Shipping containers are not only great for shipping your merchandise. They can also be extremely versatile, affordable storage units that can address your storage needs. Durable metal frames and tough construction make them ideal for self-storage, seasonal storage, or even business storage. Shipping containers, frequently called conex boxes, have become popular in this area of Central Texas (pretty much all of I-35 starting at Temple and going through the Austin metro area and down to San Antonio), with homeowners and business owners looking for sturdy weather-proof storage that can handle our unpredictable Central Texas weather. We’ve put together 10 professional tips to help you make the most out of your shipping containers used as storage units in Central Texas.
Choose the Right Container Size:
Determine what you plan to store before choosing the size of the shipping container you need. Shipping containers are traditionally either 20 feet or 40 feet long and are 8 feet wide by 8.5 feet high. Ask yourself what will you be storing? Will your seasonal clothing, tent, camping gear, golf clubs, and power tools easily fit inside of a 20 foot container? If yes, then you do not need to look into shipping container rentals for a larger unit. If you are storing heavier loads like a restaurant’s patio furniture during the offseason in Austin or several households’ belongings, then you’ll need to go bigger. Figure out how much stuff you have to store to get the most bang for your buck.
New or Used:
New shipping containers are more expensive, but they keep out the elements better. They are also more aesthetically pleasing. Whatever you choose, a shipping container will last you a long time for storage. If you are strapped for cash and need a quick and easy storage option, used containers work just fine. Pick whatever you like that works with your storage needs and budget.
Ensure Proper Ventilation:
Ventilation is key to protecting your valuables from moisture buildup. The number one ventilation concern in Central Texas is “container rain.” This wintertime occurrence happens when a hot, humid afternoon suddenly cools off. The moisture in warm air trapped in an enclosed steel box has nowhere to go but to condense on the ceiling and walls, then literally rain back down onto your goods. To prevent container rain, ensure the container’s factory vents are clear of any blockage and add roof turbine vents to help force air through the container, releasing trapped humidity. Couple that big picture ventilation with a little personalization: put moisture absorbers or desiccant packs in the container. Desiccant packs help eliminate unwanted moisture.
Insulate & Control the Climate:
A steel storage container exposed to direct sunlight in Central Texas during the summer will absorb heat as if it were an oven. Temperatures inside can exceed ambient temperatures, which are already exceedingly hot. Protect belongings by insulating your storage container with foam insulation or fiberglass. This helps maintain a consistent temperature inside the container and is necessary (not optional) if you plan to store electronics, paperwork, tools, or wooden furniture that can be damaged by excessive heat. Insulation will help, but given that our Central Texas summers reach temperatures well above 100° F, we also recommend pairing it with a cooling (and heating) solution. Keep your storage container comfortable and climate-controlled with a mini-split or portable air conditioner. This is especially critical if you must store fragile or valuable items susceptible to temperature and humidity changes, such as electronics, wood furniture, documents, or wine.
Implement Security Measures:
Secure your storage container with sturdy locks, security bars, and surveillance measures to protect your container from unauthorized entry. Consider a monitored alarm system as well. This is especially important in Central Texas, where most containers are located on distant ranch property, acreage, or busy construction sites where there is not always someone physically present to keep an eye on things. Robust deadbolts and the visible presence of a camera can deter would-be thieves.
Ensure Proper Drainage & Stabilization:
Central Texas is right in the middle of “Flash Flood Alley” which means huge rainstorms that happen very quickly are common here. Proper drainage is necessary. Our soils have a lot of clay, so they don’t drain well. Setting a container right on dirt can cause it to sink or settle. This allows moisture to wick up through the floor of your container. Setting your container on solid shipping container foundations, like a gravel pad or some cinder blocks, will raise it up, level it, and keep it dry. This will keep it away from any standing water that could damage your items. Did we mention that it also helps stabilize your container? Sitting on concrete blocks, tie-downs, railroad ties, or container specific stabilizers will ensure it doesn’t tip or shift while in storage on our clay soils.
Utilize Racking and Shelving:
Optimize your storage space with racks and shelves that maximize your container’s vertical capacity. Plus, you’ll be able to pack and organize your shipping container more efficiently and increase your overall storage space.
Protect Against Pests:
Insects and pests can destroy your storage goods overnight. However, you can easily prevent this with a couple of smart tricks. Here in Central Texas, that means preparing for our hometown pests—fire ants looking for a dry place to colonize, scorpions looking for a cool spot to hide out, and mice trying to escape the triple-digit heat. First, make sure you seal any openings or cracks in the container so that these hungry critters can’t find their way in. After that, use pest traps or repellents to keep other nuisances at bay. Your stuff will thank you.
Optimize Lighting:
Add lights to or near your storage container. If you’re going to be storing things you need to access frequently, consider adding windows to your container or installing LED lights inside it so everything stays well-lit. Central Texas is HOT majority of the time, so many people choose to load a shipping container at night or early morning so they don’t bake under the sun. LED lights are perfect for this!
Label and Inventory:
Label your storage boxes and keep inventory so you can easily access your storage unit. Simple labels that are easy to read and keep up with what’s inside your storage will help you find what you need! You’ll wonder how you ever lived without being able to glance at a box and know what’s inside. Maximize your space at your storage unit now.
Regularly Inspect for Damage:
Inspect your storage container to detect any damage, such as rust or leaks, and address it immediately. Ideally, here in our weather, the best time for a good inspection is after the spring storm season, when multiple heavy rains and hail may leave you vulnerable to weaknesses and accelerate rust. This preventative measure stops further degradation of your stored belongings.
Obtain Necessary Permits:
Consult your local ordinances and acquire any needed approvals or permits before placing containers for storage. Zoning laws are incredibly patchwork across Central Texas. You can pretty much drop a container off anywhere on unincorporated county land outside of Austin or Georgetown and not worry about much, but try setting that same container curbside within city limits (i.e., Austin PDCA or San Antonio) and you’re likely looking at permits for temporary or permanent placement, plus setback distances. Additionally, many suburban HOAs have strict rules regarding the placement of containers. Double-check those, too. Be sure to remain in compliance to ensure an efficient and practical storage solution.
Insurance Coverage:
Don’t take any chances. Insure your stored goods. Even though shipping containers are very secure, there are always unforeseen catastrophes and accidents. Why risk it? Obtain peace of mind by insuring your storage unit.
Delivery:
When you purchase a shipping container from us, we handle the transportation and delivery of your container so you don’t have to worry. We deliver containers to sites all over Central Texas, including Bell County (Temple) in the north, through the Austin metro area, and South to Bexar County (San Antonio). Should your desired storage area have limited clearance or be located in a tight area, we will likely need to use a crane to place your unit safely in position. We’ll take care of all the details!
Ready to Build Texas-Tough Storage?
Shipping containers are great storage units. Secure and portable, they can also have decades of life left in them for your personal or business storage needs. Here in Central Texas, from Pflugerville to San Antonio along the I-35 corridor, if your container is properly insulated, ventilated, drained, and permitted, it can withstand our triple-digit summers, Flash Flood Alley rain storms, and anything in between. Container storage with proper prep and maintenance can give you an organized storage unit for years to come. Start maximizing your storage options with a shipping container designed for Central Texas weather today!
