The biggest benefit of a shipping container home is the ability to stay mobile. You can haul your shipping container home anywhere as long as it fits on the back of a truck.
But what steps do you need to take to properly move a shipping container home, ensuring no damage is done during the long journey?
We’ll break that all down in this article, let’s get started.
1. Plan ahead of time
The biggest factor that will enable a proper move without any headache is planning. Know exactly where you’ll be storing the shipping container home ahead of time, or where you can keep it in storage if you require intermediary storage while you find land to place your container home.
Local permits may also be required, and that’s where planning ahead of time comes in handy. You’ll also get a good idea of how much it will cost, and you can call several companies to get quotes for the actual shipping of your container home.
If you have a vehicle that can haul a shipping container, you may be able to get away with shipping it yourself. However, there are many professional moving companies like Three Movers that specialize in shipping not only containers but any moving-related items that you would like to ship.
2. Prepare your home for shipping
Your biggest worry, before the big move happens, is keeping all of your loose items inside of the container locked down. If you have any loose items in cabinets, cupboards, or in any of the rooms, then stow them away and tie them down.
You can get away with keeping items inside of the home during the move, however, some items you may want to take with you (like your personal belongings). Disconnect any utilities (like water, gas, sewage, electricity, etc.) and if necessary, hire a professional to ensure it’s done correctly.
Once everything is packed and tied down, you can take down any external fixtures or additions on the outside. Make sure the windows are closed and the doors are closed as well, especially if you’re going to be shipping it via a moving company.
3. Get your new location ready
If you’re shipping your container with a company, that will give you enough time to either fly or drive to your new destination and prepare the location. If necessary, you can clear the foundation to ensure that it’s level or find a contractor that can do this for you.
Make sure that the truck that will bring your container has access to your new location. If they can’t drive into where your container is going to stay, then you’ll need to figure out how to complete the last leg of your shipping container’s journey.
If necessary, you can always leave your container in a storage facility. Ask your moving company if they have any partners to give you a better rate for storage. It can come in handy if you need to prepare the land or won’t be in the location for some time.
4. Reassemble
Once everything is in place, and your container has been dropped off in the proper location, it’s time to reassemble. If you aren’t comfortable handling electrician-type work, then it’s always going to be a good idea to leave it to the professionals.
The same can be said for hooking up the gas, water, or other utilities that were disconnected. Having proper documentation for your electric setup is going to make it easier for the next person who’s wiring up your home.
Once the utilities are set up, you can add back any external fixtures or additions that you stowed away. Make your new home yours by adding in some decorations or even patio furniture if there is room for it.
5. Document the process and update your address
Having a shipping container as a home makes it easy to get up and go wherever you’d like across the country you live in. Documenting the process the first time can make it a breeze to set up any time you repeat the process in the future.
Don’t forget to update your address with your service providers and any other utility companies if you decide to move locally. Transfer any licenses or permits to your current location, and let your insurance company know that you’ve moved locations.
Conclusion
Moving a shipping container home is a great way to move on a budget. Instead of having to sell your old home, buy a new home, and do everything in between, a container home lifestyle can be a great way to add adventure into your life.
Don’t forget to plan, however, and call moving companies months in advance to secure a good deal on a move. If you want to move near in the future, you’re going to have to pay extra just like airlines. Make sure everything is secure, and consider keeping your container in storage while you get your land set up.