Storage Containers
Storage Containers from Shipping Containers
The storage container comes in a multitude of sizes, ranging from our smallest at 6ft, to our largest at 45ft - with almost every size in between! For popular sizes see 8ft, 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 30ft and 40ft. But if you can't see the size you're looking for amongst our displayed products, we also have a cut-down service, dedicated to fulfilling specific customer requests (for example many customers choose 10ft cut-down containers or 15ft cut-down containers). We provide storage for schools, industry, self-storage, construction, and a host of other industries.
Steel storage containers come in three different forms. Choose from new or used shipping containers (see 20ft used and 40ft used), converted shipping containers and purpose built containers, which includes flat pack containers. What you choose to buy will depend upon what you are planning to store in it and where you will be keeping it - from construction equipment or household goods to cars and motorbikes. All steel storage containers are strong and secure, and represent good value for money. With the right container you can expect many years of good usage.
Compared with timber sheds, light-gauge units, or many prefabricated stores, shipping containers start life as robust steel structures designed for harsh transport environments. That strength, weather resistance and inherent security is exactly why they are so widely used for long-term storage on domestic, commercial and industrial sites.
Typical storage uses
- Domestic - furniture, seasonal items, bikes and tools (often with lining and ventilation for added protection).
- Business - stock, equipment and inventory where secure on-site access matters.
- Construction and trades - tools, materials and plant storage on live sites.
- Schools and public sector - sports kit, archives, maintenance equipment and overspill storage.
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Storage from used shipping containers
These are the strongest of all steel storage containers, as they are built to endure transportation overseas where they are subjected to wet conditions and the weight of other containers piled up on top. For this reason they are made from a high grade of steel with a rust retardant coating, have thick floors and heavy doors with rubber seals and strong locks.
Shipping containers make excellent stores on construction sites where building materials, plant machinery and tools need to be securely stored. These containers are very hard to break into or damage, hence they are also known as anti vandal containers. They are also ideal for the storage of household furniture items, although we recommend using a newer, or very good condition container for this purpose, to protect any vulnerable items from moisture damage. These steel storage containers are available in standard shipping container sizes of 20ft and 40ft in length, and 8ft in width.
High quality and durable storage
Storage containers are designed to protect goods against the two big risks: poor weather and unwanted access. A steel container shell, paired with sensible upgrades, creates a durable, long-term storage solution that is difficult to force and holds up well in exposed UK conditions.
Weather protection
- Strong steel shell with robust door seals helps keep wind and rain out.
- For sensitive items, upgrades like ventilation and internal lining (for example ply lining) can help protect goods from condensation and scuffs.
Security options
- Keep original cargo doors for heavy-duty access control.
- Add simpler day-to-day entry with a personnel door where regular access is needed.
- Specify wider access where required using roller shutter doors.
Popular practical upgrades also include electrics for lighting and power tools, and repainting in RAL colours to suit your site or brand.
Storage containers to custom size
These have all the benefits of a shipping container but are cut down to produce a range of convenient sizes to suit customer demand. For example, 10ft storage containers are especially in demand, so a 40ft shipping container will be taken and cut up into four new 10ft storage containers. During this process, new doors will have to be made for three of the containers, which is why you will find many steel storage containers with what are known as flat panel doors. Many customers prefer these to the heavy container doors, as they make regular access to the container much easier. Shipping containers can be cut down to any required length.
Custom sizing is ideal when you have a fixed bay, a tight yard layout, or you need to maximise storage without wasting space. It also allows you to choose the access style that suits your workflow, whether that is retaining original cargo doors, adding a personnel door, or specifying alternative door formats for frequent entry.
New builds from Containers Direct
We build steel storage containers to any size required - not just the length, but the width too. Units can be extra wide or extra narrow to suit your space and use case.
Our 10ft wide containers are often used as garages, specifically our purpose built CarTainer®. The SlimLine® range - widths under 8ft - is ideal for small or awkward spaces that standard shipping containers cannot access. For examples, see 5ft wide and 10ft wide containers.
Compact and flat pack storage
These are not quite as strong as used shipping containers, but are still made from steel and secured with a double locking system. They are more than adequate for most types of storage, and their flat pack form saves on delivery costs.
Because flat pack containers are man portable, they allow more flexibility over positioning and movement than pre assembled containers, as they can be carried through narrow access and located almost anywhere. They are modular, so you can join them together with a simple linking kit to gain more storage space with the same benefits of a flat pack product.
When flat pack is a better fit
- Access is too tight for a lorry and crane, such as narrow gateways, alleys, or enclosed courtyards.
- You need a storage unit positioned inside a restricted site or behind existing buildings.
- You want a self-assembly option that can be relocated in future with less logistical cost.
Other flat pack products available include chemical stores and offices.
Storage container vs self storage
Many customers compare buying a storage container with renting a unit at a self storage facility. Both can be the right answer, but they solve different problems.
Reasons customers choose to own a container
- On-site convenience - keep storage where you need it, with quick access for tools, stock, and equipment.
- Control - you choose the size, doors, layout, and optional upgrades, rather than working around a standard unit.
- Long-term value - ownership can make sense when storage is ongoing, and the unit can be relocated or repurposed later.
- Security - a steel container is naturally robust, and can be specified with additional security features where required.
When a self storage facility may suit you better
- You only need storage for a short period and do not have space on site.
- You want a managed facility for regular deliveries, or you require specialist services (for example, climate-controlled storage).
If you are unsure, the quickest way forward is to tell us what you are storing, where the container will sit, and how you need to access it. We can then advise whether a used unit, cut-down size, new build, or flat pack option is the most practical route.
How Containers Direct prepares a container
Whether you choose a standard size, a cut-down unit, or a more tailored specification, the aim is the same: a clean, sound steel shell that is fit for storage and ready to use. Our preparation process focuses on structure, weather resistance, and practical access.
Typical preparation steps
- Selecting an appropriate base container (new, used, or for conversion depending on your needs).
- Inspection of doors, seals, floors and steelwork, plus any required repairs.
- Modification work where required (cut-downs, door changes, ventilation, lining and electrics).
- Finishing, including repainting where specified and final checks before dispatch.
Once a shipping container is retired from export it can be cut to any size and modified to create a brand new storage container. Most certified shipping containers start life at 20ft or 40ft long, which is why you sometimes see odd sizes described as shipping containers after they have been cut down. If you need a specific length, our cut-down service produces popular sizes like 8ft, 10ft, 15ft and 30ft.
We use ex-shipping units as the basis for our storage container stock because they offer the best build quality. They are made from thick Corten steel which protects against dents and corrosion. By comparison, storage containers manufactured specifically for the domestic market are often built with thinner steel and floors that cannot bear as much weight. If you prefer a purpose-built option, see our new build storage containers.
Many domestic customers ask about refitting doors. We can refit storage doors on any of our shipping containers, including personnel doors for easy access and roller shutter doors for wider openings. Popular upgrades also include ply lining or melamine lining, ventilation, electrics and repainting in RAL colours. For lighter duties or very restricted access, a self-assembly option may be better. Our flat pack stores are galvanised steel with dual locks, collapse for transport and tight access, and the 2m size can be delivered to small domestic premises. They remain secure and are ideal for temporary use.
Why choose Containers Direct
We have been supplying and manufacturing steel storage solutions for a wide range of customers, from domestic storage through to trade and industrial requirements. Our approach is practical: help you choose the right format, build it properly, then deliver it ready for real-world use.
What you can expect
- Choice of build routes - used containers, cut-down sizes, conversions, new builds, and flat pack options.
- In-house capability - tailored sizes and modifications produced to match your site constraints and access needs.
- Advice that saves time - clear guidance on sizes, door formats, and upgrades based on what you are storing and how you will use the unit.
- Competitive pricing - practical options across multiple formats so you can balance budget, lifespan and specification.
If you already know the size you need, browse the links above. If you are deciding between used, cut-down, new build or flat pack storage, use the Quick Quote panel on this page and include a short description of what you are storing and where the unit will be sited.
Testimonials
As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.
Committed to Quality
We are ISOQAR Approved and certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are also members of MakeUK, who champion British manufacturing, and the Container Self Storage and Traders Association (CSTA), representing global operators and innovators. In addition, we are registered members of JOSCAR, the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register.
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