5 Reasons Why Your Farm Needs A Storage Container

If you’re looking for a practical and cost-effective way to store equipment, tools, or supplies on your farm, shipping containers might be just the solution you need. A simple shipping container can change its purpose from week to week, which is why they’re both a storage and space saving solution to farms and other agricultural businesses.

Thanks to the versatile and customisable nature of the humble shipping container, they’re not only durable enough to handle tough weather conditions, but they also offer versatile storage options for a wide range of farm needs – and farms are becoming frequent purchasers as one size fits all!

The benefits of using a shipping container for farm storage

Whether you’re keeping machinery safe, protecting crops, or organising supplies, shipping containers are a budget-friendly alternative to traditional storage buildings. With their long-lasting design and affordable price, they can be a game changer for your farm storage needs.

Durability

Shipping containers are built tough to survive the elements. Constructed from heavy-duty steel, they’re designed to endure everything from strong winds and heavy rain to snow and extreme heat. This durability ensures your stored items stay safe, no matter the weather, so you can focus on running your farm without worrying about damage to your equipment or supplies.

Security

One of the key benefits of using a shipping container for storage is the added security it provides. With their steel construction and lockable doors, shipping containers create a secure space where you can store expensive tools, machinery, and even produce. The solid structure makes it much harder for thieves to access, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investments.

Weatherproof

Shipping containers are completely weatherproof, making them ideal for storing items that need protection from the elements. Whether it’s rain, extreme heat, or humidity, your stored goods remain safe and dry inside. Plus, their sealed design helps prevent pests from getting in, ensuring your feed, supplies, and equipment stay in great condition.

Cost-effectiveness

Compared to building a permanent storage shed or barn, shipping containers are a much more affordable solution. Not only are they cheaper to purchase, but they also require less maintenance. Whether you choose to buy a new shipping container or a used one, you won’t have to worry about the high costs of construction or ongoing repairs, making shipping containers a cost-effective way to meet your farm storage needs without breaking the bank.

5 Ways to use shipping containers for farm storage

1. Animal feed stores

Shipping containers make excellent storage units for animal feed. Their secure, weatherproof design keeps feed dry and safe from the elements, preventing spoilage or contamination. Plus, if you choose to buy a 20ft container, or even a larger unit, you’ll have plenty of space to store large quantities of feed, ensuring you always have enough on hand to keep your livestock healthy and well-fed.

2. Tool & equipment storage

Farming tools and equipment can take up a lot of space, and leaving them exposed to the elements can lead to rust and wear. Shipping containers offer a safe, organised space to store everything from hand tools to large machinery. And with the option to add additional safety features to your container, your tools will remain secure, undamaged, and in tip-top condition. 

3. Vehicle garage

Need a place to park your farm vehicles? Shipping containers can double as a convenient, weatherproof garage. Whether it’s tractors, trucks, or ATVs, a shipping container provides the perfect, secure spot to store your vehicles when not in use. 

A 20ft container is the size of an average garage. However, if you’re looking for more space for more vehicles, double up to a 40ft container. For larger farm vehicles such as tractors, you can stack containers to add more width and height to your bespoke space. This means that you can completely customise a bespoke container garage for your agricultural business to specifically suit your needs.

4. Chemical, fertiliser and pesticide storage

For farms using chemicals, fertilisers, or pesticides, safe storage is crucial. Storing pesticides, fertilisers and chemicals in a fully compliant chemical storage container, will ensure that you meet with the government standards of protecting against any harm to humans, animals and your surrounding environment. 

Our bespoke chemical stores come in various sizes and types to meet all specifications, as well as all health and safety requirements.

5. Self-storage facilities

If you need additional storage for seasonal items, personal belongings, or extra farm supplies, a shipping container can easily serve as a self-storage unit. We’ve seen many farms put unused land to good use by setting up self-storage facilities for the public.

Not only does this create a new revenue stream for your business, but it’s also low maintenance and makes use of space you might not be using otherwise. It’s definitely worth considering!

6. Secure workspace or office

We know we promised five ways, but we couldn’t resist adding one more. Whether you need a quiet space to handle paperwork, manage farm operations, or even meet with clients, a shipping container provides a compact, affordable solution. 

You can easily customise it with windows, insulation, and electrical outlets to make it comfortable and functional. Electrical outlets can be installed to power your equipment, lighting, or computers, turning your shipping container into a fully functional workspace. Plus, you can even add shelves or desks for extra storage and organisation, making it the perfect, personalised office solution that meets all your needs.

Why choose shipping containers over traditional farm storage

Choosing shipping containers over traditional farm storage options offers a few key advantages that can make a big difference.

One of the standout benefits of using shipping containers is their mobility. Unlike permanent structures, which are fixed in one location, shipping containers can be easily moved to different spots around your farm as your needs change. This flexibility is perfect for farms that need to adapt quickly or expand their storage capacity over time.

Another important point is that shipping containers are often available immediately, whereas traditional storage buildings might require a longer wait due to construction timelines or the need for custom designs. If you need extra storage space quickly, containers provide a fast, reliable solution.

And don’t forget about the smart use of space! If you have unused land, a shipping container is a quick way to maximise that area. No need for a major construction project – just place a container wherever you need it and start storing. It’s a simple, effective solution that turns wasted space into a valuable asset.

The bottom line

Shipping containers offer an affordable, versatile, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional farm storage solutions. Their mobility allows you to easily relocate them as needed, while their durable construction minimises the need for repairs. 

With quick installation, you can have extra storage up and running in no time, making them perfect for farms that need flexibility and efficiency. Plus, containers are a smart way to make use of unused land, maximising your farm’s potential without the need for expensive, permanent buildings.

Surprised? Probably! Sometimes, it can be difficult to think outside the box but we’ve seen it (and converted it) all! We’ve converted shipping containers for agricultural businesses up and down the country so if it’s something you’re considering, give us a call – we’re happy to help and advise the best options for you!

If you would like a friendly, honest chat about how we can create your bespoke shipping container conversion, contact our friendly team today, or feel free to email sales@universal-containers.com