Exterior and Outdoor storage using Shipping Containers
Outdoor space can be quickly and easily converted to a secure storage facility by using shipping containers. From a single container allowing you to store materials without cluttering up your workshop to a flexible storage solution with stacked containers, staircases and gantries, we can find a solution to fit your needs.
Starting to think that you’ve outgrown your building?
If your business has grown since you’ve been in your current building it’s likely that you may need more working space than before, and more space to store materials and products. As your workplace becomes more stretched, productivity tends to decline (your people spend longer looking for items, need to move things around to make space for a project, etc etc). The risk of accidents rises sharply when there is not enough space to store everything neatly, and items are more likely to be lost or damaged.
Relocating to new premises can be costly and disruptive, if you have any outdoor space available then moving some of your storage into shipping containers will help you to optimise your work space and increase efficiency.
Can I stack containers on top of each other?
Shipping Containers are designed to be stacked up to 8 high fully loaded (that’s at over 20,000kg capacity per 20ft container). However, the top of this stack would be taller than 4 double decker busses so not very practical for everyday storage! For this reason, we would suggest filling your available space at ground level before stacking containers. If you do need to go higher then we can supply stairs and gantries to allow access to the upper containers and can also provide heavy duty interlocks to lock your containers together.
Two tier storage systems can be used effectively, large and heavy items in the lower containers, and paperwork and lightweight storage in the second tier. These ‘Topper’ containers are a neat and versatile solution for 2nd tier storage, and only require one staircase per row.
How many containers do I need?
One of the biggest benefits to using shipping containers for exterior and outdoor storage is the flexibility. You can have additional containers delivered quickly if needed, so there is no need to allow for future requirements, just purchase what you can use now. There is a cost saving if we can deliver 20ft containers in pairs (on an artic-sized vehicle), so for larger requirements consider buying 20ft containers two at a time, or using larger 40ft containers.
Is it best to use 20ft containers, or can I go larger?
If you have space for 40ft containers, and can accommodate the delivery vehicle, then these are certainly an option. If you’re considering used containers the 40ft options cost a very similar amount to 20ft containers, and only a bit more to deliver so can be much more cost effective. Whether they are right for you depends on how you will be using them, for storage of large materials, bulk supplies, and packed waste they can be ideal.
We can also produce containers between 20ft and 40ft (or smaller than 20ft) by cutting down larger containers, these can be ideal if you have a limited space to use, but please be aware that these cut-down containers cannot be stacked and may not have corner castings at both ends. They will also cost a bit more per square foot due to the work taken in cutting down to size.
Are shipping containers secure?
Shipping Containers are about as secure as they can be. They are constructed from Cor-Ten steel, generally around 1.6mm thickness. When fitted with a lockbox and good quality padlock they will be more resistant to break-in than most other storage options, requiring heavy duty cutting gear to get into (not something the average burglar has in his back pocket!). You can even add additional security features if required, a second lockbox and padlock, a Bulldog Container lock or a shipping container alarm.
Budgetshippingcontainers.co.uk offer the UK’s largest online range of shipping containers for sale with a nationwide network of storage and conversion yards and crane equipped delivery vehicles.
If you need a shipping container feel free to browse our online range of shipping containers for sale. You can also call us on freephone 0808 1234 215 any time 9am – 5pm weekdays and our team will be happy to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, you can use our online shipping container quote form or request a telephone callback. In both cases we aim to get back to you within 1-2 working hours (may take longer for more detailed quotes).