How to Organise Your Shipping Container Storage
How to Organise Your Shipping Container Storage
Whether you’re based in South Australia, New South Wales, or even Sydney, there are plenty of flexible shipping container storage options available.
Self-storage has quickly become the go-to solution for homeowners, tradies, and businesses looking to safely store furniture, tools, or equipment, and for good reason.
People are also getting creative with how they use containers, from pop-up cafes to bike storage units and even tiny offices.
If you’re new to shipping container storage, don’t stress — it’s not too late to get started. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get organised, stay efficient, and make the most out of your container space.
We’ll cover:
- Why shipping containers make great storage
- How to organise your container efficiently
- Creative ideas for using your storage container
Do Shipping Containers Make Good Storage?
Shipping containers are wonderful options for storing access equipment and overflowing furniture. Designed to withstand the extreme conditions of ocean freight, containers are built tough, and therefore, the design is meant to handle harsh weather and sea to protect goods inside.
The advantage of having a container is the ability to easily transport it from your backyard to a shipping container storage yard if necessary. Having access to your belongings at all times is a convenient option, especially during renovations.
Aside from storage, for those who are looking to downsize homes, shipping containers have become a sustainable option that is easily reconstructible. The lifeline on shipping containers can be as high as 25 plus years with proper care and maintenance.
A container equipped with proper ventilation, weatherproofing, and moisture control tactics, is a viable option for storing fragile items and antique equipment made of wood. Storing mattresses and couches is safe and secure for a more extended time during different seasons.
Pro tip: Always wrap mattresses in plastic before storing them for extended periods.
And the best part? Shipping containers can be delivered right to your door — whether it’s your home, worksite, or storage yard — making them one of the most convenient storage options available.
10 Tips To Keep Your Shipping Container Storage Organised
1. Create a Master Content List
It’s easy for things to get misplaced when moving, packing, or decluttering.
Having an inventory list started from the very beginning can help keep you organised, save you time looking for specific items, and simply knowing where to find your stuff during the big move.
When creating an inventory list, make sure to include the following:
- Item name
- Description
- Quantity
- Unit cost (optional)
This simple list will help you stay organised and make locating specific items a breeze!
2. Install a Shelving System
Stacking boxes on top of each other is a recipe for chaos — and damaged goods. Instead, install sturdy shelving units inside your container to neatly store items, improve visibility, and reduce the risk of injury or damage.
This makes it easier to reach what you need without having to unstack piles of boxes every time.
3. Add a Map Of Storage Container
Maps are especially helpful when you are working with a team of employees, or only for family use — a simple layout of your container can save you serious time.
Having a planned exit route during a fire is a mandatory safety measure for yourself and others. Benefits also include the organisation of stored belongings, and a guide to help others find what they are looking for, and avoiding safety hazards due to falling items overhead, and faulty exit route.
4. Maintain Clear Pathways
One of the worst things is not having a plan when it comes to storing and organising your storage. When everything is away, you need to have access pathways to help get you to things that are located at the back of the container.
Consider containers with side-opening or double doors for easier access to bulky equipment or items stored at the back. Having safe pathway access is crucial to abide by fire hazard regulations and protect yourself and others from accidents and inability to get to equipment due to excess stacking and storing.
5. Plan Your Layout Before Storing
Since shipping containers are classified under 10A and 1A building structures in Australia, when you are planning to build or reconstruct your shipping container, you must have a floor plan to present to the Logan City Council.
This is a requirement to obtain your Developmental Permit. However, having a planned, organised layout is also helpful for removalists to come to finish the job of moving or packing, and having a clear plan to help guide a team of staff.
Having a clear idea of what is around can also help you prepare for weather changes, where to place your container, and abide council laws. For example, knowing the drains in the area, water levels nearby, and the position and location of your container.
6. Use Filing Cabinets for Paperwork
Filing cabinets are excellent container self-storage organisation tools. If you are storing essential files, having a proper filing system can help keep your papers secure and weatherproof.
Remember, having proper ventilation and moisture control is vital to ensure items do not get ruined, have mould, or rust. Keep in mind; this applies to both shipping container self-storage and homes.
Ensure your container has proper ventilation and moisture control to prevent mould and rust. Add desiccant bags (or even cat litter) to absorb excess moisture and protect sensitive materials.
7. Label Boxes Clearly
It sounds simple, but labelling is one of the most effective storage hacks.
Make life easier by having appropriate labels on all the boxes. Have them correspond with your master content list for easier access and organisation.
Use waterproof, long-lasting labels (or a label maker) and mark each side of your boxes. This makes identification quick and easy, especially when you’re working through a packed container.
8. Use Boxes with Secure, Easy-Access Lids
Having proper lids on your containers can both make life easier to get your stuff and also protect from debris, moisture damage, and handling.
The more efficient the boxes you choose, the more effortless and secure it becomes to store your belongings. We have found some durable boxes for you that are easily stackable and can keep your tools safe and secure during handling, moving, and storing.
Having the proper equipment to store your belongings is also a safety measure that protects you and your staff from falling items overhead and damage to expensive equipment due to falling and mishandling.
9. Store Fragile Items Carefully
When it comes to glass, ceramics, or electronics, extra care goes a long way.
We have put together a list to help you get started with packing your fragile items ahead of time to keep you organised and stress-free.
Wrap the items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and label the boxes as FRAGILE. Line the bottom of the boxes with padding to cushion movement and prevent chips or cracks during transport.
10. Pack Bulky Items Safely
You got your container and an office building full of heavy equipment and tools. There is you and nobody else around to move and organise your shipping container storage.
There is far more responsibility when moving heavy items all on your own, not to mention safety hazards. We have gathered some helpful information for you around packing, lifting, and how to protect your building from damage when moving heavy and bulky items.
Perhaps it is time to call a team of professionals to help you out.
Shipping Container Storage Ideas
Once you’ve mastered organisation, you might want to get creative. Shipping containers can be easily transformed for both personal and business use. Here are a few inspiring ideas:
1. Shipping Container Barn
Perhaps you are looking to store a shipping container on your yard and somehow make it into a place where you can keep your farming tools or even feed livestock. Add side openings for ventilation and stack containers for extra storage space or a hayloft.
2. Shipping Container Workshop
A shipping container workshop is a suitable option to create your shelving unit and make space for your work tools. This way, you can get started on your projects and have all that you need handy. All you need is a 40ft single shipping container, which will leave you with heaps of storage and room to get started on your work.
3. Motorcycle Shop
Using a 20 ft container will give you enough space to do maintenance on a single motorcycle while leaving enough room to make a comfortable man cave zone for you and your customers. This container option is an excellent choice to have a theme and design that Harley Davidson colour scheme.
4. Golf Simulator
Perhaps you are looking for a fun and creative office project to entertain your staff and work on your golf swing. For this project, you will need a 20ft or 40ft container, depends on the size of the golf course you want to have.
Cut out a side wall, install proper electrical work, choose some fake grass, and a net. This option has fewer bells and whistles than a simulator. However, you can still make space for storage on one half of the container by creating a mini-putt golf course on the other half.
5. Pop-Up Shops
While you are renovating or changing locations of your business, hiring a shipping container to open a pop-up shop is an option to have your business still running and staying organised.
You don’t have to lose sales or fail to run a fully functioning space for your business. A few tools, some paint, boxes, and you have yourself a smaller pop-up shop to serve your clients, stay organised, and focus on more important things; like running your business vs. construction.
Call Today To Hire A Shipping Container
Investing in a shipping container for storage has never been easier. Whether you’re in Sydney, Perth, or anywhere in between, there are trusted providers who can deliver directly to your location.
At Frontline Removals & Storage, our team of professionals can help you pack, transport, and organise your container efficiently and safely.
We pride ourselves on providing expert advice, exceptional customer service, and tailored solutions for your storage and moving needs.
Call us today to discuss your next container move, delivery, or long-term storage plan — and discover how easy organised storage can be.
