Using Shipping Containers for Secure Document Storage

Let’s talk about something we’re seeing more and more of lately: businesses turning to shipping containers as secure document storage solutions. If your office is bursting at the seams with paperwork or you’re paying premium rates for climate-controlled storage units, this might be the perfect solution you haven’t considered yet.

Why Businesses Are Choosing Containers for Document Storage

Paper doesn’t seem to be disappearing from business life as quickly as we once thought it would. From legal firms with case files to healthcare providers with patient records, many organizations still manage mountains of paper that need to be:

• Securely stored
• Protected from environmental damage
• Easily accessible when needed
• Compliant with retention regulations
• Stored cost-effectively

The numbers speak for themselves – a shipping container often pays for itself in less than a year compared to ongoing commercial storage costs, while providing superior access control for sensitive files.

Creating the Perfect Document Storage Environment

Not just any container will do for protecting valuable documents. Paper is particularly vulnerable to moisture, which is why container selection is so important.

Our wind and watertight containers provide excellent baseline protection, but for document storage, we typically recommend new one-trip containers for several important reasons:

• Minimal wear means fewer potential points for moisture entry
• Cleaner interior surfaces reduce dust exposure
• Better door seals provide enhanced climate stability
• Higher overall quality for long-term storage applications

As we’ve outlined in our container types comparison, the small premium for a one-trip container is easily justified when protecting irreplaceable records.

Essential Modifications for Document Storage Success

A basic container provides a good starting point, but a few simple modifications can transform it into an ideal document storage facility:

1. Moisture Control

Nothing destroys paper faster than dampness. Consider these proven solutions:

• Desiccant systems to absorb ambient moisture
• Solar-powered ventilation fans to prevent condensation
• Raised flooring to protect against ground moisture
• Weather stripping upgrades around door seals

2. Temperature Regulation

While containers naturally shield contents from the elements, temperature extremes can still affect paper over time. Simple solutions include:

• Insulation panels for walls and ceiling
• Reflective paint for exterior surfaces
• Basic climate control units for sensitive materials
• Strategic placement to minimize direct sun exposure

3. Organization Systems

The whole point of storing documents is being able to find them again! We recommend:

• Industrial shelving systems designed for container dimensions
• Clear labeling protocols
• Central aisle design for accessibility
• Inventory management systems

Security Considerations for Document Storage

When storing sensitive information, security becomes paramount. Shipping containers offer inherent security advantages, but can be further enhanced:

• Commercial-grade padlocks or lockboxes
• Security cameras and motion detection lighting
• Container placement within fenced perimeters
• Custom door configurations to increase security

Following our delivery guidelines helps businesses position their document container optimally on their property, balancing security with accessibility for staff.

Cost Comparison: Containers vs. Traditional Storage

Let’s talk numbers. For businesses evaluating document storage options, the math often tells a compelling story:

• Commercial document storage: $200-400/month ongoing
• Off-site storage unit: $150-300/month ongoing
• One-time container purchase: $3,000-6,000 (depending on size and condition)

Even with modest modification costs, most businesses see complete ROI within 12-24 months, after which the savings continue indefinitely.

Compliance Considerations

For regulated industries, document storage isn’t just about organization – it’s about legal compliance. Industries with specific document retention requirements like healthcare, legal, finance, and government benefit from:

• Full control over access logs
• Customizable security based on specific regulations
• Simplified audit processes with centralized storage
• Disaster recovery advantages over traditional buildings

Getting Started: Your Document Container Checklist

Ready to solve your document storage challenges? Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:

1. Assess your volume needs (our container sizes guide can help determine if you need a 20′, 40′, or a 40’ high cube)
2. Evaluate your security requirements
3. Consider environmental factors at your location
4. Determine necessary modifications for your document types
5. Plan your organizational system
6. Prepare a proper foundation according to our delivery specifications

Is Container Document Storage Right for You?

While not every business needs a dedicated document storage container, many organizations with substantial paper records find it’s the perfect balance of security, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

If you’re currently:

• Paying ongoing fees for commercial document storage
• Struggling with office space consumed by file cabinets
• Concerned about document security or environmental protection
• Looking for long-term storage solutions for archives

…then a properly configured shipping container might be exactly what you need.

We’re happy to walk you through the options specific to document storage applications and help you find the perfect container for your needs. Just reach out, and we’ll help you determine if this increasingly popular solution is right for your business!