Choosing Containers for Home and Storage

How do you choose the right containers?

Choose containers based on what they need to hold, where you plan to use them and how frequently they will be handled. Consider size, material, access and maintenance separately. Do not assume one option will suit every purpose.

For food storage, check the manufacturer's instructions before using a container for heating or cooking.

Start with a short project brief:

• Contents: What will it hold, move, grow or make?
• Space: Measure the available space and the opening needed to load or remove items.
• Exposure: Will it be exposed to heat, moisture, outdoor weather or frequent handling?
• Upkeep: How will you clean, check, maintain and replace it?
• Budget: Include accessories, delivery, preparation and ongoing costs.

Use this brief to narrow your options before browsing different designs. If you are collecting ideas through #containers, save the product information alongside the photo. Consider what the image leaves out, such as dimensions, instructions, access or the work needed to make it suitable.

For kitchen and pantry storage, explore our Jars & Containers collection.

Can shipping containers become practical homes?

Shipping containers can be incorporated into building projects, but converting one into a home involves more than using the steel shell. It requires planning, technical assessment and consideration of local building requirements. Treat it as a construction project that needs professional review, rather than a ready-made home.

Before purchasing, speak with your local building department and a qualified design professional. Ask what approvals, records and engineering assessments may be required for your site and design. Do not assume a design approved elsewhere will meet the requirements in your area.

Plan your budget around the completed home. Request separate cost estimates for site preparation, delivery, foundations, modifications, insulation, utilities, interior work and professional services. This makes it easier to compare different plans and understand the costs beyond the container itself.

During an inspection, ask the seller to provide information about the container's condition and any known modifications. Share these details with the professionals assessing its suitability. Appearance alone does not establish whether a container is suitable as a building material.

Portable storage: look beyond fleet size

When comparing portable storage container rental services, fleet size should prompt further questions rather than determine your choice. Ask what is available for your location, preferred dates and required size.

Request a written quote and clarify these points before booking:

• Scheduling: Confirm delivery, collection and transport arrangements between locations.
• Site access: Ask about the delivery vehicle's clearance requirements and suitable surfaces.
• Placement: Check property rules and whether placing a container on the street requires local permission.
• Charges: Ask about rental periods, transport, additional services and cancellation terms.
• Contents: Request a list of prohibited items and ask about available protection options.

Site preparation deserves its own discussion. Ask the provider about delivery clearance, unpaved surfaces and placement restrictions. Have the company assess the location and explain which areas need to remain clear.

For a renovation, sketch where the container would be positioned in relation to the work area. Ask the contractor and storage provider to review access arrangements together. This can help you assess whether the proposed location is suitable.

Food storage starts with intended use

Food storage containers should be selected according to their intended use. Do not assume that a container suitable for cold food can also be used for reheating. Check the product label and manufacturer's instructions before placing a container in a microwave or other appliance.

For regular meal preparation, consider reusable containers designed for food storage rather than repeatedly using disposable packaging. Check the cleaning and appliance instructions for each item instead of relying on its appearance or shape.

Explore our Jars & Containers collection for options to consider when organising food and kitchen essentials.

Before ordering a set, measure a refrigerator shelf and the cupboard where you plan to store the empty containers.

List the portions you regularly pack, such as lunch, soup, dressing or a family-sized serving. Use this list to assess the sizes you need rather than choosing a set based only on the number of pieces included.

Also check what the set includes. Count containers and lids separately in your notes, and compare usable capacity rather than relying on package quantities. The aim is to choose a set that suits your routine and available storage space.

Evaluating glass food storage containers

Glass food storage containers are one reusable option to consider. They are available in different shapes and sizes, including round and square designs.

Compare the dimensions with your shelves, lunch bag and usual portions before buying. Look at the lid design as closely as the container itself. Check how to open, clean and use both parts, and review the product instructions for any appliance or temperature limitations.

Keep your choice focused on practical details rather than assuming that every container in a set will suit all your kitchen storage needs.

How should you use a candle wick sizing guide for containers?

A candle wick sizing guide can be used as a starting point when testing candles, rather than as a final recommendation. Factors such as wax type, container diameter, fragrance, dye and other additives may affect the result. Follow the relevant supplier's instructions and complete appropriate burn testing before using or selling finished candles.

Begin with a vessel intended for candle making. Not every glass jar or container is designed to withstand the heat produced by a burning candle. Do not assume that a decorative food storage jar is suitable for this purpose.

Keep a simple testing record:

1. Record the vessel, wax, fragrance, dye and wick used.
2. Check the supplier's guidance for the wax and container diameter.
3. Follow the recommended burn-testing process under supervision.
4. Record flame behaviour, soot, melt-pool development and changes during later burns.
5. Repeat testing when you change the recipe or vessel.

Assess the candle throughout the testing process, not just during the first burn. Heat conditions may change as the flame moves lower into the container. Treat wick recommendations as a starting point and follow the relevant testing instructions.

Planting tomato plants in containers

Planting tomatoes in containers starts with matching the pot to the plant variety and available space. Consider the mature size of the plant and the room its roots may need when choosing a container.

Larger vining tomato varieties may require more space than compact varieties. Check the growing requirements for the variety you intend to plant before choosing a pot.

Choose the location before filling the container. Tomatoes generally need a suitable amount of direct sunlight and convenient access to water. Some containers may require more frequent watering during hot, dry weather, so include watering access in your plan.

For your first growing season, consider starting with a compact variety and a small number of plants. Plan for plant support during the initial setup rather than waiting until the plant becomes difficult to manage. Bush or dwarf varieties may be worth considering when working with limited space.

Make the container fit the job

Start with the intended task, then compare suitable containers. Before making a decision, record the measurements, instructions, costs and unanswered questions relevant to your project.

Whether you are planning a home, packing lunches, testing candles or growing tomatoes, preparing these details can give you a clearer basis for choosing. It can also help you identify practical requirements before getting started.