Versatile store space

What can be stored in shipping containers?

As well as being a highly popular method for transporting goods and materials by sea, road and rail, shipping containers can also be used as storage facilities. Containers are mobile, cost-effective and easy to install allowing them to be a great long term storage solution or just a temporary fix. From machinery to vehicles, we have listed some examples of what can be stored and considerations that should be taken.

Fresh produce

 

Refrigerated containers are ideal for storing fresh produce such as meat, dairy, seafood and vegetables. Such containers need a connection to a power supply but then can typically maintain temperatures between -25 and +25 degrees celsius. They should be set to the intended temperature between 24 and 48 hours before placing any goods inside. Also, only items requiring the same conditions should be loaded into the same container. For example, certain vegetables should be stored at different temperatures.  Keep in mind that if you are using such containers for shipping produce, rather than storage, a CSC certificate will be required.

 

Grow fresh food like mushrooms, berries…

 

Freightfarms and Finnish inventors like Helsieni and Ekofarmer are good examples of “thinking out of the box” and inside the container.

 

Motor vehicles

 

Containers can act as a fantastic, cheaper alternative to a garage. Cars, boats, jet skis or any other vehicle within a certain size can be stored. Containers are able to protect vehicles from the elements, minimising rust and general degradation over time. They can also be secured by a number of locking methods, helping to protect vehicles from theft. As a rough estimate, a 20ft container is an equivalent size to one parking space, therefore a 40ft container can store two cars. Check out our shipping container dimensions guide to find out if your vehicle could fit.

 

Furniture

 

Containers are highly popular for storing furniture or other household items, by either small retailers or private persons. When storing furniture, particular care should be taken over condensation. Especially in areas where the is a large fluctuation between day and night temperatures, condensation may occur in the interior of a container. This can be avoided by installing a ventilation system through a number of different methods.

 

Chemicals and pressurised gasses

 

Many companies choose to store chemicalsgasses and other hazardous material in shipping containers. As the containers can be well secured and are not flammable, they often provide a safe environment. For each substance, the relevant laws and regulations should be checked on storage requirements, and keep in mind that some chemicals should, under no circumstances, be kept in an enclosed space.

 

Power tools

 

Containers can act as a tool shed, providing a perfect environment for storing power tools and machinery. Such tools are frequently targeted by thieves, so securing them in a container can help to prevent lossesRacks and shelving can be built into a container to support tools if the container is to be used for this purpose for an extended period of time.

 

ConFoot legs

When it comes to storing a shipping container itself, ConFoot legs are a great solution. Containers can be left on ConFoot legs for indefinite periods of time. They also provide an effective, inexpensive and quick method for a single person to remove or load a container onto the back of a truck for transportation. For more information on ConFoot products, please click here.