Offering incredible versatility, durability, and mobility, shipping containers have become hugely popular in recent times. Both businesses and individuals are using shipping containers in a variety of innovative ways. You’ll have no doubt seen them around, perhaps without even noticing you’re looking at one. Some shipping containers might look like they did in their previous life – fit to transport cargo across the sea – while others have been drastically converted to be more functional and a lot more aesthetically pleasing!
Shipping containers have quickly become the first solution for many people as a space-saving or storage solution, and this isn’t just limited to the commercial world. As many businesses choose shipping containers for various purposes, repurposed shipping containers also frequently appear in the domestic world in the form of garden rooms, garden sheds, and much more.
Shipping container uses for businesses
No matter what industry you’re in, shipping containers offer a durable and weather-resistant structure that offers a secure and customisable option. Whether you’re in retail and seeking a storage space, or a construction firm looking to create a temporary office, a shipping container is a great option.
Pop-up shops and retail spaces

Shipping containers are the ideal solution for pop-up shops and retail spaces. Their size, shape, and sturdy nature mean they can be converted with ease and made into almost any type of retail space you need. Plus this trend is currently booming in the UK, with lots of potential for creating something unique.
Not only do shipping containers provide practical premises but they also offer an eye-catching venue to display products. With the customisability of shipping containers, they are an attractive option for retail businesses looking to showcase their branding and create an atmosphere that draws customers in.
Bars or cafés

Hospitality businesses are increasingly transforming shipping containers into bars or cafés, providing a trendy, mobile dining experience. Shipping containers can be heavily customised and designed to incorporate outdoor seating, vibrant decor, and other unique features. This makes them ideal for pop-up events, brand launches, or seasonal operations.
It’s not just small businesses and start-ups that are using shipping containers as bars and cafes. As part of its sustainability initiative, international brand Starbucks has invested in over 40 stores built entirely from shipping containers.
Shipping container kitchens or restaurants
In line with the trend of converting shipping containers into bars and cafes, many businesses are also transforming shipping containers into kitchens. Shipping container kitchens are a practical solution for food vendors who want to establish a quick and efficient cooking space. They can be easily customised and equipped with essential appliances and utilities, serving everything from street food to gourmet meals to street food. And if things change, the shipping container can simply be moved elsewhere.
Hotels
With more of an emphasis on sustainability and making use of small spaces without compromising on comfort and style, shipping containers are now being widely used for hotel buildings. From modular guest rooms offering a unique and eco-friendly lodging experience to annexe buildings for staff rooms, meeting spaces, or additional kitchen areas.
Modular office buildings
If space is limited, shipping containers make excellent office spaces. Shipping containers can be easily converted into sturdy, comfortable, and highly customisable office buildings. Whether you’re planning to house your shipping container in your garden, on privately owned land, or somewhere else, they offer a flexible option for office space.
You can even use several shipping containers to create modular office buildings to accommodate more people if you have a large enough space. It’s possible to add windows, different doors, and insulation to shipping containers, making them a cost-effective and flexible workspace that can be easily moved or expanded as needed.
Building site offices

With construction sites being temporary, we’re increasingly seeing shipping containers used as temporary building site offices. This is hugely beneficial for construction businesses as they not only create a professional and welcoming space for visitors but can be used for a variety of purposes, such as machinery and equipment storage.
Site office containers also offer cost efficiency and sustainability because of their ability to be easily transported from one site to another when a project finishes.
Tool & equipment storage
Many different types of businesses use tools and equipment in their day-to-day business operations, but storing them safely isn’t always easy. Storage containers serve as the ideal space to store valuable equipment and tools, offering robust construction and lockable, reinforceable doors, ensuring valuable tools, equipment, and machinery are kept safe.
Sports club ticket offices
Another versatile use for shipping containers is as ticket offices for sports clubs. Events can get busy on game day, and shipping containers can be easily transformed into dedicated ticket offices to help ease congestion and streamline operations. Plus, their mobility means they can be moved and set up wherever they are needed, enhancing the overall spectator experience.
Stadium seating and stands
Sports clubs and grounds can also use shipping containers for stadium seating and stands. This innovative and creative use case can be a real space saver for sports clubs, especially those seeking to expand capacity in a congested location. Sports clubs and grounds can also use shipping containers to store excess equipment and furniture that may be cluttering another area.
Portable toilets
Thanks to their versatility and customisation options, shipping containers can be easily transformed into portable toilets. Whether for events, construction sites, or public spaces, shipping containers can be fitted with plumbing and sanitation features for user convenience and hygiene.
Residential shipping container uses
While shipping containers are frequently being used by businesses, we’re also seeing more residential use cases. They have become a popular choice for people seeking innovative residential solutions that combine durability, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. From homes to hobby spaces, these versatile structures can be easily repurposed.
Houses
With rising house prices and a lack of space in some areas, one of the most common uses for shipping containers in the last decade has been for homes. From small sustainable housing units to larger modular homes, architects have designed clever and innovative ways to convert shipping containers into viable living spaces.
Holiday homes

Like regular residential living spaces, shipping containers are also increasingly being used as holiday homes. Whether you’re creating the perfect bolthole for yourself or you’re keen to explore the possibility of letting your home out to others, shipping containers create a unique getaway experience.
The beauty of shipping container holiday homes is that they are versatile, and mobile, which means you can create almost anything in any space you have available. From hiding away in nature or sitting beside the sea, shipping container holiday homes are a great investment.
Home offices
With more people working from home, shipping containers offer a practical solution for home office space. They can be used either as standalone units in your garden or as an extension to your home, creating a dedicated workspace that enhances productivity.
Shipping container home offices can be adapted with new windows, doors, and insulation, as well as more specific design features before furnishing. You can even create inspiring environments that work with the natural environment nearby, for example with living walls or roofs to blend seamlessly.
Swimming pools
While swimming pools in homes in the UK may be a pipe dream for many, shipping containers actually provide a highly viable and cost-effective solution. It’s possible to convert a shipping container into a swimming pool quickly and easily. As highly durable structures, they provide the perfect shell for a small home swimming pool, whether you house it above or inground.
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Read moreSaunas
With wellness on the rise, many of us might have considered housing a sauna in our back garden, and shipping containers can help with this. Small units can be converted into cosy and comfortable saunas while offering transportability should you move house in the future.
Garden sheds

Available in a range of sizes, shipping containers are a great alternative to the traditional garden shed. Stronger and longer-lasting than wooden sheds, shipping containers can act as the ideal place to store gardening equipment, bikes, toys, and other garden essentials. You could even create a multipurpose shed if you have a container big enough, with half for garden storage and the other half for plant potting or another hobby.
Garden rooms
Whether you’re seeking a space to relax, entertain guests, or enjoy your favourite hobby, shipping containers make excellent garden rooms. By customising with new windows, doors, heating, and complementary landscaping, you can create a cosy outside-inside atmosphere for the ideal home retreat.
Man caves and she sheds


If a garden room isn’t quite your style, you can also transform shipping containers into dedicated man caves or she sheds. With personalised spaces for leisure and creativity, you can customise your container to make almost anything you want. From seating and decor to entertainment systems and gaming areas, there are virtually no limits to your creativity when it comes to man caves and she sheds. In fact, the more unique the better!
Gyms


Shipping containers are more frequently being converted into home gyms, giving people the flexibility to work out at their convenience. By installing adequate insulation and ventilation, as well as a range of fitness equipment, shipping container gyms can provide everything you need for your health and wellness objectives.
Studios
Converting a shipping container into a studio can make an excellent creative space. Artists or creators can transform shipping containers into dedicated spaces for hobbies or other creative endeavours. Shipping container studios are also becoming increasingly popular with musicians because of the ability to soundproof them. This means they can play and produce music without worrying about excessive noise for the neighbours.
Home workshops


Whether you’re embarking on a side hustle project or just seeking a space to carry out a hobby, shipping containers offer the ideal workshop solution. From crafting and woodworking to painting and metalwork, you can create a secure and inspiring container workshop space to hone your craft. Plus, if you’ve got valuable tools or equipment, shipping containers provide a secure place to lock them up when you’re done for the day.
Garages
Suppose you’re not fortunate enough to have a garage connected to your home, or you would like an extension to your existing garage. In that case, shipping containers offer a functional and secure garage alternative. From storing vehicles to equipment, using a shipping container as a garage can help protect your belongings against the elements while still providing ample space.
Motorbike storage pods
Just like garage storage for larger vehicles, shipping containers make excellent motorbike storage pods for motorcycle enthusiasts. Even if you’re limited in space, you can opt for a smaller shipping container that fits your motorbikes comfortably while keeping them safe, secure, and free from extreme weather conditions.
Temporary storage
Shipping containers are a great option for temporary storage, especially if you’re moving house and need somewhere to store your belongings for a short time. Moving or renovating your home can be stressful, but with a shipping container on hand to keep some of your items secured while you complete other tasks, the whole process can be simplified.
You don’t even need to buy a shipping container if you only need it in the short term, you can simply hire a container and keep it as long as you need.
Agricultural uses for shipping containers
Shipping containers have long been used in their traditional form on agricultural land thanks to their exceptional durability and versatility features. They can provide secure and practical solutions for a variety of agricultural needs, from machinery and equipment storage to customised facilities for more specialist needs.
Feed storage
Offering protection from the elements, shipping containers provide a robust and durable solution for storing animal feed and ensuring it stays in good condition. Because of their weather-resistant design, shipping containers ensure the feed remains dry and safe, extending its shelf life and maintaining quality.
Feeding station
Just as shipping containers can be used to store animal feed, they can also be completely transformed into feeding stations. By customising a shipping container into a feeding station, you can create a dedicated area that helps streamline the feeding process and potentially free up some space elsewhere on your land. You could even customise your container in a way that allows for a combination of feed storage, organisation, and feeding bays.
Livestock medicine storage
For agricultural businesses, storing livestock medication is important. Shipping containers are a great solution for storing medicine safely and securely. You can convert containers with shelving and racking, climate control, or more specialist features, as well as incorporate security features to keep products safe from unauthorised access.
Horse tack rooms
If your agricultural activities include horses, shipping containers can be transferred to provide secure and weather-resistant storage for your horse tack and equipment. By using containers, you can free up space elsewhere on your land while creating a dedicated space for this equipment and protecting it from theft.
Growing spaces
We’re seeing more and more people use shipping containers as indoor farms and growing spaces. The mobility and customisability of containers means they can be adapted to house all the equipment you need for growing, whether you’re planting flowers or fruit and vegetables. Thanks to their flexibility, some people are even converting them into dark spaces to grow mushrooms.
Shipping container barns
With a focus on sustainability and cost savings, innovative farmers are turning to shipping containers to create modern, cost-effective barns. By opting for used containers, farmers can create safe and efficient housing for livestock or equipment storage, among other uses. With the ability to adapt, extend, and modify, farmers can continue adding containers to the barn to create a large modular structure.
Interested in learning more about using shipping containers as barns?
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Read guideTractor & equipment storage
With large shipping containers readily available, it’s possible to convert them into storage for tractors and other large farming equipment and machinery. By using shipping containers as storage, farmers can keep their equipment safe from both the weather and theft. Large containers can also be adapted to ensure all tools and machinery can be efficiently organised for easy and convenient access.
Shipping container uses for communities
Offering an abundance of versatility, there are virtually no bounds to the ways shipping containers can be used, and we’re increasingly seeing them used by communities for a variety of different projects. Whether it’s enhancing public spaces, providing essential services, or fostering creativity, shipping containers are a great choice for community projects.
Student housing
With student accommodation proving to be a huge chunk of student budgets, many organisations are seeking more land and cost-efficient ways to accommodate students in university towns. Shipping containers offer a viable solution in that they can be accessed, built, and furnished relatively quickly, which is essential for student housing.
Shipping containers for student accommodation are pretty quirky too, with a variety of customisation and flexibility options for students to make their spaces feel like their own. Plus, the robust design of shipping containers means they are both safe and comfortable for students.
Schools
An increase in housing and the need for school places means school expansions are highly important. Shipping containers provide a practical solution by being converted into classrooms or even entire schools, either as permanent structures or temporary spaces during renovations. They’re cost-effective and allow for modular expansion, which means schools can scale their needs as they need to without putting too much financial strain on the school budget.
Disaster shelters
From environmental to societal disasters or emergencies, shipping containers can provide a practical and easily accessible solution. In times of emergency, disaster organisations can use shipping containers to temporarily house displaced individuals. Many councils have taken to using shipping containers to house homeless people or those in need of living accommodation during a limited housing crisis.
Emergency hospitals
In times of health emergencies and global health crises, shipping containers offer much-needed space for medical care for communities in need. As an example, during COVID-19, many organisations used shipping containers to create mobile testing centres to avoid further burdening hospitals and easing congestion in small towns.
Laboratories
The scientific community frequently uses shipping containers for laboratory spaces, providing researchers with either mobile or stationary units for research and experimentation. Shipping containers are the perfect size for creating enough space to test or educate, while also offering the ability to move the unit to where it is needed later on. Plus, because of their security features and durability, all the scientific equipment is safe from the elements and unauthorised access.
Mobile art gallery
Art is all about expression and uniqueness, and what better way to showcase this than through an innovative space that’s as creative as the art inside? Mobile art galleries made with shipping containers also offer a convenient and accessible place for people to view art, especially in communities that may not have access to such facilities.
Other innovative uses for shipping containers
Aside from traditional uses, storage options, and conversions using the natural shell of the container, shipping containers are also inspiring a range of innovative use cases within communities. From art installations to furniture and full-scale transformations, shipping containers have a lot of potential.
Playgrounds
With a wide range of customisation options, shipping containers can be creatively converted into playgrounds for children. By using the shell of the structure and adding elements of fun, shipping containers can make unique and cost-effective playgrounds. When creating a playground from, it’s incredibly important to ensure proper design and safety features to make engaging and safe environments for kids.
Furniture
While at first glance shipping containers seem like simple metal boxes, there are many creative ways they can be adapted to create unique and sustainable furniture options. Elements of shipping containers can be innovatively transformed into stylish furniture including tables, benches, or outdoor seating areas.
Art installations
We know shipping containers can be effectively used for mobile art galleries, but some creatives are also using shipping containers to create sustainable art installations. With a number of customisable elements, shipping containers can be completely transformed into unique structures that don’t even resemble containers anymore.
Branded event installations
Events with branded installations are great excuses to use shipping containers to create eye-catching venues. With endless customisation options, brands can mould shipping containers into anything they need, with lighting, interior design, branding, and even immersive elements that create a unique experience.
Smoking shelters
While smoking is on the decrease, there is still an importance to provide designated spaces for smokers in certain environments. Shipping containers can be converted into effective smoking shelters while minimising disruption to surrounding areas and ensuring complete fire resistance. With an enclosed design, shipping container smoking shelters also ensure compliance with public health regulations.
Fire training facility
When it comes to fire training, appropriate facilities are not always easy to come by, since they need to be venues that are big enough to train in without posing a fire risk. Shipping containers are a great solution for this with sturdy construction and fire-resistant properties, especially when several are used to create a modular structure that could be used to resemble a larger building.
The bottom line
Whether you were already familiar with some of these creative uses for shipping containers, or you’ve learned something new, we’re sure you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the humble shipping container. If you’re keen to explore shipping container projects and ‘out-the-box’ thinking for storage or a conversion, we’re always available to guide, advise, and support you.
If you would like a friendly, honest chat about creating your own bespoke unusual shipping container to suit your needs, please call the Universal team today on 0161 775 3217 (opt 1) or feel free to email us at sales@universal-containers.com
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Buy a shipping containerFAQs
How common is it to use old shipping containers as housing?
Converting used shipping containers into housing or living spaces has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Many homeowners and developers are opting for container homes as a creative solution to housing shortages.
Can I use a shipping container as a basement?
With proper planning, design, and building, it may be possible to use a shipping container as a basement. However, it is not advisable due to several factors. Moisture and soil stability can pose challenges, and it can be difficult to obtain planning permission in some locations. We advise consulting a structural engineer before considering using a shipping container as a basement.
What surface should I position a shipping container on?
No matter what you’re using them for, shipping containers should always be placed on a stable and level surface. Your shipping container foundation could be concrete slabs, compacted gravel, or a timber foundation to ensure correct weight distribution and prevent moisture build-up.
What happens to shipping containers after use?
Shipping containers can have numerous different lives after their initial use. Once used for traditional shipping, they can be refurbished to do this again or completely converted to be used for storage or unique projects. If they are no longer salvageable and need to be disposed of, they can be recycled or dismantled for scrap metal, making them a highly sustainable structure.
Do you need planning permission to convert a shipping container?
In some cases, planning permission is needed for a shipping container conversion. This largely depends on local regulations and what you plan to use the shipping container for. Before you start a shipping container project, you must check with your local planning authority to understand specific requirements before you get started.
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