Shipping containers and trailers, delivered to your site.

"New" and "one-trip" containers have made a single voyage from the factory, so they're near-new with clean walls and good seals. Used containers have had a full shipping life: expect dents, surface rust and repaints, but a "wind and watertight" grade still keeps rain out and is ideal for storage on a budget.

The common lengths are 10, 20 and 40 ft, with 30 and 45 ft less common. A standard container is 8 ft (2.44 m) wide and 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) tall; a "high cube" adds a foot of height at 9 ft 6 in (2.9 m).

Often not for temporary storage on private land, but rules vary between councils, especially for permanent placement, cabins used as habitable space, or containers visible from the street. Check with your local council before delivery.

Firm, level ground. Timber sleepers, concrete pads or compacted crushed rock under the four corners keep it level, help the doors open and close properly, and let air move underneath.