You probably don’t picture shipping containers when you think of the phrase “Reduce Reuse Recycle” but you should! Shipping containers have been used for the transportation of goods for a long time, it’s only recently that they have become a consumer commodity. Used shipping containers are a big component in many real estate developments, this is especially true over the last decade. Today, shipping containers are being used for a variety of purposes and are often used in the residential and commercial real estate markets. Shipping containers are used to make many things: houses, apartments, shopping centers, churches, cabins, storm shelters, warehouses, tool sheds, car garages, storage sheds, storage warehouses, barns, gyms, retail shops, restaurants, bars, offices, hotels and so on.

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The durability, sustainability, portability, eco-friendliness, cost and simple design make these simple containers uniquely appealing to many people. My Dad, sister and I actually started a shipping container business, Arkansas Container and Storage, where we sell containers and rent them out on the property as mini storage units.

Shipping containers are unique in that you can’t beat their strength and durability. They are made to withstand harsh environments such as hurricanes, fire, ocean salt spray, heavy rain, wind and rugged handling. Corten steel alloy, a.k.a. “weathering steel,” is usually the material used to build shipping containers which is a type of steel that resists corrosion by forming a protective layer on its surface under the influence of the weather. This means the containers are rust-resistant and basically heal themselves, meaning they last (almost) forever! They are built to hold thousands of pounds of cargo while being stacked on top of each other. Their modular shape simplifies the design and construction process. Below is an example of an apartment complex that utilizes the ease of stacking.

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It is easy to add on to shipping containers to make them more functional. Some people prefer a simple, low-budget building for function only and some people prefer to spruce them up to make a more luxurious environment. For instance, when building a container home, you can easily install electricity, plumbing, air conditioning, heating, stairs, cabinets, windows, doors, traditional flooring and walls, swimming pools and patio decks to make it look and feel like a traditional home. Think you can’t make a container home feel like a real home? Take a look!

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In addition to hip housing, these containers make unique retail and office spaces. Commercial real estate architects and developers love utilizing containers because they are very cost-efficient and appealing to the consumers. There is even a container park in Las Vegas for recreational and retail purposes! Check out the container park and other unique retail and office spaces below.

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Shipping container buildings are great for hunters, ranchers and farmers because they are portable, rugged and affordable. To make the containers look like traditional structures, some people add material to the exterior like wooden logs, paneling and paint and brick.

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There is not much you can’t build with a shipping container. Shipping containers are like grown up Lego blocks and anyone can use them. It’s fun to see the creative ways consumers are using them today and I’m excited to see what people will do with them next!

To learn how to use shipping containers locally, visit containerandstorage.com.