Whether you’re running out of space at home or expanding a small business; using a shipping container as an extension is becoming an increasingly popular, and cost-effective option in homes across the UK.
(more…)Whether you’re running a business from home or simply looking for extra storage space; a shipping container can be a secure, and cost-effective solution. However, before you arrange a delivery there’s one big question people often ask us here at Upminster Containers:
‘Can I put a shipping container on private land?’
The short answer is yes, in most cases you can, but there are some considerations you’ll want to keep in mind. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know before putting a shipping container on your property, from permissions, to site preparation and setup tips.
Shipping containers are no longer just for shipping. Their solid steel construction and weather resistance make them a go-to option for many. At Upminster Containers, we work with customers across the Southeast who need secure storage or a working space right where they live. A shipping container is often the perfect fit for:
Need extra room for tools or a dedicated place for your projects? A 20ft-40ft container can easily become a fully kitted-out DIY space; lockable, weatherproof, and right where you need it.
Working from home and need more room? Converted containers make excellent garden offices, complete with insulation, electrics and windows. Just note: once converted, you’ll likely need planning permission.
A container on your driveway or property is ideal for safely storing furniture, tools and appliances during a renovation or move. Quick to deliver and easy to remove once the job’s done.
Let’s get into the most important bit: planning permission.
The good news is if you’re placing a shipping container on your own private land and using it for storage or non-commercial personal use, in many cases you won’t need planning permission, especially if it’s not permanently fixed and doesn’t significantly alter the appearance of the site. As always though, it’s best to check with your local planning office at the council before placing your container. A quick call can save a lot of future hassle.
There are a few notable exceptions where permission may be required, for example:
You probably will need planning permission if:
One factor that makes a difference in planning law is whether your shipping container is considered temporary or permanent.
Even if it’s technically a temporary structure, some councils may still require notification or planning, depending on your location and use case.
Planning permission aside, there are a few key things to think about before putting a container on your land:
Make sure a delivery truck can reach your site safely. We’ll assess access as part of your initial consultation, but you’ll want to consider gate width, turning circles, overhead wires, and driveway strength.
Although containers can be placed directly on firm ground or gravel, we recommend using timber sleepers, concrete pads, or a level hardstanding for best stability and to prevent moisture issues.
If you’re storing items sensitive to moisture (furniture, paperwork, electronics), talk to us about ventilation and anti-condensation treatments. Good drainage around the base is also essential.
Even if planning permission isn’t required, it’s still a good idea to let your neighbours know you’re installing a shipping container. If it’s visible from their property or placed close to a shared boundary, a friendly heads-up can go a long way.
You may also want to consider painting or cladding your container to make it more visually appealing if it’s staying long-term.
We’ve been helping customers with container storage solutions for over 50 years, delivering to homes, farms, worksites and businesses across Essex, London and the Southeast. Whether you need a simple storage unit or a custom container setup, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your private land.
When you work with Upminster Containers, you get:
So, can you put a shipping container on private land? In most cases, yes. Especially for simple storage or short-term use, planning permission usually isn’t required.
But if your container is staying long-term, getting converted, or going in a sensitive area, it’s always wise to check with your local council. A bit of planning upfront can save you headaches later on.
Need advice or ready to explore your options? Contact the Upminster Containers team or call us on 01708 225350. We’re here to help you make the most of your space; securely, affordably, and with zero fuss.
If you’ve got agricultural land and you’re thinking about ways to make it more efficient, practical, or productive, a shipping container might seem like a great solution. Whether you’re planning to use it as secure storage for machinery, a place to keep animal feed dry, or even convert it into a mobile office or workshop, shipping containers are a popular choice across rural and farming communities.
But one question we often get asked at Upminster Containers is: “Can I put a shipping container on agricultural land?”
The short answer is: yes, often you can, but there are some important legal and planning considerations to bear in mind. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know before placing a shipping container on your agricultural land.
(more…)Protecting the planet is a big priority for us at Upminster Containers, and like all businesses, we are dedicated to introducing more environmentally-sustainable practices.
We’re continually looking at every aspect of our operations to see where we can improve our eco-friendly credentials and protect the local environment, which is one of London’s greenest boroughs. We are proud to be an environmentally sustainable business.
We recently invested significantly in our forklift truck fleet, marking another major stride toward achieving our sustainability goals.
(more…)As tough and durable as shipping containers are, they can still experience damage as well as wear and tear. This can compromise their appearance and reduce the strength of the structure as well as the protection they provide for contents.
(more…)As 2025 approaches, perhaps you’ve decided that this is the year to take the plunge and finally launch that new business venture you’ve been thinking about.
(more…)In this blog, we’ll be exploring shipping container conversions, and whether they are the ultimate solution in eco-friendly upcycling.
Everyone knows the importance of protecting the environment and conserving resources. When we need more space for living, working and/or leisure, however, it’s not always easy to find a solution without impacting our surroundings.
Extending our home or office requires plenty of resources, as does moving into or building a bigger space. That perhaps helps explain why, in recent years, many people have chosen another way to create the extra space that they need.
A shipping container conversion is often a quicker, more cost-effective and eco-friendly option than a new-build or extension. With so many different kinds of spaces into which a container can be converted, it’s no wonder this form of upcycling is becoming so popular.
Breathing new life into a used 20ft or 40ft shipping container can give you the extra space you need without having to start a building project from scratch.
These big and sturdy steel boxes provide units that can be put to all kinds of uses and have been proving their versatility for many years now. They give you the chance to choose where everything goes, including the windows and doors, and you get to decide on the furnishings, fittings and everything else you need inside and outside your new space.
Standard shipping containers are 8ft wide – which could be perfect for what you need. But these big steel boxes can be joined together side by side to create much bigger spaces up to 32ft wide, so the sky’s the limit (and yes, you can even have a skylight in your container).
Containers can also be stacked on top of each other and connected by an interior or exterior staircase, for multi-level magnificence!
The exterior of your container can be painted to reflect your brand colours if you’re using it for business or to blend in with or stand out from your surroundings. You can even apply decals to make the design of your space really pop. Converting the top of your container into a green/living roof is yet another way a shipping container can be upcycled in an environmentally friendly way.
We’ve seen and helped people upcycle shipping containers into all kinds of wonderful new spaces. Here’s just a small selection of some of the more popular uses:
Pop-Up Shop Or Cafe: If you’re running a shop or eatery, you can go mobile and ensure your business is in the best area to attract customers all year round, thanks to the portability of converted shipping containers.
Office: When you need more desk space but don’t want to move your office or build an extension, converting a shipping container is a great option.
Classroom Or Changing Room: Put that spare space in your school grounds to good use by installing a shipping container that’s converted into a new, secure classroom. Or get those modern sports-changing facilities you’ve always wanted by opting for a container that’s fitted out with showers, sinks and WCs.
Bird Hide: Paint the outside of a container in colours that will camouflage it, cut viewing slots in the walls, install a kitchenette and you’ll have a cosy place from which you can observe wildlife without disturbing it, and make yourself a cup of tea or coffee while you’re at it. And how about creating a living roof on top of your hide to make your space even more environmentally friendly?
Portable Gym: It’s not just the environment that a shipping container can look after. Convert yours into a home fitness room, and you’ll have space for all your gym equipment to help you look after yourself. Maybe install a TV to watch while you’re on the treadmill, a fridge to store all your refreshing drinks, and how about a big window so you can enjoy the views of your garden?
A New Room At Home: Shipping containers are so versatile, that they can become a kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, play area, and even your new garden shed.
A Whole New Home: If you’ve got the space, joining a few converted containers together can create entirely new living accommodations that you might want to let out as a holiday rental.
Here at Upminster Containers, we can help you upcycle shipping containers to create new spaces with fresh purposes. We’ve been leading the way in shipping container conversions for more than fifty years and during that time have shown customers how versatile, secure and durable containers can be.
Firstly, let us know what you need your new space for, and how you want it to look. One of our designers will bring your vision to life, creating a 3D image of how your converted container could look. You can make as many alterations to the design as you like until you’ve got the perfect space for your needs.
Once the plans are signed off, we’ll schedule factory time to construct your converted shipping container to your precise specifications. We’ll fit out the inside and design the outside, so it matches what you’ve asked for. Every stage of the build process will see us use the most eco-friendly materials and production processes we can.
We’re happy to help you get your chosen site ready for your converted container if you need us to. Otherwise, we’ll deliver your unit to your location on an agreed date.
If your converted container needs power or plumbing, we can put you in touch with trade professionals who will get your unit connected to electricity and water supplies.
However you want us to convert a container, our team of skilled designers, carpenters, fabricators, welders and electricians at Upminster are ready to help. Our engineering expertise also means that if you have a specific design or unique requirement, we’ll use our crafting skills and project management experience to give you the shipping container conversion you need.
Considering embarking on a shipping container conversion project? Contact us today at 01708 225350.