▲
Quick Quote
Containers Direct logoQuality you can see, experience you can trust.
Quality you can see, experience you can trust.

Shipping Container Storage vs Self- Storage: Which Is Best?

Tuesday 28 January 2025
Updated: Tuesday 4 February 2025
Filed in: General

If you're looking for the ideal storage solution for your home or business, you may be weighing up a self-storage facility against buying your own shipping container. Find out which option can work best for your needs.



Shipping container storage

The key reasons why buying your own shipping container for storage is advantageous:
  1. Secure on your property - site your container in a convenient location for you, whether it's your back garden or a plot of land you own. This allows you flexibility and ease of accessibility. Shipping containers are available in a range of sizes, so you can buy one that fits your own space and quantity of storage.

  2. Access any time - your own shipping container storage won't be restricted by opening hours, so you go in and out of it whenever you need to.

  3. Cheaper in the long term - once you've purchased your container there'll be no ongoing costs or contract fees, which you'd be paying to a self storage facility on a regular basis. Although the outlay is higher initially, if you require long-term storage you'll be saving in the long-run.

  4. Portable - shipping containers can be relocated at any time, whether you move house, or change you mind about where you want to keep it.

  5. Customisable to your own requirements - when you purchase a shipping container for storage, it can be customised in endless ways. You add windows. extra doors, lighting, shelving or ply lining to prevent condensation spoiling your stored items. Shipping containers can be modified to meet all of these needs and more.
    View popular container optional extras.

  6. Good resale value - shipping containers last! Their steel construction is strong and durable, so selling it on when you're done with it is easy.

  7. Potential to covert in the future - shipping container be repurposed if you no longer need it for storage. This makes it a versatile storage solution that can grow and change with your needs. From site offices to garden rooms, workshops and home gyms, the conversion possibilities are surprisingly diverse!
    Find out more about container conversions



Alternative to shipping container storage - flat pack stores

Self-assembly storage containers are a great option for smaller spaces, lighter loads and for places inaccessible to take delivery of a standard shipping container. They are fully man-portable, quick and easy to assemble and easy to take down again if you change your mind over the best place to site your storage container. From only 2m long and wide, up to 4m, they are a common site in back gardens to store all the stuff you would store in a traditional shed or garage.


Self storage facility

Self-storage units offer versatile options, so whether you need to store paperwork in a small indoor unit, or need to rent shipping container storage in an outdoor facility, there are plenty of self storage companies out there that can provide what you require.

Reasons to choose self storage:
  • No land/plot required - if you have nowhere to keep your own shipping container then using a self storage facility is your only option.

  • Short-term affordability - buying a shipping container for storage has a much higher initial outlay than renting a unit, so if you're sure you only need storage space for a limited time, it will be more cost effective to pay for self-storage.

  • Flexible options to suit different budgets, time commitment, and size and type of storage contents.

Find out more about different types of storage units offered by self storage companies.


Decision time!

Based on the key points above, you'll have enough information to weigh up to work out the right type of storage space for your personal requirements - short term vs long term, size and scale of your storage items, and whether you have somewhere to keep a shipping container. Remember that shipping containers can be customised to any size, by cutting them down, and adapted in a number of ways. One of the most popular modifications for easier access is replacing the original corrugated doors with flat panel doors that are much easier to open and close, especially on a frequent basis.

View the ARCHIVES

We have placed cookies on your browsing device to enable this website to function correctly.
Further usage of this website indicates you are happy for us to do this..
Find out about the cookies we have set and how we use them.