Innovative Uses of Shipping Container

Shipping containers have proven to provide more value far from their primary purpose of transporting goods. They are extremely durable, weather-resistant, and great insulators making them suitable for various uses. 

Now, if you have an old shipping container you want to re-purpose, this article shares ten innovative ways to use these metal boxes and get value. The good thing is that shipping containers are available to buy or even rent in Atlanta. So, you can acquire one and convert it to anything on this list. 

Let’s get started. 

1. Build a Small House 

You can build a tiny residence from a simple container. Shipping containers are sturdy and highly customizable. So, they can make an ideal permanent or vacation home. Now, if you plan to convert your container into a home, you want to: 

• Add windows, doors, heating systems, and air conditioning
• Install insulation in all the shipping containers you're going to use
• Install an electrical system with outlets and lights
• Consider putting up solar panels to generate solar power
• Secure the container with a roofing system that can withstand heavy rain and snow   
• Seal the container properly to avoid leakages

2. Use as a Food Truck 

A shipping container is an excellent option for building something portable as they are easy to move from one place to another. So, if you’re interested in starting a small catering business, you can turn your shipping container into a food truck. 

Depending on the size of your container, you can go further and create a beautiful café or mini-restaurant. 

3. Retail Store or Warehouse 

You can also turn your shipping container into your very own business premises or office spaces, helping you cut down on initial capital significantly. Repurposed shipping containers are versatile and can be converted into small retail businesses like gift shops, bookstores, thrift stores, boutiques, etc. 

If you already have a business, especially one that deals with wholesale items, you could use a shipping container as an affordable warehouse. Containers are designed for storage and will keep your inventory in tip-top shape. 

4. Gym 

If you prefer to work out at home but don’t have much space in the house, a cargo container can be a great way to build your private gym in your yard. You’ll only need to make a few modifications, like adding a window and door, and you’re good to go. 

Also, renting out a commercial space can be pretty expensive, so if you’re looking to establish a public gym, recycled shipping containers can be an affordable and creative alternative too. 

5. Backyard Swimming Pool

Another great way of converting shipping containers is turning them into swimming pools. Aside from being a lot cheaper, containers are also compact and space-efficient. So, it’s a wonderful option if you have limited yard space that will not otherwise accommodate a traditional size swimming pool. 

Another advantage of going for a shipping container pool is you can pick between a built-in or above-the-ground option. Remember, intermodal freight containers are non-permanent structures, so you can simply drain and move your ‘swimming pool’ if you decide to move to different locations. 

6. Shed 

Do you need a spacious shed to store outdoor equipment such as gardening tools, lawnmowers, and so on? A container can make an excellent outdoor shed for keeping all of these items and more. It’s instrumental in this regard since it offers a safe space for putting your things and protects them from environmental elements.

Besides, unlike the regular woodshed, a cargo container provides better aesthetics, especially if you customize it to your liking through painting or any other modifications.

7. Camping Shelter

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of being out in nature, especially at night, you’ll undoubtedly miss out on many good times with friends and family. 

Fortunately, this does not have to happen if you have a shipping container, as you can easily create a camping pod out of one. You can fit it with a bed, toilet, shower, and even security features such as CCTV. This way, you can get in on any camping action with friends or family without worries. 

8. Greenhouse 

If you love farming but live in limited land space, you can always use re-purposed shipping containers to create a home garden. 

Bringing this twist to farming will ensure that you enjoy your passion while growing your produce, whether spices or aromatic flowers. Moreover, a container garden safeguards your plants from human, animal, and weather elements, making your farming experience all the more productive. 

9. Garage Space

If you need a space to park your vehicle and do some at-home car repairs and maintenance, a modified container can come in handy. You can use a single container or combine multiple containers to create ample garage space, depending on the size of space you need. 

Additionally, container garages are inflammable, which means you can do some welding and other activities that involve fire without worrying about fire incidences. 

10. Play Area for the Kids 

Given a chance, a child, armed only with their imagination, can convert used shipping containers into a play area in no time. But that’s not the idea here. You want to be in charge of the whole process to ensure that the container playground is safe for your kid and their friends. 

To transform otherwise boring or old shipping containers into something children will enjoy, consider what they love. You could go with a space station, beach, or even a candy theme to give you some ideas.



Consult the Trusted Shipping Containers Company in Atlanta, GA

Ready to implement some of these ideas but don’t know where to get a shipping container? Rent or buy your shipping container from Atlantic Trailer Leasing and Sales, a trusted business in Atlanta, GA. 

We have all types of shipping containers, so you’ll find what you need from us. Plus, if you’re not into DIYing, we can help customize your shipping container to your needs. Call us on (678) 944-8433 to buy or rent a shipping container today!