Changing Where You Work: Building a Shipping Container Office

In today’s business climate, many people are looking for better and more effective ways to get their work done. Of course, working from home and telecommuting has become a popular option across a wide variety of different businesses and industries. But what about the revolution in making active usage out of shipping containers to achieve the optimal work environment? If you’re curious about changing where you work by building a shipping container office, then here’s a few things you need to know.

Start With High-Quality Materials

Were you aware of the fact that there are approximately 17 million shipping containers in the world, only 6 million of which are in use? With so many different shipping containers floating around, it’s no surprise that so many people are making use of them in unique and interesting ways. Everything from concession stands to home improvement stores has made use of these shipping containers to achieve their business goals. Using a shipping container office carries some unique advantages and disadvantages as we’ll discuss very soon. But before delving too deep into that subject, you need to be aware that just like any other type of home trends, electronics, or business upgrade purchase, you should always aim to start with a high-quality shipping container when you’re looking to use it for your business needs.

Some shipping containers have seen major use for years and even decades in some cases. While these containers aren’t always in bad condition, it’s usually far more preferable to search for shipping containers that haven’t seen so much wear and tear. One of the best ways to locate a container that meets your needs is to get in touch with a company that specializes in selling shipping containers for reuse in business contexts. These companies understand the needs of their customers in a way that someone who is just trying to offload old inventory does not. This simple distinction makes all the difference. Just as you wouldn’t trust anyone when buying new appliances and safety features for your home or business, you should just trust any old dealer to provide you with a high-quality shipping container.

Look for Custom Modifications That Enhance Productivity

Once you do end up finding a business that specializes in selling used shipping containers for business applications, you should check to see if they also provide modifications. When you begin with a strong foundation, there’s nearly no limit to the number of mods that you can achieve with a shipping container. When you’re trying to make a container into an office or other workspace, then it’s safe to assume that you’re going to need some work done first. And it’s best to get this work done by professionals who have the expertise to deliver a seamless, carefree experience.

Most people are outright shocked when they learn just how many different options they have for customizing their shipping containers to meet their business needs. After all, did you know that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metal fabrication industry is projected to add 12,000 jobs to the sector over this decade? With so many different options available for custom modifications, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But try to stay focused on the essentials first. The fun stuff can come later.

Take Care of Essential Customization Tasks First

First and foremost, you will likely need some form of temperature and climate control inside your new shipping container. Just like any home tends to match the temperature of the season and the outside air, shipping containers are also subject to weather conditions. The good news is that there are a number of relatively easy and inexpensive climate control solutions that can be added to just about any shipping container setup. This makes it so that you and your employees can control the inside air in order to achieve optimal working conditions, just the same as you might in a simple at-home office or public workspaces.

You’ll also want to take care of space considerations before getting into cosmetic renovations. Sure, it can be fun to dive right into the crafts and standout visual features that will set your shipping container apart from the rest. But making sure that you have a strong foundation is the key to long term success. Make sure you make plenty of room for employee workspace if you plan to have multiple people working in the shipping container at one time. You may also want to consider adding some windows and dividing the space to achieve optimal levels of comfort.

Make Use of Your Shipping Container Office to Achieve Unique Business Goals

It’s estimated that about 83% of a company’s workload will be stored on the cloud in 2020. With such a shift to digital productivity in the business world, there’s never been a better time to think outside of the box with your business goals. Once you’re in your shipping container, you can focus on achieving your wildest business goals. Sure, working remotely is easy with your new configuration. But if you’re planning on having a public-facing storefront, shipping containers also provide ample opportunity for this as well. Own a restaurant or catering company? Try using your new shipping container as the home for your concession stand or sample area. Customers will love the unique flair that you’ve put into your shipping container workplace. After all, people love things that are new, novel, and exciting. And a business that uses a shipping container is just that.

As you can see, there are many different options for customizing and outfitting your shipping container in order to meet the needs and requirements of your business, no matter how large or small they may happen to be. By following these tips and doing your research, we are confident in your ability to find the perfect shipping container for your new office. Best of luck with your new adventure!