A shipping container used for garden storage is a practical solution for many homeowners: dry, secure and quickly installed. But before the crane lorry arrives, there are a few choices that make the difference between years of trouble-free use and hassle further down the line. This article covers the key steps: planning permission, ground preparation, positioning and the possibilities for using the container as a canopy as well.
Most homeowners who want a container for garden storage think first about size: will a 10ft container (around 3 metres) fit on the lawn, or is a 20ft (around 6 metres) needed for garden furniture, tools and bicycles? 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 larger High Cube container (30 centimetres of extra internal height) is more comfortable.
Next, measure the access to your garden. A crane lorry or sideloader needs to be able to position the container precisely, which requires room to manoeuvre. If the back garden is only accessible via a narrow side passage, discuss this in advance; our delivery team will help work out the best approach.
One of the first questions homeowners ask is whether placing a container in the garden requires planning permission. The answer differs from one local authority to another and depends on factors such as: whether the container is temporary or permanent, how large it is, how close it stands to the boundary of the property, and whether it falls within the permitted building coverage of the plot. Some local authorities allow a small, temporary container without permission as an outbuilding, while others do impose requirements.
As a supplier, we cannot advise on planning permission, since rules genuinely vary from one local authority and country to another. Always contact your local authority before the container is delivered. This prevents you having to move the container afterwards or apply for retrospective permission.
Laying foundations for a shipping container starts with good ground preparation. Containers are heavy and exert their weight on four corner points (the corner castings), rather than evenly across the base. Ground that subsides or is uneven can, over time, cause the container to twist and doors to stick.
It's important that the ground is level: a container standing at an angle puts stress on the structure and can cause leaks or sticking doors. Our delivery team will position the container exactly where the customer wants it, but the ground must already be flat and hardened before the crane lorry arrives.
| Point to consider | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Access for a lorry | A crane lorry or sideloader needs to be able to set the container down in the desired spot |
| Flat, hardened ground | Prevents subsidence, twisting and sticking doors |
| Distance to the property boundary and neighbours | Often relevant for planning requirements and neighbour law |
| Ventilation | Prevents condensation when storing moisture-sensitive items |
| Access and door direction | Determines ease of use; take the swing direction of the doors into account |
Also consider ventilation grilles if you're storing moisture-sensitive items: a container is airtight by default, which can lead to condensation when temperatures fluctuate. In our own workshop we can fit ventilation grilles, extra walk-in doors or windows before the container is delivered.
Besides storage, homeowners also use a garden container as the basis for a canopy, for example to cover a patio or create a carport. There are a few ways to do this. The most common is a lightweight roof structure built independently above or alongside the container, with the container itself serving as storage or workspace and the roof providing a sheltered seating or parking area.
Please note: the roof of a standard shipping container is not designed to serve as a walkway or extra load-bearing surface on top of its existing load. If you want to attach heavier structures to or onto the container, discuss beforehand what modifications are possible. Our workshop carries out modifications such as extra fixing points, insulation and spraying in any RAL colour before the container is delivered, so it's ready to use as soon as it's in your garden.
If you want to combine the container with a garden office or hobby room: insulation and electrics make a big difference to comfort, especially in the winter months. Read more about conversion options in converting a shipping container into an office, workshop or garage.
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'd like a container that still looks brand new, for example because it will be clearly visible in the garden, a one-trip container (having made exactly one sea voyage) is a great option. The price difference between new and used depends on size and type; you'll find current pricing and availability in the shop.
Not everyone wants to buy straight away. For temporary storage, for example during a renovation or move, renting from around 60 euros a month is a flexible option. For long-term use, such as a permanent canopy or hobby room, buying is often more cost-effective. Read more about the considerations between buying and renting in renting a shipping container: monthly price, term and flexible options.
Once the ground is ready and any planning permission questions have been resolved, HEROX arranges nationwide delivery by crane lorry or sideloader, usually within 3 to 7 working days. The container is positioned exactly where you want it, provided the ground is reasonably flat and hardened and the location is accessible for a lorry. For a firm quote with price, stock and delivery date, we only need a name plus phone number or email address, along with the container type you want and the delivery location. On working days, you'll usually receive that quote by email within an hour via the contact form.
Want to know more about rules that can vary by region or local authority? See buying or renting a shipping container by region for an overview of the key points to consider.
This differs from one local authority to another and depends on factors such as the size of the container, how long it will stay (temporary or permanent) and the distance to the property boundary. Some local authorities allow a small, temporary container as an outbuilding without permission, while others do impose requirements. Always check this with your local authority in advance to avoid problems later on.
A flat, hardened and load-bearing surface is essential. Concrete slabs or precast concrete panels on a compacted sand bed are the most popular solution for homeowners. Concrete piers beneath the corner points or existing hard surfaces can also work, as long as the ground is level and strong enough to bear the weight of the container.
Yes, that's possible, usually by building a lightweight roof structure independently above or alongside the container. The standard roof of a container isn't designed as an extra load-bearing surface for heavy structures, so discuss in advance what 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 will be clearly visible and needs to look brand new.
We deliver nationwide by crane lorry or sideloader, usually within 3 to 7 working days of ordering. The container is positioned exactly where you want it, provided the ground is flat and hardened and the location is accessible for a lorry. You'll usually receive a firm quote with a delivery date within an hour on working days.
View live stock with prices, or get a tailored quote within one business hour.
