How to Maximise Storage Space Inside a Shipping Container

Sep 28

2 min read

A shipping container can provide a surprising amount of storage space - but how you use that space makes all the difference.

Simply filling a container from front to back can quickly make stock difficult to find and even harder to access. A little planning can help you fit more inside while keeping everything organised and accessible.

Plan before you start loading

Before anything goes into the container, think about what you’ll need to access most often.

Items used regularly should be kept closer to the doors, while stock or equipment that will remain in storage for longer can be positioned towards the back.

It sounds simple, but this can save a lot of unnecessary unpacking later.

Make use of the height

One of the easiest ways to gain more usable storage space is to think vertically.

Suitable shelving or racking can make use of the container's internal height rather than relying entirely on floor space. This can be particularly useful for boxed stock, tools, equipment and smaller items.

Just make sure shelving is stable and that heavier items are stored lower down.

Keep a clear walkway

It can be tempting to use every centimetre of floor space, but completely filling the container can make accessing your stock difficult.

Leaving a clear central walkway gives you access to items further inside the container without having to move everything in front of them first.

Use consistent boxes and containers

Where possible, use boxes or storage bins of similar sizes. They are easier to stack neatly and generally make better use of the available space than a mixture of different shapes and sizes.

Clearly labelling each box can also save time when you need to find something.

Use pallets where appropriate

For businesses storing larger quantities of stock, pallets can make loading, organising and moving goods easier.

Keep the container's dimensions and door opening in mind when planning your pallet layout so that the available floor space is used efficiently.

Don't forget airflow

Maximising storage space doesn't necessarily mean packing everything as tightly as possible.

Depending on what you are storing, allowing some space around your goods can help with airflow and make it easier to inspect the contents of the container.

It is also important to make sure the goods you plan to store are suitable for the conditions inside a dry container, particularly in the Middle East climate.

Choose the right container size

Sometimes the simplest way to improve your storage setup is to start with the right amount of space.

If you regularly need to remove half the contents to reach something at the back, your current storage arrangement may not be working as efficiently as it could.

Almar Container Group supplies 20ft and 40ft dry shipping containers for flexible storage requirements across the Middle East.