Sea cans have been growing in popularity within the world of personal storage lately, but what exactly are they? “Sea can” is a nickname given to shipping containers, which are intermodal steel containers that are used mainly by manufacturers and retailers to transport products from one place to another quickly and efficiently.
Generally, the walls of a sea can are reinforced with an inner frame, and the floor is thickly padded for the optimal protection of cargo during transport.
Sea cans, which typically come in two standard sizes—20-foot or 40-foot—have the space to hold thousands of kilograms of cargo, but that is not the only thing they are good for.
Due to their sturdy design and extensive storage capacity, they also function extremely well as storage units and have thus become an incredibly popular storage solution. After being used for transporting goods domestically or internationally, many sea cans are retired and repurposed to serve this purpose.
What are the main differences between a sea can and a metal shed when it comes to storage?
When it comes to storing your belongings, you want to ensure that you opt for a storage solution that is a healthy balance of convenience, security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Thus, it is wise to investigate the various storage options available.
One possibility that some people traditionally choose is a metal shed, but how does this option hold up when compared to a sea can?
Let’s take a close look at a few key factors that are especially important to consider when deciding on the right storage solution for you, and compare metal sheds to sea cans to see how they stack up against each other.
Metal Sheds
Endurance and Longevity
One of the benefits of having a metal shed is its durability, since this type of storage structure is not typically affected by heavy rains or extreme summer heat and is relatively easy to maintain.
If a metal shed is properly maintained over the course of its lifetime, it could last up to 10 years or more. However, since the metal construction of this shed type makes it prone to corrosion and rusting, it is essential to regularly inspect it and take measures to counteract such damage.
Construction
To build a sufficiently stable and reliable metal shed, it is necessary to systematically prepare the ground where it will be built ahead of time. Therefore, quality materials and various tools are needed to fulfill this construction project.
Without the right amount of experience building something of this size and nature, it may get complicated to construct a metal shed on your own, so you may be better off hiring professionals for help. As metal is hard to modify, even basic tasks such as installing a window in the shed could pose issues and take considerable time.
Affordability and Mobility
Another perk of opting for a metal shed is its inexpensive storage solution. Of course, if you must hire professionals to help you construct it, the price of their services could vary, and you could end up spending a decent amount upfront. Still, at least your costs will be kept relatively low over the lifespan of the shed.
Since metal sheds do not require a lot of maintenance, their upkeep is less expensive than that of other possible structures, such as wooden sheds.
The mobility of a metal shed largely depends on the type of base that you use. As long as the base of the metal shed is easy enough to remove, this structure should be able to transport and relocate as needed.
Sea Cans
Endurance and Longevity
Since sea cans were originally made to withstand the conditions of being at sea for extensive periods, they are designed to endure even the most extreme weather, and they are some of the most durable constructions in existence.
Whether there are strong winds, snow, hail, or any other type of weather, you can always rest assured that your belongings will be safe and dry inside your shipping container because their sturdy steel walls are wind-resistant and water-tight. As long as a sea can is well-maintained, it could last up to 30 years or more, making it the perfect long-term storage solution.
Like metal sheds, sea cans are prone to rust. Therefore, despite their durability, it is still important to regularly inspect them for signs of rusting, especially around their corners, roof, and the door’s metal rods.
Construction
Another great thing about utilizing a sea can as a storage solution is that there will be zero construction required on your part. By the time it gets to you, it will have already been put together by a licensed manufacturer.
The only thing that you must do is inspect the state of the unit before purchasing it. Of course, if you would like, it is possible to modify the structure to best suit your storage needs, such as repainting it, adding lights, or installing vents.
Affordability and Mobility
A sea can’s cost can typically vary depending on whether it is new or used. In either case, sea cans tend to be a relatively affordable storage solution in comparison to other options, especially since they only need to be replaced every 30 years or so, making them a wise investment.
One of the most significant advantages of using a sea can for storage is that it is very easy to move from one place to another. Since most sea cans have a light base, they are an optimal choice if you require a mobile storage solution.
How Secure Container Solutions Can Help You Find a Reliable Sea Can for Storage
If you would like to take advantage of the many benefits that come with using a sea can for storage, Secure Container Solutions can be of assistance.
We have a large stock of high-quality sea cans for you to choose from. We sell both new and used sea cans, and all of our used shipping containers have been kept in great condition and are highly functional.
When you purchase a sea can from us, you can rest assured that it will be clean and structurally sound, have working doors in excellent condition, is equipped with a security lock box, and will need little to no maintenance.
Our ISO-certified sea cans last for decades and can thus provide you with an optimal long-term storage solution.
No matter what your particular storage needs are, we are confident that we have a sea can that is perfectly suited to meet them, as we carry containers of various types and sizes. If you only require a sea can on a short-term basis, we even have fair and affordable rental options that you can take advantage of.
For more information about the sea cans we have for sale, or to learn more about the different sea can size options that are available, call Secure Container Solutions at 647-560-2745 or contact us here.
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