Running out of warehouse space does not always mean you need a bigger building.
Retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors can experience temporary increases in stock that put pressure on existing storage capacity. Seasonal demand, large deliveries, new contracts and refurbishment work can all leave businesses looking for extra space.
Shipping container stock storage provides one option. A container can be delivered to suitable business premises, used while additional capacity is needed and collected when stock levels return to normal.
For businesses that do not want to commit to additional warehouse premises, container hire can provide practical temporary storage close to existing operations.
Why Do Businesses Run Out of Warehouse Space?
Storage requirements rarely remain exactly the same throughout the year.
Common causes of warehouse overflow include:
- Seasonal stock increases
- Bulk purchasing
- Unexpected large orders
- New customer contracts
- Product launches
- Delayed collections
- Warehouse refurbishment
- Equipment replacement
- Business growth
A temporary shortage of space can quickly affect normal operations. Stock may start occupying loading areas, walkways or other parts of the building that are needed for everyday work.
Hiring additional storage can help keep these areas clear.
How Can Shipping Containers Help with Warehouse Overflow?
A shipping container can effectively create an additional stockroom outside the main warehouse, subject to having suitable space and delivery access.
Instead of moving goods to another warehouse, suitable stock can remain at the same site.
This can reduce unnecessary movement between separate storage locations and make frequently needed items easier for staff to access.
Unit Group supplies shipping containers for hire and sale in sizes ranging from 6ft to 45ft, allowing businesses to choose capacity based on the available site space and amount of stock.
Seasonal Stock Storage for Retailers
Retail stock levels can change considerably during busy trading periods.
Christmas, sales events, promotions and seasonal product ranges may require businesses to hold more inventory than their normal stockroom or warehouse can accommodate.
Hiring a container allows additional space to be added for the busy period without permanently increasing warehouse capacity.
Once the seasonal stock has been sold, the container can be emptied and collected.
This can also work for businesses preparing stock well in advance of a promotion or receiving larger deliveries to secure better purchasing terms.
Temporary Storage for Manufacturers
Manufacturing businesses can also experience short-term storage shortages.
Raw materials may arrive before they are needed, finished goods can build up while awaiting dispatch, or machinery and equipment may need moving during changes to a production area.
A shipping container can provide additional storage for suitable:
- Components
- Packaged materials
- Spare parts
- Tools
- Equipment
- Finished products
- Packaging supplies
For businesses handling bulky equipment or stock that is difficult to load through standard end doors, full side access containers can provide access along the side of the unit. Unit Group specifically lists manufacturing, retail and excess inventory storage among their uses.
Warehouse Storage During Refurbishment
Refurbishing a warehouse can temporarily reduce usable floor space.
Racking may need to be removed, sections of the building can become inaccessible and stock may have to be relocated while contractors work.
Temporary warehouse storage can provide somewhere to move suitable goods without sending them to another permanent facility.
The same approach can be useful when:
- Installing new warehouse racking
- Repairing floors
- Replacing roofing
- Changing production layouts
- Moving machinery
- Expanding loading areas
- Relocating between premises
The container can remain on site for the duration of the work and be removed once normal storage capacity becomes available again.
What Size Container Is Suitable for Stock Storage?
The right size depends on the amount of stock, available space and how frequently staff need access.
Compact Containers
Smaller containers can work well where only limited overflow capacity is required or yard space is restricted.
Unit Group’s recent 8ft shipping container guide identifies seasonal retail stock and commercial equipment as common uses for compact containers.
20ft Containers
A 20ft container is a popular commercial storage size. Unit Group lists external dimensions of approximately 20ft long, 8ft wide and 8ft 6in high.
A 20ft shipping container can accommodate pallets, stock, tools and equipment while remaining practical for many commercial sites.
Larger 30ft, 40ft and 45ft options are available where considerably more capacity is needed.
Organising Stock Inside the Container
Simply filling every available space may make stock difficult to retrieve.
Consider how often each product will be needed. Frequently accessed stock should normally remain near the doors, while slower-moving items can be positioned further inside.
Depending on the goods, shelving or racking may make better use of the internal space.
Keep an inventory showing what has been moved into temporary storage. Clear labelling can also prevent staff repeatedly searching through the container for individual products.
Protect Stock from Moisture
Only suitable goods should be placed inside a standard shipping container.
Stock should be dry before storage, and ventilation should not be blocked. Leave some space for airflow rather than packing moisture-sensitive goods tightly against the steel walls.
For more advice, read our recent guide on how to prevent shipping container condensation.
Products that require controlled temperatures or specific humidity levels may need specialist storage rather than a standard container.
Check Your Yard Before Hiring a Container
Before ordering, make sure there is enough space for both the container and the delivery vehicle.
Check:
- Entrance width and height
- Turning space
- Overhead cables and branches
- Ground conditions
- Drains and manholes
- Container door clearance
- Access for future collection
Do not base your decision solely on whether the container fits. The HIAB delivery vehicle also needs enough room to safely position it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can shipping containers be used for temporary warehouse storage?
Yes. They can provide temporary overflow capacity for suitable stock, equipment and materials where the business has enough space and delivery access.
Can you store pallets in a shipping container?
Yes, subject to the pallet dimensions, container size, weight and loading method. Plan the layout before loading if individual pallets need regular access.
Are shipping containers suitable for retail stock?
Is hiring suitable for seasonal stock?
Yes. Hiring can work well when additional capacity is only required during predictable seasonal peaks or promotions.
Get Extra Storage Without Expanding Your Warehouse
Shipping container stock storage can help businesses deal with temporary capacity problems without immediately renting or purchasing additional warehouse premises.
Unit Group supplies containers for short and longer-term hire across the UK, with more than 20 depot locations and sizes from 6ft to 45ft.
If your warehouse is running short of space, contact Unit Group with details of your stock, available site space, preferred container size and expected hire period to request a quote.