Winterize Your Shipping/Storage Container

Using a shipping container as a portable storage unit provides a maintenance free facility, 99% of the time; and the other 1% of the time is preventative maintenance and care.

Shipping containers are designed to withstand the harshest of conditions as they travel across the oceans many times in their life, so when they're repurposed for commercial or residential storage units the conditions are much less intense.  However, no matter if they're on the sea or in your backyard, the container will require a little bit of attention to keep it in top condition.  You probably won't have any major issues if you don't care for your container, but you'll get more years of life out of it with a little bit of attention.

Before you get started you'll want to have a few basic things on-hand to create your "storage container maintenance kit"

• Steel wool
• Wire brush
• Spray lubricant (WD-40)
• Grease gun
• Outdoor, weather proof spray paint
• Stiff bristled push broom

Once or twice a year, we recommend spring and autumn, it's a good idea to give your container a "walk around" inspection and look for the following points:

• General Exterior:  Take the broom and walk around the container, brushing off any dirt or dust build up or weeds.
• Top and Bottom Rails and Corner Posts:  Check the top and bottom and corner posts for any signs of flaking paint or surface rust.  If you find any spots where the paint is wearing, scrub it with either the steel wool or wire brush to remove the affected area.  Once cleaned cover the area with spray paint and this should prevent more paint damage and control any developing corrosion.
• Doors: Inspect the handles and locking gear for any signs of excessive wear.  Apply a liberal application of WD-40 on each of the moving parts and any areas where there could be friction between two parts.
• Hinges:  Apply grease to each of the hinges ensuring they move easily and swing without needing to use excessive force.
• Container Interior: Sweep out the inside of your container, making sure to get both the floor and walls.
• Plywood Floors:  Inspect the floors looking for any moisture build-up, rotting, or unnatural discoloration.  If you find any moisture it's a good idea to leave the doors open to completely dry out the inside of the container.  If there are any signs of rot you may want to consider removing the affected area and replacing it with new plywood.

Shipping containers make great storage units, and have a very long life span.  With a little semi-annual, or even annual attention, your container will be in great shape and provide you with a long lasting, secure storage unit that will keep your possessions dry and secure from danger.

If you have any questions about buying, moving, or maintaining a shipping container for any purpose, residential or commercial, you're welcome to contact the staff and sellers at ContainerAuction.com to get their expert opinion and advice