Is your business growing faster than expected? Do you need extra space during construction or an expansion? If your company is experiencing growing pains, a mobile office container may be the perfect solution. A mobile office gives staff needed space, provides an uncluttered area during remodels and renovations, and boosts your employees’ productivity. If something unexpected comes up, you can keep your business running smoothly by moving your operations into a satellite office instead of closing your business entirely. It also saves time and money. Here’s how to know if a mobile office container is suitable for your business:
What is a Mobile Office Container?
A mobile office container is a portable workspace, temporary storage resource or combination. Mobile offices are made from shipping containers, which are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They have an added level of security because they can be locked to protect the contents. Mobile offices are more affordable than renting a new office space because they can be ready to use faster than going with traditional construction. Container offices are available in various sizes and can be modified, or fabricated, to fit your specific needs.
Why Do I Need a Mobile Office Container?
As your business grows, your location needs more office space. This can be due to new inventory, overstock, new hires or moving employees to a different location. A lack of space can mean overcrowding and disorganization for your team. A chaotic office environment often leads to an unproductive staff. It can affect productivity among existing staff and confuse new hires.
Mobile offices are a cost-effective solution to your business distractions. You can rent a storage container for a specific time or buy one to use forever. Many businesses customize their container with various add-ons like windows, electricity, running water, and heating and cooling. You can even have your mobile office adorned with your company colors and logo. Here are the most common reasons a business rents or buys a container office:
Extra Office Space
A mobile office container is a great temporary solution that adds extra storage space and a dependable place to do business. It allows employees to work in a familiar office environment only a few steps from your main office. Or it can act as its own independent hub. Meanwhile, you can continue to grow your business to a new location or remodel your current digs.
Is a mobile storage office right for your business? Ask yourself these three questions:
1. How long will I need more office space?
The length of time you will need a mobile office space depends on what is happening at your business location. For example, if your business is undergoing a remodel or renovation, you may need to rent a mobile office for a few months or even a year. At Southwest Mobile Storage, most business owners are unsure how long they will need a mobile office. And that’s okay! You can use a portable office rental for as long as you need. Let us know when you’re done with it, and we will come and pick it up.
2. How will it impact my business?
Not all disruptions are equal. A lack of space can inhibit employees and clients, especially if you aren’t going through a sizable construction project that takes a few months or longer to complete. For example, maybe your office isn’t under construction, but the parking lot is. This can cause a hindrance to employees who may have difficulty parking or accessing the primary office. If you meet regularly with clients, they may not know where to go or even realize that your office is open for business.
Consider these questions to determine how a mobile office can benefit your business:
- Can my employees still do their jobs?
- Can we continue to provide fantastic customer service?
- Will a portable office container save me money?
- What are the costs of NOT using a mobile office container?
3. What size of mobile office does my business need?
While office containers can come in various sizes, you don’t want to spend money on something that doesn’t fit your workforce. While a 40-foot container has plenty of space and storage, it may be too large for a single employee, and a smaller office may only work for part of your team. At SMS, we offer office mobile office options in three standard sizes: 10 feet, 20 feet, and 40 feet. On the inside, you can fabricate the office use or storage, or a combination.
Here some common configurations:
- 10′ x 8′ (one office)
- 20′ X 8′ (one office)
- 20′ x 8′ (combo storage and one office)
- 40′ x 8′ (one office)
- 40′ x 8′ (combo storage and one office)
- 40′ x 8′ (two offices)
The mobile office size you choose will depend on your workforce and the use of your current office setup. For example, if you have a small administrative team of three employees, a 20-foot mobile office can accommodate them. A combination office works well if you need to conduct regular meetings with clients.
Reduce Clutter
An overflow of inventory can cause clutter, making your office look disorganized. Too much clutter can be a safety risk to employees. A mobile container is ideal for storing construction items, office equipment and supplies during a remodel or renovation. Shipping containers can hold many things and keep them readily accessible at your business location. Renting a storage unit offsite is inconvenient, especially when you need to retrieve an item quickly during working hours. With an on-site storage container, you don’t even have to leave the property!
Avoid Construction and Debris
Nobody wants to work surrounded by constant loud noises caused by nearby construction. Noise and distractions from construction lower office morale and can impact business flow. Noisy conditions can hinder your staff’s ability to talk on the phone or concentrate on essential tasks. Also, construction projects often have a lot of debris, and the local air quality can be poor from dust and debris. With a fabricated mobile office, you can install windows that you can open and close. You can also outfit containers with heating and cooling systems to regulate temperature and fresh air flow.
Maintain Your Professionalism
A mobile office container rental gives your business a professional look and vibe when your space is unavailable. You can outfit a container office with desks, filing cabinets, lighting and electrical outlets for your staff. Mobile office rentals at Southwest Mobile Storage often come with HVAC systems, security doors, windows, and storage areas. Our combination containers even have a conference area that can serve as your team’s dedicated meeting space.
Mobile Office Common Uses
You can use mobile offices in many industries, from construction to healthcare. Most companies rent portable office containers between nine and 24 months. Here are a few sectors that routinely benefit from a mobile container rental:
- Construction
- Commercial/Retail
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Schools
- Government
- Agriculture
- Chemical/Industrial
- Utilities and Energy
- Oil and Gas
Mobile Office Recap
Limited space shouldn’t be a challenge as your business grows. A mobile office can boost your employees’ productivity, give space to new hires, and provide an uncluttered area during remodeling or renovations. Portable offices help to give your business the extra storage it needs while keeping employees productive in a familiar environment not far from your central hub.
Southwest Mobile Storage has several convenient service areas:
- Phoenix
- Tucson
- Denver
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
Our mobile storage containers and portable offices are rented by small businesses and some of the world’s best-known brands like Amazon and Walmart. As a leader in high-end steel container fabrication, we’ve completed thousands of projects, from complex customizations for NASA and the U.S. Navy to large-scale projects for the City of Los Angeles, Helix Electric and Sundt Construction.
For us, custom shipping containers are more than just windows and doors. Whatever you can think of, we can build zero outsourcing. Our certified safety and quality testing throughout the process mean you can expect reliable finishes and superior steel container reuse. From service to delivery, we strive to give you the best possible experience and a fleet that maintains the highest quality standards. Our integrity depends on it.
Not only can a container rental provide extra space and storage, it can also make your business better. Read more about how office container workspaces can improve business. Or, watch this short video to see how we customize a 20-foot container with HVAC, electricity, insulation and more.
