Converting your used shipping container into a storage unit is an excellent idea, one that has been growing in fame over the past years due to it’s affordable cost, mobility nature, huge modular space and solid structural integrity. Over the years in Australia and New Zealand, there seems to be a huge surplus of used shipping containers available in the market, with the current downward cost trend, it will be definitely be a much attractive option to own as for additional storage at one’s backyard.
Prior to making the decision to buy and convert your own shipping container to a storage unit, it is essential that you know some basic tips you must consider to keep your stored items safe and secure, with relatively low cost maintenance and in the best condition too.
Available options in the market
If you will compare to a wood frame, or to a shed or concrete structure, the cost of material might appear to be lesser that the cost of used shipping containers, however given the high labor costs in Australia and New Zealand like any other developed countries and other related fees, using shipping container as a storage unit might become a truly competitive alternative.
Having a foundation before container placement
In order to get the most on the shelf life of your shipping container, it is an excellent idea to have some kind of foundation below the shipping container placement. If you were to unload it directly into the land, especially on soft ground, there will not be much space for ventilation, the direct rain water contact and moisture could accelerate corrosion steel cross members and the decomposition of the plywood flooring of the container. The foundation options will commonly be concrete slabs, stones, steel I-beams coated with anti-rust primer or weather resistant wood for e.g. marine grade plywood etc.
shipping container foundation
Floor treatment (anti termite and parasites)
As the original flooring within the container is made of plywood material, it is suggested some form of treatments can be applied to the existing flooring to avoid termite, parasites infestation issues, especially if you intend to place the shipping containers near forested or bushy areas as the shipping container’s plywood tend to attract termites. Treatments come in temporarily and permanent ones, temporary treatments will be to either perform fumigation, anti-termite chemical spray which will usually last 1-2 years depending on chemical type. The permanent ones will be to use consider the use of bitumen application, fibreglass or PU coatings on the both sides of flooring (especially the undercarriage) as that is the first line of attack by the parasites. Finally, if you really want to have a piece of mind, a more complicated solution is to replace the existing plywood with a 6mm thick mild steel plate (checked-pattern for anti-slip purposes) which will definitely solve the problem once and for all.
Enhancing security
Most new shipping containers come equipped along with lock boxes, whereas used shipping containers for sale do not have a lock box. They are easily available in hardware shops or eBay websites.
Smell and Odors in the Interior
Very common, if your shipping container has any form of interior odour or smell due to the shipment cargo, which were previously shipped, then you can take a huge jug of cheap coffee powder and apply it around in the interior of your container. After doing so, close the door for two days. The coffee will absorb the odour and leaves your container together with fresh with a nice coffee smell.
Racks installation
To maximise the space, don’t forget to include the racks inside. Racks often come in light duty type (200kg per tier) suitable for light weight materials, good and medium duty ones (500kg per tier) suitable for heavier weight goods, equipment, tools and hardware.
Searching for the best value shipping container in the market.
Keep in mind the cheapest shipping container might not be the perfect option. However, if you will go to find cheap shipping containers for sale, then you must be able to check the condition first. Some shipping container has hole openings on top resulting in leakage issues or rotten soft flooring with termite infestation. New shipping containers will give you a peace of mind. For a rough ballpark, the new ones will cost about 75% more than the used ones
Shipping containers are the best options if you are looking for storage solution, even if you don’t have the intention of moving it from place to place thereafter. If you are after one, you can have Joycontainers to help you with picking the best container. We have have both new and used shipping containers of shipping container sizes, different types such as high cube container, reefer container in many cities in Australia and New Zealand. They come in WWT (wind & water tight) condition which gives you a peace of mind on your valued purchase.
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