Shipping containers have become a best practice for secure, dependable storage in short order. This is because have you ever walked around your house, office or construction site and thought, “I really need more room”? Nova Scotia is a place where weather is sometimes unpredictable and space is limited, particularly in rural towns, coastal towns and growing urban centers, from Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline to Halifax’s downtown streets, Nova Scotians are utilizing these tough steel containers to keep everything from seasonal equipment and business stock to farm machinery and construction supplies. But what can you put in a shipping container, anyway? And more importantly, how do you keep it safe with our province’s special climate? On this blog, we’ll dig into all the functional, innovative and secure means of storing in a shipping container here in Nova Scotia. Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, operating an expanding business or just seeking smarter storage, we’ll cover the options, pros and cons and best practices for maximizing this supremely versatile asset. So, if you’ve been wondering if a shipping container is the ideal solution for your storage space, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a look at exactly what you can be storing, how to store it safely and why more Nova Scotians are switching.
Shipping containers are becoming increasingly popular in Nova Scotia and for good reason. Here’s why they’re so well-suited:
No matter if you reside in a coastal town or countryside, storage requirements differ. Here is a list of items that you can and must store in a shipping container in Nova Scotia.
Shipping containers are used as temporary or permanent home storage by many Nova Scotians. Ideal for:
Pro Tip: Store items on pallets or shelving to keep them off the floor and facilitate airflow, particularly in hot humid summers.
Nova Scotia’s thriving infrastructure projects and continuous renos make shipping containers an ideal solution for:
Most contractors prefer 20-foot containers due to their mobility and security, particularly at work sites in Halifax, Sydney or Kentville.
Given Nova Scotia’s enthusiasm for the outdoors, it shouldn’t come as a shock to find residents storing:
A 40-foot high-cube container can even accommodate small trailers or cars. Just drain fluids and remove batteries for long-term storage.
For entrepreneurs who run small businesses (particularly seasonal or home-based businesses in areas such as Mahone Bay or Amherst) shipping containers deliver adaptable, scalable storage.
You can store:
Whether you sell products online or have a farmer’s market booth, containers provide you with inexpensive overflow storage that’s protected from the elements and secure.
For farmers in Nova Scotia’s South Shore or Annapolis Valley, containers address off-season storage issues:
Most farms like to configure containers with vents, shelving or even power sources to meet their particular requirements.
In coastal areas such as Nova Scotia, unpredictable weather and storms make emergency preparation a necessity.
You can safely store:
Many rural homeowners have a storage container filled year-round, particularly in more isolated communities where winter power outages are frequent.
Looking beyond just storage? Shipping containers are also being repurposed creatively across the province.
Artists, vendors and small business owners are turning containers into:
Containers are an affordable way to build:
By adding the right modifications and insulation, shipping containers can turn into cozy bunkies, hunting cabins or tool sheds.
Although containers are multi-purpose, there are exceptions. Here’s what not to put in:
Note: If you’re storing sensitive items (such as electronics, paperwork or artwork), think about a climate-controlled container to deal with the humidity and temperature fluctuations of Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia’s coastal climate is unpredictable and wet, so how do you protect your belongings?
Tips for Weatherproof Storage:
You can further customize your container with insulation, power and heat for all-year use, particularly in colder areas such as New Glasgow or Antigonish.
This is an important (and often overlooked) question. In most municipalities throughout Nova Scotia:
Always check with your local municipality (e.g. HRM or your county office) before placing a container. Some areas may have restrictions on:
Looking to get started? There are several reputable suppliers (e.g. Sea Can Kings) across Nova Scotia offering:
Tip: Ask about delivery timelines, especially in winter when road access can be limited in rural areas.
Before renting or buying a shipping container in Nova Scotia, understanding the various types of containers and how they are suited for particular purposes is advisable. Shipping containers typically are available in fixed sizes, most often 20-foot and 40-foot containers, but may also differ in terms of height and configuration. A standard box is 8.5 feet in height, whereas a high-cube box consists of an additional foot in height, suitable for bulkier items or adapted uses such as workshops or offices.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive goods such as electronics, files or some business stock, a climate-controlled container will be the most suitable. These tend to be insulated and can have heating or ventilation to cope with Nova Scotia’s hot and humid summers as well as freezing winters. While open-side or double-door containers offer easier access for loading and unloading on a regular basis ideal for building sites or retail stock.
Consider access requirements as well: do you require roll-up doors for ease of use or can regular swing doors suffice? Will the container remain stationary or be relocated frequently? Planning for these requirements in the first place guarantees you buy a container that not only fits in your area but also fits your storage purposes, saving you money, time and hassle in the future.
If you’re in Nova Scotia and require safe, flexible storage, whether you’re a homeowner, farmer, builder or business person, a shipping container may be just the ticket. Contact Sea Can Kings today for your quote. From covering your snowblower in January to storing beach equipment in August, these containers are hardworking in all seasons. With clever organization and some climate-savvy improvements, they can store just about anything, securely, inexpensively and with ease.
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