Exclusive Article at EMRIndustry
There are many ways how to use shipping containers. Their original purpose is to serve as a warehouse, a place where you can put things away. Then, since it’s portable, it can be a great way to transport your stuff when moving. And if you are creative, you can turn large storage containers into a place for fun or even a garage or garden house.
When you buy or rent a shipping container, or even rent a self-storage unit (read here on what to pay attention before signing a contract) that you will use as a storage space, you want things in it to preserve their original condition as long as possible. You have to protect them in the right way from physical damage, weather condition, but from human factor too.
Why Storage Containers?
Storage containers are usually made of steel, with specially reinforced pillars for transportation. Their firm structure makes your cargo secure and protected from weather conditions, although additional security won’t hurt. There are many reasons why it’s good to use storage containers to stash the stuff you don’t need. Whether you are permanently leaving it, or only temporarily, such a warehouse is a great solution.
Because of its mobility, you can locate the container anywhere – in the backyard, warehouses, or wherever possible. You don’t have to put all those unnecessary things in the attic, garage, or basement. It’s enough to rent a storage container or buy it, which is more expensive, but a more permanent option. There is even a rent-to-own option, which, according to Shipped website, is more affordable than renting a container for single use.
Additional protection of your storage container doesn’t have to cost much, but can save you from unexpected costs. Even if you are insured, theft can cost you some nerves. In case of burglary, but also damp and the appearance of pests, your things will be safe. Below you can find some useful methods to work on security and protecting your stuff.
Steal Protection
Every thief will try to break the door first. It’s the weakest point on every storage container. That’s why you need to provide them with additional protection, and you can do this in many ways. It all depends on how confident you are about the safety of your stuff, but also on the costs. You don’t have the obligation to install any additional protection. But better safe than sorry.
Heavy Duty Padlocks
The most common way of protection is padlocks. Even the simplest lock can slow down the thieves and spoil their plans. But heavy duty padlocks are a better option – it’s almost impossible to break them, without making a noise. If you are more prone to technological solutions, you can use locks with satellite controlled code.
Container Lock Boxes
However, if burglars are persistent and have a good tool, they can break every padlock. Think of extra security in the form of lock boxes. These are reinforced metal boxes, specially designed to make unlocking the padlock harder. And sometimes they are so discreet, that it’s hard even to spot them.
Protection on Higher Level
If you are ready to spend more money to protect your storage space, the choice of alarm systems is wide. If you opt for traditional sound alarm systems, you only need an electrical installation. But their use is limited to storage containers that are located near residential areas.
If your container is away from any power source, you can get an alarm system that works with the satellite signal. These connect your warehouse to a server that, in case of burglary, contacts the nearest police station. If you’re willing to pay several thousand dollars for fancy alarm system, you’ll get 24/7 remote monitoring of your warehouse.
DampProtection
Without enough air and sunlight, damp can appear in the air, and it becomes ‘heavy.’ When temperature varies, for example by changing day and night, condensation will occur. If you plan to keep things in the container for a long time, be sure that moist will damage them in some way.
Collect Damp from Air
Desiccants and dehumidifiers are great and affordable solutions. The difference is that the first devices don’t need a power source. These are pads, strips or bags containing moist filters. You should clean or change them from time to time.On the other hand, dehumidifiers do the same, only more efficient. It is also necessary to regularly change the filter and clean the collector where water is accumulated.
On this page, you can learn how dehumidifiers work:
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/dehumidifier.html.
Insulation
Damp insulation is a permanent solution, and you can do it yourself. The easiest way is using foam insulation. Just sprinkle it all over the inside of the container. Be sure to work according to the packaging instructions and use the appropriate protection against vapors.
The other way is a bit more traditional. It involves the use of Styrofoam, insulation wool or even egg cartons if you want to be ecologically responsible. These materials will reduce the thermal loss through the walls of the container. And when the temperature in the interior is stable, there is almost no chance of moisture and mold.
Pest Protect
By cleaning things you intend to put into shipping containers, you won’t just prevent moisture but also the appearance of insects and smaller rodents. They can smell even the tiniest food leftovers among your stuff.
Besides cleaning, check the inside of your storage space before you start packing things. Even the smallest hole or place affected by corrosion (mice or rats will easily bite through it) can be an entry for pests.Apart from patching the holes (it is best to weld them with metal), another solution is to coat the interior with protective paint and additives.
But if pests already entered inside the container, you’ll get rid of them using smoke, i.e., fumigation. This is something that you should leave to companies dealing with pest control. The agents they use are extremely toxic, and professionals have the knowledge and appropriate safety equipment.
