Life in a shipping container

Posted at 11:36 AM on November 30, 2011 by Bob Collins (4 Comments)
Filed under: Economy

We were driving home from Aitkin last Friday afternoon and spotted a "home" on Mille Lacs -- I think it was in the Garrison area -- made of a shipping container. Maybe they're at the front of a parade.

Today, for example, Fair Companies reports on a single mother in California who didn't want to add a mortgage to her student loan debt. She was offered a shipping container for free, and made a home out of it.

Good luck trying the idea in most communities in Minnesota, though. It'd be against many local zoning laws.

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Comments (4)

I love stories like this and have my own plans for this sort of lifestyle, but the hardest part is finding a place that allows it. She appears to be out in the country, but has electricity and water (and probably a dubious septic system of sorts.) I wish the story had addressed the land ownership/rent issues, because without that the lifestyle is not possible.

Posted by John P II | November 30, 2011 12:46 PM

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Reminds me of this guy in northern WI: www.tincancabin.com

Posted by ben | November 30, 2011 1:52 PM

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The upscale version was profiled in Dwell: http://www.dwell.com/articles/the-shipping-muse.html

Hats off to Lulu for all that work, and for having the imagination to take it on.

Posted by Joanna | November 30, 2011 8:26 PM

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Absolutely awesome story of self determination.

I would agree with the previous comment that the story would have been complimented by the inclusion of information about power, water and waste water along with the local planning authority but still an inspiration.

If you are interested in Shipping Container Homes be sure to download a free copy of our new 120 page full color digital book showcasing the 30 most influential shipping container homes ever built.

http://www.containerhome.info/30-most-influential-container-homes.html

Regards

Victor

Posted by Shipping Container Homes | December 3, 2011 9:27 PM

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