Why furniture shouldn’t stay in the work area

Piling furniture into one room and covering it with plastic sheeting seems practical, but it rarely works:

• Dust and plaster get everywhere and ruin fabrics and wood.
• Humidity from paint, plaster and washing causes mould under the plastic.
• Tradespeople need clear space — piled-up furniture slows the works down.
• The risk of scratches, knocks and accidents rises.

The result: furniture that comes out of the renovation in worse shape than the house itself.

The container as a renovation solution

You rent a container and clear the work area in one go. Two options:

• At your premises: the container is placed in the yard, on the plot or at an accessible spot near the house. You load at your ease, with no rush, and keep your things beside you.
• At our facilities: if there’s no space around the house, the furniture is kept in a secure area near Chania.

When the works are done, you return the furniture to a clean, refreshed home — undamaged.

Advantages of a container in a renovation

• Free working space: crews work faster and more safely in an empty space.
• Full protection: a watertight environment, away from dust, paint and humidity.
• Time flexibility: renovations often drag on — keep the container for as long as the works last.
• Load once: furniture goes straight inside, with no multiple transfers.
• Security: a locked steel structure you control.

How much space you need, by renovation type

It depends on whether you’re clearing the whole house or specific rooms:

• One- or two-room renovation: a 10ft container usually suffices.
• Apartment renovation (two or three rooms): a 20ft covers all furniture and appliances.
• Large detached house renovation: a 40ft or two smaller containers.

Practical tips before you clear the house

• Disassemble bulky furniture (wardrobes, beds) to gain space.
• Cover everything with fabric blankets, not plastic that traps moisture.
• Pack small items in numbered, labelled boxes.
• Add moisture absorbers, especially if the works involve water and plaster.
• Keep out of the container anything you’ll need in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Renovate without worrying about your furniture

Let the crews work freely and your furniture stay intact. Call us on +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online for safe furniture storage during a renovation in Chania.

The problem of space for clubs and associations

Most clubs rely on volunteers and limited resources. Yet, their equipment keeps growing:

• Sports teams: balls, uniforms, cones, goals, first-aid kits, training equipment.
• Cultural associations: traditional costumes, musical instruments, stage sets, event decorations.
• Clubs and NGOs: materials for initiatives, tables and chairs, event equipment, archives.
• Scout and educational groups: tents, camping gear, activity materials.

This equipment often ends up in members’ homes, in borrowed basements, or in corners of gyms—solutions that are temporary, insecure, and inconvenient.

Why a shipping container is an ideal solution for an association

• Low cost: the monthly rent is a fraction of the cost of a standard storage unit—crucial for non-profit organizations.
• Your own dedicated space: all your equipment in one place, without having to rely on the availability of individual members.
• Security: a robust metal structure with a lock controlled by your organization.
• On-site: placed right next to the playing field, your headquarters, or your activity area.
• Flexible duration: keep the container for as long as your club needs it, with no long-term commitments.

What an association can store

• Sports equipment: balls, mats, weights, portable goals, and nets.
• Team uniforms and apparel, stored in moisture-proof, sealed containers.
• Event equipment: tables, chairs, tents, sound systems, and stage/set elements.
• Awards, trophies, banners, and the club’s historical archives.
• Maintenance tools for the grounds and facilities.

Organize the container as a club storage unit

With a bit of organization, the container becomes a functional space used by all members:

• Metal shelving and side-mounted hooks for organization and easy access.
• Dedicated zones categorized by type (competition gear, event equipment, archives).
• Labels and an inventory list, ensuring everyone knows what is stored and where.
• Dehumidifiers and pallets to protect uniforms and electronic equipment.

Practical issues for associations

• Placement: If the container is to be located on municipal or public land (e.g., next to a sports field), check with the local municipality regarding the necessary permits.
• Member Access: Determine who will hold the key, and establish the procedure for charging for or collecting equipment.
• Insurance: For valuable equipment, consider obtaining insurance coverage in the name of the organization/club.
• Funding: The low, predictable costs are well-suited for budgets reliant on sponsorships or membership fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Give your club the space it needs

Stop scattering your equipment across various homes or borrowed spaces. Call us at 697 192 4580 or request a quote online to secure affordable, safe storage for your club or team in Chania.

The space problem for every small business

As a business grows, space becomes a limiting factor. Typical scenarios:

• An e-shop that started at home and whose stock now floods every room.
• A seasonal business needing space for goods out of season.
• A tradesperson or freelancer with tools and materials that don’t fit in the van.
• A shop wanting extra storage without expanding its sales floor.

Why a container instead of renting a shop or warehouse

The comparison on cost and flexibility is overwhelmingly in the container’s favour:

• Low, fixed cost: a container’s monthly rent is a fraction of commercial space, with no service charges, electricity bills or municipal fees.
• No long-term commitment: keep the container for as long as you need, with no multi-year leases or guarantees.
• At your premises: placed next to your base, workshop or home, so stock is always close by.
• Scalable: need more space? Add another container instead of moving to a whole new warehouse.

Setting up the container as a stockroom

With a little organisation, a container becomes a functional storage space:

• Metal shelving along the sides for quick access to products.
• A coding and labelling system by product category.
• A separate bench or corner for packing orders.
• Moisture absorbers and pallets to protect sensitive products.
• Battery lighting or a power connection where possible.

Which businesses it suits

• E-shops with physical inventory (clothes, cosmetics, gadgets, homeware).
• Crafters and makers with raw materials and finished products.
• Events and catering businesses with equipment between uses.
• Construction and technical firms for materials and tools.
• Shops with seasonal or surplus stock.

What to consider

• Access: choose a spot you can reach easily every day if you take stock out often.
• Humidity: for sensitive products, arrange dehumidification and proper packing.
• Insurance: for valuable goods, consider insurance cover.
• Permits: for permanent placement on your own property, check any local requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Give your business room to grow

Don’t sacrifice your growth to the cost of a shop. Call us on +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online and secure flexible storage space for your e-shop or business in Chania.

Why olive equipment needs proper storage

Harvest equipment is an investment — and it takes a beating. Left in a lean-to or a corner of the yard, exposed to damp, rain and rodents, the outcome is predictable:

• Nets grow mould, rot where they touch the ground and tear.
• Metal harvesters and chainsaws rust, and their mechanisms seize up.
• Batteries and power tools suffer from humidity and temperature swings.
• Wooden crates and ladders wear down and lose their strength.

Replacing this equipment every two or three years costs many times more than organised storage.

What you store in a container out of season

• Harvest nets, clean and fully dry, folded and on pallets.
• Harvesters (electric, petrol or battery) and pruning tools.
• Crates, sacks, baskets and fruit transport containers.
• Ladders, pumps, motors and small machinery.
• Fertilisers, pesticides and consumables (in sealed, watertight packaging).

The container in the grove or at your premises

The big advantage for the producer is that the container can be placed exactly where it’s needed: next to the olive grove or the farm store. That way the equipment is always close by, isn’t hauled back and forth, and is protected from theft — a real problem on remote plots. Alternatively, if there’s no suitable space or access, the equipment is kept at our facilities.

Preparing equipment before storage

• Clean nets and tools of soil, leaves and fruit residue.
• Dry everything completely — especially nets, which hold moisture.
• Drain fuel from powered tools and disconnect batteries.
• Lightly oil metal parts to protect against rust.
• Add moisture absorbers and raise everything onto pallets.

Advantages of the container for the farmer

• Watertightness and security in a robust, locked steel structure.
• Flexible duration: keep the container only out of season or all year.
• Low, fixed cost compared with building a permanent store.
• It moves: if you change grove or plot, the container follows you.

Frequently asked questions

Get ready for the new season now

Don’t let your harvest equipment wear out before the next beating. Call us on +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online for safe olive-equipment storage in Chania.

What you can safely store

The vast majority of household and business items store with no problem at all:

• Furniture of all kinds: sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs.
• Appliances: fridges, washing machines, TVs (dry and drained of water).
• Boxes of clothes, books, kitchenware and personal belongings.
• Business equipment: stock, shop fittings, archives, tools.
• Seasonal equipment: sun loungers, umbrellas, garden gear, sports items.
• Bicycles, motorcycles (with an empty tank) and watersports equipment.

What you should NEVER store

Certain categories of items are dangerous, illegal or simply unsuitable for container storage. Avoid them:

Flammable and explosive materials

• Petrol, diesel, LPG, propane cylinders.
• Solvents, paints, chemicals and pressurised aerosols.
• Fireworks and any flammable gas or liquid.

The high temperatures that build up inside a closed metal container in summer can turn these materials into a serious fire or explosion hazard.

Food and perishables

• Fresh or frozen food.
• Open or unsealed dry food.
• Pet food in opened packaging.

Food rots, grows mould and — worst of all — attracts rodents and insects that will ruin the rest of your belongings too. Hermetically sealed cans for a short period are the only exception.

Batteries and anything containing them

• Car and lead-acid batteries.
• Devices with lithium batteries in prolonged storage.

With temperature swings, batteries can leak, corrode or, in the case of lithium, overheat. If you’re storing electronics, remove the batteries where possible.

Other unsuitable items

• Living plants and animals (obvious, but worth stating).
• Anything wet or damp — it causes mould throughout the space.
• Illegal items or undeclared goods.
• High-value valuables without proper insurance (jewellery, cash, important documents — better kept with you).

Special cases: caution, not prohibition

• Sensitive electronics: storable, but with silica gel and humidity protection.
• Musical instruments and valuable wooden furniture: need stable conditions and dehumidification.
• Documents and photographs: in watertight boxes, off the floor.

The golden rule of safe storage

If something is flammable, perishable, living or illegal, it doesn’t go in the container. For everything else, with proper packing, dehumidification and a quality, watertight container, storage is perfectly safe for months or even years.

Frequently asked questions

Unsure about something specific?

If you’re not certain whether an item can be stored, just ask us. Call +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online and we’ll guide you towards safe storage in Chania.

Before you start: preparation

• Clean and fully dry every item — moisture means mould.
• Disassemble what you can (tables, beds, shelves) and keep the screws in bags taped to the furniture.
• Get sturdy same-size boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers and moisture absorbers.
• Empty fridges and washing machines, let them dry with the doors open.

Packing a box properly

• Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large ones — so they can be lifted and don’t tear.
• Fill gaps with paper or clothes so boxes don’t crush when stacked.
• Wrap fragile items (plates, glasses) individually and place them vertically, not flat.
• Don’t overfill: a box shouldn’t exceed 15-18 kg.
• Seal top and bottom well with tape in an H-shape.

Labels: the secret to staying organised

Labels are what separates chaos from order in long-term storage:

• Write on TWO sides of each box, not the top (boxes get stacked).
• Note room + contents + whether it’s fragile (e.g. “Kitchen – plates – FRAGILE”).
• Use a colour code per room (coloured labels or tape).
• Number the boxes (1/20, 2/20…) so you know if one is missing.
• Mark separately the boxes you’ll need first.

The loading map: the most underrated step

A simple “map” of what went where saves you hours of searching later. In practice:

• Keep a list or spreadsheet with each numbered box and its contents.
• Sketch roughly where things were placed inside the container (front/back/left).
• Take photos of the final load with your phone.
• Keep the “essentials” boxes near the door.

Loading strategy inside the container

• Place everything on pallets — never directly on the floor.
• Heavy, large furniture first, at the back and sides.
• Boxes in stacks, heavy at the bottom, light on top.
• Leave an access corridor to the back if you’ll need to get in.
• Cover furniture with fabric blankets (not plastic) and add moisture absorbers.

Specifically for long-term (6+ months)

• Place 2-3 moisture absorbers at different points and plan to replace them.
• Leave small gaps between items for air circulation.
• Schedule a check every 2-3 months.
• Insure high-value items.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to pack the right way?

With proper packing and a quality container, your belongings stay intact for as long as needed. Call us on +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online for safe, long-term storage in Chania.

Container dimensions table

Note: internal dimensions are slightly smaller due to wall thickness. The door opening is about 2.28 m high — important if you plan to store tall items.

The 10ft container: small but practical

With a 6.7 m² floor and roughly 16 cubic metres of volume, the 10ft roughly matches a small room. In practice it holds:

• The contents of a studio flat: bed, wardrobe, sofa, a small dining set and 30-40 boxes.
• Garden equipment, tools and bicycles — ideal as a garden storage unit.
• The stock of a small business or the equipment of a small shop.

The 20ft container: the most popular size

The 20ft is the “gold standard” of storage: a 13.9 m² floor and 33 cubic metres. Indicatively, it holds:

• A two- to three-room apartment: all furniture (sofa, beds, wardrobes, dining set), appliances and 80-100 boxes.
• The equipment of an organised beach or a food business out of season.
• Construction site materials and tools for medium-sized projects.

If you’re torn between two sizes, the 20ft is almost always the safe choice for a household move.

The 40ft container: for large needs

With a 28.3 m² floor and around 67 cubic metres, the 40ft offers double the capacity of a 20ft. It’s usually chosen by:

• Households with a large detached house or a 4+ room home, including garden and garage equipment.
• Businesses with large stock, hotel equipment or years of archives.
• Construction sites and technical companies for materials, machinery and temporary space.

How to work out how much space you need

A practical rule: each furnished room of a house corresponds to 5-8 cubic metres of storage space. Count your rooms, add a 10-15% margin for access corridors, and compare with each container’s volume. And remember: with smart stacking and furniture disassembly, the same space fits considerably more.

What to consider beyond dimensions

• Access for placement: a 40ft unit requires plenty of free space and access for a crane truck. On narrow roads or small yards, two 20ft units can be the more practical solution.
• Door height: about 2.28 m — measure tall furniture and machinery before deciding.
• High cube: versions with an extra 30 cm of height exist if you’re storing bulky items.
• Container condition: watertightness and door seals matter more than a few centimetres of difference in dimensions.

Frequently asked questions

Not sure about the size?

Describe what you want to store and we’ll suggest the right container — so you don’t pay for space you don’t need. Call us on +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online.

When a move needs interim storage

The “gap” between two homes is more common than you might think. The most typical scenarios:

• A renovation running late: the crews need one more month, but you have to vacate the old house now.
• A new build not yet delivered: construction or finishing works are dragging on.
• Selling before buying: you’ve sold your home but haven’t found the next one, staying temporarily in a rental or with family.
• Relocation or seasonal work: you’re moving to Chania for work and want your belongings nearby until you find a permanent home.

In all these cases, “hosting” your furniture in a friend’s garage or a damp basement is a recipe for damage and stress. You need a space that is secure, dry and with a clear, predictable cost.

The container as an interim solution: how it works

The process is simpler than it sounds. You rent a container in the size that suits you and choose where it will be located:

• At your own premises: if you have a yard, plot or accessible space near the house, the container is delivered and placed there. You load at your own pace, with no time pressure, and your belongings stay available whenever you need them.
• At our facilities: if you have no space of your own, your items are kept in a secure area near Chania, with access by arrangement.

When the new home is ready, you either move things across gradually or organise the second leg of the move in one go.

Why a container instead of a traditional storage unit?

• You load once: with the container at your premises, everything goes straight inside — no truck, warehouse, then truck again. Fewer transfers mean less damage and lower cost.
• Flexible duration: from a few weeks to as many months as needed, with no long-term commitment.
• Predictable cost: a fixed monthly rate with no hidden charges.
• Security: robust steel construction, watertight build and a lock you control.

How much space do you need?

As a rule of thumb: the contents of a studio flat fit comfortably in a 10ft container, while a two- or three-room apartment is covered by a 20ft container — the most popular size for moves. For large detached houses, 40ft containers are also available. Not sure? Describe what you have and we’ll point you to the right size.

Packing tips for interim storage

• Label every box with the room and contents — on two sides, not the top.
• Keep an “essentials box” out of the container: documents, chargers, basic clothes, medication.
• Heavy items at the bottom, light and fragile items on top.
• Add moisture absorbers and cover furniture with fabric moving blankets, not plastic.
• Keep an inventory list of everything that went in — it will save you when looking for one specific item.

Frequently asked questions

The move can wait — your belongings can’t

Don’t let the delay of your new home become a headache. Call us on +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote online and secure safe interim storage for your move in Chania.

Are you storing furniture, clothes or equipment in a container and worrying about mould and musty smells? You’re right to. Container humidity is the most common reason items come out of storage in worse condition than they went in. The good news: with the right preparation and a few simple techniques, a quality container keeps your belongings dry and safe for months or even years. In Crete, where sea air and sharp temperature swings encourage condensation, proper planning makes all the difference.

How humidity forms inside a container

Even a perfectly watertight container is not immune to humidity — because moisture often doesn’t come in from outside, but is generated from within. The air sealed inside contains water vapour, and so do the items themselves: a sofa, a mattress or a box of clothes all “carry” water you can’t see.

When the outside temperature drops at night, the metal walls cool faster than the air inside. Water vapour condenses on the cold ceiling and walls and drips back onto your belongings — a phenomenon known internationally as “container rain”. This cycle repeats every day, and within weeks mould, rust and unpleasant odours appear.

What is most at risk

Not all materials react to humidity the same way. Wood absorbs water, swells and cracks, while glued surfaces (melamine, veneers) come apart. Fabrics — sofas, mattresses, clothes, rugs — grow mould and hold on to a smell that is hard to remove. Leather goods harden and peel. Metal objects and electrical appliances rust, and their circuits oxidise. Papers, books and photographs are damaged beyond repair.

6 ways to keep your container dry

1. Use moisture absorbers

The simplest and most economical solution, with no need for electricity. Hanging calcium chloride absorbers soak up large amounts of moisture and are ideal for containers. Silica gel sachets provide targeted protection for boxes of clothes, books or electronics. For large volumes or long-term storage, place 2–3 absorbers at different points.

2. Raise everything on pallets

The floor is the “coldest” spot and where moisture gathers first. Wooden pallets allow air to circulate under furniture and boxes. Also leave a gap of 5–10 centimetres from the walls, so nothing touches the cold metal.

3. Take care of ventilation

If the container has ventilation louvres, make sure they stay unobstructed. Placement also matters: a spot with natural airflow and light shading reduces the extreme temperature swings that cause condensation.

4. Pack with materials that breathe

The most common mistake: wrapping furniture and mattresses in plastic. Plastic traps moisture and creates a greenhouse for mould. Choose cotton moving blankets or dedicated fabric covers for wood and textiles. Keep plastic wrap only for metal and plastic items.

5. Everything dry before it goes in

A slightly damp rug or a washing machine with water in the hose is enough to raise the humidity in the whole container. Dry every item completely, drain fridges and washing machines, and leave their doors slightly open.

6. Check in periodically

A short visit every 1–2 months is enough: check whether the absorbers need replacing, open the doors for a few minutes to refresh the air, and make sure everything is in good condition.

Why quality containers make the difference

All of the above techniques rely on one thing: a watertight container in good condition. Worn door seals, rust holes or deformed walls let rain and damp air in freely — and then no pallet can save the day.

At Chania Container you will find inspected shipping containers with excellent watertightness, as well as the TAF Metabox with a 10-year anti-corrosion guarantee and a heavy-duty wooden floor — ideal for demanding, long-term storage in Cretan conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an electric dehumidifier?
For typical storage, no. Passive moisture absorbers are sufficient and require no power supply.

How often should I replace the absorbers?
Usually every 2–3 months, depending on the season. They fill up faster in winter.

Will clothes grow mould in a container?
No, as long as they are stored dry, in boxes with silica gel and with a moisture absorber in the space.

Store without worry

Looking for a dry, secure space for your furniture and belongings? Call us on +30 697 192 4580 or request a quote — we’ll suggest the solution that fits your needs.

Why beach equipment needs proper storage in winter.

The Cretan winter may not be harsh, but it is unforgiving for anything that lives outdoors. Sea salt corrodes metal frames and mechanisms, humidity destroys fabrics and wooden surfaces, while southern and northern winds drift and break anything that is not well secured. Even the sun’s rays, which do not stop in winter, fade the sails and plastics of umbrellas.

The result? Equipment that could have worked for five or six seasons ends up needing replacement within two. If you calculate the cost of buying new sun loungers, umbrellas or SUP boards, renting a storage container for the winter months proves to be a much more profitable investment.

What equipment can you store in a container?

Sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bar furniture

Sun loungers are easy to stack and make excellent use of the space in a container. A 20-foot shipping container can hold the equipment of an entire organized beach: sun loungers, umbrella bases and poles, tables, stools and outdoor furniture for a beach bar.

SUP, canoes, pedal boats and water sports equipment

SUP boards, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are bulky and sensitive to the sun. Inside the container they are protected from UV rays, rain and theft — a real risk for equipment left on secluded beaches out of season. Life jackets, paddles and supplies are stored in boxes and shelves in the same space.

Refrigerators, machinery and small equipment

Beverage coolers, ice cream machines, sound systems and beach bar cash register equipment need a dry and safe environment. A well-maintained, waterproof container protects them from moisture and corrosion until next season.

Preparation before storage: 5 steps

• Rinse everything with fresh water. Salt left on equipment continues to corrode even during storage.
• Let it dry completely. Wet fabrics and surfaces mean mold and odor in the spring.
• Check for damage. List what needs repair now so it’s ready before the first opening.
• Disassemble everything you can. Umbrella poles, bases, and table legs take up much less space when disassembled.
• Stack smartly. Heavy items at the bottom, light items at the top, and leave a walkway for anything you might need sooner.

Container at your place or at our place?

At Chania Container we offer two flexible options. If you have your own land or space near your business, we transport and place the container there, so that you have your equipment available at all times. Alternatively, you can rent storage space in our privately owned secure facilities, a short distance from the center of Chania, without committing a single square meter of your space.

In both cases, the duration of the rental is tailored to your needs — from a few months to a full year.

Frequently asked questions

The season is over — your gear isn’t

Don’t let winter ruin your investment. Call us on 697 192 4580 or request a quote online and secure safe storage for your beach equipment in Chania.