So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and move into some shipping container apartments. The eco-friendly appeal, the affordability, or just the sheer novelty of these apartments have truly drawn many people into trying them out.
But before you make the move, you must consider several things. Since living in a container apartment can be different from a regular home, some things may feel new or unusual.
For this reason, considering the following can help you familiarize yourself and your family in this unconventional apartment setting.
Potential Lifestyle Changes
When you move into shipping container apartments, you’re not just moving into a smaller space; you’re embracing a shift in lifestyle.
Living in a container apartment isn’t like traditional housing – it requires a more minimalist approach and a different mindset toward day-to-day life. While it’s not for everyone, many people find this shift refreshing.
Flexibility
First up, let’s talk about flexibility. Because shipping containers are modular, you might find yourself in a community that embraces alternative, low-maintenance living.
Some container apartment developments have a community feel, where residents share communal spaces, work on sustainability projects together, or even have shared gardens.
This kind of living can foster a sense of camaraderie and eco-consciousness that many apartment complexes lack.
Privacy
On the flip side, privacy can be an adjustment. Many container homes are compact, so you may be living in closer quarters with neighbors than you would in a standard apartment complex.
While walls may be thinner, the creative layouts and unique community vibe can make it feel like a home.
As such, be prepared to share common areas or outdoor spaces, depending on your container apartment setup.
Self-Sufficiency
Another lifestyle change revolves around self-sufficiency.
Container apartments often encourage simpler living, with a greater emphasis on recycling, reducing waste, and using energy-efficient appliances.
It’s not just about living in a cool space; it’s about adopting a greener, more conscious way of life. For example, you might find yourself composting more, growing your herbs, or getting involved in energy-saving initiatives.
Also Read: Examples of Container Buildings in the Sports Industry
Space Management
One of the biggest changes you’ll face when moving into shipping container apartments is managing the space since containers are, well, compact.
While some people might find the snug quarters cozy, others might feel claustrophobic. For example, standard shipping containers from Tradecorp have a 20’ x 8’ x 8’6” dimension, which may be enough to store items but need adjustments to allow for smooth human movement.
To allow for enough space, these aspects are important:
Efficiency
Maximizing your space is not optional; it’s essential. Fortunately, this is where smart design comes into play.
Container apartments tend to be minimalist by nature, so it’s all about getting creative with how you use your square footage.
Many people living in containers commonly use fold-out desks, convertible sofas, and collapsible tables. These pieces of furniture don’t just save space – they also help you avoid that cramped, cluttered feeling.
Vertical Space
Vertical space is your best friend when managing a small container apartment.
Wall-mounted shelves, overhead cabinets, and lofted areas for sleeping or storage are common solutions in container design.
You can even use the space under your bed for additional storage, which helps free up floor space.
If you’re a fan of organization, you’ll thrive in this environment. Every inch counts, and being organized becomes a crucial skill for living comfortably.
However, there is a learning curve. If you’re coming from a larger space, you might initially struggle with deciding what to bring and what to leave behind. But once you start embracing the minimalist approach, you’ll realize you don’t need as much as you thought.
Also Read: Container Homes vs. Tiny Homes in Congested Cities: Which One?
Comfort of Living in Container Apartments
Now, let’s talk about comfort. Can a metal box really be comfortable to live in? The answer is yes – but there are a few things to consider to make your container apartment as cozy as possible.
Insulation
Steel is a great material for durability, but it’s not the best when it comes to temperature regulation. In the summer, a container apartment can get hot, and in the winter, it can get chilly.
Most container apartments will have adequate insulation to keep the temperature inside comfortable, but you may need to invest in additional heating or cooling systems depending on your climate.
The good news is that modern container apartments often come with energy-efficient HVAC systems to combat these extremes, and many also feature smart thermostats to help manage energy use.
Soundproofing
Steel is a loud material, so it’s not uncommon for sounds to echo or travel easily through the walls.
If you’re someone who values peace and quiet, you might want to invest in soundproofing measures like rugs, curtains, or additional padding.
While this can help, it’s also something you’ll likely need to adjust to, especially if you have neighbors in adjacent containers.
Air Quality
Metal boxes don’t breathe the way traditional homes do, which means humidity and ventilation can become issues.
Many container apartments address this by installing high-quality air filtration systems and promoting good airflow.
If you’re sensitive to air quality, you might want to consider bringing in some houseplants, which not only improve the air but also add a bit of life to the interior.
Natural Light
Containers have windows, and the walls are often designed to maximize light.
You’ll find that containers with well-placed windows can be surprisingly bright and airy, and the feeling of openness can help make the small space feel less cramped.
If your container is on the darker side, though, you can easily brighten it up with mirrors and light-colored walls.
Design Flexibility
Finally, design flexibility make up one of the reasons why container apartments are a popular apartment establishment.
Since you’re working with a modular structure, there are endless ways to configure and decorate your living space such as a sleek, industrial look or something more homey and warm.
Because the space is so compact, design becomes an exercise in creativity. Shipping container homes often feature open floor plans, where walls are kept to a minimum.
A combination of lofts, sliding doors, and movable walls gives you the flexibility to create different rooms as needed, even within a small footprint.
Some people opt for an open-plan living area with a bedroom lofted above, while others might prefer to section offthe space with partitions for more privacy.
Container apartments are also a dream for DIY enthusiasts. With a bit of time, effort, and a creative mind, you can add personal touches to your home. From upcycled furniture to custom-made shelving, the possibilities are endless.
And then, of course, there’s the outdoor space. Depending on the design of your container apartment, you might have access to a small terrace or balcony, which can be transformed into an inviting outdoor living area.
A few potted plants, some string lights, and outdoor seating can turn a narrow metal space into an urban oasis.
Conclusion
Living in shipping container apartments may not be for everyone, but if you’re drawn to the idea of a more minimalist, eco-friendly lifestyle, it can be a rewarding experience. While you might have to adjust to smaller spaces and a more compact lifestyle, the design flexibility, cost savings, and sense of community can make the move worthwhile. If you need a reliable shipping container to have such an wholesome experience, order today from Tradecorp and experience all its strengths and benefits!