Shipping Container Storage Suggestions

[RacerG]

Shipping Container for Storage Suggestions

I am thinking about purchasing a shipping container for long term storage of things like machine tools, car parts, gardening equipment etc. I am concerned about moisture causing rusting, mold, mildew, etc. I live in Michigan, which is basically an inland peninsula, so the ground is pretty wet at times. Plus we have large temperature swings throughout the year.

I am sensitive to mold and mildew, so this is a big priority for me.

I don’t plan to access the storage container often; it will be primarily used for long term storage.

I have 40 acres which is rolling hills, primarily sandy based soil. I plan to put the container on top of one of the hills to minimize moisture.

I was considering placing a plastic sheet or tarp underneath the container to reduce moisture, but don’t know if this would be beneficial.

I was thinking about making a base from crushed concrete or something like that.

I was considering supporting the container at the corners on concrete blocks, but I would prefer to keep the container as low as possible for easy access.

What has been your experience with shipping containers for this type of application? Do you see a lot of moisture in them?

What do you think about my plan listed above?

Any experience and tips you can share would be appreciated!

P.S. I have been lurking on GJ for quite a while, and I am very impressed with the amount of knowledge on this site. This is my first post. I am looking forward to the info you provide on my questions above.

 

[Rude1]

i use my container for the exact same thing long term storage
i put down a 6"-8" gravel base and then set the container on a railroad tie at each end
my thoughts were that by having my container elevated a little bit it would allow a little breeze to blow underneath to mitigate moisture issues
hope this is useful

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Install an exhaust fan and intake vent to pull fresh air through the container. Mold needs three things to survive: Darkness, Dampness and No air movement...... Take away one of the three and there will no mold. These containers get hot during the summer months so an exhaust fan will be beneficial to keeping the temperature lower.

A stone base on top of 2 layers of 6mil plastic and elevating the container so air flows under it will also help....... The higher you can elevate the container (minimum 10”) the better to keep ground hogs and other animals from making a home under it.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I rented a container for my business and the moisture was horrible, it almost rained in there sometimes it was so bad.

Mine even had a couple of vent holes and a fan, But the reality is a shipping container is an uninsulated metal tin box

I am just outside of Chicago so I’m not that far from you and I’m sure whatever you choose will have the similar issues

They are cheap and convenient however I wouldn’t put anything that is moisture sensitive in there. I am a mason contractor so most of my stuff is pretty heavy duty, but i quickly learned that any bags of cement or anything moisture sensitive turned to **** real quick


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[Chuckster in NJ]

I rented a container for my business and the moisture was horrible, it almost rained in there sometimes it was so bad.

Mine even had a couple of vent holes and a fan, But the reality is a shipping container is an uninsulated metal tin box

I am just outside of Chicago so I’m not that far from you and I’m sure whatever you choose will have the similar issues


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I believe it!...... The same issues happen with any steel building like a pole barn when you have a cold damp day and the sun comes out in the morning heating up the roof and the interior is still cold. This is why I suggested an exhaust fan and if that is not possible you can insulate the interior or build a "roof" on top of the container with a air space. The object here is to "equalize" the outside and inside temperature so there is no difference because that is when condensation happens.

 

[555]

We had a shipping container for storage. As posted, it would literally rain in there when it was hot outside. Inside heat was also unbearable. I installed a vent and air intakes which really helped. In the end, I added a self supporting pitched roof over it (similar to a carport) with 12" of space between the lowest joist and the top of the container. If I get another container or two, I'll probably do the same thing.

 

[yatg]

I insulated the ceiling of the container with 2" sheets of foam board. White styrofoam with a foil layer to the inside. No moisture problems, but not that humid here.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I've had lots of them for storage use at the schools. Pop in a turbine vent and some inlet vents. Inside will stay much drier and cooler.

https://seattletacomashippingcontainers.com/container-modifications/shipping-container-vents/

Tommy

 

[FlaGman]

One of those solar powered attic exhaust fans would probably work well, also.

 

[mattbal]

My experience in New England (sounds like similar environment) has been a closed shipping container will destroy moisture sensitive equipment.

If you are storing automotive parts you plan to sandblast and refinish this may not be an issue, but any metal will rust, cardboard will rot, cloth will mold.

I was a huge fan of the "cheap" storage, but you have to expect a certain amount of time and energy to be spent refurbishing what you are storing.

Every temperate swing created moisture, so any kind of vent (those turbo ones look cool) has to help a little.

 

[jptbay]

Container venting: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=436495

 

[RacerG]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and links.

You guys are making me concerned that I may not be able to achieve a dry/low humidity shipping container. I will start investigating other options.

Thanks again for your help!

Gene

 

[pmiranda]

Is it enough to put some kind of sun shade over it to limit the speed of temperature changes? How come shipping containers full of merchandise aren't ruined on a regular basis?

 

[Jazz1]

How about if the walls and ceiling were lined with plywood. I hauled explosives for years and the powder mags were steel(1/4”) plate, walls lined with 1” plywood and a barrier 4” thick of crusher fines between plywood and steel. NO MOISTURE ISSUES. 2 vents on each end wall, no fans
Most of the mags were 30’x12’