A shipping container garage made from a modified used container is known for its durability and ease of customization. It also tends to be more affordable than brick and cement structures.
As of early 2020 and up until now, modifying used containers for garages topped the home decor search list.
Storing outdoor tools in a shipping container garage during winter is a practical solution, but it requires some preparation to ensure your tools stay in good condition. This includes arden tools, kayaks, and other large gear that need weather protection.
What are the benefits of storing outdoor tools in a shipping container garage in winter? Find out in this article!
Contents
Benefits of Using a Container Garage for Winter Tool Storage
Can using a shipping container garage for winter tool storage provide weather protection?
Weather Protection
Shipping containers are originally built for ocean freight, so they’re designed to handle rain, snow, ice, and wind without letting moisture or debris inside.
Containers are engineered to withstand strong winds, so your tools won’t be exposed to wind-driven snow or debris. The steel walls and roof protect tools from direct snow accumulation, ice buildup, and freezing rain.
With intact seals and proper maintenance, shipping container doors keep out rain and melting snow. Elevated container garages on blocks or a slab prevent water from pooling inside during thaws.
Security
Using a shipping container garage for outdoor tool storage during winter provides excellent security in addition to weather protection.
Containers are built from heavy-duty steel and are much harder to break into compared to sheds or wooden garages. Meanwhile, their walls, roof, and doors are made of corrosion-resistant corten steel, which resists forced entry better than wood or plastic sheds.
During winter, tools like snowblowers, shovels, and chainsaws are essential and expensive. A container garage protects them from both theft and harsh weather at the same time.
Organization
A shipping container is essentially a blank, secure space. However, you can fit it with storage solutions to keep everything neat and accessible, even in cold conditions.
Install steel or wooden shelves along the walls for smaller tools, salt bags, or winter gear. You can also use pegboards & hooks, as they are perfect for hanging shovels, rakes, ice scrapers, and hand tools. Remember to keep essentials off the ground and easy to grab.
Durability
Shipping containers are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. As an external storage room for outdoor tools during winter, they provide excellent durability, which is one of the biggest reasons people choose containers over traditional sheds or garages.
Built from corten steel, containers resist snow load, wind, and winter storms much better than wood or plastic sheds. With proper care, such as painting, rust treatment, a container can last 20-30+ years outdoors, even in harsh climates.
Challenges & How to Handle Them
Condensation & Moisture
Cold temperatures outside and warmer air inside can cause condensation, leading to rust. To overcome this, you can add ventilation, desiccant packs, or a small dehumidifier to control moisture.
Extreme Cold
Tools with plastic, rubber, or fuel components (like lawnmowers, trimmers) may crack or degrade in freezing temps. Most plastics become less flexible as temperatures drop. Its polymer chains stiffen, so instead of bending, the plastic snaps under stress.
Meanwhile, rubber parts harden in cold, losing their stretch and flexibility. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles cause micro-cracks, which expand over time. For the fuel components, they can form varnish deposits if left sitting, and in cold weather, they evaporate less efficiently, making engines harder to start.
To prevent those problems from happening, you can use insulation or thermal lining inside the container garage to moderate temperature swings.
Floor Protection
Cold floors may transfer moisture, affecting metal tools. To prevent this, you can place tools on shelves, pallets, or rubber mats instead of directly on the container floor.
Best Practices for Winter Storage in a Container Garage
To turn your shipping container into a safe and secure garage, you can follow these steps:
- Clean and dry tools before storing to prevent corrosion.
- Apply light oil or rust inhibitors to metal tool surfaces.
- Drain fuel from gas-powered equipment (snowblowers, mowers).
- Use double doors or side doors for easier access in icy/snowy conditions.
- Consider adding lighting and small heating solutions if you’ll access the garage often in winter.
Appropriate Container Size
Consider how much space you need for working inside the garage, not just for parking. Shipping containers come in different sizes. Pick one that fits your space and storage needs. Here are the container sizes that are perfect for your garage:
20’ Shipping Container Garage (20’ x 8’ x 8.6’)
This container size is good for small hand tools, medium-sized outdoor equipment, and large lawn & garden equipment. The container measures L 20’ x W 8’ x H 8’6”, providing ample space to achieve efficiency in cargo storage.
Our 20’ dry container is designed with rubber-sealed doors, which effectively prevent moisture from entering, keeping your materials dry and in good condition. With the sturdy construction and security features, these containers are ideal if you require storage in any weather conditions.
40’ Shipping Container Garage (40’ x 8’ x 8.6’)
A 40’ container is best for large equipment & vehicles like garden tractors, small ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, compact utility tractors with attachments, kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards.
It is popular since it can contain more cargo to improve efficiency and fit the requirements for intermodal freight transport. Some of the dry goods that this container can carry include industrial equipment, raw materials, apparel, vehicles, and more.
The container has air vents that allow proper air circulation and reduce the chance of moisture buildup. The easy-open door can be installed in your container to provide quick and effortless access to the container’s contents. This container comes with a standard locking mechanism, which provides security for your cargo.
40’ High Cube Shipping Container Garage (40’ x 8’ x 9.6’)
Do you need a shipping container to store your patio furniture, BBQ grills, heaters, large ladders, landscaping supplies, small swings, slides, or inflatable gear?
The 40 High Cube Container is what you need! This container measure provides additional height and ample space for a wide range of goods and equipment. Whether you need to store consumer goods, household items, construction materials, or machinery, this container will offer the space you require.
This size is a versatile and practical solution that offers ample space for your goods and equipment. Equipped with air vents, these features ensure sufficient ventilation to prevent the buildup of moisture.
Conclusion
A shipping container garage is an excellent winter storage solution for outdoor tools, but for best results, you should address moisture, insulation, and organization.
Suppose you need used or new containers for your garage. In that case, Tradecorp serves the sale of office containers, large 40’ containers, 20’ containers, modular containers, sales boxes, and other units of the best quality for you.
Fill out our quote form for more complete information about container sales products, modifications, and prices!
