The Whacky World of Storage Containers: From Funky to Fabulous

Storage containers aren’t just for keeping your boxes safe and your summer wardrobe out of the way – they’ve been the secret ingredient in some truly whacky human creativity. While at National Self Storage we don’t allow adaptations to our containers (safety first!), we thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the most unusual things people have done with storage units around the world.

 

Pop-Up Pubs and Cafés

Yes, really. People have turned shipping containers into tiny bars and cafés. From bustling city streets to beachside corners, these compact spaces have become the ultimate “grab a coffee or pint” spots. Imagine having a pint in a container that used to hold tropical fruit – talk about a conversation starter!

Swimming Pools (Sort Of)

Some adventurous souls have turned containers into pools. With a bit of waterproofing and some clever engineering, a standard steel box becomes a backyard oasis. Perfect for those summer BBQs – but maybe leave the diving board at home.

Boutique Hotels

Forget the boring hotel room – shipping containers are being stacked and retrofitted into chic, compact hotel suites. Tiny, tidy, and full of personality, these container hotels prove that even a metal box can feel cosy.

Secret Gardens

Yes, a container can double as a greenhouse. With a bit of sunlight, ventilation, and plant love, some people have transformed steel boxes into leafy sanctuaries. If only we could do that at our National Self Storage locations… our boxes are already full of other kinds of treasures!

Mobile Offices

In the era of remote work, containers have even become mobile offices. Pop one on a plot of land, add a desk, Wi-Fi, and some insulation, and voilà – a productivity pod with a view of the fields.

 

 

All information correct at the time of publishing, 5th November 2025.