When planning to use a shipping container for delivery or storage at your residence, shipping container site preparation is a crucial first step.
Proper ground preparation for shipping containers ensures that your container remains stable and secure, protecting your belongings from damage and environmental factors.
In this article, we’ll cover essential tips for preparing your site, including obtaining the necessary permits, levelling, and considering access points. We’ll also explore the benefits of using shipping container storage over traditional storage units.
Tips for Site Preparation
1. Levelling the Ground
One of the first steps in how to prepare the ground for shipping containers is to ensure that the area is level. A stable, level surface helps maintain the integrity of the container and prevents issues such as door misalignment and structural stress.
Here’s how you can achieve a level surface:
- Choose the Right Location: Select a spot on your property that is naturally flat or requires minimal adjustment.
- Clear the Area: Remove any vegetation, debris, or large rocks from the site.
- Measure and Mark: Use stakes and string to mark the exact area where the container will sit.
- Level the Ground: Depending on the surface, you may need to add or remove soil. Use a shovel, rake, and a level to ensure the area is flat. For larger areas, consider renting a small excavator.
- Compaction: Once levelled, compact the soil to create a solid base. A hand tamper or plate compactor can be useful for this task.
2. Permits and Regulations
Before the shipping container arrives at your property, it’s important to check the local regulations and obtain any necessary permits. Regulations can vary widely depending on your location, so it’s crucial to ask your local council or government authorities for guidelines and advice.
- Research Local Laws: Visit your local council’s website or contact their office to understand the requirements.
- Apply for Permits: If permits are required, submit the necessary applications and documents. This process may include site plans, container specifications, and other relevant information.
- Compliance: Ensure your installation complies with local zoning laws, building codes, and any homeowner association rules.
For more detailed information, you can refer to your local government website for container regulations.
3. Access Considerations
Access is a key factor in shipping container site preparation. You’ll need to ensure that the container can be delivered and positioned without issues.
Consider the following:
- Driveway and Pathways: Ensure that your driveway and any paths leading to the site are wide and strong enough to support the delivery vehicle and container.
- Overhead Clearance: Check for overhead obstructions such as trees, power lines, and other structures that might obstruct your container delivery.
- Turning Radius: Make sure the delivery truck has enough space to manoeuvre and place the container precisely where you want it.
- Proximity to Your Home: Position the container in a location that is convenient for accessing your stored items, ideally close to your house.
Here is more information on how to prepare for your shipping container delivery.
Benefits of Mobile Storage Over Traditional Storage Units
Mobile storage using shipping containers offers several advantages over traditional self-storage units, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial use.
1. Saves Time and Hassle
One of the primary benefits of using shipping containers for self-storage is that it eliminates the need for double-handling your belongings. With traditional storage units, you need to:
- Load your items into a vehicle.
- Unload them into the storage unit.
- Reload them into a vehicle when you need them.
- Unload them at their final destination.
With a shipping container, you only need to load and unload your items once. The container is delivered directly to your property, allowing you to store your items immediately.
This streamlined process saves time, effort, and reduces the risk of damage during multiple loading and unloading phases.
2. Cost-Effective
Shipping container storage is often cheaper than traditional self-storage units. Traditional units typically charge monthly fees based on the size of the unit and location, and additional costs can accrue for extended access hours or premium locations.
By contrast, shipping container hire typically offers a far more cost-effective solution:
- Cheap Rates: Here at U-Move Australia, we provide competitive pricing and flexible options, making it easier to budget.
- No Hidden Fees: There are usually fewer additional charges, and the all-inclusive nature of the service can result in significant savings.
- We Come to You: Save money on travel expenses, transporting your belongings to and from the site. Instead, we bring the mobile storage containers straight to you!
3. Convenience and Flexibility
Shipping container storage offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility. You can place the container exactly where you need it, whether that’s in your driveway, backyard, or another suitable location on your property. This proximity makes accessing your stored items much easier than traveling to a storage facility.
Additionally, if you need to move, you can take the container with you, providing continuity and ease during relocation.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of shipping containers for storage, feel free to video watch our video on our Mobile Storage page.
Shipping Container Site Preparation: Conclusion
Proper ground preparation for shipping containers is essential for ensuring the stability and longevity of your storage solution. By taking the time to level the ground, obtain necessary permits, and consider access points, you can set up your shipping container efficiently and effectively.
Choosing shipping container storage over traditional storage units offers numerous benefits, including saving time and hassle, reducing costs, and providing unmatched convenience and flexibility.
If you’re considering this storage option, visit U-Move Australia’s Mobile Storage and Shipping Container Hire pages or contact us for more information.
