Used Shipping Containers for Sale in NZ: What to Know Before You Buy

If you’re thinking about buying a used shipping container in New Zealand, you’re not alone. Perfect for adding extra storage to your business, semi-permanent/permanent storage for your home or even creating office spaces or lunchrooms on site, repurposed containers offer a cost-effective and durable solution. But before you commit, we think that there are a few key things you should know to ensure you get the best value out of your container.

Why a Shipping Container is a Smart Storage Investment

Storageville offers 10ft, 20ft and 40ft containers to suit any space. Our containers are weatherproof (ideal for New Zealand conditions), secure and long lasting making them ideal for home, business or site use. Easy to move and built to last, a shipping container has a long lifespan making them an excellent re-sell investment if your container is no longer required.

Why Choose a Used Shipping Container?

Second hand containers are a smart choice for many reasons. They’re significantly cheaper than new ones, often readily available and can still offer years of functionality. Less concerned with aesthetics and more interested in functionality? A used container will often do the job just fine, albeit with a few extra signs of a well traveled life. As long as they are properly cared for and maintained, you should get plenty more use out of them – just with a bit of character appeal.

How to Inspect a Used Container Before You Buy

We’ll do the hard work for you here and make sure that all our used containers for sale in NZ are in the best condition. But here are a few things to look out for in your storage container:

Rust and corrosion – Surface rust is common, but deep corrosion could affect structural integrity.
Doors and seals – Ensure they open and close smoothly and that rubber seals are intact.
Flooring – Check for rot, damage, or chemical spills – especially if you’re using it for clean storage or a tiny house build.
Structural integrity – Make sure the frame is square and there are no major dents or holes.

How Much Does a Used Container Cost in NZ?

Costs vary depending on size and condition, but here at Storageville we offer competitive pricing to fit any storage or site requirements. Prices can change and we often have exclusive discounts available on shipping containers for sale so please get in touch with our team for a real-time quote.

Alt text: Two used shipping containers for sale, side by side

Types Of Shipping Containers Available For Purchase

Here at Storageville Auckland and Waikato, we can provide a variety of shipping containers perfectly suited to your needs. Container options include:

10ft containers for sale

Our 10 foot shipping containers are compact and perfectly suited for sites where space is limited. Tool & equipment storage, garden sheds on residential properties or just extra storage for small businesses without sacrificing on space. Their manageable size makes them easy to transport and place, making them one of our most popular options. While they offer less storage volume, the convenience and mobility of a 10ft container make them an ideal choice for short-term, mobile and low-storage needs.

20ft containers for sale

The most commonly purchased option, our 20 foot containers offer the perfect balance of space and affordability. Ideal for general storage, small office conversions or as a base unit for modular building projects, this versatile size container offers ample space without overwhelming a property or budget. The 20ft container is simply the perfect middle ground between storage capacity and footprint, making this container New Zealand’s most popular choice.

Prices for a used 20 foot shipping container for sale start at $3000 + GST & delivery.

40ft containers for sale

Need to absolutely maximise storage space? The 40 foot container will soon be your best friend. These shipping containers are best suited for your large storage needs: Logistics operations, building operations requiring significant space like container homes or commercial workshops, retail storage and farming and construction machinery. They provide double the capacity and over 12m of internal storage… huge!

Prices for a used 40ft shipping container start at $4000 + GST & delivery.

High cube or regular container?

High cube variants of shipping containers offer more height, making them ideal for taller equipment or more creative builds. You get about 15% more internal space but the same length and width as a regular container – so you can simply fit more cargo inside. This is especially helpful for storing things like pallets, machinery or bulky materials.

High cube containers are ideal for tiny homes, offices and studios. The extra height makes the interior feel more open & allows for things like lighting, insulation and ceiling fixtures without sacrificing headroom.

Used Side Opening Shipping Containers For Sale

These containers offer full side opening, making loading/unloading cargo a breeze and ideal if frequent access is required. Used side opening containers boast the same durability and security as our standard container, with the added convenience of easy access.

Want to know the dimensions and specifications of shipping containers? Check out Mainfreight’s handy guide.

Final Tips Before You Buy A Used Container

Check zoning rules or consent if you’re planning a build – see here for Auckland council’s information on modular components and building consents
Ask us about delivery, offloading and any site prep needs – we can offer great rates on 10/20ft container delivery with our ute and trailor if site access allows – container transport Auckland or container transport Waikato.

Ready to Talk More About Buying a Used Container?

Get in touch with our shipping container sales team right here in Auckland and Waikato (Ngatea). We have new and used containers available and can also offer container hire.

Do we want to add something at the end about us offering cheap delivery of 10/20fts with our ute and trailer if site access allows? We can link back to our delivery pages?

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