Can you Live in a Shipping Container? Our Guide to Container Living

In recent years, shipping containers have taken the world by storm as a creative and practical solution for living spaces, gaining popularity even in the UK. Amid housing crises affecting many regions, containers offer a cost-effective and sustainable option, with the added benefit of being readily available for mass construction.

Their incredible versatility allows them to be transformed into cosy homes, charming holiday rentals, or functional extra living spaces, making them a smart and stylish choice for modern living.

What is a container home?

A container home is a living space made from a shipping container. While traditionally used to store items or transport goods on ships, trucks, and trains, shipping containers now offer the opportunity to create a unique and habitable living space.

Shipping container homes are built to last, thanks to their tough steel construction, making them incredibly durable against wear, tear, and harsh weather. Their resilience ensures a long lifespan, offering peace of mind to homeowners. On top of that, they’re an eco-friendly choice, repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste and minimising the need for additional building resources—perfect for those seeking sustainability without compromising on quality.

Are shipping container homes legal?

Shipping container homes are legal in the UK, but you’ll need to obtain planning permission from your local authority before going ahead and building one. As part of your planning application, the local authority will assess factors including your proposed location, container home design, and any potential impact on the surrounding environment. 

Planning permission isn’t just a formality – it’s key to ensuring your container home is safe, comfortable, and seamlessly integrated into its location. It helps create a living space that’s not only innovative and sustainable but also meets all legal requirements while satisfying both your needs and those of the local community.

Is living in a shipping container home right for you?

Making the decision to live in a shipping container home requires careful and well-thought-out consideration. Shipping container homes offer a variety of benefits such as affordability and sustainability, but they can also be challenging to build, maintain, and live in.

You’ll need to consider a number of factors before deciding whether this unique housing solution meets your needs and lifestyle requirements. 

Evaluate your lifestyle needs

The first step in establishing whether a container home is right for you is to evaluate your lifestyle needs. Those who appreciate minimalism and sustainability, or seek a simple or low-maintenance lifestyle are often better suited to shipping container homes.

Likewise, those looking to downsize, or who are content living in compact spaces could find that a shipping container home is a perfect fit. Before making the decision, consider your daily habits and whether a small, well-organised space meets your needs.

Think about your location

When deciding whether a container home is the right choice, your location will play a key role. Not all locations are suitable for container homes, either due to the environment, surroundings, climate, or planning restrictions. These types of homes are often better suited to mild climates or areas with accessible resources as this makes maintenance and material delivery easier. Plus, mild climates mean the container may last longer as it won’t be exposed to severe weather conditions.

Assess long-term suitability

Before taking the plunge, you also need to assess whether a container home meets your long-term plans, no matter what age you are. You’ll need to think about whether you plan to stay in your location, whether you’d like to expand your family, or if you think your career is likely to change. 

While container living offers tremendous flexibility, especially since they can be transported elsewhere, it’s important to assess how well this housing option would adapt to your future requirements. 

Advantages of living in a shipping container

With a unique appeal, optimal flexibility, and practical advantages, there are many benefits to living in a shipping container home. Whether you’re drawn to the affordability, sustainability, or other perks, it’s important to fully understand the many benefits this lifestyle has to offer before making your decision.

Affordability

In comparison to traditional buildings and building materials, shipping containers offer a relatively inexpensive way to build a home or additional living space. Opting for a basic container structure and then modifying it to suit your needs can reduce construction expenses while giving you a completely customisable and unique space. 

Building your home with a shipping container, or more, can also often be completed much quicker than a traditional build. Thanks to the availability of containers and quick delivery times, the process is streamlined, and labour costs for speedy modifications tend to be lower too. Like any build, the final cost of your shipping container home will depend on a number of factors such as its size, the modifications you make, and how many units you use. It’s important to keep these in mind when estimating the total cost of your container home.

Sustainability & eco-friendliness

Shipping containers offer many sustainability benefits too. By repurposing an old container and giving it a new lease of life as a living space, you’re already recycling metal and reducing waste before you make any modifications. Shipping container homes also tend to be much smaller than traditional homes, which means they have a smaller environmental footprint and consume fewer resources. When you add smart insulation and thoughtful design, your container home can be incredibly energy-efficient, using less energy to heat or cool—an eco-friendly option for modern living. 

Durability

We’ve already mentioned how shipping containers are built using robust steel, but this also means they make particularly durable homes if they are maintained properly. By effectively insulating and anchoring your shipping container home, you can also ensure it is resistant to fires, floods, harsh weather conditions, and even earthquakes or other natural disasters. 

Quick construction

Shipping container homes are a fast and efficient building option, as the units are essentially prefabricated structures that can be delivered right to your site. By choosing a prefab design and having your container modified and customised away from your location, you can speed up the process significantly – allowing you to move into your new home much sooner than with traditional construction methods.

Ability to customise

The ability to personalise shipping containers is one of the key reasons why they’re gaining popularity as homes. You really can design almost anything you imagine. It’s possible to customise both the interior and exterior of a container, with everything from windows, doors, and insulation to flooring, modern amenities, and living roofs. Plus, shipping containers can be stacked or connected in various configurations, offering creative and flexible modular design options.

Mobility

While it’s important to consider your long-term plans when deciding if a shipping container home is right for you, the good news is that container homes can be mobile too. You can design your home to be portable which allows for relocation if necessary. This is particularly good for those seeking a nomadic lifestyle but prefer a more permanent structure in comparison to a caravan or camper.

Space-efficiency

If you enjoy minimalism or are simply looking to downsize and become more efficient, a shipping container home is the ideal solution. While they are compact, these homes can be modified to make the most of every square inch, offering functional living spaces that can be fully adapted to your needs.

Off-grid potential

Shipping container homes offer a unique opportunity for off-grid living, with many projects incorporating solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and composting toilets to create a self-sufficient, remote lifestyle. While off-grid living isn’t for everyone, it offers the chance to live independently and sustainably, with the freedom to rely on your own resources.

A shipping container home can be your gateway to a more sustainable and self-sustaining way of life, where you’re in control of your energy, water, and waste, all while enjoying the peace and privacy of remote living.

Unique aesthetic

Compared to the newly built cookie-cutter homes popping up everywhere, shipping container homes offer a truly unique aesthetic that can be fully customised to your personal style. With their bold, industrial look, they’re perfect for those who love modern, unconventional architecture. But if you’re not a fan of the industrial vibe, don’t worry – you can easily soften the look with features like cladding, living roofs, and modular designs, creating a home that’s as stylish and individual as you are.

Challenges of living in a shipping container

Building a shipping container home is one thing, but actually living in one is a whole different adventure. While the idea of container living offers plenty of appeal, it comes with its own set of challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a comfortable, functional home.

The good news? Most of these challenges already have simple, effective solutions, so you can enjoy the unique experience of living in a shipping container without the headaches.

Temperature regulation

Since they are built mainly from metal, shipping containers can absorb and retain heat in the summer and lose heat quickly in the winter. This makes temperature regulation in a shipping container home quite difficult without modification. 

To overcome the challenge of temperature regulation, it’s important to customise your container. Installing high-quality insulation on the walls, ceiling, and floors can help, and using spray foam or rigid foam is often the most effective insulation method. When considering your windows and doors, you should opt for energy-efficient options and don’t forget to install ventilation systems or HVAC units to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. Additionally, you can add a layer of cladding to the exterior for extra insulation. 

Limited space

Shipping container homes are much smaller than traditional homes, especially if you’ve chosen a standard 20-foot container which offers 160-320 square feet of space. These containers can feel cramped and may not be suitable for those with lots of possessions or people still seeking ample space. 

If you decide a shipping container home is the right option for you but you want to make the most out of your small space, there are some things you can do. Firstly, it’s a good idea to use multi-purpose furniture and vertical storage that maximise the available space, both on the floor and vertically. You could also combine multiple containers to create a bigger structure with more creative layouts or extensions for additional rooms.

Rust and corrosion build-up

With their steel construction, shipping containers are prone to rust and corrosion, particularly in humid or coastal climates where harsh weather conditions can accelerate the rusting process. To mitigate this it’s important to carry out regular container maintenance. 

It’s important to remove any existing rust from your container by scrubbing it away with a wire brush or sandpaper.  If the rust is more extensive, sandblasting is an effective way to clear it out and repair any holes. Once the rust is gone, apply weatherproof coatings and rust-proof paint to prevent any further rust from building up.

Toxic materials

Knowing how your shipping container was previously used is important, especially if it came from an industrial setting. It’s not always possible to know what goods were transported, which means toxic materials may have been used in the container, and you’ll want to remove these.

If you’re not sure whether toxic materials have been used in your container, it’s good practice to replace or seal any wooden flooring with non-toxic materials. You can also sandblast and repaint the inside and outside of your container with eco-friendly, non-toxic paint.

Noise and acoustics

Unlike traditional construction, steel structures can amplify noise, both inside and outside the container. This can lead to a noisy and distracting living environment for you and potential disturbances for nearby neighbours.

To ensure noise pollution is at a minimum, soundproof insulation is a must for your container home. Installing double-glazed windows and acoustic panels will minimise noise transfer. Even how you decorate your container home can influence the level of noise –  think soft and cozy rugs, curtains, and plush furnishings to not only make your space more inviting but also help absorb sound for a quieter, more serene living environment.

Long-term durability

Shipping containers are celebrated for their durability, with lifespans typically ranging from 30 to 50 years. While impressive, this falls short compared to the longevity of traditional brick-and-mortar homes.

As we’ve emphasized many times, maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your container home. This should include carrying out regular inspections to check for rust, cracks and leaks. If you identify any of these, you should repair them immediately. It’s also a good idea to reinforce areas subject to wear and tear, such as the doors, windows, joints, and seams.

How to prepare to live in a shipping container

Converting a shipping container into a home, and subsequently living in one, requires careful planning and preparation. There will be lots of considerations for you to make when ensuring your shipping container home is functional, comfortable, and legally compliant.

Research and plan

The first step in preparing to live in a shipping container is to contact your local authority to ensure container homes are allowed in your area. Next, you should apply for the required permits for the construction and habitation of your home. 

Before you start thinking about buying a shipping container and budgeting for its modification, you’ll need to establish where you’re going to place it. You should pick a location that meets your lifestyle needs, whether that’s an urban, rural, or off-grid plot of land. Access to utilities and determining whether the land is prone to risks such as flooding is also important. 

With a location in mind, you can then start to think about budgeting. Consider the costs for purchasing your container and land, if applicable, modification costs, transport costs, and any costs related to container installation.

Select your container

When building a container home, you need to ensure you pick a size that is suitable for the land you plan to place it in and the size of your ideal home. While the most common size is 20-foot containers, it’s possible to purchase 40-foot containers that offer plenty of space, or even join multiple containers to create a large, modular building.

Prepare the land

With a container home ready to be delivered, it’s time to prepare the land it will sit on, and it’s not as simple as just dumping it down. To ensure longevity, easy maintenance, and security, you need to level the ground and prepare the shipping container foundations. You should also make sure you create good drainage solutions to prevent water from pooling around the base of your home. 

If you need utilities, now is the time to install access to water, electricity, and sewage if needed. If you’re going off-grid, ensure you plan for solutions such as solar panels or composting toilets.

Add insulation and ventilation

Whether you’re planning to have your shipping container modified before delivery or once it arrives on site, adding insulation and ventilation is the next step in preparing to live in your new home. Since metal containers can get either too hot or cold, proper insulation of your container home is vital. You can use materials like spray foam, rigid foam, or natural fibres to insulate the walls, floors, and ceilings. 

When adding ventilation, windows, doors, and vents should be installed to provide natural light and effective airflow. It’s also a good idea to install HVAC or fans to regulate the temperature more effectively indoors.

Install utilities and systems

Depending on the design and intended use of your shipping container home, you may need to install utilities and systems. For water, you can either connect to your mains with permission or set up a rainwater harvesting system for optimal sustainability. If it’s power you need, you can connect to the grid or install solar panels with battery storage. When considering waste, popular options include septic systems or eco-friendly alternatives like composting toilets.

Customise and furnish

With the practicalities and functionalities all completed on your shipping container home, you can turn your attention to customisation and furnishing. Start by considering your interior layout and how you want your spaces to be divided, for example, whether you want separate kitchen and living areas or you’re going to combine them for a larger space. 

Next, you can cut openings for doors and windows, reinforcing these areas for stability when installing. We recommend covering the interior walls and floors to create a more homely finish, either using plywood, drywall, or laminate. When furnishing your home, be sure to opt for multi-purpose furniture to maximise the space and ensure you have plenty of storage.

Focus on sustainability

If you’ve decided a shipping container home is the right choice for you, it’s likely you’ll have sustainability in mind. This is often a key consideration when preparing to live in a shipping container home, and you’ll want to think about energy-efficient options throughout the design of your living space. 

Using LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances is a good place to start, but you could also add a green roof to your container for extra insulation and environmental benefits. If you’re planning to live off-grid, you’ll want to also set up alternative systems for energy, water, and waste.

Decorate and personalise

The best part of preparing to live in a container home is making it your own with personal customisations and decor. Add decor that suits your taste and style, whether that’s cosy rugs and curtains, wall art, or plenty of plants. We always recommend getting clever with storage too. Opt for smart solutions that are multipurpose and help you avoid clutter.

Enjoy the lifestyle

Living in a shipping container isn’t quite the same as living in a traditional home as the lifestyle is naturally a little different – you’ll have less space and may be living in a more remote location. To really get the most out of your container home, you should try to embrace your new minimalist lifestyle as much as possible. Thankfully, with shipping container homes growing in popularity, there is a growing community of fellow container homeowners who can offer ideas, tips, and support.

The bottom line

Whether you’re simply exploring the idea of less conventional living, or you’ve done your research and are committed to shipping container living, there are a wealth of benefits that come with this unique approach to housing. Just remember, planning and preparation are key to ensuring your container home is functional, comfortable, and legally compliant. 

While our guide to container living is a good place to start, you can contact our team for support and advice on any container project.

FAQs

What is special about shipping container homes?

Shipping container homes are both a special and unique housing option, offering environmental-friendliness, cost-efficiency, and a creative approach to living space. Their modular design also means you can easily customise and expand them into any vision you have. Built to be durable and long-lasting, shipping containers are a great choice for those seeking alternative housing options.

How many people can live in a shipping container home?

The number of people that can live in a shipping container home depends on the size and design of the construction. Generally speaking, a standard container can accommodate one to two people, while larger containers or modular builds using multiple units can comfortably house three to four people. 

If you’ve got a larger number of people to accommodate, it’s possible to get creative with your design to create a comfortable living space for more. Multiple containers can be transformed into multi-level homes or even extended with traditional building materials to create an entire complex.

How safe and durable are containers for home building?

As an alternative housing method, a concern is often the safety and durability of shipping container homes. As shipping containers have long been used to safely transport goods in harsh weather conditions, with guidance, proper insulation and reinforcement, they can be repurposed into sturdy and robust homes.