One of the Best Investments We Ever Made: Buying a Shipping Container

 

When you start living full-time in an RV, one of the biggest questions is: What the heck do we do with all our stuff?

We knew we wanted to travel, to live simpler, and to reduce our footprint—but that didn’t mean we wanted to completely get rid of everything. There were tools we knew we’d need again, keepsakes we cared about, and gear we just couldn’t take with us on the road.

So we made a decision that turned out to be one of the smartest things we’ve ever done: we bought a shipping container.

Why a Shipping Container?

At first, we looked at the usual options—storage units, friends’ garages, or just downsizing even further. But those had drawbacks:

• Storage units come with monthly fees that add up fast.
• Borrowing space from friends or family can get complicated (or awkward).
• Getting rid of everything felt extreme—we wanted flexibility for the future.

A shipping container, on the other hand, was a one-time investment that gave us long-term control. We found a solid, watertight 20-footer for a reasonable price, had it delivered to our land, and it’s been worth every penny.

Yes, We Had a Bit of a Head Start

Now to be fair—we were lucky in one key area:

I inherited a portion of land, and that made things a lot easier. We had a spot to put the container without paying rent or jumping through zoning hoops. It gave us the freedom to think long-term without bleeding money on monthly fees.

So while this path may not be identical for everyone, it’s still worth looking into—especially if you’ve got access to property through family, friends, or a cheap lease in a rural area.

Secure, Weatherproof, and Private

Our container keeps everything bone-dry, bug-free, and locked up tight. It’s been through storms, heatwaves, and wild temperature swings—and never once has anything been damaged. No leaky roofs. No rodents. No worries.

And best of all: we own it outright. No monthly payments. No late fees. No access hours. Total freedom.

More Than Just Storage: Future Possibilities

The beauty of owning a container is it doesn’t just have to sit there like a big metal closet.

You can expand on it:

• Add a roof extension and turn it into a workshop.
• Build a lean-to for outdoor gear or firewood.
• Insulate and finish the interior and make it a guest cabin or office.
• Stack or link several together and you’ve got the bones of a shed… or even a home.

There’s a whole world of container homes and DIY off-grid builds out there—this first investment could easily evolve with us down the line.

If You’re Going Full-Time RV or Minimalist, Think Long-Term

If you’re making the leap to RV life, tiny living, or just trying to simplify—don’t sleep on the shipping container idea. It gives you flexibility, peace of mind, and options for the future.

Sometimes the best investments aren’t flashy.

Sometimes they’re just smart, simple, and yours.