Are you planning to buy used shipping containers for a mobile office or another purpose? If you’re not sure if you want to purchase one or more of these containers as an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar or wooden structures, chances are that there may be a few things you didn’t know about storage containers.

First of all, there are currently about 17 million shipping containers located throughout the world. Just six million of these are being used, however. This means that there are 11 million steel shipping containers available that can be modified for homes, office spaces, workstations, and shops. To provide you with an idea of how much these shipping containers can hold, a standard TEU container is able to hold about 3,500 shoe boxes. The larger 40-foot high cube, however, is able to contain over 8,000 shoe boxes, which can provide a considerable amount of storage space.

Secondly, when you buy used shipping containers, you’re reusing about 3,500 kilograms of steel. This means that repurposing steel cargo containers makes a significant environmental impact. Storage container modifications can easily be made by design firms and contractors that specialize in these types of projects. It’s also important to note that while some traditional building materials will be needed to provide modifications, it will be considerably less than what is needed for other types of structures.

Thirdly, if you think a 40-foot shipping container might be too small for your needs, you may be interested to know that the average individual workstation has grown smaller over the years. In 1992, for example, the average workstation was 80 square feet. Currently, however, these work stations have been reduced to 39 square feet, according to Jacobs. Apparently this is the size of the workstations which this major design and workplace construction firm has completed over the past year or so.

There are, of course, other reasons to have an office, home, store, or even a concession stand, constructed out of modified storage containers. These containers can be stacked or placed side-by-side to create larger living or working spaces. Just as when other types of structures are well-maintained, these, too, will have a longer lifespan. Container Auction reports that these containers can last up to 20 years when they receive regular maintenance.

Now that you’ve learned more about the benefits associated with buying used shipping containers, chances are that you’re interested in learning even more. Once you locate used shipping containers for sale, you’ll be able to discuss the many modifications that can be made. Whether you want to buy used shipping containers for a home, workspace, or both, you’ll be amazed at how they can be transformed.