Thinking of building a container home? You’re not alone. More people are choosing shipping containers as a smart, affordable, and eco-friendly base for modern homes. But not all containers are created equal.

At Equilhaul, we help customers find the best containers for container homes — ones that are durable, modification-friendly, and built to last. Here’s what to look for.

1. Choose High Cube Containers for Extra Space

High cube containers are the top pick for container homes. Why? They give you 9’6” of ceiling height — a full foot more than standard containers.

• Ideal for: Loft beds, ceiling-mounted lights, insulation without feeling cramped

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2. New (One-Trip) Containers Are Best for Living Spaces

If you’re converting a container into a home, go for a new or one-trip container. These units:

• Have minimal rust or wear
• Offer cleaner interiors
• Reduce long-term maintenance

???? Avoid old, retired shipping containers unless you’re ready for major refurbishing.

3. Consider 40ft or 45ft Lengths for More Room

For permanent or multi-room container homes, 40ft High Cube containers are the industry standard.

• 40ft High Cube: ~320 sq. ft. of space
• 45ft High Cube: ~360 sq. ft., perfect for larger layouts

Need more flexibility? Combine multiple units with side openings or cutouts for windows and doors.

4. Look for Wind & Watertight (WWT) Certification

Only choose containers labeled as:

• Wind & Watertight (WWT)
• Cargo Worthy (CW)
• Or fully refurbished

These designations mean they’ve passed inspection and are safe for structural use and long-term living.

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5. Insulation and Mod-Friendly Features Matter

Choose containers with:

• Straight walls and solid flooring
• Minimal rust or floor damage
• Clean weld lines and corner castings

This makes cutting, insulating, and mounting doors/windows easier during the build process.

6. Bonus Tip: Consider Pre-Fab Container Homes

Equilhaul also offers custom-ready cabins — containers pre-fitted with:

• Doors, windows, electricals
• Insulation and flooring
• HVAC-ready modifications

These cut down build time and reduce cost over full DIY conversions.

????️ View container cabins for sale

Conclusion

The foundation of every great container home starts with the right container. For durability, space, and modifiability, High Cube one-trip containers in 40ft or 45ft lengths are the gold standard.

???? Contact us to speak with a container home expert or browse available home-ready containers today.