Storage Shed vs Shipping Containers

So, you ran out of storage space and you’ve made a decision – you need additional outdoor storage. Well, there are two popular options for adding storage space in your property – storage shed vs shipping container. While the former has been used for generations for storing all sorts of things, the concept of using shipping containers for the same purpose has increasingly gained popularity.

A storage shed will provide a lot of space for tools or other things that you can’t fit or simply won’t look good in your garage. Storage sheds have traditionally been constructed from wood, then the use of vinyl became a popular alternative. Now, an exciting new trend in outdoor storage involves renting a shipping container and repurposing it into a mobile storage unit.

Make no mistake about it, both storage shed and shipping containers are useful in different scenarios, but it’s important to take into account the pros and cons of each to identify which one is right for you.

Affordability / Price

When you are planning your budget for extra storage space, it’s important to determine how long you intend to have the space for. For instance, sheds may cost less on the front end but their value depreciates immensely within a few years. In contrast, shipping containers hold their value with little depreciation, up to 20 years or so.
With that said, you get more long-term value from a shipping container. Moreover, you have to consider the fact that shipping containers don’t require building costs. They are ready to use once delivered to your property. Compare this to the time and money that it would take to build a storage shed. Most sheds are also pretty small and the larger ones can be too expensive to build.

On top of that, conventional wooded sheds require routine maintenance along with a fresh coat of paint every couple of years to negate decay, combat termites, and mitigate damage from ever changing weather. The cost will increase further if you hire a contractor to build the shed for you. With a storage container, there are no surprises because you’ll know the shipping container hire cost upfront.

Durability

This is another point to consider when it comes to the debate of storage shed vs shipping container. When you compare the two, it’s important to take into account the quality of construction and materials. Shipping containers are built to stringent industry standards and they are designed to withstand the toughest weather conditions. They are engineered to last and require very little maintenance.

On the other hand, everything about storage sheds is lighter-grade and will therefore require periodic upkeep, including varnishing, chemical treatment, etc. This can be tedious and costly over time. A shed is typically made from wood which is more likely to sustain damage from bad weather. Wood can also suffer from rot and it has a tendency to warp.

In a nutshell, a shipping container will outlast a storage shed in terms of lifespan. You can expect to get at least 20 years from a shipping container and roughly 10 years from a wooden or vinyl shed.

Safety and Security

Shipping containers are made from reinforced steel and they come with sturdy metal doors. They are completely sealed from the outside to keep your belongings safe from water, pests, and theft. When equipped with advanced locking mechanisms, a shipping container is almost impossible to break into. Extra protection can be achieved by installing heavy-duty doors and securing them with high-security locks and lock boxes.

As for traditional storage sheds, their flimsy doors offer minimal security and easy for intruders to break into. Most storage sheds can be accessed easily by a determined thief armed with just a crowbar! Windows can also be busted and padlocks pried open. Again, a storage shed may cost you less initially, but it’s more prone to the elements and less secure than its metal counterpart.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this article sheds light to the storage shed vs shipping container debate. The use of shipping containers as mobile storage units or outdoor storage is growing in popularity. Their true value lies in the fact that they are so versatile that they can be converted into almost anything – including storage sheds!

The benefits of using shipping containers for storage are just too good to pass up, both for households and businesses. A shipping container is devoid of weak points, from the floor to the roof, making it a safe place to store your belongings. You won’t have to worry about assembly or labor as it will be delivered to your place and it’s instantly ready to use. Overall, it’s a superior alternative because of its affordability, durability, and security.