Looking for extra storage? Or maybe you’ve seen one of those videos on converting a storage container into a home office. Shipping containers or storage containers are becoming a popular commodity. They have a wide range of uses, but it often leaves people wondering how to even purchase a large storage container? It’s not like it’s something you can pick up at your local department store.
Types of Storage Containers
When it comes to home storage or business storage, people are looking for better solutions than they’ve been using. Renting a storage space can add up quickly, and it can almost be like throwing money away. Especially if you have room for a large storage container on your property.
Storage containers range in styles and sizes, from the smaller end at about ten feet to the larger 40-foot-long option.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy A Shipping Container
First, if you don’t own your property, you must make sure you can place the storage container where you live. If you rent, work with your landlord and ensure you follow all the local regulations.
If you own your property, you should still check with the proper authorities, especially if you are within the city limits. Sometimes you will need a permit to have a temporary structure like a storage container.
The next thing to consider is the room for delivery. Is the driveway wide enough? Is there enough room for the truck and the container? For example, a large container would end up about 140 feet with the truck in most cases.
You should also ensure a clear area around the vehicle and trim branches that might be in the way. Check for wires or anything else that could be obstructing the overhead path.
The last thing you need to check is the land you will be placing the container on. You need a flat, firm location to place the container. Sometimes you may need to excavate or add some gravel to ensure that the area will be stable enough for your new storage container.
Suppose you are planning for a conversion project. In that case, you’ll also want to ensure that you can get electricity and, if needed, water to your chosen location.
Choosing Your Shipping Container
Once you have your location all worked out. It’s time to decide what type of storage container you need.
This obviously all depends on what you plan to use it for. These days people are using them for far more than just standard storage going all the way to converting them into tiny homes off the grid.
So, consider the amount of space you are going to need. If you’re running a small business out of your home and simply want the storage space, you’ll probably do fine with a twenty-foot trailer. But if you’re looking to make a big conversion project for a home office, creative room, or studio, you’ll want to go bigger.
Most shipping containers are about eight feet wide.
New, Used, Very Used?
You also want to consider new, almost new, and used options when buying a shipping container. Most people buy a used trailer because it is generally just as sturdy as a new one and much more affordable.
The shipping world has different terms to explain the condition of shipping containers. For example, new and one-trip descriptions are often used interchangeably. That means the container has only been used for one trip or shipment.
Then you have cargo worthy, which means they could still be used to ship products without damaging the load. This is probably the best choice if you want to save money but ensure you’re still getting high quality. It means they are still in top-of-the-line condition but have been used for multiple cargo shipments.
Another step-down, you have the idea of wind and watertight. These containers are probably more beaten up and may have more flaws, but they don’t show any signs of leaking or holes.
The last term they generally use for shipping container sales is “as is.” This will be the cheapest of the options, but it entirely depends on what you plan to do or how handy you are if this is a wise choice or not. There may be water leaking or damage that you’ll have to contend with, rust damage, and perhaps even tiny holes. Door problems often put a container in the “as is” category. If the doors don’t seal properly, there is no way to ensure that the container won’t leak.
Where to Buy
So now, where do you buy one of these shipping containers? You still have some options here. Shipping containers can be purchased through a dealership. Still, often they only offer totally new containers and will always be the most expensive.
Next, you can check your local listings. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and find someone selling a shipping container. This may be an affordable option as you rarely see someone just trying to get rid of it. One of the complications with buying from someone online or locally is that you don’t know anything about them. They may or may not tell you the truth about the container you purchase. So, if you decide to go this route, do a thorough inspection.
Another prevalent option is to go with a shipping company. These companies do a lot of shipping, often replacing shipping containers and selling off what they no longer need. It’s one of the most affordable ways to purchase a shipping container.
When you work with a transport or shipping company to purchase your container, you work with someone with a prebuilt reputation in the industry. They know what to look for and aren’t going to risk their reputation as a shipping company to sell you a damaged trailer without telling you.
This also has the advantage of giving you someone to transport your new container after your purchase. Some companies sell the trailer with a delivery cost included for a set range; others will inform you upfront what the transportation will cost.
Overall, purchasing a shipping container can be a long-lasting and affordable way to replace your current rental storage situation. It can also get that new project workshop you’ve always dreamed about underway fast. It’s cheaper and significantly faster than constructing a whole new building.
