Airbnb gives travelers an opportunity to skip the hotel and instead stay in unique, short-term rental accommodations. Airbnb hosts offer a variety of listings, from standard bedrooms within a home to an entire one- or two-bedroom condo or house.
More and more people are choosing to operate Airbnbs. In fact, there are over 4 million current hosts worldwide. Airbnb hosts can make a lot of money from renting out their rooms or homes. However, not everyone wants to open their home to strangers.
One current trend to combat this is Airbnb owners investing in and turning storge containers into Airbnb getaways. Read on for some tips for converting a storage container into an Airbnb.
Selecting the Right Container
If you’ve decided to buy a storage container to convert into an Airbnb, one of the first steps is choosing the right container. It’s crucial to find a container that’s the right size to offer adequate space for your guests, as well as a high quality to ensure a positive experience.
Start by talking to a storage container expert about your vision for the space. For example, how many rooms will it have? How much space do you need? Where will the windows or other modifications go? An expert will help you understand any structural or other factors you must take into consideration. They can also provide recommendations for things like:
- Where to put partition walls
- Where to put windows
- Types of doors that should be installed
- Considerations for plumbing and electrical
Additionally, when you choose a container, you want to make sure it’s in good condition. Inspect the doors, floor, walls, and roof. Check for any cracks, dents, areas that have been scuffed, scratched, or cut, or signs of rust or other corrosion. Even containers made from Corten steel, which has high-corrosion resistant properties, are sensitive to water and are at risk of rusting.
Choosing a high-quality container will help ensure long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs.
Designing the Space
When designing the space, you must keep in mind that someone will be living there for a short period of time. Accordingly, it must be made both functional and comfortable. For example, when considering location of windows, choose a place that allows for proper ventilation and natural light.
Amenities such as lighting, bathroom facilities, and the kitchen area should be designed in a way that guests can use and will make them feel at home. Other modifications such as shelving, wall partitions, stairs, and more should be carefully planned to ensure only necessary modifications are made and that they help maximize the space and guest comfort.
Whether you have some ideas in mind or have no idea where to start, working with a storage container company can help ensure the space is both livable and meets building codes and regulations. They can also help you with design inspiration and guidance.
Construction and Permitting
Once you purchase a storage container, you’ll likely need to work through a construction process to convert the container into an Airbnb. This may include cutting windows and doors, installing insulation, electrical wiring, and plumbing, and making other modifications. It’s critical to work with the experts to ensure everything is properly installed and structural integrity is maintained.
While this is happening, you must also apply for the proper permits in the jurisdiction where the container will be permanently located. For example, if the container will be located on existing land that you own, you may need to check with your local land permits office to get permission to proceed.
You should also check with your city and county to ensure you’re following all construction permitting and zoning regulations. Complying with local laws is a crucial part of converting your container and doing so up front will help you avoid legal trouble down the road.
Your local storage container experts can help you with both construction and permitting, tapping into and sharing their knowledge of and experience with building codes and regulations.
Furnishing and Equipping the Space
Once the container is permitted, purchased and designed, it’s time to furnish the space. Designing your Airbnb rental is the fun part, allowing you to bring your design ideas to life with décor.
Because shipping containers don’t have a ton of space, consider a minimalist look with a neutral color palette. Choose furniture and equipment that fits the space and style, emphasizing both comfort and functionality.
For example, consider what kitchen appliances are necessary (such as a fridge and microwave), choose living room furniture that’s comfortable but fits into the space, and offer different options for intuitive storage. Additionally, because storage containers are eco-friendly options, you may want to choose furnishings that are sustainable.
Marketing and Managing the Property
Start with professional, high-quality photos of your container and write a creative description of what your container offers. Include details of the design, location, and anything else that may be attractive for guests.
Next, consider how you’ll price your container. Calculate your nightly costs, from utilities to taxes, and be sure to include a cleaning fee on top of the rate you set. Determine how much you’ll need to charge to break even, and then decide how much you want to make on top of that. You can also do market research on similar Airbnb properties in your area that offer the same value as your container does.
Finally, you’ll want to adjust your rates to match market demand.
Other things to consider include:
- How you will provide excellent guest experiences, such as offering a rental vehicle, local guide information, room or delivery services, free amenities, and more.
- How you will communicate with your guests after booking and while they are occupying the container.
- How you will manage bookings.
Once you list the property, you can then market it online to garner interest.
Even after you begin booking your container for stays, it’s important to continue to work with your storage container service for ongoing maintenance and repairs to keep the space in good condition.
Contact Storage On-Site for Quality Indianapolis Storage Containers
Converting a storage container into an Airbnb is a great way to earn extra income and take advantage of the versatility they offer (instead of opening your home to strangers). However, it’s important to work closely alongside your local storage container experts to ensure you’re choosing the right container, designing and furnishing the space appropriately, and following all guidelines and regulations.
Experts at Storage On-Site are your go-to for Indianapolis storage containers and trailers. With hundreds of available containers to choose from, exceptional customer service, and expertise, Storage On-Site can help you create the unique Airbnb experience of your dreams.
Contact us today by calling 317-358-0380 or requesting a free quote online.