.

Are shipping containers a good investment?

Shipping containers can be a smart investment. They’re in demand for both shipping and repurposing into buildings or storage units. Their durability means they maintain value over time, especially if well-maintained. Plus, their versatility in use offers various opportunities to earn a return on investment.

What is the primary advantage of shipping containers?

The primary advantage of shipping containers is their strong build. Made from high-grade steel, they withstand tough weather and are durable. This makes them reliable for transporting goods over long distances and versatile for repurposing into homes, offices, or storage spaces.

What is the most common shipping container?

The most common shipping container is the 20-foot standard container. It’s widely used because of its convenient size, making it easy to handle and suitable for different types of cargo. It’s also a popular choice for various projects due to its availability.

How do I choose a shipping container?

When choosing a shipping container:

• Decide Size: 20-foot and 40-foot are common sizes.
• Condition: Choose between new, used, or refurbished based on your budget and needs.
• Inspect: Look for rust, dents, and door functionality.
• Purpose: Think about what you’ll use it for – storage, living space, etc.
• Local Regulations: Check if there are any rules about using containers in your area.

How long does a shipping container last for?

A shipping container can last for about 10-15 years in active shipping use. When used for storage or as a building, and with proper maintenance, it can last for 25 years or more.

What is the difference between Grade A and B shipping containers?

Grade A containers are usually newer and in better condition, with minimal signs of wear and tear. They’re ideal for building projects where appearance is key. Grade B containers are older with more visible wear, like dents or rust, but still structurally sound. They’re a good choice if you’re on a budget or the container’s appearance isn’t as important.

Ready to Buy?

You can buy a shipping container and use it for a lot of things. Whether you need an office to want to live on the road for a while, consider a few reasons to buy a container.

Then, you can think about how to select the best option for you. Soon enough, you’ll be able to get and use the shipping container that meets your needs.

Are you ready to buy a shipping container? Get a quote today.