There are so many reasons to live in a container home – and so many places to find container homes for sale right now!

Three images of different container homes - one in a forest, one with the doors wide open and the front porch of one with black siding.

I’m sure that whoever first built a home using a shipping container was thought to be a little out there by their friends and family. But these days shipping container homes are way more common. Entire neighbourhoods filled with container homes have even become a thing.

So, why are container homes so popular? As more and more homeowners begin to realize the benefits of small-space living and prioritize simplicity and sustainability, the shipping container home has become a great option. It’s a unique style of living, but many swear by it, and its simple construction allows for tons of creativity.

Ready to dive into the many benefits of living in a shipping container home – plus check out some of the coolest container homes currently for sale? Then let’s get started!

Note that this post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on a link and make a purchase a small percentage of the sale goes to yours truly. Please know that I strive to only feature eco-conscious products and brands.

Prefab Container Homes are an Affordable Option

Probably the number one reason shipping containers have become so popular is that they are so much more affordable than a traditional house. Because container homes are made using pre-built containers, the amount of building supplies and labour needed to finish them is significantly reduced.

One of the big areas of cost savings are due to the fact that shipping containers are already structurally sound. Traditionally built homes need all kinds of engineered materials to ensure they’re safe for habitation. When you add up all the additional costs – it makes a huge difference.

A shipping container home interior with white shiplap walls.
Of course, one of the reasons shipping container homes are affordable is they’re much smaller than traditional homes – like this $86,000, 320 square foot model from Alternative Living Spaces. They also sell super-tiny studio container homes for only $13,000. (Image Credit: Alternative Living Spaces)

Shipping Container Homes are Sustainable

Aside from affordability, the other major reason for the container home’s surge in popularity is the sustainability-factor. While you can buy container homes built from brand-new containers, why would you when instead you can buy one made from a used container?

Building a home from a slightly used container means you’re still recycling something that’s already in the waste stream, but you’re balancing the green factor with the high-quality materials factor. And an even more sustainable option is to look into used container homes for sale.

A two-storey shipping container home with white and wood siding.
Backcountry Containers consider their container homes to be “truly custom” and handle each site and each build based on its own unique requirements – like this super cute two-storey country guest house. (Image Credit: Backcountry Containers)

 

Modular Container Homes are Durable

Another reason container homes are so popular is they are extremely durable. Think about it – they’re built to travel stacked on top of each other out on the ocean for miles and miles. They’d have to be durable to withstand that!

Plus, when multiple containers are linked or stacked on top of each other to increase living space, they’re welded together, creating a strong building envelope that can withstand all kinds of weather conditions.

A black container home with a covered wood patio.
Durable doesn’t have to mean boring as this gorgeous container home from Bob’s Containers proves. (Image Credit: Bob’s Container Homes)

Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!

Turnkey Container Homes are Easy to Maintain

A properly insulated and sealed home will go a long way to keeping it moisture free, which is why buying a prefabricated turnkey modular container homes is a much safer avenue than DIY if you don’t have a lot of building experience.

If you’re set on going the DIY route, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly ventilated. You can also invest in a quality dehumidifier to help keep excess moisture out.  

A loft space in a container home with white built-in shelving.
Prefab container homes come in many shapes and sizes, such as this one bedroom with a sleeping loft from Custom Container Homes. (Image Credit: Custom Container Homes)

Container Homes are Just Plain Cool

If all of the above reasons to live in a container home aren’t enough to convince you of their benefits – maybe how cool they look will do the trick. Container homes blend modern and industrial style to create a home that emphasizes clean straight lines and simplicity.

And if you think there’s only so much you can do to spruce up a container home, you should checkout some of the high-end large container homes for sale and see what a few shipping containers and a whole lot of imagination can do.

A shipping container home with a wood desk on a hill in a dense forest.
Honomobo is one of the higher-end container home builders and are located in my home province! But don’t worry, they’ve built homes all-across Canada – like this one in British Columbia – and also work with American clients. (Image Credit: Honomobo)

Other Places to find Shipping Container Homes Online

 While there’s no shortage of container homes builders out there, if you’re looking for other places you can buy container homes check out these two options.

Shipping Container Home Listing Sites

Sites like Tiny House Listings are places people can list their for-sale-by-owner shipping container homes. The best part is you can search for homes by location, so it’s super easy to narrow down what’s readily available to you. You could also simply type “container homes near me” into a search engine and see what comes up if location is a big factor.

A shower with corrugated metal wall panels.
 A shipping container home for sale on Tiny House Listing that has all the upgrades, including shiplap walls, granite countertops and a corrugated steel shower. (Image Credit: Tiny House Listings)

Find Used Shipping Containers for Sale on Local Buy and Sells

If you feel confident you can pull off the DIY shipping container route then go for it! There are many ways to go about finding used shipping containers, but starting with a local buy and sell is probably the best place to start.

A bright blue shipping container in a large warehouse.
You can easily find used shipping containers online – just make sure before purchasing one it’s in good condition. (Image Credit: Kijiji)

Now that you know all about the benefits of shipping container homes, plus five places you can find container homes for sale online, I hope all your small space living dreams come true! If you’d like to read all about the benefits of tiny living from the point of view of experts (including me!), you can do so right here.

And before you go,  you should also check out my post all about living off grid. Need help picking out eco-conscious furniture and accessories for your home – no matter the square footage? Read all out my sustainable e-design services.

 

PIN ME!

A dark green container home with a wooden deck in the middle of a forest with text 5 container homes for sale.

Posted on March 28, 2022

Let’s be treehuggers together!

Oh, and let’s be friends too…

Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!

Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.

I’m here to help you green your home – and your life.

LET’S BE TREEHUGGERS TOGETHER!

Subscribe to the Of Houses and Trees monthly newsletter and I’ll send you my FREE list of “The 8 Best Places to Buy Eco-Conscious Decor Online.”

What on earth is sustainable design? Learn all about this eco-focused design method and read the latest posts about green architecture, interior design and decor.

Sustainable living is more than just a thing treehuggers talk about. It’s about making conscious choices everyday. Read the latest posts on living with the planet’s wellbeing always in mind. 

Visit the Of Houses and Trees sustainable product directory and support brands trying to make a difference in the world.

Find out more about our 40 acres of land in Parkland County, Alberta and the sustainable home we built amongst the trees.

Need help creating the home of your dreams? Care about the planet? You’ve come to the right place! check out my affordable, sustainable e-design services.

Having a had time choosing paint colours? I’ve got you – and your walls – covered with an interior paint palette sure to compliment your home.

Have questions about creating an eco-conscious home? Go ahead – ask me! Sign up for one of my free online interior design consultations and ask me anything you want. 

A living room decorated in a mix of vintage and modern pieces.
Benefits of Container Living + 5 Container Homes for Sale Right Now

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.