Where To Buy a Shipping Container to Convert into a Tiny House

Turning a shipping container into a tiny home is an exciting way to create an affordable, modern living space, with a much smaller footprint than a traditional house. The success of your project starts long before you pick paint colors or plan your layout. First, you have to find the container for the framework to start.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area, Container City offers high-quality cargo containers that are structurally sound, budget-friendly, and ready for conversion. You can get a gently used cargo container, if you’re on a budget, or a One-trip cargo unit that would have minor blemishes. Here’s what to look for when you’re choosing a container for your future tiny house.

Pick the Right Size: 20ft vs 40ft (and High Cube)

Most tiny homes are built from either 20-foot containers or 40-foot containers. The best choice depends on your site, your design, and your budget.

20-foot container

• Easier to transport and place on tight urban or hillside lots
• Great for single-person living, backyard studios, or office spaces
• Lower upfront cost and often lower delivery fees

40-foot container

• Almost double the floor space for a relatively small increase in price
• Better for couples, small families, or anyone who wants a more open layout
• Ideal if you want separate zones for sleeping, cooking, and working

High Cube (HC) containers

• About 1 foot taller inside than a standard container
• Extra ceiling height is a big advantage after you add insulation, wiring, and lighting
• Makes loft beds, overhead storage, and a more open feel much easier

For most tiny house projects, a 40ft High Cube is the sweet spot—especially if you’re planning full-time living.

Understand Container Grades: New vs Used

Not all shipping containers are equal. The condition you choose affects price, longevity, and how much prep work you’ll need to do.

New / One-Trip Containers

• Used only once to ship cargo from the factory
• Minimal wear, very little rust, clean interiors
• Best choice if you want a long-lasting, premium tiny home
• Higher upfront cost, but less repair and remediation work

Cargo-Worthy / Wind & Watertight (W&WT)

• Previously used in global shipping but still structurally sound
• Some cosmetic wear and surface rust, but doors and seals should function correctly
• Great balance between cost and quality for many tiny house projects

“As-is” Containers

• Cheapest, but often come with heavy rust, dents, or structural issues
• Typically not recommended for housing without significant repair work

At Container City, we help you compare grades and recommend containers that won’t cause problems later, depending on the project, especially when you’re cutting openings for windows and doors.

Inspect Structural Integrity

Tiny houses rely on the container’s steel structure for safety and stability. Before you buy, you’ll want to check for:

• Frame and corner posts – Look for straight, solid posts without bending or warping.
• Roof – Avoid containers with large dents or ponding areas where water collects.
• Flooring – Original marine plywood floors may contain old chemical treatments. Plan to either encapsulate, remove, or replace flooring during the build.
• Rust – Light surface rust is normal; deep pitting or holes is a red flag.

If you’re sourcing through Container City in Los Angeles, our team can pre-screen units and help you select containers that are structurally sound, and help with the conversion process.

Think About Your Site and Delivery in Los Angeles

Even the perfect container becomes a problem if you can’t get it onto your property. When planning your tiny house project:

• Check access roads and overhead lines
  Make sure a tilt-bed truck or crane can safely reach your pad. Narrow streets, slopes, and low wires are all factors we consider before delivery.
• Prepare a level foundation
  Most tiny homes use concrete piers, a slab, or heavy-duty blocks. A level, properly supported base helps prevent door misalignment and frame stress.
• Local considerations around LA
  From coastal zones to hillside lots, Los Angeles has unique site conditions and permitting rules. It’s a good idea to check local regulations early and work with suppliers who understand the region.

Container City regularly delivers throughout Greater Los Angeles and can help you think through access, placement, and what equipment may be needed on delivery day.

Plan for Insulation, Openings, and Utilities

How you intend to build your tiny home should also influence the type of container you buy.

Insulation approach

If you plan to insulate from inside, a High Cube container gives you extra headroom. If you’re considering exterior cladding, focus on containers with good exterior surfaces and minimal damage.

Windows and doors
Straighter walls and less damage mean easier, cleaner cuts for openings. One-trip or cargo-worthy containers usually require less metal work.

Utilities
Think ahead about where your bathroom, kitchen, and mechanical systems will go. Your layout may impact whether a single 40ft container is enough or whether you’ll eventually combine multiple units.

Work With a Trusted Wholesale Supplier

The easiest way to avoid costly mistakes is to buy from a reputable wholesaler that understands both cargo use and residential conversion projects.

Container City in Los Angeles specializes in:

• Supplying a wide range of new and used containers

• Offering High Cube and standard-height units

• Helping you compare grades and choose the right size

• Coordinating delivery and placement to your property

When you’re investing in a tiny house, the container is your foundation, walls, and roof all in one. Working with a knowledgeable supplier ensures you start on the right foot.

Ready To Get Building?

Here in the Los Angeles area, we help tons of customers considering a container conversion. We sell strong, clean, and reliable shipping container that sets your tiny home project up for long-term success.