In today’s day and age, repurposing storage containers is becoming increasingly popular.
This has created new hype for affordable solutions to housing, businesses, schools, and so much more.
It’s a solution for the younger generation struggling to make ends meet and starting their own businesses. They can now afford to purchase a container and turn it into their dream, whatever that may be.
We have you covered if you are looking for creative uses for West Texas storage containers.
So, stop hitting up construction companies for quotes and continue reading for 22 brilliant ways of repurposing storage containers.
1. Mobile Offices
Having a container as a mobile office is genius. You can easily move it around, making it suitable for any situation.
For example, property developers lease mobile office containers and turn them into sales offices.
So, when potential clients come to view the model home before construction is complete, they have a place to chat with consultants and go over documents.
Another good example is using it as a security office or break room for security guards. A lot of people don’t have an empty space available for them to set up their equipment.
2. Turn It Into a School
This might sound bit drastic; it’s a big endeavor to undertake. But, container schools have opened all over the world.
In fact, a school in Orange County, California, just added a wing to their building completely made out of containers.
Waldorf School added a library, science labs, an auditorium, and administrative offices to their building, making it look extremely modern.
All this was done at a fraction of the cost it would have been if they went the traditional route.
3. Turn It Into Your Dream Home
More and more countries are using containers to build affordable housing blocks for their low-income residents.
But it’s not only the downtrodden who benefit from it. High-powered developers are building luxurious eco-friendly homes out of containers as well.
It’s a blank canvas that you can turn into anything you want, even a cabin in the woods if you wish.
4. Create a Cafe
If you haven’t seen one already, Starbucks has put up 45 modular mini cafes around the country made from recycled storage containers.
But just because they are a big franchise doesn’t mean you can’t start your own, and by using a container, you can save money in the process.
You don’t need much space to set up a beautiful cafe and are spoiled for location choices. It’s not hard to find a spot when your cafe is only 20ft long!
5. Convert It Into a Library
If you want to help underprivileged communities, you can convert an old storage container into a library.
Providing poor neighborhoods with access to books is one of the greatest gifts you can give the youth.
It’s never too late to give something back, and what’s better than educating underprivileged children, so they have a better future?
6. A Greenhouse for a Green Thumb
Using a shipping container as a greenhouse is the way forward. High-density urban areas don’t have the space to plant crops.
But, by leasing or purchasing a container, you can easily grow fresh produce in a city. And if isolated properly, you can grow all year long.
There are many ways to grow in a container, like hydroponic techniques or grow lights; both methods have proven effective.
7. Turn It Into a Pool
Storage containers make the perfect shells for pools. Especially if you want a lap pool for exercise. Done are the days of expensive fiberglass; there’s a better way.
The top benefits of a container pool are:
- Long-lasting
- It can be below or above ground
- It is portable
- Looks good
The only drawback is that you don’t have a lot of options when it comes to size. Containers are also very deep, so there won’t be a shallow end.
8. Rent It Out as a Portable Toilet
Converting a storage container into portable toilets is the next best thing, and you should hop on the bandwagon now.
Vendors find them much easier to manage than ablution trailers. They have ventilation, running water, and flushing systems, making them much more hygienic than other options.
Another great advantage is they are easily moved, so leasing one (or more) out can be a very lucrative venture.
9. Convert It Into an Emergency Center
Converting a container into an emergency center will help those stuck in rural areas without access to healthcare.
You can easily convert an old container and update it with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
In addition, they are of great use when natural disasters occur and have saved many lives in the past.
10. Turn It Into a Pop-Up Retail Store
There is plenty you can do with a small space. For example, most stores in New York are smaller than a 40ft trailer!
You can have your container custom-made to specific dimensions and be part of the entire design process.
While your container is undergoing a makeover, you can start to plan which locations you will frequent.
Some retail ideas include:
- A clothing boutique
- A shoe store
- A gift shop
- An antique store
- An art gallery
- A book store
- A florist
- A coffee shop
- A fruit and veg stall
11. Turn It Into Art
Create a masterpiece using old shipping containers and find a community that needs brightening up.
Many artists have created uplifting art using recycled containers. There are even architecture competitions where artists can show off their designs.
Containers are some pretty impressive canvases if you want to make an impact and ensure people see your work.
12. Be Prepared With a Disaster Shelter
If you like to be prepared, then building a disaster shelter must be high on your to-do list. Storage containers make a great shelter because they are so strong and made completely of steel.
Just think about it, they were designed to endure months out at sea, packed to the brim with products and stacked under hundreds of other containers.
However, the container alone is not enough. You would need to secure it to the ground to be effective.
Never place a container underground; it is not sturdy enough. Unless you have made specific alterations, they need to be above ground.
Container disaster shelters are perfect for natural disasters such as:
- Earthquakes
- Hurricanes
- Tsunami
- Tornadoes
- Snowstorms
- Epidemics
- Floods
- Famines
- Animal invasions
13. Transform It Into a Sauna
An increasing trend these days is converting a storage container into a sauna. It’s the perfect size and diameter for a wood-burning stove and solar panels on the roof.
You can transport it wherever you want and make all your friends and family jealous!
The best news is that you can design the whole thing! Add your personal flair to every corner.
14. Build Yourself a Portable Vacation Home
Forget camping; go on an affordable holiday in the comfort of your own portable vacation home.
You can literally go anywhere as long as there is a water connection and waste disposal system.
So, take the money you spend on timeshares, hotels, camping supplies, and Air BnBs, and build your own piece of paradise.
15. Turn It Into a Farm Building
Are you looking for some extra storage space on your farm? Or do you need a secure structure for your animals to sleep in?
Building a barn or outhouse from containers on your farm will save you a lot of money. You can spend those savings on upgrading your farm or on your family.
16. Transform a Storage Container Into a Bar
We all know those friends who drink too much and think it’s a great idea to open up a bar.
But now you really can if you use a storage container instead of paying ridiculous rent.
All you need is an outdoor space to set up a few tables and chairs, and you are ready to go.
You can specialize in craft beers or exotic tequila. Whatever the blend, people always need a good stiff drink at the end of a long day.
17. Build a Dog Grooming Business
Transporting your dog grooming business around your neighborhood in a state-of-the-art doggy parlor is a reality if you use shipping containers.
You can install everything you need to get started in a 20ft container without any issues.
18. Turn Your West Texas Storage Container Into a Gym
Many fitness buffs out there wish they had a home gym but don’t have the budget to add a room to their home.
But by converting a shipping container into a gym, you solve this issue and stick to your budget.
You can have containers custom-built to your specification for ventilation and any other extras.
19. Join the Food Truck Scene
Food trucks are popping up everywhere you look, and there is always a demand for delicious food.
If you are a talented cook and want to make the culinary arts your permanent profession, then why not turn a container into a food truck?
It is much cheaper than starting a restaurant, and you can participate in all the food fairs and functions around the area.
Not only do you get to design the food truck, but you also get to create a menu highlighting your favorite foods!
20. Build a Garage Out of Storage Containers
Do you need a space to park your cars at night? Modern housing developments are increasingly ditching the garage and building a carport instead.
But if you are like us, you want a safe, dry place for your car to stand. Well, now you can afford to build a garage on your property. All you need is an old storage container.
A 20ft container can easily accommodate two cars parked lengthways. However, if you merge two 20ft containers next to each other, you can create an average 2-car garage.
21. Turn It Into a Yoga Studio
So many people turn to yoga for meditation, destressing, and exercise. There are so many talented yoga instructors out there, but they don’t have a studio to pass on their knowledge.
You can transform a storage container into a yoga studio for next to nothing. All you have to do is decorate it and open the doors for business.
There are so many benefits to yoga; having more studios available to the public will be a huge improvement.
22. Build Your Own Workshop
Are you a contractor or carpenter needing space for all your tools and specialized equipment?
By transforming a container into a workshop, you forgo building an extra structure on your property, and it takes half the time to construct.
You can add as many shelves and cupboards as the floor size allows and add a few windows for ventilation.
Building Codes and Regulations
It doesn’t matter what you are turning your container into; chances are you will need to abide by specific building codes and regulations while setting up.
Each state and town has different rules, so you must inquire with your local municipality to ensure you follow everything by the book.
Here are some examples of what codes and regulations you may have to overcome:
- The property’s zoning
- Permits and building codes
- Codes for specific home designs
- HOA laws and deed restrictions
Convert a Storage Container Today
With all these building codes and regulations, it can get confusing. That’s why Kickbox Storage is here to help.
We specialize in creative uses for West Texas storage containers and are waiting for you to give us a call or visit our website for a free quote.
The possibilities are endless. So, inquire about renting or buying a shipping container today.
