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Boxtor recently supplied a high volume order of new shipping containers to a self-storage facility in Cheltenham, including three bespoke 20ft double-door containers fitted with custom steel partition walls.
The project was designed to help the customer expand their storage capacity while also offering a wider choice of unit sizes to their customers. In total, 18 x 20ft 1 trip (new) storage containers were delivered, offloaded and positioned on site within a single day.
The Customer’s Requirements
The customer wanted to add additional storage units to their Cheltenham container self storage facility while making the most efficient use of the available space on site.
Alongside 15 standard 20ft one-trip containers, they required three double-door, or tunnel, containers that could each be divided into two individual storage units.
This would allow the self-storage operator to offer smaller units without needing to purchase and position individual 10ft containers (which is more expensive to do this way).
The Solution
Boxtor supplied three new 20ft double-door containers finished externally in RAL 5013 blue.
Unlike a standard shipping container, a double-door container has cargo doors at both ends. By installing a steel partition wall in the centre, each 20ft container can be converted into two individual storage units (2 x 80 sq ft / 2 x 10ft), with separate access from either end via cargo doors.
Each container was fitted with a custom welded steel partition wall (repainted in light grey), creating:
- Two individual storage units of approximately 80 sq ft
- Separate access through the cargo doors at each end
- A secure and permanent division between the two units
- A consistent internal appearance
- No airflow between the two storage spaces, keeping them separate to each other
The steel divider walls were carefully welded into position inside each container and painted in RAL 7035 light grey to match the existing internal container walls.
The completed installation provides a clean, professional finish while ensuring both storage areas remain fully separated.
Why Use Partitioned Double-Door Containers?
Double-door containers are an increasingly popular option for self-storage facilities because they offer greater flexibility than a standard container.
Dividing one 20ft container into two smaller units allows operators to provide customers with a wider range of storage options. This can be particularly useful for customers who do not require a full 160 sq ft unit but still want secure, easily accessible storage.
The main benefits include:
Two Units from One Container
Each partitioned 20ft container provides two independently accessible storage spaces of approximately 80 sq ft.
This allows self-storage operators to increase the total number of rentable units available on site.
One lorry load of 2 x 20ft double door units with partitions gives you 4 x rentable storage containers.
Potential for a Higher Return on Investment
Two smaller storage units can often generate a greater combined rental return than one full-size 20ft unit.
This helps operators maximise the revenue generated from each container and from the available space across the site.
More Choice for Customers
Not every customer needs a full 20ft container.
Offering smaller units enables the self-storage facility to appeal to a broader customer base, including homeowners, students, tradespeople and small businesses with more modest storage requirements.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to 10ft Containers
Where sufficient space is available, a divided 20ft double-door container can be more cost-effective than purchasing two standalone 10ft shipping containers.
The operator gains two separate units while only requiring one container structure and one footprint.
Secure, Separate Storage Areas
The welded steel partition creates a strong and permanent divide between the two units.
There is no airflow between the storage spaces, helping maintain consistent conditions within each individual unit while preventing access between them.
Other Divider Wall Options
Every self-storage site has different requirements, which is why Boxtor can provide several partition wall configurations.
Welded Steel Partition Walls
Welded steel walls provide a permanent, highly secure division within the container. They are ideal for operators who intend to use the container as two separate storage units on a long-term basis.
The walls can be painted to match the container interior, providing a clean and uniform finish.
Plywood Partition Walls
Plywood divider walls are also available as a practical and cost-effective alternative.
These can be supplied painted or unpainted, depending on the customer’s requirements and the desired appearance of the finished units.
Removable Steel Partition Walls
For sites that require greater flexibility, Boxtor can install removable steel partition walls.
These allow the container to operate as two smaller storage units when required, while also giving the operator the option to remove the divider and return the container to a full-size 20ft storage unit.
This can be particularly beneficial when customer demand changes throughout the year.
High-Volume Delivery Completed in One Day
The three bespoke double-door containers were delivered alongside a further 15 standard 20ft one-trip containers.
To complete the installation efficiently, a dedicated HIAB crane vehicle was positioned at the Cheltenham site for the duration of the delivery.
Articulated flatbed vehicles then transported the containers to the site two at a time. As each vehicle arrived, the HIAB crane unloaded and carefully positioned the containers in their designated locations.
This coordinated delivery method allowed all 18 containers to be delivered, offloaded and sited within a single working day.
Careful planning and communication between Boxtor, the transport teams and the customer ensured the large-volume delivery was completed smoothly and with minimal disruption.
Customer Feedback
A Flexible Self-Storage Solution
Double-door containers fitted with internal partition walls provide self-storage operators with a practical way to expand their range of rentable unit sizes.
They can help increase revenue, improve site flexibility and provide customers with more choice, while retaining the strength, security and durability of a standard shipping container.
Whether you require welded steel walls, plywood dividers or removable partitions, Boxtor can manufacture a solution suited to your site and business model.
Looking to Expand Your Self-Storage Site?
Boxtor supplies bespoke shipping containers to self-storage facilities across the UK.
From individual double-door containers to high-volume site deliveries, our team can assist with container specifications, partition options, transport, crane offloading and final positioning.
Contact Boxtor to discuss your self-storage container requirements and request a quotation.
