What are the cheapest types of storage shelter/workshop?

[SoilHugger]

I know storage containers are popular ones. Not sure if I want/need something so heavy duty.

Was thinking something perhaps more easily moved by me that I could chuck on roof of van or trailer and erect/dismantle by hand though that is not a hard and fast rule if other suggestions might not be of that nature.

Would just a wooden garden/potting shed be best in such a case?

Doesn't have to be massive, just the size to store hand tools and a bit of workspace from the elements.

I recall @suffolksmallholder mentioning elsewhere that they prefer just using tarps as it is less likely to attract thieves. I am not sure the increased weathering and lack of shelter is worth that for the remote chance of a break in? If there was they would quickly see there was not much of value and only a case of replacing a lock or door or so?

 

[suffolksmallholder]

I know storage containers are popular ones. Not sure if I want/need something so heavy duty.

Was thinking something perhaps more easily moved by me that I could chuck on roof of van or trailer and erect/dismantle by hand though that is not a hard and fast rule if other suggestions might not be of that nature.

Would just a wooden garden/potting shed be best in such a case?

Doesn't have to be massive, just the size to store hand tools and a bit of workspace from the elements.

I recall @suffolksmallholder mentioning elsewhere that they prefer just using tarps as it is less likely to attract thieves. I am not sure the increased weathering and lack of shelter is worth that for the remote chance of a break in? If there was they would quickly see there was not much of value and only a case of replacing a lock or door or so?

Polytunnel frame and tarp over?
Although TBH I never expected ours and its clear plastic to last as long as it has and at this time of year it is warm inside. You could put a temporary door at each end to help stop draughts.
Fifteen years on FYI.
SS

 

[tw15]

Still think two shipping containers spaced out about 20 ft apart and covering over the gap is best most handlers will lift them empty and you could use one for your tools and let one out to a local for a few bar tokens . Watch youtube ASHVILLE the guy runs a construction supply company near heathrow has built a temp workshop and got scaffolders in to put roof over . 40 ft containers are harder to move but in terms of cost are better value as not a lot dearer . recon you could do it 2 containers 40ft and cover over for 5k .
Pole barn ?

 

[SoilHugger]

Still think two shipping containers spaced out about 20 ft apart and covering over the gap is best most handlers will lift them empty and you could use one for your tools and let one out to a local for a few bar tokens . Watch youtube ASHVILLE the guy runs a construction supply company near heathrow has built a temp workshop and got scaffolders in to put roof over . 40 ft containers are harder to move but in terms of cost are better value as not a lot dearer . recon you could do it 2 containers 40ft and cover over for 5k .
Pole barn ?

Thanks however that seems more on the heavy duty side. 5k, was more thinking a few hundred quid.

 

[SoilHugger]

Polytunnel frame and tarp over?
Although TBH I never expected ours and its clear plastic to last as long as it has and at this time of year it is warm inside. You could put a temporary door at each end to help stop draughts.
Fifteen years on FYI.
SS

Perhaps as a secondary option but probably not going to be nice in there working in winter with lack of half sturdy sides to keep any kind of heating in if working in there. Of course depends how hard you are working to mitigate the need for heating.

 

[anzani]

Thanks however that seems more on the heavy duty side. 5k, was more thinking a few hundred quid.

Pardon our interruption...

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

I was thinking one of these?

Pardon our interruption...

 

[SoilHugger]

It is also not just a question of money but also limited space. Two containers separated apart with space in between will take up quite a large part of just a couple of acres. Totally overkill for my purposes of storing a couple of gardening tools with small area to work at.

Maybe if you are a mechanic then sure that would be warranted.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

Maybe a case of scanning eBay etc for locals selling old/large garden sheds/garages?

 

[yoki]

You can get some pretty heavy duty site huts and smaller on-site storage options which would be well thief/vandal proof.

 

[Ffermer Bach]

It is also not just a question of money but also limited space. Two containers separated apart with space in between will take up quite a large part of just a couple of acres. Totally overkill for my purposes of storing a couple of gardening tools with small area to work at.

Maybe if you are a mechanic then sure that would be warranted.

one can never have too much storage space.

 

[SoilHugger]

one can never have too much storage space.

How about the straw bale structure you suggested in another post? Would that offer good value for money? Seems like a fun project as an added benefit over buying a prefabricated structure. Just watching a video on building a shed with them.

On the other hand that is pretty involved if I want storage right away. Maybe the tarp option as an interim.

 

[hoff135]

Anything that is easily shifted is probably easily broken into or stolen.

I'm planning a 20ft container for my tools and going to put a lean-to on one side for a bit of space to work at stuff until the day I get a proper shed

 

[SoilHugger]

Anything that is easily shifted is probably easily broken into or stolen.

I'm planning a 20ft container for my tools and going to put a lean-to on one side for a bit of space to work at stuff until the day I get a proper shed

Ye but like I said I would only have none power hand tools from probably mostly ww2 era hand me downs so not exactly enticing for would be thieves but still don't want them left out in the elements.

 

[Flatlander]

A man on you tube made a frame from pvc pipe. Hammered a couple of feet of rebar on the ground to hold the pipe in place and had a cheap poly tunnel frame. Threw a tarp over and was good to go

 

[hoff135]

Ye but like I said I would only have none power hand tools from probably mostly ww2 era hand me downs so not exactly enticing for would be thieves but still don't want them left out in the elements.

Have you anything to tow a trailer? Trailer with box/shed on. Could always take the wheels off if not moving much

 

[yoki]

A "bender".

*edit* - the video is entirely safe for anyone who wants to watch it!

 

[Kevm]

Portakabin, phone some local companies that hire/sell them see if they have anything past it's "hireable" life that you can get cheap.
Fix the broken bits, seal the roof, paint it, when you have finished with it sell it for more than you paid for it.

 

[SoilHugger]

A "bender".

*edit* - the video is entirely safe for anyone who wants to watch it!

Indeed, I am fond of these 'low impact' options. Frame of foraged wood and tarp seem a good idea. Tarp not 'eco' but cheap and readily available and waterproof.

Also the mobility factor is a plus at the early stages before I know what I want where for sure.

 

[Ffermer Bach]

Anything that is easily shifted is probably easily broken into or stolen.

I'm planning a 20ft container for my tools and going to put a lean-to on one side for a bit of space to work at stuff until the day I get a proper shed

A builder in Carmarthen said, get a 40' container, as a 20' is easy for someone with a hiab to lift onto a wagon and steal. I don't agree, but something to think about.