A storage container office is a flexible, portable way to add some private office space to your home, commercial property, or job site. Most people can benefit from some extra space, and buying a storage container is much faster and more affordable than adding onto your existing building. It can also help you save important space in your home or business that needs to be prioritized for other uses.

Before you start converting your container, however, it is important to plan carefully. You will want to consider factors such as the amount of time you will spend in your new office, what you plan to use it for, what you will store inside, how you will secure it, and more. Read on for our tips for converting a storage container into an office.

Plan Your Storage Container Conversion Carefully

Once you have purchased a high-quality storage container, you will want to start off by taking some measurements and planning your space. Depending on your state, you will need to make sure you have obtained any building permits that might be required. If you are unsure about this, your storage trailer company can help.

Prepare Your Geographical Space

After you have authorization, you will need to get the space ready on which you plan to keep your office.

• It is best to choose a flat area with firm ground. Ensure that the ground is leveled so that water pooling does not become an issue. If you can, choose a space that is paved or has compacted gravel.
• Try to leave at least six feet on each side of the container.
• If you want to connect water, sewer, or electrical services, you will need to contact your utility companies to establish connections. Do this as soon as possible so that you can start using your office right away. Work with qualified electricians and contractors to ensure everything is connected properly and safely.

Insulate Adequately

Container-to-office conversions can save heavily on heating or cooling. A single space heater can heat entire unit. Talk to your storage container provider about adding affordable insulation options, such as:

• Styrofoam panels
• Expanded foam insulation such as PU foam
• Spray insulation, polyurethane that hardens
• Mineral wool

Heat can also be lost through the floor, so consider installing material with heavy padding.

Build in Furniture

Depending on your storage container office company’s capabilities, they may be able to help you plan and install some basic furnishings. Desks and cabinets can often be placed strategically within the container with the intention of making travel simple and easy. If you choose to outfit your office with some preliminary furniture, you can get to work faster once it is delivered to your site.

Leave Space

While a storage container office is a fantastic choice for flexibility and privacy, it is important to make sure you don’t overcrowd it, as it is a relatively small space. Keep pathways to the entryway completely clear so that it is easy to move around the unit. Prioritize keeping files, documents, and office equipment put away and organized to prevent crowding. An overcrowded office can make productivity a challenge and create a hazardous environment in case of an emergency. Stick to a filing system so you can use your office to its fullest potential.

Plan for Flexibility

If you plan on keeping your storage container office at one location permanently or for long periods of time, you do not need to consider flexibility as much. However, for anyone who wants to frequently move their unit from place to place, it will be important to plan ahead.

Travelability is a major benefit associated with container offices. Choose office furnishings and equipment that will not be difficult to move from place to place. For example, it might not be a good idea to bring in an extremely heavy couch if you will need to move your office every few months. In general, it might be best to choose lighter, portable chairs, desks, cabinets, and other items to make moving quick, safe, and easy.

Consider Aesthetics

Once you have your unit, you will want to customize it and make it your own. Like you would with any other office, add tables, chairs, décor, plants, a coffee pot, and anything else you’ll need throughout the day. Be creative – it’s your office, after all. One of the many benefits of investing in a storage container office is that you have total freedom to personalize and modify it however you choose. You can also paint the exterior to match with your surroundings.

If you plan on using your storage container office to conduct meetings, you will want to plan accordingly. Create a space within your office dedicated to meetings with some seating and a table. This is an especially important consideration for anyone planning to keep their unit at an active job site, such as a construction site.

Contact Us

If you want to buy a storage container office in Indianapolis, contact Storage On-Site. We offer quality storage containers in a range of sizes for any number of uses. With questions about creating a storage container office or anything else related to our offerings, call (317) 358-0380.