Pros and Cons of Repurposing Storage Containers

Written by Susan Nalevac | December 14, 2022

Today, containers are used for more than just shipping goods, as many businesses and individuals use them to construct houses, offices, and other structures. If you’re considering repurposing storage containers for your project, learn the pros and cons of these containers below.

Pros of Used Containers

Storage containers have many benefits, but the most common advantages cited by satisfied customers are the savings, versatility, and sustainability that repurposed containers offer.

Affordable

The prime advantage of a repurposed container is that it’s almost always the more affordable alternative. Whether you’re constructing a container home, a temporary office, or any other structure that requires construction, using a container will enable you to save money on materials and labor.

At Container Management, Inc., we have many used shipping containers for sale in Indianapolis and many other locations across the country. We'll help you find the ideal used container that fits your project and helps you stay within your budget.

Versatile

Another benefit of storage containers is their versatility and utility for numerous and varied applications. Storage containers are used in many ways, including:

• Container homes
• Temporary offices
• Pop-up restaurant/retail
• Retail storage

Whatever your project is, there’s likely a storage container that fits your needs, as there are many different containers of all shapes and sizes outside of the standard dry rack, including:

• Flat-rack
• Open-top
• Side-top
• High Cube
• Double Doors

Rest assured, we can find a container that checks all the boxes on your list for whatever project you have in mind.

Environmentally Friendly

Any time you use existing materials and resources instead of utilizing new materials, you’re doing the environment a favor and choosing the sustainable option. When you reuse a storage container, you’re saving tons of new materials from being used.

Consider all the energy and resources needed to build a traditional house. A storage container, on the other hand, puts the materials already available to use.

Cons of Used Containers

We’ve discussed the pros, but there are a few cons to repurposing storage containers that buyers should also consider.

Corrosion Risk

With metal boxes like storage containers, there’s always the risk of rust infecting the steel and eroding the integrity of the structure. But at Container Management, Inc. we rigorously inspect and evaluate used containers and grade them based on their condition so buyers can be certain of the quality of the container they purchase.

Temperature Control

If you plan on using a storage container for a home, office, or any other place where people gather, temperature control can be somewhat of a challenge. After all, these steel containers were designed to protect cargo, not keep them at a comfortable temperature.

Fortunately, there are many ways to renovate a container to make it more habitable, like adding insulation and installing an HVAC system.

Do you have further questions about used shipping containers, or are you interested in getting one for your project? Contact our team at Container Management, Inc. and we’ll find you a container that fits your budget and goals.