A shipping container as garden storage is a practical solution for many private buyers: dry, secure and quickly placed. But before the crane lorry pulls up at your door, you make a few choices that decide the difference between years of trouble-free use and hassle down the line. This article walks through the steps: permits, surface, placement and the options for using the container as a shelter too.
Most private buyers who want a container as garden storage first think about size: does a 10ft container (roughly 3 metres) fit on the lawn, or is a 20ft (roughly 6 metres) needed for garden furniture, tools and bikes? First decide what the container is for. For seasonal storage of garden furniture and tools, a 10ft is often more than enough. If you also want to turn it into a workspace or hobby room, a 20ft or a High Cube container (30 centimetres of extra internal height) is more comfortable. Torn between two sizes? Read which shipping container size to choose.
Next, measure the access to your garden. A crane lorry or sideloader has to be able to place the container exactly, and that needs room to manoeuvre. If the back garden is only reachable via a narrow side strip, discuss this beforehand; the delivery team will help assess the best approach.
Buitenmaten (l × b); High Cube-varianten zijn 30 cm hoger. View stock →
One of the first questions private buyers ask is whether placing a container in the garden needs a permit. The answer varies by council and depends on factors such as: is the container temporary or permanent, how large is it, how close does it stand to the boundary line, and does it fall within the plot's permitted built-up percentage. Some councils allow a small, temporary container as an outbuilding without a permit, while others do set requirements.
As a supplier, we cannot make statements about permits, because the rules genuinely differ by council and by country. So always contact your local council before the container is delivered. You will find more background in do you need a permit for a shipping container on your property.
Sort out the permit question before delivery. If it turns out afterwards that the container is not allowed to stay, you will have to move it or apply for a retrospective planning permit. A quick call to the council prevents that.
Laying a foundation for a shipping container starts with a good surface. Containers are heavy and carry their weight on four corner points (the corner castings), not evenly across the base. A subsided or uneven surface can twist the container out of true over time and make the doors jam. It is important that the surface is level: a container standing askew puts strain on the structure and can cause leaks or jamming doors. Our delivery team places the container exactly where you want it, but the surface must already be flat and paved before the crane lorry arrives.
Below are the most popular surfaces for garden placement, from firm and permanent to temporary and simple.
| Surface | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Concrete slabs or heavy-duty ground plates | The most popular solution: flat, firm and easy to lay on a compacted sand bed |
| Concrete piers under the corners | Ideal if you want to keep the base dry and ventilated |
| Paved ground with foundation beams | A cheaper, more temporary solution for shorter placement periods |
| Existing paving (block paving, hard standing) | Sufficient if the surface is load-bearing and level enough |
Besides the foundation, accessibility counts too: the crane lorry or sideloader has to be able to set the container down in the desired spot. Also bear in mind the distance to the boundary line and the neighbours, which is often relevant for permit requirements and boundary rights, and the swing direction of the doors for ease of use.
Also think about ventilation if you store moisture-sensitive items: a container is airtight as standard, which can cause condensation with temperature changes. In our own workshop we fit ventilation grilles, extra access doors or windows before the container is delivered. How condensation forms and how to prevent it is explained in is a shipping container watertight and how do you prevent condensation.
Besides storage, private buyers also use a container in the garden as the basis for a shelter, for example to cover a patio or make a carport. The most common approach is a lightweight roof structure built separately above or beside the container, with the container itself serving as storage or a workspace and the roof acting as a sheltered seating or parking area.
Note: the roof of a standard shipping container is not designed to serve as a walkway or extra load-bearing surface on top of the existing load. If you want to fix heavier structures on or to the container, discuss beforehand which modifications are possible. Our workshop carries out modifications such as extra fixing points, insulation and spraying in any RAL colour before delivery. If you want to combine the container with a garden office or hobby room, insulation and electrics make a big difference to comfort; more on that in converting a shipping container into an office, workshop or garage and insulating a shipping container and adding power.
Tell us about your situation and the intended spot, and we will think along about size, surface and placement. On working days you usually receive a tailored proposal by email within an hour.
For garden storage, a used container (cargo-worthy or A-grade) usually offers the best value for money. These containers are guaranteed wind and watertight, CSC-certified and inspected before delivery. If you want a container that still looks like new, for example because it stands clearly visible in the garden, a one-trip container (having made exactly one sea voyage) is a fine option. The difference between the two is explained in buying a new or used shipping container; more about the used selection can be found at buying a second-hand shipping container.
Below you see a selection from current stock; prices and availability come straight from the shop.
Not everyone wants to buy straight away. For temporary storage, for instance during renovation or a move, hiring is a flexible option: you only pay for the period you actually use the container. For long-term use, such as a permanent shelter or hobby room, buying is often more cost-effective. The monthly hire price depends on type, condition and term; you will receive a concrete figure in a tailored proposal. More about the trade-offs is explained in hiring a shipping container: monthly price, term and flexible options.
Once the surface is ready and the permit question (if applicable) has been sorted out, HEROX arranges nationwide delivery by crane lorry or sideloader, usually within 3 to 7 working days. The container is placed exactly where you want it, provided the surface is reasonably flat and paved and the location is reachable for a lorry. For a concrete quote with price, stock and delivery date, all we need is your name plus phone number or email address, and the desired container type with delivery location. Want to know what applies in your region? See buying or hiring a shipping container by region.
Send us your details, the desired container type and the delivery location. On working days we usually send a quote with price, stock and delivery date by email within an hour.
That varies by council and depends on factors such as the size of the container, the placement period (temporary or permanent) and the distance to the boundary line. Some councils allow a small, temporary container as an outbuilding without a permit, while others do set requirements. Always check this beforehand with your council to avoid problems later.
A level, paved and load-bearing surface is essential. Concrete slabs or heavy-duty ground plates over a compacted sand bed are the most popular solution for private buyers. Concrete piers under the corners or existing paving can also suffice, as long as the surface is level and firm enough to bear the container's weight.
Yes, that is possible, usually by building a lightweight roof structure separately above or beside the container. The standard roof of a container is not designed as an extra load-bearing surface for heavy structures, so discuss beforehand which modifications are needed. Our workshop can carry out these modifications before the container is delivered.
For garden storage, a used container (cargo-worthy or A-grade) usually offers the best value for money: guaranteed wind and watertight and inspected before delivery. A new one-trip container, which has made only one sea voyage, is an option if the container stands clearly visible and needs to look as good as new.
Delivery is nationwide by crane lorry or sideloader, usually within 3 to 7 working days after ordering. The container is placed exactly where you want it, provided the surface is level and paved and the location is reachable for a lorry. You usually receive a concrete quote with delivery date within an hour on working days.
View live stock with prices, or get a tailored quote within one business hour.
