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If you’ve ever considered using a shipping container for storage, you’re not alone. Many suburban homeowners are turning to shipping containers as a cost-effective and durable solution for extra storage space. Whether you’re storing furniture during a home renovation, keeping seasonal equipment safe, or just looking for a long-term storage solution, knowing how to properly load and unload your container is essential. Here are a few shipping container storage tips for homeowners and business owners alike! Preparing for the Shipping Container Process   Choosing the Right Location   Before you even think about loading your container, make sure you have the right spot for it. Find a Level Surface: A shipping container needs to sit on a stable and level surface to prevent shifting or tilting over time. Concrete, gravel, or a compacted dirt pad are good options. Consider Drainage: Avoid placing your container in a low-lying area where water could collect. A slightly elevated spot will help prevent moisture buildup inside. Check Local Regulations: Some suburban neighborhoods have restrictions on shipping containers. Before you bring one onto your property, check zoning laws and HOA guidelines. Gathering Necessary Equipment Loading and unloading heavy or bulky items requires the right tools. Here’s what you should have on hand (also offered by RAC) Dollies and Hand Trucks: Essential for moving large items like furniture and appliances. Ramps: If your container is elevated, a sturdy ramp will make loading and unloading much easier. Ratchet Straps and Tie-Downs: Keep your items from shifting inside the container. Protective Gear: Gloves, steel-toe boots, and back support belts can help prevent injuries. Loading Tips for Maximum Storage Efficiency Plan Your Layout Before You Start The key to an easy-to-access container is good organization. Think of your container as a puzzle—placing items in the right order will make a huge difference. Load Heavy Items First: Start with the largest and heaviest items, like furniture and appliances. Position them along the back and sides of the container to create a stable base. Stack Vertically but Safely: Use sturdy boxes and pallets to stack items up to maximize space. Be sure to leave space for air circulation. Keep Frequently Needed Items Near the Door: If you’ll need access to certain items before others, keep them towards the front of the container for easy retrieval. Use Shelving and Pallets: If you plan to store items long-term, adding shelves or using pallets to keep things off the ground can help prevent moisture damage. Securing Items to Prevent Shifting during and after loading A shipping container can experience temperature changes and slight movement due to ground settling, which can cause stacked items to shift. Secure your belongings properly using these shipping container storage tips when loading and unloading: Use Ratchet Straps: Tie down heavy items to prevent movement. Fill Empty Spaces: Use blankets, foam, or other padding to fill in gaps between items and minimize shifting. Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, furniture pads, or blankets to protect delicate items. Unloading Tips to Ensure Safety Check for Any Shifted Items Before Opening If your container has been sitting for a while, there’s a chance that items may have shifted. Before opening the doors, tap on them gently to check for pressure buildup or anything pressing against them. Open the doors slowly to prevent anything from falling out unexpectedly. Unload in a Controlled Manner Remove Straps and Bracing First: Start by taking off any ratchet straps or tie-downs before moving large items. Work from Front to Back: Take out items in reverse order of how they were loaded, working from front to back to avoid creating unstable stacks. Use a Dolly or Hand Truck for Heavy Items: This will save your back and prevent potential injuries. Get Help if Needed: Some items may be too heavy to handle alone. Having a friend or family member assist can make the process smoother and safer. Special Tips for Long-Term Storage Weather-Proofing and Moisture Control If you’re planning to store items for an extended period, moisture and temperature fluctuations can be a concern. Here’s how to protect your belongings: Use Moisture Absorbers: Placing silica gel packs or moisture absorbers inside the container can help prevent mold and mildew. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Shipping containers can get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Adding vents or using a dehumidifier can help regulate moisture levels. Cover Items with Tarps or Plastic Wrap: This adds an extra layer of protection against dust and moisture. Common Mistakes to Avoid Even with the best planning, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for: Overloading the Container: Keep weight evenly distributed and don’t exceed the container’s weight capacity. Ignoring Safety Gear: Always use gloves, proper footwear, and lifting techniques to prevent injury. Stacking Items Too High Without Support: Tall stacks can collapse, causing damage or injury. Use shelving or stabilizers. Forgetting to Label Boxes: Clearly mark boxes so you can find what you need quickly later on. Not Checking Local Regulations: If your neighborhood has restrictions on shipping containers, you don’t want to find out after it’s already delivered!   Conclusion Using a shipping container for storage can be a fantastic solution for suburban homeowners, offering ample space and security for your belongings. By following these shipping container storage tips, you can ensure your items stay safe, organized, and easily accessible when you need them. A little planning goes a long way—take the time to set up your container properly, and you’ll thank yourself later. Have you used a shipping container for storage before? I’d love to hear your experience and any additional tips you might have! Looking for the right container option? Click here to check out Rent-A-Container.

Discover creative, functional, and genius ways to use shipping containers Introduction If you think shipping containers are just for transporting goods across oceans, you’re missing out! These industrial giants are having a huge moment in design and remodeling. With their durable, affordable, and versatile structure, homeowners across the country are transforming shipping containers into creative shipping container ideas for homes and businesses that are budget-friendly and full of character. I’ll admit—when I first saw a shipping container turned into a guest house, I thought, “Really? A metal box?” But once you see how they can be customized and styled, it’s easy to understand the appeal. Today, they’re being used for everything from home offices to backyard pools, and the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to add more space to your property, build something unique, or even generate some extra income, these 15 brilliant creative shipping container ideas for homes and businesses are sure to inspire your next project! Check out our options here. 1. Backyard Office Container Space   With remote work becoming a permanent fixture in many people’s lives, shipping containers make for perfect backyard offices. Imagine walking just steps to your peaceful, private workspace—no commute required. Why It Works: Containers are affordable, quick to install, and easy to insulate. Design Tip: Add large windows for natural light, and decorate it like a real office with plants, shelves, and a comfy chair. A friend of mine set up a container office in his backyard last year. He painted it charcoal gray, added wood accents, and threw in a standing desk. Now, his Zoom calls look like they’re happening in a luxury studio! 2. Guest Suites for Friends and Family Turn a shipping container into a cozy guest suite that provides comfort without encroaching on your main house. It’s a win-win: your guests get privacy, and you get to keep your living room clutter-free. Why It Works: A 20-foot or 40-foot container is plenty of space for a bedroom, small bathroom, and kitchenette. Design Tip: Use stylish finishes like shiplap walls or floating shelves to make it feel inviting. Pro Tip: You can even list it on Airbnb when it’s not in use for extra income! 3. Private Home Gym Skip the pricey gym memberships and build your own fitness haven. Shipping containers provide enough room for weights, cardio machines, and even yoga spaces. Why It Works: You can customize the space with proper flooring, mirrors, and ventilation. Design Tip: Install a roll-up door for easy access and airflow on nice days. A client of mine transformed their old container into a home gym with just a few rubber mats, a wall-mounted TV, and a dumbbell rack. Now, their fitness routine is better than ever, and there’s no excuse to skip leg day. 4. Hobby Room or Art Studio If you love painting, crafting, or woodworking, a shipping container can be your creative sanctuary. Why It Works: Keep your mess contained and your supplies organized. Design Tip: Add shelves and pegboards for tools, and plenty of windows for natural light. One of my neighbors created a container pottery studio in their backyard. It’s rustic, charming, and totally functional—plus, it freed up their garage! 5. Man Caves or She Sheds Looking for the ultimate relaxation or entertainment space? A shipping container is the perfect blank canvas for a man cave, she shed, or entertainment den. Why It Works: Containers can be customized to fit your dream retreat. Design Tip: Use comfy furniture, personal decor (think neon signs or bookshelves), and soundproofing for the perfect escape. A buddy of mine has a container man cave with a big-screen TV, a bar, and vintage arcade games. It’s where everyone wants to be on game night! 6. Stylish Pool House Shipping containers make for chic and functional pool houses. Use them to store pool gear, house changing rooms, or even add a shaded seating area. Why It Works: Containers are weatherproof and durable. Design Tip: Add sliding glass doors or a deck to tie it into your outdoor space seamlessly. 7. Greenhouses for Your Garden Love gardening? Turn a shipping container into a climate-controlled greenhouse to grow flowers, vegetables, or exotic plants. Why It Works: Containers are sturdy and easy to retrofit with skylights and ventilation. Design Tip: Use polycarbonate roofing or install glass panels for maximum light. 8. Outdoor Kitchen or Dining Area If you love hosting barbecues or outdoor dinner parties, why not turn a container into an outdoor kitchen? Why It Works: Containers are the perfect base for custom outdoor spaces. Design Tip: Include built-in counters, a grill, and string lights for evening ambiance. 9. Shipping Container Pools Believe it or not, shipping containers can be transformed into fully functional swimming pools. They’re affordable, unique, and much quicker to install than traditional pools. Why It Works: The structure is already waterproof and sturdy. Design Tip: Add a glass viewing wall for a modern, luxurious look. 10. Rental Units or Airbnb Spaces If you want to earn passive income, a shipping container rental unit could be your golden ticket. Guests love the quirky, eco-friendly appeal. Why It Works: Containers can be designed as cozy, functional tiny homes. Design Tip: Add hotel-like amenities such as a comfy bed, kitchenette, and modern bathroom. 11. Affordable Tiny Homes For those looking to downsize or build a unique home, shipping containers offer the perfect blank slate for tiny living. Why It Works: They’re cost-effective, eco-friendly, and customizable. Design Tip: Use open floor plans, skylights, and minimalist decor to make the space feel bigger. 12. Storm Shelters or Safe Rooms Shipping containers are strong and durable, making them an excellent base for storm shelters in areas prone to severe weather. Why It Works: They can withstand high winds and heavy impacts. Design Tip: Reinforce the walls and install ventilation systems for comfort and safety. 13. Custom Workshop for DIY Projects If you run a home-based business or love DIY, a container workshop can help you

Rent-A-Container Expands in Southeast with Acquisition of Containerize Corp.’s Rental Assets At Rent-A-Container (RAC), we’re thrilled to announce our latest milestone: the acquisition of rental assets from Containerize Corp. This strategic acquisition strengthens our presence in the Southeast, allowing our Douglas, Georgia branch to meet the growing demand for portable storage and office solutions in the rapidly expanding Florida/Georgia market. Check out this article in business wire to learn more: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217685939/en This marks our fifth acquisition in 18 months and reflects our ongoing commitment to growth and innovation in the portable storage industry. Expanding Our Reach to Better Serve Customers “Working with Containerize Corp. to finalize this deal has been a seamless process,” said Michael Ferrantino, Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at RAC. “By acquiring these rental assets, we’re meeting the increasing needs of businesses and individuals in the Southeast. This acquisition is a perfect example of how creative deal structures can align with our growth strategy.” With 12 branches nationwide, RAC is well-positioned to provide high-quality, hassle-free portable storage solutions. And we’re not stopping there—our plans for further expansion in 2025 mean even greater convenience and access for customers across the country. Why Choose Rent-A-Container for Your Portable Storage Needs? At Rent-A-Container, we’re proud to offer a wide range of portable storage solutions, including shipping containers and ground-level offices (GLOs). Here’s what sets us apart: Simple, Transparent Leasing: No hidden fees or complicated processes. High-Quality Equipment: Durable and reliable containers for all your storage and office needs. Regional Expertise: With locations across the U.S., we’re familiar with your community’s unique needs. Our Rent-A-Container Network includes trusted regional brands like: Rent-A-Container ModuGo A-1 Portable Storage Stuff-It Storage Kelcon Whether you’re looking for portable storage containers for your business or temporary office solutions, we’re here to help. Learn more at www.rentacontainer.com. Rent-A-Container Is Growing—And You Can Grow with Us We’re always on the lookout for new opportunities to expand. If you’re considering selling your business or fleet of shipping container assets, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Michael Ferrantino, Director of Mergers and Acquisitions, at [email protected]. About Rent-A-Container Rent-A-Container, based in Ann Arbor, MI, is a leading provider of portable storage solutions. We lease thousands of shipping containers and ground-level offices (GLOs) to customers across the U.S., offering competitive pricing and superior service. Our business philosophy is simple: provide top-quality equipment without the hassle. This approach has allowed us to become a go-to provider in every market we serve. Need a quote? Visit us: here About Kinderhook Industries Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that has raised $8.5 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 450 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is predicated on matching differentiated, growth-oriented investment opportunities with financial expertise and our proprietary network of operating partners. Our focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental & industrial services, and automotive & light manufacturing sectors. For more information, please visit https://www.kinderhook.com

When choosing a setup for your jobsite, several factors come into play. Whether you need temporary storage, a multi-purpose office, or a secure place for important documents, a shipping container office is a versatile, cost-effective solution.  With various sizes available, shipping container offices can serve as storage, workspaces, or both. They offer durability, security, and flexibility while helping reduce overall construction and labor costs. Let’s explore the key benefits of choosing a shipping container office for your jobsite.       1. Ample Storage Space Shipping containers come in several sizes to meet your specific storage space needs. The first major benefit of setting up a shipping container office on your jobsite is that containers can offer you plenty of storage space for materials and tools that you aren’t currently using. Shipping containers come in various custom sizes, but the most common are 20’ and 40’ containers– these make up the majority of shipping containers that you see on a daily basis. Although you might struggle to tell just by looking at a container, they offer a considerable amount of storage space. 20’ standard containers, for example, are 20 feet long, 8.5 feet tall, and 8 feet wide, making for an overall storage volume of 1170 cubic feet. They offer about the same amount of space as a one or two bedroom apartment— which works great if you need to use your office as a storage space on occasion. 40’ standard containers offer over 1000 more cubic feet of storage space, making them ideal if you need a little extra space to store tools and small pieces of equipment on occasion. For reference, 40’ containers are considered to be about the size of a two or three bedroom apartment.   2. Customizable and Flexible Floor Plans Shipping containers have a simple, rectangular design, making them easy to customize. You can create a layout that suits your specific needs:  Use a single container as a large open-plan office.  Divide it into multiple smaller offices for different functions.  Since most containers are 8.5 feet tall and 8 feet wide, it’s straightforward to plan how to fit desks, shelves, and equipment. This flexibility helps you maximize productivity while staying organized.  3. Enhanced Security for Peace of Mind Security is crucial on any jobsite. Whether storing sensitive documents, tools, or equipment, a shipping container office offers superior protection compared to traditional onsite structures.  With a shipping container office, your belongings will remain safe during off-hours and unexpected weather conditions.  4. Weather-Resistant and Durable Shipping containers are designed to withstand extreme conditions, making them ideal for construction sites.  Rust-Resistant: Constructed with Corten steel, shipping containers resist rust, even in rainy or humid climates.  Watertight Seals: The metal walls and watertight designs prevent water seepage, reducing the risk of damage to documents, tools, or equipment.  5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choosing a shipping container office is an eco-friendly solution.  Reusability: Shipping containers are durable and designed for heavy use, reducing waste.  Transportable: Unlike permanent structures, containers can be easily relocated to your next jobsite, minimizing resource use.  This sustainable approach helps you save money and reduce your ecological footprint while maintaining a functional onsite workspace.  6. Quick Response Time for Onsite Management Construction sites are busy, with many tasks happening simultaneously. Having a shipping container office onsite allows site managers to respond quickly to any issues.  With your office just steps away from the action, you can:  Monitor ongoing work more effectively.  Address unexpected problems in real-time.  Being onsite keeps you involved and improves project efficiency.  7. Cost-Effective Office Solution A shipping container office is a budget-friendly choice for temporary office space:  Adaptable Design: Converting a shipping container into a fully functional office is straightforward and cost-efficient.  Long-Term Usability: Shipping containers are durable and reusable, making them a worthwhile investment for multiple projects.  With their affordability, flexibility, and transportability, shipping container offices are a smart choice for your jobsite needs.  Conclusion: Why Choose a Shipping Container Office?  From storage and security to cost savings and sustainability, shipping container offices are an ideal solution for construction sites. Their durability, flexibility, and eco-friendliness make them a valuable addition to any project.  Looking for a reliable shipping container office? Reach out to explore your options and find the perfect solution for your jobsite today!  Photos Courtesy of Unsplash and Rent-A-Container

ANN ARBOR, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rent-A-Container (“RAC” or the “Company”) a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC, today announced the acquisition of Stuff-It Storage, LLC (“Stuff-It”). Stuff-It, recently named Best Storage Facility in Springfield, Illinois by the Illinois Times, provides new and used portable storage containers and container offices for rent or sale. The business was founded by Harvey Horton, who will remain with RAC post-close as he works to expand the company’s offerings in the Midwest. “While we often open greenfield branch locations, it is always faster if we are able to partner with local business operators like Harvey so we can hit the ground running” Stuff-It is RAC’s fourth acquisition in the last 18 months and marks the opening of its 10th Branch Location – a key step in the development of a nationwide network. “Over the past few years, we have been working to identify strategic acquisitions where we can expand our branch network in areas where customer demand is high,” said RAC Director of Mergers and Acquisitions Michael Ferrantino. “While we often open greenfield branch locations, it is always faster if we are able to partner with local business operators like Harvey so we can hit the ground running,” said Ferrantino. With the addition Stuff-It, RAC now operates 10 branches in the USA and has plans to expand further in 2025. RAC’s General Counsel, Chris Orlovsky, served as legal counsel, and Alvarez & Marsal advised RAC on its financial diligence process. About Rent-A-Container (Powered by ModuGo) Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, Rent-A-Container manages a fleet of thousands of shipping containers and ground level offices (“GLOs”) that it leases to customers needing portable storage or office space. RAC competes directly with larger portable storage providers, differentiating itself by giving customers the same equipment with fewer hassles and fees. This simple business plan has allowed RAC to grow quickly to become the go-to portable storage provider in the markets it serves. The Rent-A-Container Network includes owned regional brands such as “Rent-A-Container,” “ModuGo,” “A-1 Portable Storage,” “Stuff-It Storage” and “Kelcon.” To experience the RAC difference, please visit: www.rentacontainer.com The Rent-A-Container Network is actively looking to grow. If you are interested in selling your business or your fleet of shipping container assets, please contact RAC’s Director of Mergers & Acquisitions Michael Ferrantino at [email protected]. About Kinderhook Industries Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that has raised $8.5 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 450 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is predicated on matching differentiated, growth-oriented investment opportunities with financial expertise and our proprietary network of operating partners. Our focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental & industrial services, and automotive & light manufacturing sectors.