Customized Portable Storage Containers: What are Your Options?

Portable storage containers can be invaluable tools for businesses and organizations across countless industries. One of the most important aspects of these containers is their versatility; their simplistic design can be tailored to address a wide range of needs, allowing for customizable solutions for any business or industry.  

What modifications are available for these storage units? And how can these modifications cater to a variety of uses? Discover our complete guide to portable storage container modifications to understand the adaptable nature of these units. 

Modification Options for Portable Storage Containers

Storage containers offer various advantages, while their customizability maximizes these advantages. Learn about the comprehensive array of container modifications and how they can cater to various business goals: 

• Entry Doors 

For many businesses, adding durable, roll-up doors present major advantages. Not only does this add an extra point of egress, but the roll-up doors come in various widths as well (ranging from 4’ wide to 10’ wide).  They come in a lighter duty galvanized option (like a mini storage door) or heavier duty adonized aluminum construction.  The heavy-duty style doors are watertight as well.     

In addition to the large roll-up doors, 3-foot personnel doors are another helpful door option that can be added to a storage unit. These doors come in industrial and residential models, depending on your business’s specific needs. While the industrial option is more heavy-duty with its solid steel make, the residential door is a typical wood door with a metal skin. However, both options provide a convenient and secure way for staff to access the storage container without opening up the cargo doors.. 

Another option for the personnel door is the model with a security swing arm, a modification that can add an extra layer of security. The security swing arm has a lockbox welded on the end of the arm that goes over the door. This is a customization that increases theft protection for the container’s contents, making it an excellent option for any company storing highly valued items in their unit. 

• Windows & Skylights 

Portable storage containers can be modified with a variety of windows and skylights, an addition that allows natural light to enter your container. The double-pane windows are available in 2ft x 3ft and 3ft x 3ft options, and they are fully functional, meaning they can be opened similarly to any household window. These windows can also be outfitted with security bars to implement additional theft protection to your unit.  

Skylights are another option to add to the top of your portable storage unit and are available in various sizes. All these window options are well-suited to mobile storage units that will be used for purposes such as office spaces, storefronts, or pop-up events, as the natural light can add warmth to the space. 

• Flooring 

Another highly customizable modification for portable storage units is flooring. The default flooring in a storage container is 1-⅛ inch thick marine plywood or bamboo, which provides a sturdy, stable base for many uses. However, the floor of these storage units can also be tailored to a wide array of needs, with flooring options including steel overlay, vinyl floor covering, and commercial carpet tile—all of which cater to different business use cases. 

Steel overlay flooring is placed over the existing wood flooring and comes in ⅛ inch and ¼ inch variations. Because the steel adds extra durability, this modification is ideal for businesses storing large equipment or machinery which requires some added resilience.  

Vinyl floor covering is an oil-resistant, solid sheet rolled out and glued directly to the floor of the container. This modification is available in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and textures, catering to many aesthetic and functional needs. These vinyl floors offer an easy surface to clean, making it a great choice for any space that will be susceptible to mess and need frequent cleaning. 

Commercial carpet tile is composed of 18-inch by 18-inch squares of recycled polyester carpet glued to the container’s existing floor. This is another modification option that offers color customizations, allowing businesses to create their own desired look in their space. This is another excellent option for businesses using storage containers as office spaces or storefronts, as this can add a comfortable atmosphere to the space. 

• HVAC/Venting 

Need climate control in your portable storage unit? These versatile containers can even be customized with full HVAC systems. HVAC includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and these features can significantly upgrade your storage container. HVAC options include a variety of different tools and equipment to achieve effective temperature regulation. 

Window air conditioning units are an excellent option available for climate control in a portable storage unit. Another option is commercial through-wall HVAC; depending on the model, you can opt for air conditioning only or heating and air conditioning. While the window units are ideal for standard AC needs with less sensitive products being stored, through-wall HVAC units are typically used in harsher climates or for higher-demand climate control, such as in laboratories. 

Ventilation air ducts are another important aspect of HVAC, as they promote airflow between multiple sections. This makes these air ducts great for applications where the storage units are sectioned off, such as office spaces. Another way to ventilate the space is with rooftop turbine vents, which are a more economical option. Multiple vents can be installed depending on your needs, and no power is needed for this vent. 

Fixed louver vents and exhaust fans are usually used together, although the fixed louver vents can also be used alone to simply promote airflow. However, with exhaust fans as well, airflow can be maximized, keeping the environment ideal for storage. 

• Insulation 

While standard storage containers are not outfitted with insulation, this added aspect can provide further climate control and stability. The most common insulation option is fiberglass insulation with FRP plywood paneling, which adds a wood-framed interior with R-13 fiberglass insulation behind an FRP (fiberglass reinforced panels) overlay.  

Insulation can also be added with rigid polystyrene foam paneling—a steel-studded interior with foam panels that range from 1” to 3” thick depending on your needs. This paneling can remain exposed or be paneled over, according to how you want the container to appear. You can also opt for fiberglass insulation with Hardie paneling, offering 3 ½” inch-thick panels of insulation. 

The last option is closed cell spray foam, which provides the highest insulation value. This spray foam covers the surface of the container’s walls without any gaps between the insulation and the walls. This method reduces the risk of condensation or moisture forming in the container, and the insulation’s thickness can be adjusted according to your goals. 

• Electrical & Lighting 

Looking to brighten up your space or add amenities that require electricity? Portable storage containers can be customized with lights, outlets, and phone lines to make the space perfect for your needs. Electrical work can be added through receptacles with outlets in multiple locations throughout the interior. These receptacles are 110V, just like in the home. When added to the outside of the container, you can also get waterproof covers. 

For lighting needs, overhead lighting can be added with two-bulb fluorescent fixtures. Another great option is LED lighting, which is ideal in situations where your container won’t be near a power source. These LED lights are connected to a small battery, allowing you to add light to your container even in the most remote locations. If you’re looking to add lighting to the outside of your portable storage unit, flood lights and exterior porch lights provide excellent solutions. They can even be modified with motion sensors for added convenience.

Data and phone lines are another great modification for containers, as they can effectively transform a standard container into a business or office space. This is done using cat5 lines, and multiple connections can be added according to your individual circumstances.  

• Custom Paint 

Custom paint can add a personalized touch to a standard portable storage container for any number of aesthetic needs. This modification improves the look and protects the outer surface of the unit through marine-grade industrial enamel designed for steel surfaces. No matter how you want your container to appear, these goals can be easily addressed with the paint of your choosing. Choosing a paint color that works with your company’s branding can easily set it apart, making this a great option where you want your container to stand out, such as in retail settings. 

• Locking Mechanisms 

Locking mechanisms are a practical addition to any storage unit, as they significantly enhance the security of your container. No matter the contents of a container, locking mechanisms can protect them and provide peace of mind about their safety. One option is a cargo door lock—a heavy-duty lock that clamps over the inner locking rods. Each of these locks comes with unique keys. 

Another highly effective option is the lockbox. This economical option provides affordable security to any storage container. The box is welded to the container doors and contains a padlock inside, which cannot be removed with bolt cutters.  

• Shelving 

We also offer shelving, which can completely transform a portable storage container and create an organized space to store items. This option is perfect for businesses that will utilize their containers for inventory storage, as the shelves provide an excellent way to keep these items orderly. The shelves are added with D rings, meaning the container doesn’t need to be modified otherwise. They can be adjusted and customized completely to address specific needs. 

Modify Your Storage Container for Maximum Effectiveness

Modifying a storage container can make these valuable units even more useful. These customized portable storage containers allow businesses across industries to achieve enhanced results.  

Looking for a reliable provider of mobile storage containers in Atlanta? Count on Container Technology, Atlanta’s top provider of portable storage containers since 1988. Our top-rated portable storage units provide high-quality solutions that address our customers’ needs. Our team can also add an array of modifications to suit your specific goals.  

Request a free quote online or call us today and learn more about purchasing our durable storage units!