When people typically think of shipping containers they see images of stacks of them filling international ships that are crossing the ocean or lines of them being carried on train cars across the nation. These shipping containers, and similarly constructed storage containers, however, serve many purposes beyond the ships and trains of the world. In fact, many of these structures are reconfigured and used for a variety of other purposes. Uses for storage containers vary from serving as a small home to providing office space, in addition to the more traditional short and long term storage needs.
Both portable office containers and homes made from storage containers are the way that an increasing number of individuals and businesses are facing the high costs of other options. Creative uses for storage containers continue to grow as the nation continues to deal with limitations in space, funding, and other options.
Creative Uses for Storage Containers Continue to Expand
From Man Caves to craft centers and from garden tool storage options to mobile offices, both individuals and companies continue to device creative ways to use both storage and shipping containers. Because these structures are already weather safe, they are even an option as a temporary home.
During emergency settings when many people are in need of a warm place to stay, these metal containers can be refurbished to include electricity and running water if needed, or simply serve as a resting place out of the elements. As engineers across the country continue to find new uses for storage containers an added benefit is that there will be a use for the more than 17 million shipping containers in the world. Unfortunately, a mere 6 million of these are currently in use. The 11 million shipping containers that are currently unused could be converted into homes for people who are in need. As a result, it should come as no surprise that various groups continue to work on plans to make use of this readily available resource.
No matter what use they are put to, a major advantage of these metal containers is that If they are taken care of with regular maintenance, they can last for a total of 20 years, according to Container Auction. Another reason for making sure that these containers are put to good use is that this process in friendly to the environment. In fact, for each recycled shipping container that is reused, there is as much as 3,500kg worth of steel that is being repurposed. In addition, the nation also saves all of the traditional building materials like bricks, mortar, wood which do not need to be put into use.