How to buy a shipping container for a house: step by step

October 27, 2026 · 1 min read

Buying a container for a house is different from buying one for storage. The condition, the certificate and the delivery all matter more, because you will be living with the result for decades.

Step 1: choose the size and type

A 20ft box suits a small room or a bathroom pod. A 40ft box gives more space for a living room and bedroom. A high cube adds height for a loft or a comfortable ceiling. The guide to shipping container dimensions lists the sizes.

Try it in 3DOpen this house in the free configurator — change it and get the estimate and drawings.

Open in 3D →

Step 2: check the condition

Walk around the box, look at the floor, the corners and the roof, and check the doors. Use the condition checklist before you pay.

Step 3: check the certificate

The CSC plate shows the approval and the inspection date. Read the CSC plate guide to understand what it means.

Step 4: compare dealers

Ask for the total delivered price, the inspection report and the return policy. Compare at least three dealers.

Step 5: plan delivery and placement

Confirm the access route, the crane or lift, and where the box will sit. Do this before the container arrives.

Use the cost calculator to see how the container fits into the whole budget, and the UnedPod configurator to place it on the site in 3D.