Experiences of using shipping containers for storage or workspace

[ForZanySeal]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been looking into alternative storage and workspace solutions recently, and I keep coming across shipping containers being used for everything from storage units to home offices.

I’m honestly quite intrigued — they seem cost-effective and quite sturdy, but I’m not sure how practical they are long-term. Has anyone here actually used one?
I’m particularly curious about:

• Insulation (do they get too hot/cold?)
• Security and durability
• Whether they’re worth the investment compared to traditional options
• Any companies you’d recommend (or avoid!)

I’ve seen a few providers online like Cracking Containers, but would love some real experiences before making a decision.
Would really appreciate any advice or stories — good or bad!
Thanks 😊

You need a porta cabin a shipping container is a tin box

We have shipping container offices at my workplace but unfortunately I don't have any experience as I'm based in a portacabin. My office is fully plumbed, electric, air conditioning/ heating. As far as I know, the shipping containers are the same except water as they are not big enough for toilets.

Security for a container is excellent, you can insulate them, board them out and furnish. There are old style containers that could be re-used many times, mass produced modern containers are a bit more flimsy. Avoid ‘self assembly’ kit ones that look like they’re a bargain - they aren’t.
A 20ft container would give you plenty of storage as well as office space you’ll need to find someone to cut windows in the sides if that’s what you want, but I had a ‘false front’ behind the container doors so when both were open I had a normal access door and large window that opened, all sitting in a wood frame. You’ll need a firm base for a container to sit on and work out an electricity supply.
I used my container to either sleep in, work from or store in at various points over 3 years. I rented it from Mobile Mini. In future I would buy so I could do more permanent alterations, you can stack containers if you fancy a second floor too!

DH used one as an office for years and as it was insulated and boarded the temperature control was fine. Unfortunately as it was on a farm the rats were an issue and they ate their way up through the floor! He said they should have concreted before they put the container in but didn't for some reason.

But you do need to think about siteing and delivery

We are looking at prefabs & having to be craned into place was our issue