Buying a Shipping Container to Move to a New Home or Office

Buying a shipping container to help when you move may seem like a great idea, but there are some other things that you'll need to consider before jumping in head first. Loading, logistics, and long term placement are the first three items to address, and if you can get past them you'll be ready to buy a shipping container.

Loading and logistics are the related problems to address as both are connected to the chassis or flatbed issue. When most companies deliver a shipping container to your location they'll drop it on the ground for you. While this may be make it easier to load up with all of your possessions, furniture, and other items, the problem will arise when you need to load it back onto the trailer or chassis. An empty 20' container can easily be loaded by a standard forklift, but a 20' shipping container loaded with an office or house full of boxes can present a challenge.

A loaded 40' container will be even heavier and you'll likely need a crane to put it on the back of a truck, and then you'll need a crane at the destination location to put the container on the ground. The obvious solution to this problem comes with its own problem. Leaving the shipping container on a chassis or flatbed means that you won't need to rent a forklift or crane, but there aren't many companies that are willing to leave a chassis on site for any period of time while you load the container. You might be able to find a chassis for sale, but then you'll need to make sure the chassis is inspected and approved for road travel, which is another obstacle that needs to be addressed.

Long term storage is the problem to address on the back end of the trip. Once the container arrives at the destination, is unloaded from the truck, and then unpacked in your new home or office, you'll need to find a new purpose for it, storage, a conversion project or something else, or try to sell the container. If you plan to keep and use the container for an extended period of time, this won't be a problem. However, if you think that you might use it but not have any definate plans, you could be left with a giant steel box on your property that you need to sell or move.

There are several other points to be addressed, such as highway inspections, the potential for legally required documents (example: Colorado requires a complete bill of lading for any loaded shipping container traveling on the roads), height or weight limitations, etc.

Buying a shipping container for a residential or commercial move could be a cost saving task to undertake, or it could take a lot of time and investment to get everything in place. If you can satisfy the loading and unloading obstacle, you're well on your way to making it work. Be sure and research all of the requirements for the originating state, destination state, and any other states that you may be passing through to prevent you running afoul of the law. You may also consider consulting a shipping logistics company to help with the move.

If you have any questions about buying a shipping container for a residential or commercial move, or any other type of use, feel free to contact ContainerAuction.com or any of the active sellers listed on the auction. For state or county specific questions regarding moving it's best to contact the local authorities or a logistics professional.