How to Make the Most of Your Space in a Container Home

Nowadays, more and more people are choosing to live in container homes. There are many reasons why. Container homes are a popular choice for those wanting to live a green lifestyle. By transforming a shipping container, you can live in an eco-friendly home that’s also portable, affordable and durable.

Additionally, you can customize your home the way you want by taking advantage of the space you have available. If you want to know how to make the most of your container home, we have the following tips to ensure that you plan your project in an efficient manner. 

Forgo Buying Large Storage Cabinets


While it seems reasonable to store your belongings in a wardrobe or a set of drawers, larger storage items like these actually take up more space than you think, especially in a container home.

Storage space is often one of the biggest hesitations people have about container living, but there are plenty of methods of storing your belongings while effectively using space. Place a basket or two in corners that can store your personal belongings. Slide containers underneath your sofa that can store remotes, books and cushions. Use a coat stand to hang your clothes, scarves and hats. Some even have drawers you can pack your shoes and socks in.

Purchase Furniture With a Function


wall mounted storage cubes - how to make the most of your space in a shipping container home

When purchasing furniture, it’s easy to overestimate how many pieces you’ll need. That’s especially true if you already own some special furniture items that you know you’ll want to keep forever. You’ll want to have something for everything, including eating, sleeping, relaxing and working. You’ll also need to store all your personal belongings, and they’re the easiest items to get cluttered around. Therefore, it’s beneficial to invest in multi-functional furniture.

For example, you can purchase a bed with pullout drawers underneath, or a fold-out couch that transforms into a bed. If you’re looking for style and comfort, buy an ottoman that can store items underneath the cushion. For those working at home or needing somewhere to study, purchase a standing desk that can transform your study space into a dining table. 

Consider Your Budget


According to Curbed, there are many variables you need to consider when purchasing a container home, and the container is only the beginning. You’ll also need to transport your container, prepare the site it’s going to sit on, install the container, hook up utilities and sewer lines, and complete interior renovation work such as doors, floors, walls and windows. After you’ve finalised all of that, you’ll have to move in all your belongings. Click here to learn more about planning and budgeting for a container home.

If you really want to make the most of your space, look into cheaper options such as secondhand items and homemade furniture. You can also look into converting your living and sleeping areas into one room to save on costs. Remember that you don’t need to make a big splurge on interior decorating items to create a home that’s comfortable and beautiful.

Make Your Container Home Feel Bigger With Bold Designs


Minimalist designs may be a popular choice, but when it comes to small living spaces, they can make your home feel even smaller. Maximalist designs, however, will bring more boldness and life to your container home. In a redesign challenge in The Washington Post, two designers were given the task to transform a cluttered space into a bold and fresh living room. They focused on using colours such as red and blue to make the room stand out without making it feel overbearing. 

Have fun with your container home and incorporate designs that reflect your interests and fond memories. Experiment with fun textures, colours, artwork, plants and household items that can simultaneously bounce off and balance each other.

Make sure, however, not to go over-the-top either. Creativity can make a difference, but a room with too many contrasting patterns and colours can make your container room feel messier than it is. Stick to one palette and you should achieve perfect boldness.

Designing a container home is an exciting project that can transform an old shipping container into a grand homestead, no matter how big or small it is. With these 4 examples, you can plan out your interior so that you can take advantage of every corner and make your container feel like a complete home.

Feature image: Kristin Hillery; Image 1: ATBO

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