Shipping containers can be used for anything from storage to a home office, holiday home, or workshop. However you use your container, you’ll want to maximise the space. Custom shelving means that you can store more in your container – as well as creating a unique look and ambience.
Why install shipping container shelving?
Shipping containers are durable, versatile, and compact. They’re made to store a lot of cargo in the smallest footprint possible. However, that means floorspace is in short supply inside your container.
Installing shelving in your container massively increases the storage capacity, as well as clearing floor space. The entire container becomes easier to access. You’ll even protect your back from having to bend and lift items from the floor!
Shelves and racks can be used to store almost anything. We’ve seen shelves used to display products in pop-up shops, file documents in mobile offices, and store tools in container workshops.
Types of shipping container shelving
There are lots of options available for storage container shelves, including both free-standing container shelving and racking hung on brackets.
Your choice will depend on what you want to store, how much you have to store, and if you’re combining different container shelving options.
Heavy-duty shelving
Heavy-duty shelves are made with metal frames and reinforced metal brackets, which support wooden shelves. They’re designed to hold heavy items, files, or tools.
You can install freestanding heavy-duty shelving, but it’s usually best to secure heavy-duty shelves to the container wall. This reduces the risk of the shelves falling forward.
Custom built-in wooden shelves
Wooden shelves are a lighter option that’s good for storing or displaying lighter objects. However, you can also use wooden container shelving to store heavy objects if you use sturdy timber that’s reinforced with metal brackets.
If you’re used to woodworking, then you can build your own shelves to fit. Alternatively, a professional joiner or container conversion company will be able to make shelves to your specifications.
Wall mounted shelves
Wall-mounted shelves are an elegant way to increase your storage capacity without taking up any floor space. They can also be useful if you plan to move the container frequently, since the shelves will stay in place during transit.
Pipe racks
If you want to store long objects, such as pipes or fabric rolls, then pipe racks are the most space-efficient option. These are metal arms which extend out from the container wall. You stack objects directly onto the arms, instead of putting them on a shelf (where they could roll off).
Shelf brackets
Shelf brackets are similar to pipe racks – but with a construction-grade wooden plank mounted on the arms. You can buy brackets in various configurations, from a single-shelf unit to brackets with space for up to four shelves.
Loft brackets
These racks span the width of your shipping container, from wall to wall. They’re perfect for overhead storage, leaving the floor and walls free for extra storage and activities. You can use them to store tools, materials, or large objects such as canoes and paddle boards.
Most loft brackets come with a pivoting mechanism so that you can easily adjust or remove them. You can adjust the height of the bracket as needed over time.
T-bar shelf
T-bar shelves are another robust shelving option if you want to store heavy items. The T-bar is a metal support structure that sits below a wood, metal, or composite shelf for extra support. It’s best to use T-bar shelf supports if you plan to store bulky materials or industrial equipment in your shipping container.
Combined shelving
You can mix and match shelving options with a combined design, such as this work bench with a pipe rack bracket. It’s a sturdy combination of container shelving and brackets – perfect for a workshop or crafting space.
Multilevel bookshelves
The biggest problem for every book-lover is storage. If you have a lot to store or display, then a storage container is the perfect personal library. You can line your shipping container with bookshelves from floor to ceiling, secured with brackets for extra safety.
What do you need to install shipping container shelves?
Most storage container racks and shelves come with accessories to make them strong and secure.
Here are the essential items you’ll need to install container shelving correctly:
- The shelf itself
- D-rings (not always required)
- Bracket mounts to hold racks or secure free-standing shelves
- T-bars for extra reinforcement
- Stray strap to tighten the arms of shelving brackets (not always required)
How to install shipping container shelves
Most shipping container racks can be installed in a few simple steps:
- Look along the top of the container wall for the D-rings which are built in at 4-foot intervals.
- Hook the curved end of the shelf bracket into the D-ring. The lower, T-shaped portion of the bracket should rest against the wall.
- Once all the brackets are installed, slide the shelf through the bracket openings so that it is resting flat.
- If your shelf uses two wooden planks, slide them in one at a time, then press down on the planks to snap them into place.
- Check that there are no gaps between the shelf or the shipping container wall.
The details of the installation process will vary depending on the type of storage container shelving you choose, the materials, and the design of your storage container. Always read the shelving manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.
How much weight can a shipping container bracket hold?
The weight limit of different container shelves and container racks can vary a lot. Some container shelf brackets can hold up to 450kg in weight. The manufacturer’s instructions for each shelving unit or rack should state the weight limits for your specific unit.
Top tips for organising your shipping container
You can get even more value out of your shipping container racks and shelves by keeping your space organised. Follow these tips to make the most of your space.
Use the available vertical space
When you’re buying a shipping container, the focus is usually on length. It’s easy to forget that shipping containers can be over 8 feet tall. That’s a lot of vertical storage space! Use shelving and overhead racks to maximise the wall and floor space.
Mark out sections on the floor to organise your items
One way to organise your storage is by dividing the container into sections. You can even mark them on the floor with tape. Once you start using the container, you can devote different sections to specific items: for example, tools in one corner and materials in another.
Choose uniform boxes for storing items
You can instantly make your space more organised and attractive by choosing a standard size and style of storage boxes. Clear storage boxes are the most popular, because you can see what’s in each container at a glance.
Keep frequently accessed items at the front
Before you load up your storage container shelves, take a minute to think about how you’ll use each item. Things that are in frequent use should be stored at the front of the shelves, at an easy-to-reach height. Use lower shelves for heavy items, and higher shelves for anything that could be dangerous or is used less often.
Label everything
Just like clear boxes, labels are another easy way to make your storage space organised and pleasant to look at. You can use sticky labels, a labelling machine, or even just a Sharpie to note the contents of each box.
Make a storage map and inventory list
A standard 20-foot shipping container has 147.5 square feet of floor space. That’s almost 150% of the size of an average storage unit. Even with an organised layout and labels, you can lose track of items in all that space. Some people find it useful to create a map of the storage container, alongside an inventory of everything they keep in there.
Keep a step stool
A step stool is vital equipment for high or overhead shelves, especially if you often use items from the higher shelves. It’s much safer to use a step stool than to balance on a chair (or even worse, climb up the racks themselves).
The bottom line
Shelves and racks are an easy way to maximise the storage space available in your shipping container. You can choose from a wide range of free-standing, wall-mounted, and overhead storage, to fit items of all shapes and sizes.
Whatever storage solution you choose, it’s important to install container shelving correctly and securely. You’ll also need an organised system so that you can find things whenever you need them.
Universal Containers have 40 years of experience in container conversions for storage, home offices, pop-up shops, and workshops. Contact us for a chat about how to get more storage space into your shipping container.
