Shipping Containers vs Storage Units: Which Is the Better Option?

What Are Shipping Containers and Storage Units?

Overview of Shipping Containers

Everyone has seen shipping containers, either on the back of a train, on container ships, or even sitting in industrial parks for convenient, tough storage.

There’s no arguing with the durability and strength of shipping containers, used all over the world for storage and transport, they’re able to withstand the elements with ease, can be securely locked, and can be moved around for convenient relocation of their contents. 

Overview of Storage Units

Unlike shipping containers that are designed to be frequently moved around and transported through tough conditions, storage units are permanent structures that offer fixed, rented storage space. Storage units are ideal for people who need to store fragile items or a large number of belongings that need a high level of security and can ‘set and forget’ knowing their items are secure long term. 

Cost Analysis: Which Saves You Money?

Upfront Costs

When looking at shipping containers vs storage units for your upfront costs, shipping containers can be the more expensive option as they are a one-time purchase so you can expect a large lump sum payment at the start. The storage unit alternative offers a pay as you go monthly fee, however, this can exceed the cost of a shipping container if you need to store items for a very long term.

Long-Term Savings

This is where shipping container cost benefits exceed storage units, as a shipping container is an asset that once purchased you have no further fees, and when it is no longer needed can be resold or repurposed. While the upfront cost may be high, if you’re storing items for years at a time, this cost can be negligible compared to monthly storage unit fees. 

Additional Costs

This is where you can get caught out if you don’t do your research, as both options can have hidden costs you may not have considered. Storage units can have additional access fees, hidden charges, or insurance costs that you will want to budget for, whereas shipping containers can often come with significant transport costs, or ongoing maintenance costs if you need them to be powered or air-conditioned.

Durability and Longevity

Weather Resistance

While both options are built to withstand the weather, when it comes to shipping containers vs storage units in harsh conditions, shipping containers are the better choice. Designed to handle extreme weather as well as potential damage from moving around at rough seas on a ship, shipping containers are built to handle the worst conditions and keep your belongings safe. 

Maintenance Needs

In terms of upkeep, shipping containers are very much a case of pick a place to drop them and they’ll sit there without any further maintenance needed. Storage units on the other hand are susceptible to similar risks to any other building - fire, natural disasters, theft - so opting for a company that focuses on maintenance is key.

Use Cases: When to Choose Each Option

Best for Short-Term Needs

If you need to store a few items while you’re moving, or need to empty out a building for renovations, or even need some overflow space for inventory, storage units are a great choice. They excel at offering affordable, minimal, temporary storage where security is high and costs are low.

Ideal for Long-Term and Multi-Purpose Use

For long-term storage of bulk items, or equipment you may not need access to very often, shipping containers are king. They offer flexible, secure storage that can be relocated easily and once purchased can do the job without intervention or further costs.

Why Shipping Containers Are Cheaper Long-Term

Is this fellow jolly because of his ride on mower, his convenient storage solution at home, or because he is saving money and time with a container at home?

No Monthly Rentals

The longer you keep a shipping container, the more you end up saving vs a storage unit, as you aren’t paying a monthly rental fee. You can also recoup some of your upfront costs by selling your container at the end, further reducing the cost over time.

Resale Value and Repurposing

One of the best features of a shipping container is its ability to hold its value over time, with containers reselling for close to retail price if the condition is high. Containers can also be repurposed for many different uses, such as site sheds and even tiny homes.

Adaptability for Expanding Needs

While upfront costs can be higher with shipping containers, being able to scale up your storage by purchasing more containers is a great option for adapting your storage capacity to your needs. Storage facilities can sometimes be limited based on how many customers are using the units, so purchasing more containers is an almost limitless option.

Choosing the Right Shipping Container

There are so many container sizes and types that choosing the right container for your needs is easy. Containers start at 8ft and go right up to 40ft, with international container grades established as a universal way to check the quality of used containers, so you can purchase exactly the right one.

Check out our handy shipping container buying guide to see what’s possible with SCF containers.

FAQs

How do shipping containers compare to storage units in terms of cost?

Shipping containers have higher upfront costs, but the longer you keep them the less you’ll pay compared to the monthly fees from storage units.

Are shipping containers durable enough for long-term storage?

Not only are shipping containers durable for years, but they can withstand the harshest conditions during transport and weather events.

Can I customise a shipping container for other uses?

Shipping containers are very customisable and can be transformed into site sheds, meeting rooms, toilets, or even accommodations.

What are the space requirements for keeping a container on my property?

It can vary whether you need a planning permit, building permit, or neither in order to place a shipping container on your property, so make sure to check with your local council.