Turning Conex Box Into Conex Storage with 6 Simple Steps

When you think of a durable, safe, and cheap place to store your goods, Conex Storage is what you need.

Designed to withstand harsh environments and rough handling during long-distance transportation, Conex storage is durable and safe.

For that reason, many buyers purchase used Conex Boxes and repurpose them as Conex Storage. For residential purposes, most buyers purchase storage containers for sale that are available near them to store household equipment.

Meanwhile, business owners can take advantage of storage containers to be repurposed for warehousing where their clients can keep their inventory safe and secure from external elements.  

To know how to repurpose a Conex box into a Conex Storage, this article will explain it all. Read until the end!

What is a Conex Box

Conex has a long history that is closely related to the world’s shipping industry.

Long before the “storage container” term we know today, people used Conex to ship goods between countries. Conex has significantly changed the way we handle logistics and design buildings. 

Conex is a short form of “container express”, and exists in two standard lengths, 20′ and 40′, allowing it to be transported by sea, rail, and road.

A Conex box is usually made from corten steel, a high-quality and corrugated steel type. This type of material allows the box to be stacked during shipping and storage.

People used Conex boxes for various things such as shipping various types of goods overseas, modular and on-site offices alternative housing, pop-up shops, bars, and cafes.

In addition to the box usage above, you can convert it into a place to store goods such as food, household appliances, agricultural equipment, vehicle spare parts, etc.

To learn the benefits of Conex boxes as storage, keep reading this article!

Conex Storage Benefits

Conex storage offers these benefits when it works as a storage:

  • Weather Resistance: Conex boxes are made from steel and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
  • Security: Thanks to their steel structure, Conex containers are difficult to break into. Add more protection to your Conex storage with a lock box or other security systems.
  • Cost-Effective: Conex storage is relatively inexpensive to rent or purchase, particularly when compared to building a traditional storage facility.
  • Low Maintenance Costs: Only requires little maintenance beyond basic care to ensure they remain weather-tight and rust-free.
  • Various Uses: You can use this as personal storage, inventory management for your businesses, or construction site storage.
  • Portable: Conex storage is portable as you can move them to different locations when needed. This makes them perfect for temporary storage at construction sites, remote areas, or businesses that require mobility.
  • Large Capacity: A standard 20’ or 40’ Conex box is capable of holding a large volume of goods or personal items, which makes it ideal for businesses with high storage needs or individuals needing to store items like furniture or tools.
  • Modifiable Interiors: Modify your Conex Storage interior to meet specific storage or functional requirements by adding shelves, lighting, insulation, windows, and doors.
  • Recycling and Sustainability: Conex Storage is often made of recycled and repurposed shipping containers, which is an environmentally friendly practice. That is why purchasing used containers helps reduce waste by giving these units a second life.
  • Ground-Level Entry: You won’t need stairs to access your storage as most Conex Storage provides easy, ground-level access.
  • Protection from the Elements: Conex storage containers offer excellent protection from elements like dust, moisture, and UV exposure. This can be especially important for storing valuable or sensitive items like electronics, furniture, and equipment. 

Overall, Conex storage provides a practical, secure, and cost-effective solution for both temporary and long-term storage, while offering flexibility and adaptability for a wide variety of uses.

The Making Process of Conex Storage

Turning a Conex box into functional storage requires careful planning to maximize the available space and ensure the container is secure and organized.

Here are the steps you can follow to convert a Conex box into a practical and efficient storage space:

Inspect the Conex Box

Before starting, inspect the box thoroughly for rust, holes, or any signs of structural damage.

Rust is common in older containers, so ensure it is removed, and damaged sections are patched. After that, sweep out any dirt, debris, or leftover materials.

Ensure the Storage Weatherproofing

Ensure that the container is fully sealed against moisture and air infiltration. Then, treat any rusted areas with a rust converter or anti-corrosion paint to prevent further damage, and apply weather-resistant paint to maintain the container’s integrity.

Organize the Storage

In this part, you can install shelves or racks to maximize vertical space. Adjustable shelving can help keep everything organized and easily accessible.

You can consider heavy-duty metal shelves for heavier items and install a small ramp at the door. This will make loading and unloading easier, especially if you don’t want to lift items to the entry point.

For better organization, you also need to label different sections or storage areas. For example, mark one shelf for tools, another for seasonal items, etc., and create a quick reference guide to help you locate things efficiently.

Lighting

Since Conex storage is dark inside, adding lighting can help you see and access your stored items.

Use battery-operated lights, or solar-powered lights, or install a small electrical system if possible. For energy efficiency, install motion sensor lights that turn on automatically when you open the container.

Security

Conex boxes come with a standard lock, but since you are going to use it as storage, add more security systems as a secure option.

Consider installing a high-quality lock, such as a heavy-duty padlock or a lockbox system for extra security.

Furthermore, if you plan to keep valuable items in the container, consider setting up a camera nearby for added security. Some containers even come with options for installing security systems directly inside.

Ventilation

Ventilation such as vents or small fans can help keep air circulating and reduce moisture buildup.

You can install a couple of small vents (ideally near the top) to allow fresh air in without letting rainwater get inside. For sensitive items, you might want to place a portable dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing materials (such as silica gel packs or desiccants) inside to keep humidity levels in check.

Conclusion

The use of Conex boxes as storage is increasing in demand thanks to their durability, easy modification, wide availability, and affordability. So, if you are looking for a quality Conex container for sale to serve your specific needs, don’t hesitate to find the unit you want on Tradecorp’s website. Fill out our quote form and we’ll guide you in finding the best container for your business goals!