What to Do When Small Container Homes Dont Meet Your Needs

Small container homes are fun to build. And in many cases, these homes are too affordable and eco-friendly. But they may not work for everyone. For some, a tiny container home may not offer enough room or features. Feeling uninspired or with a lack of space inside your prefab container houses can lead you searching for ways to change your current situation. Here at March House we believe that your home should reflect you, not the other way around. Here’s what you can do if a little container house just isn’t enough for you. 

How to Determine the Weak Points of Small Container Houses for your Requirements? 

First, consider what you are looking for in a home. Do you have a big family? A tiny container home may have fewer bedrooms or bathrooms than your family requires. You might also need room for hobbies, such as painting, crafting or exercising. You think your container home is too small: Then it probably won’t fit your needs. Storage is also something to think about. Tiny customised shipping containers don’t have a lot of room for storage. If your belongings are stacking up and overtaking your living space, you clearly need a change. The layout of the small container home can sometimes also be a problem. If you’re unable to configure furniture in a way that suits your needs, perhaps it’s time to consider options. 

Then, of course, consider how you use your space. Are you a cooking enthusiast and should your kitchen be larger? Or do you work out of the house and require a peaceful office? If the design of your container home doesn’t fit into your lifestyle, it can become a source of frustration. Then remember that a home should work for what you do every day. If your life feels as though it’s one big collision, and your living spaces are chaotic, that’s a pretty good sign it doesn’t serve you. Finally, think about how long you are planning to spend in your container home. If you see yourself living there for a long time, it might be worth investing in something that more closely meets your needs. We have this narrative that a person makes one decision, and they are done. March House wants you to be happy in your home. 

Where to Find other Options if Tiny Container Houses Don’t Work For You? 

When you find a small container home just isn't for you, it's time to get creative in how we re-purpose those shipping containers. Begin with bigger containers homes. March House comes in various sizes – there may be a larger model that suits you better. Larger container homes come blessed with more space to play with — enough for bedrooms, bathroom, and even extra rooms if you so desire (for hobbies or work). You can even consider stacking several container house modular to create a bigger living area. This is an opportunity to build that custom home that fits your life style. 

Another option is to check out old-fashioned homes. Though more expensive, they also tend to be roomier and more comfortable. For example, see what’s available in local housing markets. You can still find a quaint cottage or bigger family home within your budget. Don’t forget about renting! If you’re not in a position to buy something right now, consider renting more space temporarily while you work out your longer-term plans. 

If you're still into the whole container home idea, perhaps you could modify your existing house, too. Extensions or outdoor spaces can add value to your living. Consider adding a deck, porch or even a garden shed for extra storage. This could give you more space without the trouble of moving. 

And if all else fails, you can try talking to someone who is a professional. March House is going to give you a hand thinking about all your possibilities and helping you figure out what the best solution for you is. This way, the living space is always just right. 

How to improve small container homes for better usability? 

So, if you live in a tiny container home and it doesn’t seem to fit for you, don’t worry, there are alternative options that can make it better. So first, think about how you use your space. Are there spaces you never use? If yes, those spots you can alter in order for them to be more useful. For example, you may not sleep in a guest bedroom frequently. You could make it a home office or a craft room instead. Multifunctional furniture is another solution. A couch that transforms into a bed or a table that flat-packs when you don’t need it are space-saving but also give us the functionality we want. 

Another clever idea is to take advantage of vertical space. That means high shelving on walls and more free space on the floor. Hanging household plants or decorations can make your house feel snug without a lot of clutter. You might also consider some under-bed or under-sofa storage bins or boxes. So, you can keep things nice and tidy without piling up too much stuff in the living area. 

Lighting is also valuable for making a small space seem larger and more welcoming. Bright lights or even fairy lights can bring a happy mood. Natural light is always best, so if you can add extra windows or opt for curtains that allow the sun to shine in. You might also be able to give your home a more open feeling by keeping the colors light and bright. 

Finally, don’t overlook outdoor space. If you have a small space outdoors of your container home, make it a beautiful spot in which to relax. Putting in even some chairs, a tiny table or a garden is possible. This gives you more ‘living’ space, and your home feels larger as a result. 

Small Container Homes Without Facilities - What To Do? 

Occasionally, there are not everything that you need to be able to live easily in some limited container homes. You can do something to address that if your home is lacking certain necessities. First, write down what you feel is lacking. Not necessarily grand things, either: you might just mean a decent kitchen, or a bathroom of one’s own or enough storage space. Once you know what you want, we can decide how to add these things. 

Consider investing in small appliances if you have a crowded kitchen space. There are small refrigerators and stoves that can occupy a tiny space and still function reliably. You can also have the cabinets go all the way to the ceiling for additional storage. That way, your kitchen stays organized and doesn't take up too much space. 

Space-saving fixtures are a great also choice for the bathroom. A petite shower instead of an oversize bathtub can save a ton of space. And don't forget the corner sink to maintain an open feel. If you don’t have a bathroom in your container home, consider building an outdoor bathroom, if you have the room. 

If you don’t find that you have enough storage, consider creative ones. Establish a system of baskets, shelves or hooks on the walls to keep you things organized. This can help you maximize every nook in your house. 

Last but not least, if you think your container home is still too bare, add another container. Two containers, connected here and cut free there, might afford you more space.  And that means you could designate different areas of your home for different uses — a living room over here, a bedroom back here. 

Selecting the Best Shipping Container Home for You and Your Lifestyle

When considering a container home, what’s most important is picking one that suits your life. First, consider how many people will be living in the home. If it’s only you, a small container may be sufficient. But if you have a family or plan to host guests, you may need more room. Also, think about how much privacy you would like. Sometimes, it’s pleasant to have different bedrooms or spaces for various activities. 

Then consider your day-to-day and what you are interested in. Love to cook, a larger OK with a bigger kitchen will make you happy. If you work from home, you may be craving a silent office. Also, think about your hobbies. Do you like gardening? If that’s the case, you may want to make your home feel a little more truly yours by being able to accommodate plants outside? 

There are a few other considerations, as well where you’d like your container home to be located. Is it in an urban or a rural place? There may be places that require special permissions or have rules about living in a container home. Before you choose where to place your home, be sure to check local laws. 

Lastly, think about your budget. Container homes are often cheaper than your traditional home, but it can still add up if you have to go to a contractor and get everything done right: insulation, plumbing, electricity. Know how much you can afford to spend and only what you really need. At March House, we are of the opinion that your perfect container home should incorporate into your life and make you feel absolutely AMAZING!