When it comes to shipping container storage, people often have a lot of questions. What are the options available to me? When is the best time to use a shipping container? How do I know what size container I need?
In this blog post, we will answer all of those questions and more! We will discuss when shipping container storage is the best option, and the different sizes and types of available containers.
Key points we will discuss regarding shipping containers are:
- Shipping containers sizes
- When do people use shipping containers
- Should you store on-site or at a secure storage facility
- What are the usage options for Shipping Containers
- What are the costs
- What are the differences between a shipping container and self-storage and warehouse storage?
- When shouldn't you use a shipping container for your storage needs?
Shipping containers sizes
The size of the shipping container you need will depend on what you are storing. Here are some of the most common sizes:
- 10 ft - This is a small container and is perfect for storing small items, such as smaller furniture items or appliances.
- 20 ft - This is a medium-sized container and is ideal for storing larger items, such as furniture, appliances, and vehicles.
- 40 ft - This is a large container and can hold up to 4500 kgs. It is perfect for storing large items, such as furniture, appliances, and vehicles.
If you are not sure what size container you need, contact your local shipping container company for advice. It’s worthwhile to do an estimate of the cubic capacity that you think you will need before ringing.
When do people use shipping containers?
People use shipping containers for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are:
- For furniture storage and appliances during a home renovation
- To store excess furniture and belongings when moving to a new home
- To store seasonal items, such as holiday decorations or patio furniture
- As a temporary storage solution, while waiting for a new home to be built
They can also be used as
- An emergency health facility
- A home, garden shed, workshop, darkroom, mushroom growing facility
- Kiosk, cafe, bar, retail shop, mancave
- Swimming pool, hobby centre
Should you store on-site or at a secure storage facility
If you choose to have your shipping container onsite, at your home or premises, it is a great option for saving money. It is also a good option for people who need quick and easy access to their belongings. However, onsite storage can be difficult if you have limited access or space for the container. If you are storing furniture and other items you want access to sometimes, you will need to organise the container so as to make it accessible for you to benefit from the convenience aspect. This is often a good option if you need some extra space on-site, but not if you are going to pack the container to the max.
Secure storage facilities for your storage container are a great option for people who want to store a lot of belongings but do not want to access them often. These facilities usually offer secure, climate-controlled environments, which are perfect for protecting your belongings from moisture and pests while in a shipping container. They also offer 24/7 security, so you can rest assured that your belongings are safe and secure.
What are the usage options for Shipping Containers
There are a variety of ways to use a shipping container for your furniture storage or other items' storage needs or even hobbies/downtime needs. Here are some of the most common options:
- Use a shipping container as a temporary storage solution, allowing you to rent a smaller home while waiting for a new home to be built.
- Use a shipping container as a permanent storage solution, for storing excess furniture and belongings.
- Use a shipping container as an onsite storage solution, for storing furniture and appliances during a home renovation.
- Use a shipping container as an onsite storage solution, for storing seasonal items, such as holiday decorations or patio furniture.
- Use a shipping container as a swimming pool
- As a garden shed
- As a man cave or workshed
- As a nuclear bomb shelter or emergency health facility
- As a garage for your pride and joy car or motorbike
- As a workspace or dangerous goods storage
- As a demountable home or site office
- As a food kiosk, cafe or bar, retail shop
- As a darkroom for photography
What are the costs of hiring or buying a shipping container
Hiring a shipping container can be expensive, but it depends on the size and type of container you need.
Here are the approximate rental prices:
- 10 ft container: $120 - $200 per week
- 20 ft container: $180 - $300 per week
- 40 ft container: $280 - $500 per week
Here are the approximate purchase prices:
- 10ft: $3,000
- 20ft: $4,000 - $7,000
- 40ft: $10,000 - $12,000
If you are using a shipping container for furniture storage or any storage, you will also need to factor in the cost of transportation. Most shipping container companies will deliver the container to your home or business, but there may be an additional fee for this service.
What are the differences between a shipping container and self-storage and warehouse storage?
- Self-storage
- Usually more accessible if you need to access it regularly
- Suitable if used as storage of smaller items you need access to often
- Warehouse storage
- Ideal for items you don’t need to access regularly yet need them under cover and well-secured
- A longer-term option usually with limited access and due to its modular approach can be cost-effective.
- Shipping containers
- are accessible at your will but dependent on how you load them as it can be difficult to get to those items at the back of the container
- can be stored on your own property if you have the room for them and access for the transport to deliver them to your preferred location
- can be stored at a secure location on your behalf but access might be limited
Overall, this should help you decide but also be sure to check and compare the prices before deciding between the three options.
When shouldn't you use a shipping container for your storage needs?
There are a few instances when you should not use a shipping container for your storage needs:
- If you need to access your belongings frequently, a shipping container is not the best option. It can be difficult to access items that are stored deeper in a shipping container.
- If you need to store large items, such as furniture or appliances, a shipping container may not be big enough unless you choose the 40 ft container.
- If you live in a climate that is prone to extreme weather conditions, such as cyclones or hot, humid conditions, using a shipping container for storage may not be the safest option for your possessions.
- If you have a difficult accessibility situation a shipping container transport may not be able to deliver the container to you to your preferred location.
So if you have decided a shipping container is right for you
If you’re looking for a storage solution that can grow with your needs, a shipping container may be the perfect option for you. Shipping containers come in many different sizes, so you can find one that fits your space requirements. And if you need more room down the road, you can always upgrade to a larger container. When it comes to storage, security is key.
That’s why we recommend storing your items at a secure facility like what Austate Removals Furniture Storage services offer. We have multiple locations across Australia, so you can choose the one that’s closest to you. Our team is here to help make the process as smooth as possible. If you have any questions about using a shipping container for your storage needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch.