Shipping container sales are increasingly popular – and that’s not just for companies that need to transport materials, products or goods generally overseas, by rail or by road through a haulage firm. People are using them more and more for container storage. But why, and what are the advantages? And what ideas are there for what can be stored in them once you’ve purchased one? In this short article, we consider these issues.
The Advantages of Storage Containers
In the main, shipping containers are constructed from steel and have a closed-in roof with hinged doors for access on one or more sides. They are made with strength in mind – not surprising, as they have to protect the goods stored inside while being robust enough to withstand being moved around, stored for long periods of time and cope with adverse weather conditions, on land or at sea.
Despite their size, they are easily movable, which can be done with a crane or HIAB. They’re extremely cost effective when used for storage, compared to, say, renting a storage space or another building. They’re also easy for users to install on a site, with the right crane hire company on board. Because they’re sturdy, they make a great long term storage solution; but many people use them just as a temporary measure while they’re in transit themselves, carrying out a renovation project or for storing machinery that’s not currently in use, for example.
What Can Be Stored in Them and How?
- It’s not unusual for people to use a storage container as an alternative to a garage. And that’s not just for cars: storage containers have, to our knowledge, been utilised to protect a range of vehicles from motorbikes to boats, jet skis and push bikes. It’s worth checking the dimensions of the vehicle you want to store against the size of the container you’re thinking of purchasing, but they are great solutions for preserving your pride and joy from rust, protecting it from the wind, rain and frost. Roughly speaking, a 20ft container is around the size of the typical car parking space, so if you have two vehicles to store, you’re looking at a 40ft container for your requirements.
- Perhaps you’re moving house and need temporary accommodation for your personal possessions and furniture. Maybe you’re a shopkeeper who wants somewhere to keep stock that’s not yet needed or is out of season. Containers are great for this use, although items should be well packaged and you may wish to opt for a container with ventilation if you’re storing goods such as wooden furniture. This can help prevent damage from condensation that may occur when the temperature fluctuates.
- Builders can use shipping containers for the storage of tools, light machinery and materials. Again, this can help prevent theft and vandalism. If you want to use a container for this purpose over a long period of time, you could even install shelving and racks to keep the inside organised and tidy!
In short, there are plenty of uses for shipping containers and we sell used and new ones here at Days Transport. If you’d like to enquire about these or any of our other services, including transportation of loads by low loader or artic; fly jib and crane hire, or HIAB hire Bournemouth wide, contact us today. We’re one of the leading haulage and transportation companies in Dorset.