Currently, there are about 17 million shipping containers around the globe, but only 6 million of them are in use. That means that approximately 11 million shipping containers are just sitting there, unused, and simply taking up space. This needs to change.
Shipping containers can be customized, climate controlled and built to last in all sorts of environments. Though more and more people around the world are beginning to utilize these containers in more creative and original ways, there are still far too many unused containers. They should and can be transformed into portable office spaces, pop up container shops, storage units, art studios, and, believe it or not, livable homes.
Shipping container homes can not only be livable and comfortable spaces, but they can even look better than all the conventional houses in your neighborhood. Though the nicest, most elaborate and extravagant shipping container homes can be quite expensive, you can certainly find or build a nice, affordable container home for a lot less.
It all depends on your familial situation and how much you’re willing to spend. If you want to actually raise a family inside container home, it’s best to have larger homes constructed with multiple containers of various sizes. These containers can be stacked on top of each other and can be interconnected throughout the home. Conversely, if you’re just looking for a temporary living space for a year or two, as long as you’re comfortable living minimally, you’ll be able to easily stay in a single container home or a property with only two containers attached.
Since container modifications can be made throughout every step of the way, there is an infinite number of options when it comes to home design. You can have a traditional-looking home with a triangular rooftop with a few containers or a complicated, maze-like home. It’s entirely up to you, just make sure you’re working with experienced modular construction teams and quality container suppliers.
If you want to learn more about shipping container homes or find some quality used shipping containers for sale to begin a residential project of your own, give Integrated Equipment Sales a call today.
Approximately 50% of all shipping containers around the world are owned by shipping lines, but there are plenty of these containers that are actually for sale. Whether you need additional storage, want to work remotely inside a mobile office, or are hoping to transform a container into a livable environment, there are so many uses for these durable containers.
If you’re planning on purchasing one or many of these containers, though, you should be aware of some important aspects. Here are some important things that you should know before you make an offer or purchase a shipping container:
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- Realize how convenient the transaction will be — In some parts of the country, buying a shipping container is much easier than others. For instance, if you live near a port, you should be able to find plenty of suppliers and purchase as many containers as you want fairly easily. If you live far away from a port, however, you might have some trouble finding quality containers. If there’s a nearby, coastal area, try looking there.
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- Look for used shipping containers — Buying new containers can cost a lot of money and you’ll still likely have to make various container modifications to them. Buying used containers, however, is a much more affordable and convenient option. In the overwhelming majority of cases, used shipping containers will work just as well as the new ones.
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- Pay attention to the material — Not all containers are made from the same material. Look for containers that are made from quality steel to ensure they will last longer and stand up to inclement weather and rusting.
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- Work with an inspector before purchasing — In order to ensure that you’re getting a quality container, make sure you’re hiring an inspector to take a look at the contour. You should either be able to find a nearby inspector or find an experienced one online.
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- Make sure the dimensions are right — If you are only purchasing a container for mobile office space, you won’t need all that large of a container. Conversely, if you’re hoping to construct a container home, you’ll want a few units of various sizes.
If you want to purchase some quality new or used shipping containers, you can find new and used shipping containers for sale in NY, NJ, and some other east coast locations.
One of the hottest trends in architecture today is the used shipping container building, particularly for offices and homes. Reusing storage containers that have been built to withstand the elements is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while buying a sturdy and affordable home. Not sure if you’re ready to move into a shipping container house? Here are a few reasons why it may be just the home you’ve been looking for.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
You may have heard that building with shipping containers is a green alternative, but you may not realize what an impact it really makes. Shipping container homes reuse 3,500 kg of steel that would otherwise have been thrown away. In addition, you save other building materials, such as brick and wood, from being used in the home’s construction. Working with local solar installers ensures that your home can be even more sustainable.
Durability
Because storage containers are made from steel and are designed to carry cargo, they are extremely durable. While on board a vessel, steel shipping containers are often subjected to 100 miles an hour winds and waves that are over 50 feet high. With a few modifications, used shipping containers make great homes in areas with dramatic weather patterns.
They may be more Affordable
Architects and contractors debate whether or not a steel storage container home is more affordable than a traditional home. While some storage container homes can be designed with costly upgrades, the majority are produced quickly for less than $50,000, with the famous Taj Malodge being constructed for only $35,000. Do your homework to find a quality and affordable shipping container house contractor and read up on the building codes in your area before you begin. With proper planning, a steel container home can be an affordable alternative to the other homes in your area.
Utilizing steel shipping containers gives new meaning to the expression, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” With that said, some renovations and adjustments can make your shipping container home into a chic, modern dwelling.
No matter what career field you’re working in, it can be so difficult to focus on both minor and major tasks throughout the day. According to the University of California at Irvine, after studying IT and accounting professionals, employees actually switch their focus from one project to another on an average of every 10.5 minutes. Additionally, these workers were interrupted during more than half of their 10.5-minute project segments.
Thankfully, working in creative areas is more available than ever before. Shipping containers can be transformed into office containers and offer all kinds of professional advantages.
Here are some fantastic benefits of working inside portable office containers:
- Mobility — In the past, mobile offices weren’t even in existence. Now, since so much work is performed online, all you need for an office is an open space, a laptop, and an internet connection. Even freelance writers can benefit from working inside a mobile office — they just need some lighting, a pad, and pencil.
- Flexibility — With a container office, you can adjust the dimensions, layout, and overall design virtually any time you want to. Though you’ll have to work with an organization that can provide quality container modifications, you’ll be able to add windows, compartments, and revamp your entire office to your wants and needs.
- Affordable — Office containers are far less expensive than constructing a new building just for you to get some more work done. Especially if you’re only planning on temporarily working inside these containers, you can even rent office space at an even more reasonable cost.
- Improved focus — Since it’s so difficult to focus during the workday in traditional office environments, you’ll be able to concentrate much better on your tasks from working inside a container office. Limiting distractions and noise in an open office environment can be extremely tough. But inside your own secluded container office, you’ll be able to stay productive throughout the day, week, and as long as you plan on working inside your own portable office.
If you want to learn more about converting shipping containers to portable office containers and improve your productivity, concentration, and focus throughout the workday, contact Integrated Equipment Sales today!
Shipping containers can be customized, climate controlled and built to last in all sorts of environments. Though more and more people around the world are beginning to utilize these containers in more creative and original ways, there are still far too many unused containers. They should and can be transformed into portable office spaces, pop up container shops, storage units, art studios, and, believe it or not, livable homes.
