Shipping containers are one of those things that have a huge impact on everyday life, but are never really talked about. Considering that they transport half of the sea-bound global goods that make their way from different continents, they’re rarely considered when it comes to consumer trends, since they’re out of sight and out of mind. They’ve been here, though, helping us get goods across the sea since the mid-1950s, but it wasn’t until 1987 that the first patented shipping container home came about.

Since then, they’ve grown in popularity, but are still considered a relative rarity when it comes to permanent living solutions. Since used shipping containers sell for cheaper prices than you’d find for most other pre-built materials, they do seem pretty convenient to use as a foundation to your new living situations. If you’re interested in buying or renting a used shipping container, you can always contact Moon for a quote! If you’re still thinking about it, or perhaps you’re just interested in the concept, here’s 5 fun facts about shipping container homes that you might not have known!

1. You never know what it was used for to ship.

One thing that needs to be taken into account when searching and getting quoted for a used shipping container is the materials that it once shipped. Any container that was used to ship hazardous materials won’t be available for the general public’s use, but in regards to allergies or general cleanliness, you’ll definitely want to double check with your contractor what exactly used to reside within the walls of your potential home.

2. The total cost for building shipping container houses are lower than traditional houses.

This being said, when it comes to living quarters, nothing ever should be cheap. Quality materials that will last are of much higher value than those you can get for a quick buck. Insulation, plumbing, HVAC systems, and the like should not include any cut corners since they play an important role in your everyday life at home. This is why there is a big rift in what you’ll find pricing to be on different sites that specialize in shipping container homes, whether they sell pre-fabricated shipping container homes or only provide information on how to build one. An average that it often used for single-container homes is approximately $30,000 – but again, that’s all dependent on the services and materials you choose to employ in your shipping container home.

3. They’re very versatile.

Taking into account the fact that you can easily have as much space as you want with no limit (except for land space, that is) on the number of shipping containers you can use for your house, the modular nature of these homes is entirely customizable based on your desires and budget. The containers that Moon offer come in 20 foot and 40 foot as well as Hi-Cube dimensions to create any size of house you need.

4. They’re already durable and weatherproof.

With an original job that involves transporting goods across bodies of water, these containers have to be up for the job of protecting that which they’re entrusted with, and since most containers are retired after only a few uses, their integrity stands up to the test. Made from heavy-duty metals such as steel or aluminum and meant to withstand all kinds of weather, sea salt, and conditions, shipping containers are waterproof, fireproof, and sometimes even have earthquake and storm-resistant ratings.

5. In order to build one yourself, you’ll need professional training.

If you’re looking to DIY the entire thing, as we mentioned before, these shipping container homes are only as cheap as the materials and labor allow. If you don’t have professional training in plumbing, metalwork, carpentry, or electrician trades, you’ll want to budget for these services. Too many things can go wrong if they are attempted by a novice or guided by online tutorials, and will only make the house more expensive in the long run. Check out the Container Home Hub’s article, Building a Shipping Container Home in Kentucky – A Complete Guide, for more information about Kentucky shipping container homes.

For Your First Steps, Call Moon

If you’re looking for shipping container rentals or purchasing options in the Kentucky or Southern Indiana, considering giving Moon Trailer Leasing a call. Our experienced team has decades of experience serving the needs of customers throughout Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky and in Clarksville, Jeffersonville, and New Albany, Indiana as well. Along with delivering clean, high quality, well-constructed units designed to meet your needs, our team is proud to offer competitive rates and top-notch customer service. Additionally, we also specialize in other related services including portable restroom and shower rentals, dumpster rentals, refrigerated container rentals and more for when you need them during your project. For additional details or to get a fast and easy quote for your project, give us a call at 502-776-2199 or fill out our online form!

“Ask for the Moon, and get it!”