Containers for Construction Sites: Job-Site Storage Guide

On a construction site, tools and materials are money. Leave them in the open and they get wet, damaged or stolen. A steel container gives a job site a secure, weatherproof store that arrives ready to use and leaves when the work is done.

Here's how contractors use containers on site, which sizes work best and how to keep them secure. If you're working out where to purchase shipping containers for job-site storage, the 20ft standard container is where most contractors start.

Why contractors use containers

• Security: steel walls and lockable doors, with a lock box for the padlock
• Weather protection for tools and moisture-sensitive materials
• Fast setup: delivered and ready the same day, no foundation needed
• Mobility: moved from job to job by truck
• Organization: shelving, racks and benches keep everything in its place
• Professional appearance on client sites

What contractors store in containers

• Hand and power tools
• Building materials: drywall, lumber, flooring, fixtures, insulation
• Small equipment: compressors, generators, saws, mixers
• Consumables: fasteners, adhesives, sealants
• Safety equipment and first-aid supplies
• Plans and paperwork, in an office container

Choosing a size

Placement on site

• Close to the work but out of the way of deliveries, cranes and excavation
• On firm, level ground, with supports under the corners
• With room in front of the doors for loading and moving materials
• Away from drainage paths and areas that flood
• Visible and well lit to discourage theft
• Accessible for the truck at the start and end of the job

Place the container early, before other work blocks the access.

Security

Job-site theft is common, especially of tools and copper. Protect your container with:

• A lock box and a high-security padlock
• Doors facing away from the street or toward site lighting
• Motion-sensor lighting
• A site camera if possible
• An inventory of what's inside
• Insurance covering tools and equipment stored on site

Site offices

A 20ft office container with a personnel door, windows, insulation, lighting, outlets and an AC unit gives a site manager a secure, comfortable office. On larger projects, a 40ft split unit can combine an office and lockable storage.

Organization

• Shelving along the walls for tools and small parts
• Racks for ladders, pipes and long materials
• A workbench for on-site repairs
• Labels and bins for fasteners and consumables
• Lighting, battery or wired, for early mornings and late days

Moving between jobs

Empty containers can be relocated by tilt-bed truck. Moving a loaded container is risky and restricted by weight, so empty it before the move. Check access at the new site before the truck arrives.

Rent or buy

• Rent for one-off projects with a clear end date. See conex rental.
• Buy if you'll use containers on job after job. A used wind and watertight container usually pays for itself quickly.

Permits

Containers on construction sites are often covered by the project's permits, but some areas need separate approval, especially for street placement or long durations. Check with the local authority.

Job-site setup checklist

• Spot chosen before other work blocks access
• Level base under the corners
• Doors facing the work area or site lighting
• Lock box and high-security padlock fitted
• Shelving and racks installed
• Inventory of tools inside
• Insurance confirmed for tools on site

End-of-project checklist

• Container emptied and swept out
• Shelving secured or removed for transport
• Access cleared for the truck
• Next site checked for access and a level base
• Photos taken of the container's condition

FAQ

What size container is best for a construction site?

A 20ft for most jobs; a 10ft for tight sites; a 40ft for large projects.

Should contractors rent or buy containers?

Rent for occasional projects; buy if you need storage on most jobs.

How do I stop theft from a job-site container?

Use a lock box and high-security padlock, place it in a visible, lit spot and keep an inventory.

Can a container be used as a site office?

Yes. Office containers with doors, windows, insulation, power and AC are common on job sites.

Can I move a container between job sites?

Yes, by tilt-bed truck. Empty it first and confirm access at the new site.

Can a construction container have power?

Yes. Lighting and outlets can be added and connected to site power or a generator, using a licensed electrician.

How early should I order a container for a job?

A week or two before work starts is ideal, so the container is in place before excavation, deliveries or scaffolding block access.

Will a container damage a finished driveway on a residential job?

It can mark or crack thin paving. Put timber or pads under the corners, and check the driveway can take the delivery truck's weight.