How to Care for your Shipping Container

Shipping containers are best known for being used as storage units and for transporting goods across oceans. However, these sturdy metal boxes can serve a number of practical purposes. You might have seen them converted into cozy cottages or trendy restaurants, but did you know that shipping containers also make great homes? Residential shipping container design is popping up all over the world as more people discover the benefits of living in one. It’s no wonder why: Shipping containers are durable and weather-resistant; they’re also affordable compared to other prefabricated housing options on the market today. Plus, they’re easy to modify once they arrive at your property! That said, there are some basic steps you need to take when caring for your new home so it lasts through any weather condition or natural disaster while maintaining its structural integrity over time—especially if you plan on using yours long term or building an entire house out of them (both of which are totally doable!).

Keep it clean.

You may be tempted to leave the container outside, but if you do this, it will start to rust. Keep your shipping container clean by washing it down with a hose or pressure washer every few months. Use a wax to protect the paint on your container if you plan on having it outside for an extended period of time.

Keep the container clear of clutter and weeds.

The container can be used for various purposes, including storage and growing food. One example is to use it as a greenhouse or gardening shed to grow vegetables and herbs in your backyard.

If you decide on this option, make sure that you keep the container clear of clutter and weeds. You will need space inside the shipping container so that you can move around easily when working on your garden. If there are too many things inside, it will be harder for you to reach everything when needed — plus it will look messy!

Use good insulation.

One of the best ways to make your shipping container home more comfortable is through good insulation. Insulation can be installed on the outside or inside of your container, depending on what you want it to do: keep in heat during winter and keep out heat during summer.

Use fiberglass insulation for best results; this material will provide long-lasting comfort without blocking any light coming into your home from outside. You can also use other types of materials like foam board or spray foam if you prefer them over fiberglass, but these may not be as effective at keeping out noise as well as moisture (especially if installed directly onto metal walls).

Also read: Why Have a Lockbox On Your Shipping Container

Keep the doors closed when not in use.

The most obvious benefit of keeping the doors closed is to keep the container dry and clean. When the doors are open, rain or snow can get into your shipping container and cause damage to your belongings. Also, if you have pets or children who like to play in there, they could track mud onto any surface they walk on.

Another reason why it’s good practice to keep your doors closed when not in use is because it keeps intruders out! If someone wants access to what’s inside your shipping container, they’ll need tools like crowbars or bolt cutters – which means effort on their part – making theft less likely than if there were no locks at all (or even ones that were easily broken).

Finally: by closing off airflow through vents and windows during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing outside (or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit during summer days), condensation won’t build up inside as fast as it would otherwise; this helps prevent mold growth on surfaces within reachable distance from such openings – which could lead indirectly but nonetheless significantly towards higher rates of illness among occupants over time due “poor air quality conditions” caused by exposure levels exceeding acceptable thresholds set forth by government agencies worldwide

Build a deck or shelving unit for indoor use.

Shipping containers are extremely versatile, and can be used for a variety of purposes. If you have an outdoor space that’s in need of some extra storage or seating, consider building yourself a deck or shelving unit out of shipping containers. If you live in an apartment building with no yard space at all, this could be the perfect solution for your gardening needs–you can use one container as an herb garden (or herb growing system) and another as a tool shed!

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to repurpose shipping containers into functional pieces of furniture or art installations, check out our Pinterest board “Shipping Container Hacks”

Use it as a greenhouse or cold frame too!

You can use your shipping container as a greenhouse or cold frame, too!

In the winter months, you can grow plants inside of your shipping container. The insulation will keep them warm and help them to grow more quickly than they would outside.

In the summer months, you can use your shipping container as a way to protect your plants from high heat and insects. It will keep them cool as well as prevent pests from bothering them so you don’t have to worry about pesticides or other chemicals on your food.

A shipping container can be your best friend as long as you take care of it.

A shipping container can be your best friend as long as you take care of it.

The most important things to keep in mind are keeping the container clean, keeping it clear of clutter and weeds, using good insulation, keeping the doors closed when not in use and building a deck or shelving unit for indoor use.

You’ll also want to use your shipping container as a greenhouse or cold frame too!

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you some inspiration to get out there and make something awesome with your shipping container. If you have any other ideas for how we can use them, let us know in the comments below!