Container Setup Guide
Setting up a shipping container for storage, workspace, or other uses can be a cost-effective solution when done correctly. This guide shares practical experience from installing a 20-foot container in two different locations, highlighting key considerations and lessons learned along the way.
Planning and Site Selection
Space and Clearance
The first crucial consideration is ensuring sufficient space for both the container itself and its delivery. A standard 20-foot container (6 meters) weighs approximately 2 tons when empty, making proper access essential. My experiences with container transport illustrate the importance of thorough planning:
In our first installation at an industrial suburb, the situation was straightforward - a large truck could easily enter, maneuver, and place the container using its onboard crane. However, our subsequent relocation nearly 3,000 km south to Spain presented different challenges. This move required multiple pieces of equipment: a crane for loading, long-distance transport, and finally a specialized 6x6 truck to navigate the mountain roads to our property.
Our garden installation proved particularly challenging. Despite having ample space, access was limited. We needed two trucks - one for transport and another with a heavy-duty crane to lift the container into position. With our belongings inside, the container weighed approximately 3.5 tons, pushing the equipment to its limits.
The Foundation
A level, stable foundation is critical for proper container installation. If not perfectly level, you may encounter issues with door operation. Here are the key points for foundation preparation:
Ground Preparation
Solid ground is essential - sandy soil requires stabilization with gravel and concrete plates
The surface or foundation points must be 100% level
Good drainage around the foundation is recommended
Support Points While a 20-foot container can rest on four corner points, I strongly recommend a six-point foundation that includes center supports. The additional center points provide better stability and make leveling easier.
In our garden installation, we encountered solid but uneven rocky ground. This required:
Careful excavation to create level spots
Use of concrete plates for primary leveling
5mm wood shims for final adjustments to account for weight distribution
Ensuring sufficient elevation for proper ventilation to prevent corrosion
Required Tools and Materials
Essential Equipment
Construction or Builder's Level
Gravel for ground stabilization
Concrete plates or similar solid supports
Measuring tape (3 meters or longer)
Straight wooden strips (3 meters or longer)
Shovels and rakes
Professional Tip: Setting Perfect Right Angles
To ensure your foundation corners are exactly 90 degrees, use the 3-4-5 Pythagorean method:
Choose a base unit (example: 50cm)
Measure along one side: 3 × base unit (150cm)
Measure along perpendicular side: 4 × base unit (200cm)
The diagonal should measure exactly 5 × base unit (250cm)
Adjust until these measurements are perfect for a true 90-degree corner
Post-Installation Considerations
Regular inspection of support points for settling
Treatment of any scratches or damage to prevent rust
Lubricate doors every few months
This guide reflects real-world experience with container installation in different environments. While each situation presents unique challenges, proper planning and attention to these fundamentals will help ensure a successful setup.