Need a secure, on-site, and low‑cost storage option in London? Shipping containers are the solution.

Whether you don’t have enough secure space and you are worried about weather damage or theft, or you are unsure which size or type of container you need, you are not alone. You may also be worried about the condition and weather‑proofing of the containers, or simply looking for a reliable way to rent or buy high-quality shipping containers. In any case, you are at the right spot.

London Shipping Containers is a one-stop destination for buying or renting new and used containers in London and the UK. We have prepared this guide to answer your questions and help you buy the container you truly need.

What is a Shipping Container for Sale in London?

When you are looking for a ‘London shipping container for sale’, we understand that you are looking for a repurposed high-strength steel, wind and watertight cargo unit, typically 20ft or 40ft long.

Londoners generally look to shipping containers to create affordable, sustainable, and flexible spaces, including retail units, offices, and even homes, to overcome space constraints and high construction costs.

London Shipping Containers offers sale and hire services of various types of shipping containers across London and the wider UK.

Why Buy a Shipping Container in London?

Take a quick look at what problems shipping containers can solve:  

1. Secure Storage Space

If you have small yards, tight back gardens, shared premises with no proper shed or lock-up, or you are struggling with stock piling up everywhere, constant clutter, or having to leave tools in unsafe spaces, you need a secure storage space.

A shipping container provides sturdy, secure, weatherproof storage in a single steel box. The good thing is, it fits tightly on a driveway, building site, or your yard without you having to build a foundation or break the bank.  

2. Temporary Flexible Space

If you work in construction, events, or short-term projects that need a fast space but not a full build, you won’t want to invest in a permanent building.

A shipping container can be a quick-to-install site office, canteen, welfare unit, or pop-up shop in a matter of days. You can move it or use it later on another site.

3. Clean Adaptable Workspace

Creatives, tradespeople, or small businesses often need something more than a shed for their work. However, within a tight budget, a proper workspace, office, studio, or workshop seems impossible.

It’s possible with shipping containers. They are highly customisable (we do it ourselves for you) and can be very satisfactorily converted into your ideal workspace with insulation, lighting, ventilation, and doors/windows at a fraction of the cost.

Types of London Shipping Containers for Sale

Shipping containers can be categorised by size, condition, use, and application. Take a look at the list to find a size and condition that fits your specific space and budget:

1. By Size

There are three main sizes of shipping containers for you to buy or hire:

• 10ft Shipping Containers – These are perfect storage spaces for small residential or commercial plots, holding personal belongings, garden tools, or documents. Micro-businesses can use these as coffee stands, ticket booths, or small pop-up kiosks. These are also frequently converted into portable saunas and backyard bars.

• 20ft Shipping Containers – This is the most popular size, having both enough space and being easy to transport. These are used for storage during household moves or for business inventory. These are frequently used as tiny homes or commercial offices, workshops, and home gyms.

• 40ft Shipping Containers – This is the primary size for international shipping of industrial equipment, vehicles, and bulk-manufactured goods. They are also used to create multi-room container homes, commercial warehouses, multi-station workshops, swimming pools, and house large industrial systems.  

At London Shipping Containers, you can also get 8ft and smaller containers if your project demands it.  

2. By Condition and Use

You can get two types of containers based on the condition and use:

• New Shipping Containers – These one-trip containers (which can be CSC-plated) are ideal for projects where appearance and structural integrity are paramount. For example, food service, medical clinics, pop-up cafes, or high-end showrooms where a clean, professional look is necessary.

• Used Shipping Containers – These have served for several years at sea and might have cosmetic wear, but are structurally sound. These are perfect for general storage, hydroponic farms, temporary construction site offices, sustainability projects, and much more.

3. By Application (Conversion Ready)

In London, shipping containers are regularly converted into welfare units and offices. However, the possibilities are endless here. London Shipping Containers can convert a container to suit your exact requirements:

• Commercial – You can have containers made for ice cream stands, coffee bars, mobile retail stores, or anything in between that is also easy to move. These can be converted into secure spaces for painting, woodworking, media editing, or mobile energy-efficient data centres for remote locations.

• Residential – These can be reinforced and lined to create backyard hot tubs or pools. Transforming containers into personal training spaces or yoga studios is also pretty common.  

• Community – In remote or disaster-stricken areas, these can become mobile clinics and be transformed into classrooms, libraries, or computer labs. These can also be turned into larger and more durable alternatives to standard portable toilets.

• Industrial – For year-round crop production, it can serve as a climate-controlled hydroponic growing space. These can be turned into water-resistant tool storage or housing for industrial generators, hydrogen plants, and water treatment systems.

How to Choose the Right London Shipping Container

Before buying a shipping container, you need to ask yourself and your supplier a set of questions to make sure you are not buying the wrong size or paying more than necessary.

Here’s what you should ask yourself:

1. What am I using this for?

2. Which size fits my site?

3. Do I need a new, a CSC-plated, or a used container?  

4. Do I have farm and level ground for placing the container?

5. Do I need upgraded locks and shrouds?

6. Do I need lighting, ventilation, or insulation?

7. Do I want shelving, flooring, or internal fittings?

8. Will this container stay here permanently, or might I move it later?

9. Do I plan to modify it (windows, doors, etc.) or keep it simple?

10. Should I go for the lowest price, or the best long‑term value?

Here’s what you should ask the supplier:

1. Is the container wind‑watertight and structurally sound?

2. Are doors intact?

3. Are there soft spots in the floor or major rust around corners and the roof?

4. Can you deliver it to my exact location?

5. Do you have clear stock, condition grades, and delivery terms?

6. Does the price include delivery, VAT, and any basic checks or guarantees?

7. Do you offer support before and after purchase?

Once you have satisfactory answers to all these questions, you are ready to invest in a shipping container.

London Shipping Container Accessories

London Shipping Containers offers all accessories to make your container 100% secure.

• Shrouds – These are bolted or welded steel enclosures that prevent angle grinders or bolt cutters from reaching the padlock. It is designed to slow down intruders significantly.

• Security Locks – Heavy-duty cargo locks or crossbar locks provide strong resistance to prying. Using smart locks is also common for high-security spaces.

• Ventilation – Depending on the use case, you may need proper airflow through solar or louvred vents to prevent mould, rust, or fume buildup from stored material.

• Lighting – We can use interior lighting for better work and motion-activated exterior lights to remove hiding spots for intruders.  

• Insulation – To regulate internal temperatures, we can use spray foam or passive thermal liners.

• Floor Protection – Non-slip mats, reinforced subfloors, and specialised coatings such as epoxy can be used to meet your specific requirements.

• Shelving – To ensure items are not crushed by overhead pressure, we can create shelves to raise them off the floor. It also makes conducting item inventory easier.

Now that you have a basic idea of how we can help you upgrade a basic container for security, organisation, and comfort, let’s check out how you can order a shipping container in London.

How to Buy a London Shipping Container

Buying or renting chipping containers from us is simple. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Decide container size, new/used, CSC-plated, and conversion style if applicable.

Step 2: Fill this form and get a free, no-obligation quote. Or you can call on 07940 109065 or 0800 567 0077.

Step 3: Once you receive your quote, go through all the details.

Step 4: If satisfied, you accept the quote and confirm your order. If you are not satisfied, you can also discuss that with our team.

Step 5: Upon confirmation, we will arrange your delivery.

Step 6: You receive your container and inspect it on site. If anything looks different from what we promised, you report it quickly so we can help solve it.

Ready to buy your shipping container? Call us now on 07940 109065 to get your free quote.