Get Simple Box is transforming schools and communities with shipping containers for sale

Creative Ways Schools and Communities Use Shipping Containers for Sale

Table of Contents

When most people hear the phrase shipping containers for sale, they picture cargo stacked at a seaport, coming from foreign countries and traveling across oceans filled with manufactured goods. But increasingly, schools and communities are seeing these sturdy steel boxes in a new light: as affordable, versatile, and practical solutions to everyday problems —whether it’s finding affordable classrooms, secure storage for equipment, or flexible spaces for after-school programs and community events.

 

At Get Simple Box, we know this firsthand as our entire company began as a school project. What began as a creative storage solution has grown into a mission: helping schools and communities find smarter, more affordable space options.

 

From sports fields to theater programs, shipping containers are quietly reshaping the way schools operate, offering cost-effective alternatives to expensive construction projects, while also opening doors to creative new uses.

 

In this guide, we’ll see how schools are turning shipping containers for sale into affordable, flexible solutions for everyday needs: You’ll learn:

 

  • Why schools are increasingly choosing portable storage containers over costly permanent buildings
  • Four of the most popular ways schools use shipping containers (with real-world examples)
  • How one college built a press box by stacking containers
  • Creative uses for the arts: storage, band, theater, and even murals
  • What to consider when planning placement and delivery
  • A side-by-side comparison: containers vs. traditional construction
  • The pros and cons of new vs. used shipping containers
  • Renting versus buying: which option makes sense for your school
  • How collaboration across departments makes containers even more valuable
  • Practical add-ons like batting cages, outdoor gyms, and multipurpose storage
  • Big-picture benefits: security, cost savings, and long-term flexibility
  • Conclusion: why shipping containers for sale are the smarter choice for schools

Why Schools Love Portable Storage Containers

Schools and community groups often face the same challenge: limited budgets but unlimited needs. Athletic programs are growing, arts departments need more space, and facilities are stretched thin. Traditional construction projects, even something as simple as a concession stand, can run well into six figures and take months of approvals, permits, and building time.

 

Shipping containers, on the other hand, offer four major advantages:

 

  1. Affordability – Even a new shipping container or a 40’ shipping container for sale costs a fraction of building a permanent structure.
  2. Flexibility – Shipping Containers can move with the season. A concession stand can serve football in the fall and baseball in the spring.
  3. Security – Made of steel, storage containers lock up tight, keeping expensive gear safe from theft and weather.
  4. Speed – No need for lengthy permits or construction crews. A shipping container can be delivered, placed, and ready to use in a matter of days.
  5. Portability – Shipping containers can be relocated as needs change, giving schools and communities the freedom to move storage, classrooms, or concession stands wherever they’re most useful.
Why Schools Love Get Simple Box Portable Storage Containers

Four Creative Ways Schools Are Using Shipping Containers

1. Concession Stands that Pay for Themselves

For most high schools, Friday night football is the heartbeat of the community. Concessions are a big part of that, helping raise money for school programs and events. However, not every school has a sturdy, permanent concession stand, and building one from scratch is a daunting task, and often unaffordable for most budgets.

 

Shipping containers solve that problem. Instead of investing tens of thousands of dollars into a permanent concession structure, schools can purchase a shipping container, add a service window, install some counters, and be up and running in a fraction of the time.

 

One superintendent told us that what he loved most was the ability to move the stand. During football season, the container sits at the stadium; come spring, it’s towed over to the baseball diamond. That kind of seasonal flexibility just isn’t possible with permanent construction.

And let’s not forget security. With a steel 20ft container or 40ft container, everything locks up at night, from hot dog rollers to cash registers.

Get Simple Box assists you in modifying your shipping container

2. Locker Rooms on a Budget

Not every school has state-of-the-art locker rooms, especially at the field level. One football program we worked with transformed a 40ft shipping container for sale into a fully functional locker room.

 

Here’s how they did it:

 

  • Lockers were installed along both sides of the container.
  • A bench ran down the middle for team huddles and gear prep.
  • An occupancy sensor triggered LED lights and an exhaust fan from King Electric to keep air moving and reduce the odor of sweaty pads.
  • A standard steel door provided easy, secure access.

 

The result? A professional-grade locker room at a fraction of the cost of new construction, with the added benefit that it could be relocated or modified later.

 

3. Equipment Storage that Saves Money

If you’ve ever walked around a high school track, you know the scene: hurdles stacked haphazardly, mats leaning against fences, and random gear scattered around.

 

That clutter isn’t just messy, it shortens the lifespan of expensive equipment. Track mats, practice equipment, and other gear degrade quickly in harsh weather.

 

A simple 20ft container or storage container for rent gives schools the ability to corral everything in one secure, weather-protected space. In fact, many athletic directors have told us that adding container storage extended the life of their gear by years, saving thousands of dollars over time.

Save money on equipment storage with Get Simple Box

4. Creative Arts and Performance Spaces

Sports aren’t the only ones benefiting. One community college purchased a 40ft shipping container, added doors on all four sides, and now uses it to store sets, costumes, and props for their performing arts department.

 

On Whidbey Island, the local art department went even bigger, purchasing multiple containers and building an auditorium from them. Other schools have used them for marching band storage, outdoor gyms, or even batting cages.

 

We’ve also seen art departments turn shipping containers into canvases themselves, painting murals that beautify the campus while still serving a practical purpose.

Real-World Stories of Shipping Containers in Action

The best part about shipping containers for sale is seeing how schools bring them to life. A few standout projects include:

 

  • A Local Community College – Stacked multiple containers to create a baseball press box.
  • High School Football Program – Transformed a 40ft unit into a locker room with benches, lockers, lights, and ventilation.
  • Island County Arts – Built a full auditorium from several modified containers.
  • Performing Arts Department – Converted a 40ft container into a storage hub for costumes and stage sets.

 

These examples show just how versatile shipping containers can be. Whether for athletics, the arts, or general storage, they deliver functional space at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction.

Thinking Ahead: Placement and Planning

Of course, making the most of shipping containers for sale requires a little forethought. Schools considering a container project should ask:

 

  • Where will it go? – Will the shipping container stay in one place permanently, or move with the seasons?
  • What’s underneath? – For long-term placement, a concrete or asphalt pad is ideal. If mobility is needed, dunnage under the corners can keep it level without damaging surfaces.
  • How will it be delivered? – These are heavy steel boxes, and delivery trucks need access to the field or lot where the storage container will sit. Planning avoids headaches on game day.
  • Who will use it? –  Collaboration across departments makes a big difference. A shipping container purchased by facilities could be painted by the art department or repurposed for bulk storage when concessions aren’t in use. Other departments may also benefit from the space, which might make a 40ft container a better choice than a 20ft. With just a few simple modifications, one container can serve multiple teams, making it both efficient and cost-effective.
The expert delivery team at Get Simple Box specializes in the placement of shipping containers

Comparing Containers vs. Traditional Construction

FeatureShipping ContainersTraditional Construction
Cost$3,000–$10,000+, depending on size (even a new shipping container is affordable)$50,000–$120,000+
TimelineDelivered and ready in daysMonths of design, permits, and building
FlexibilityCan move seasonally or be repurposedPermanent, fixed location
SecuritySteel doors and locks, weatherproofDependent on build quality
PermitsOften not required for containersAlways required for buildings

It’s easy to see why more schools are choosing containers. They solve the same problems, at a fraction of the cost, with far more flexibility.

New vs. Used Shipping Containers

Another common question we hear is: Should we buy new or used shipping containers for sale?

 

  • New Shipping Containers – Clean, dent-free, and ready for modification. Perfect if appearance matters, like a concession stand or press box.
  • Used Shipping Containers – More affordable, with plenty of life left. Great for basic storage, locker rooms, or equipment sheds.

 

Both options come in standard sizes:

 

Renting vs. Owning a Shipping Container

Not every school wants to buy. For temporary needs, portable storage container rentals or shipping container rentals might be the smarter option. Rental containers (sometimes called storage pods for rent) are perfect for construction projects, special events, or short-term athletic seasons.

 

That said, most superintendents love that containers can be purchased outright without state funding or red tape. Once it’s bought, the container belongs to the school, a one-time investment that pays dividends for decades.

The Bigger Picture

Shipping containers aren’t just boxes, they’re solutions. They serve as:

 

  • Concession stands feeding the community on game nights
  • Locker rooms that make athletes feel like pros
  • Murals that inspire creativity
  • Storage spaces that protect thousands of dollars of equipment

 

At Get Simple Box, we’re proud to help schools and communities imagine what’s possible with shipping containers. Every project we deliver, whether it’s a concession stand, locker room, or storage solution, reminds us how much impact one simple idea can have when it’s put into action. Our mission is the same today as it was at the very beginning: providing affordable, flexible, and functional space for the people who need it most.

FAQs About Shipping Containers for Schools and Communities

  1. What sizes of shipping containers are available?
    At Get Simple Box, we typically stock 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft shipping containers. Each size can be used differently, 10ft for compact storage or kiosks, 20ft for flexible athletic or equipment storage, and 40ft for locker rooms, concession stands, or large-scale projects. See our full guide to container dimensions here.
  2. Should our school buy new or used shipping containers?
    Both are great options. New shipping containers look sharp and are perfect for highly visible projects like concession stands or press boxes. Used shipping containers are more affordable and work well for storage, locker rooms, or bulk equipment. Learn more about shipping containers for sale here.
  3. Can we rent instead of buying?
    Yes! Portable storage container rentals are a popular option for schools that need short-term solutions—like storing equipment during a remodel or hosting seasonal events. Rentals can also be a good “trial run” before making a purchase. Explore our container rental options here.
  4. How are shipping containers delivered?
    We deliver containers directly to your property or campus using tilt-bed trucks. Our local expert delivery team helps with placement planning so you’ll know what to expect before delivery. Get details on delivery here.
  5. Do we need permits to place a container on school grounds? It depends on your city and county. Many temporary containers don’t require permits, but it’s always smart to check local regulations. We can help guide you through what’s typically needed in your area.
  6. How do we get a quote for a container?
    The fastest way is to get container prices online or call our team directly. We’ll provide a free, no-pressure quote and help you decide whether a 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft container is the best fit.

A Simple, Smart Choice

If your school or community is facing space challenges, you don’t need to break the budget. Look at the many shipping containers for sale, whether new, used, 20ft, or 40ft, and imagine the possibilities.

 

From athletics to the arts, storage to concessions, containers aren’t just steel boxes. They’re a smarter way forward.

 

Ready to explore your options? Call Get Simple Box today and get a free quote on a shipping container for your school or community project.

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