A Comprehensive Guide to Repurposing Shipping Containers

The primary use of 40 foot containers is to move goods. The containers are loaded on ships, which is the most common way to transport cargo. In fact, 95% of the world’s cargo is transported by ship. These tough, sturdy, water-tight containers are designed to protect your goods against a variety of threats. For instance, anything packed in 40-foot containers will be safe from the elements and physical damage. Because of their size, they are perfect for shipping bigger quantities and larger items that can’t be transported using smaller containers.

Moving Large Quantities of Goods

How much can you pack into a 40 foot container? Well, the best way to understand this is by comparison. A container this size can accommodate the contents and belongings of a three to four-bedroom family home. However, it’s important to consider that irregularly shaped items might be more difficult to pack and will take up more space. Put another way, think of a 40 foot container as a space that is able to accommodate four cars or around 400 mattresses!

For Personal Use

Creating small spaces dedicated to your own productivity with a personal project or work is an excellent way to prioritize your goals. The compact nature of these units lends to a focused, dense setup of equipment or furniture that is relevant to your own needs. Let’s look a little deeper into the fundamental ways a repurposed container can benefit you.

Art Space

Utilizing storage containers as an art gallery space is an exciting and creative idea. 40 foot shipping containers are the ideal size for an art gallery. The addition of skylights would be an easy upgrade, giving the area an airy feel that would be perfect for browsing.

Personal Office

One of the most common uses is to turn one into an office. For those with WFH careers, cultivating a personal office space is vital to getting good work done. All you need is to find a piece of land to place the container and then hire a professional service that can turn it into an office. Once the modifications are complete, it will be ready for you to work and study in!

Recording Studio

If you’re a recording artist or producer, you understand the need for having a perfectly adjusted acoustic setup. Because of their size options, low maintenance, and compact nature, setting up your studio in a shipping container is a great idea. Room treatment tasks like mounting bass absorbers, laying down carpeting, and setting up acoustic panels are just as feasible as they would be in a larger building.

For Business Owners

If you are a business owner or an entrepreneur interested in a trendy new setting, then using shipping containers as a site for your business may be a viable alternative. A majority of the world’s cargo, actually 95%, is moved on ships, making them the most frequently used method of transporting freight. This means that there are plenty of shipping containers available, so it will not be difficult to find shipping containers to use as a business location. Here are a few ideas for unique uses of 40 foot shipping containers.

A local or out-of-state project manager can set up equipment in a storage container and transform it into an on-site work center. With electricity, heating/air conditioning, and office furniture, a power company or an insurance company will be able to set up a temporary mobile office.

A Restaurant

A lot of restaurants are making use of 40 foot containers as a space for customers to enjoy food. They provide the perfect structure to create a coffee shop or a restaurant. The good thing about this is it reduces the expenses of starting and operating your business. Instead of finding a building to rent, you will own your restaurant outright, and all you need are employees and customers.

Home Improvement Business

For a specialty project, such as a gardening or private landscaping business, a shipping container is a great option. It would be roomy enough to store all kinds of equipment that a landscaping company, a garden shop, or a small private construction company, would need to have on hand. In addition, it could also provide portable offices for larger projects that are located off-site.

Health Clinic

Setting up a clinic or health care site using storage containers is an innovative concept. It is also a way to reach individuals that may reside in hard-to-reach, or even jungle, areas. Climate controlled containers provide a great site for health care. In addition, the containers can easily be set up in rural areas. Containers can be ready to provide service quickly, while a full-blown hospital construction project might be prohibitive because it is highly complicated or takes a long time to complete.

Bar

This idea is especially great in 40 foot storage containers. First of all, the size of a shipping container is perfect for a project like this. A portable bar can become a specialty of any outdoor food festival or popup shop, so don’t be afraid of more creative repurpose projects like this.

Boutique

Shopping is always a popular recreational pastime. Shipping containers are ideal for collectors, such as those who enjoy antiques, or sports memorabilia. Also, jewelry, scarves, handbags, t-shirts, umbrellas, stationery, greeting cards, and more. There are many possibilities for retail success in 40 foot shipping containers.

Educational Facilities

Schools and college campuses are ideal for using 40 foot shipping containers. The structures can be converted into classrooms, labs, gyms, libraries, and performing arts centers. The containers can also be used as portable concession stands, or mobile offices for interviews or for other special projects.

Industrial Business Uses

With all the unused shipping containers in the world, there are plenty of 40 foot shipping containers available for mobile industrial or on-site industrial use. Of the 17 million shipping containers in circulation around the world, over 5 million are in active use making around 200 million trips per year as shipping containers. While those numbers are staggering, they also mean that there are plenty of inactive shipping containers that could be put to some other use. Shipping containers have some inherent characteristics that, with a few modifications, make them ideal for certain industrial uses. Here are some examples of industrial uses for 40 foot shipping containers.

Machine Shop

Many industrial sites and construction sites could benefit from on-site or mobile machine shops for many purposes ranging from routine tasks such as tool sharpening to more involved tasks such as the fabrication of parts. Shipping containers can be outfitted with electrical and HVAC systems to create a comfortable environment for machine operators. For some applications, like machining metal, no additional ventilation may be required. For other applications, such as woodworking, additional filtration systems may be needed to remove dust from the air. Plastic fabrication and metal cutting may require additional fume removal systems.

Most important for this application, however, is that 40-foot shipping containers are inherently secure. The heavy steel forming the walls and doors are perfect for securing machine tools that may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more if 3D printing or CNC machines are involved. Being able to lock up the machine tools inside a 40-foot shipping container every night gives the machine shop operator peace of mind that the machine tools will be there the next morning.

Paint Booth

Paint is hazardous to the painter and the environment. Moreover, paint is a fire hazard. Paint booths are designed to prevent contamination of the environment while providing the painter with the ventilation needed to keep them safe. Shipping containers can be outfitted with electrical and ventilation systems to support the employee’s painting equipment and safety systems. Furthermore, as a steel box, 40-foot shipping containers are well suited to contain any fire once outfitted with a fire suppression system.

Again, most important for this application, is that 40-foot shipping containers are built to contain whatever is inside. With some modification to ensure that all the airflow is directed through the ventilation system, environmental contamination from the fumes and atomized paint can be minimized.

Welding Booth

Like painting, welding creates both fumes and a fire hazard. A 40-foot shipping container that is outfitted with a fume extraction system, an electrical system, an HVAC unit, and a fire suppression system would be well suited for welding.

Sandblasting Booth

While sandblasting has some characteristics in common with painting and welding, particularly the need for proper ventilation and air filtration, sandblasting has one unique characteristic. When sandblasting, the sand and dust blasted from the workpiece must be recovered, otherwise, the sandblasting booth would eventually fill up with sand and dust. A 40-foot shipping container configured as a sandblasting booth would isolate the sandblasting from the environment and would be outfitted with an electrical system, ventilation, and air filtration system, and dust recovery system to remove and contain the sand and dust.

Important Note for This Kind of Project

Keep track of the changes you make as your project progresses. Comparing the photos of the first stages and the finished product on your shipping container will allow you to refine your repurposing efforts. Taking note of the additions of custom features such as windows, doors, closets, and more will help you keep track of the expenses involved.

Whether or not you’re a business owner, you have a wealth of ways to repurpose 40 foot containers. The durability, affordability, and adaptability of these units make this a productive and personal venture geared toward your goals. Remember to consult with an experienced, reputable company when you start your project. To learn more about purchasing a 40 foot shipping container of your own, contact Integrated Equipment Sales today.

Features of the Best Storage Container Rental

These days, storage container rental is one of the most popular methods of shipping goods for homeowners and businesses, as well as for the purpose of having additional storage space temporarily. Renting a storage container can help until you have saved enough money to purchase one. However, ensuring you’re using the best companies is important, so look for these features.

Weatherproof Containers Available

Maritime shipping has quickly become known as the backbone of world trade, with an estimated 80% of goods traveling by sea, according to industry sources. Materials shipped by sea are exposed to harsh weather conditions, making investing in weatherproof containers necessary. Properly protected units will protect your goods and your business.

Size Options

The best storage container rentals offer various sizes to ensure they can meet your residential or commercial needs. Before contacting a shipping container rental business, determine the approximate size necessary. Then, ask the business what sizes they have available to ensure you won’t pay more than you have to for an extra large unit.

Cleanliness

Storage container rental often involves acquiring a storage container that someone else previously used. The previous renter may have stored food that expired while in the container or hazardous materials, making it possible to expose you to harmful bacteria or toxins. Inquire whether the rental facility cleans containers and what their cleaning practices consist of.

Satisfactory Terms

When looking into storage container rentals, it’s also critical to consider the rental terms and how flexible they are. Ask questions regarding whether long-term contracts are standard or whether or not the rental period is flexible, which will allow you to make a deal on the unit for as long as you need. This ensures you don’t end up in a fixed long-term contract or pay more than necessary.

Durability

Every aspect of the rented storage unit should be durable. While a used shipping container won’t be in brand-new condition, it’s important that there are no rust holes or corrosion on the interior of the container. The seals around the doors should be in good working condition to keep out the weather and pests

Renting a shipping container involves finding a reliable company to work with. Integrated Equipment Sales is happy to answer any questions you have about our available selection. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today!

What Supplies Can Military Containers Protect?

Military storage containers enable the stockpiling of a variety of items for eventual use by military personnel. Some of those items are meant for use in training and conflict, but many more items also enable transportation and storage of key military supplies that often are very costly. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, an $824 billion budget request would help to fund the military. Here’s a closer look at the types of supplies that these containers protect.

Ammo and Ordnance

Military items that contain ammunition and explosive ordnance are especially durable because they have to protect against accidental explosions. The containers often are made from very durable steel or from hardwoods. Crates, canisters, and similar storage containers make it much easier to place the typically heavy items in storage or transport them to locations where they are needed for training or possible military action. The containers help to prevent accidental ignition of explosive materials that might trigger catastrophic explosions.

Firearms and Other Military Implements

Rifles, pistols, and other firearms need to be protected against moisture and physical damage while stored or during transportation. The same is true of other common military implements. These storage containers are designed to protect their contents against hard impacts as well as the elements. Even high humidity might be enough to cause firearms and other military items to corrode, rust, or otherwise degrade. Durable and sealable containers help to protect against such subtle dangers.

Medicines, Foods, and Other Perishables

Military storage containers include refrigerated containers that protect perishables against spoilage and other negative effects that might occur if they were left out in the open. The containers might be stored inside a refrigerated room or a walk-in freezer. They also might be stored inside a refrigerated storage container to help prevent the perishable items from degrading.

Clothing and Other Wearable Items

Some military items are bulky but less likely to suffer damage during transportation or while in storage. Uniforms, helmets, and body armor are good examples of military clothing and other wearable items that often are stored in containers until they are needed. Such storage containers help to keep moisture and pests outside while protecting the items that are stored inside them.

Looking to learn more about surplus military storage containers and how they might help with your storage needs? Give Integrated Equipment Sales a call today!

How Adding a Roll-Up to a Shipping Container Expands Its Purpose

If you’re looking for new shipping containers for sale, then consider purchasing one with a roll-up door. The standard shipping containers are pretty basic, with just one door at the end. By adding an extra door to the side, you improve not only the functionality of the container, but it comes with a host of other benefits for an expanded purpose, and here’s why.

They’re Easier to Load or Unload

Just having a. roll-up side door makes a shipping container easier to load or unload since you have more access options. It also allows you to load different items with a lot of ease. Let’s say you will be loading and unloading pallets. A forklift operator will find the roll-up door extremely convenient.

You Can Store Bulkier Items

Unusually-shaped or large items may have problems getting into a shipping container, but with a roll-up door, you’re opening up possibilities for easily storing such items. This addition translates into increasing the range and number of items you can ship.

Easy Unencumbered Access

The standard container has one door at the end, which can make access to the middle or back of the container very difficult if there’s storage in the way. A container with a side door makes access to items in the middle and the back of the container much easier. You don’t have to unload other stuff first to get an item in the middle of the container.

Better Functionality

A side door makes your shipping container more functional. It also expands the use of the container, offering a host of other optional uses. For instance, you can decide to repurpose the container into a cafe or shop, in which case the roll-up door could act as a passageway to another section.

Adding any kind of door to a shipping container expands its purpose beyond a standard container with only one door at one end. The ease of access to items and the fact that it’s a perfect storage solution makes it a great investment. If you’re looking for new shipping containers for sale or used ones, then contact us. A standard container is either 40 or 20 feet, according to Container Home Hub, and the beauty of it is that you can modify it anyhow you like. Let us help you find the right container for your needs.

4 Benefits of Buying a Brand New Shipping Container

Shipping containers serve various purposes, from offering storage space to being repurposed for a new house or restaurant. When you shop for a shipping container, you can choose from used or new shipping containers for sale. Several benefits come with buying a brand-new shipping container. Let’s take a look at these advantages.

1. Zero Cross Contamination

According to Container Home Hub, 85% of all shipping containers worldwide are standard containers, which means they transport various things. They may be used to transport clothing, but a used container may have been used to transport hazardous chemicals. This is less than ideal if you plan on using your container for food storage, a restaurant, or a container home. Buying a brand-new container can eliminate any cross contamination.

2. No Dents or Dings

When you opt for a used shipping container, it’s bound to come with a few scratches or the occasional dent. While this won’t impact whether or not you can store things in the container, it can impact the aesthetic appeal of your container. If you want one in pristine shape for a new office space or pop-up shop, then new shipping containers for sale are your best option.

3. Longer Warranty Period

When you purchase a shipping container, it often comes with a warranty. That warranty varies depending on the container purchased. The warranty is typically longer for new containers, and it’s more likely to cover more, such as the brand-new seals on your container. Warranties on used shipping containers may not cover as much.

4. Better Seals

The seal on a shipping container will help maintain a consistent temperature and better security, and you can rest assured that it will be airtight. However, these seals wear down over time, which makes them less effective. When you purchase new shipping containers for sale, your seal will last longer than one several years old. Depending on what you’re storing or shipping, a new container can be essential.

If you’re searching for new shipping containers for sale, then look no further. We have a wide variety of shipping containers, including insulated containers. Contact us today for more information on new and used products! Our team can help you find the right one for you and your personal or business needs.