Lifting 4,000 Pound Shipping Containers ALONE

[@alexpfeiffer710]

Have you thought about putting a skylight above the kitchen to help with lighting? Really interested to see how you guys make your home!

[@WildWeRoam]

That is such a great idea! We had been thinking of skylights generally, but specifically putting one by the kitchen is an excellent idea, thank you, Alex! :)

[@lucilasandoval3084]

was about to suggest that, it can give extra light when you need it

[@tesstess3371]

It's a neat idea, but the combo skylight + flat metal roof + heavy snow loads could lead to leaks. In the cold the metal contracts and the seal will eventually fail

[@l.skipallen9080]

I love skylights but I would install them in the wall, depending on the style of skylight. I do not like putting a hole in the roof for several reasons. 09.19.2023

[@Amanda-vz9kr]

Lou, great job on leveling the containers, that's a lot of work! For the layout, my suggestion would be trying to connect all 3 containers with corridors - I realize it would be a lot more work, but it might give you more space inside of each one to arrange the furnitures since you wouldn't have to consider the amount of space the opened door would take. Instead, it would be a "walk-in" corridor without doors. Besides, it might even connect the whole house in a way where the light from one room can reach the others, in case you want to make the corridors opened/with windows. Again, great job, can't wait to see the development and the great dishes you'll prepare inside this kitchen!

[@StripesDIY]

Yes, this is my suggestion as well! I have seen this in tiny houses a couple of times. In fact my favorite tiny house has this exact setup. Watch this amazing video for inspiration: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/goXEapanntSFers

[@ybab-j]

what if the walls just touched and you cut doors?

[@Jojo12336]

I know it's 8 hours later and you might not see this, but my favorite channel for small designs with thoughtful layouts is "Never Too Small". They make whole apartments livable in everything from 700 to 400 square feet. Definitely find inspiration there!

[@sirenxtina9200]

Hi guys! I agree with the U shape for the containers. I follow Living Big in a Tiny Home on KZbin and they have features container homes on there. The U shape is nice if you consider building a large deck to connect all three and a nice roof on top so its covered. You could put a nice table in the middle or build a small fence on the exposed side of the deck so when Max is walking he can't get out of the home. 😊 So proud of you guys!

[@sirenxtina9200]

Oops, it's Living Big in a Tiny House*

[@alonefungi2559]

Thanks for putting this video up. Very helpful.

[@theseanandrew]

I'm SO impressed you did this alone Lou! I bet the fact that you can do it yourself is going to be so useful in the future- especially, like you said, in spring/ once they settle.

[@WildWeRoam]

Thanks, Sean! :)

[@laurareutter6928]

I saw a container build where the owners insulated the containers from the outside, saving precious inside space for living

[@mikeymad]

Thanks for the initial rendering, I can now see how this will start to come together. And good job Lou on leveling it all out.

[@megwilkinson2501]

how about joining the containers with glass covered walk ways? then you could have more light coming in to the spaces and they would all be connected, you could make them wide so you could also use them as extra living spaces. I would also rotate your kitchen island, so you have more space, and skylights. I'm super excited to see what you guys create.

[@onebaddj]

Thank you for this video! I bought a house with a 40 ft box that is way off. Have a 20 ton jack and concrete. Never knew about the jack adaptor! Ordered that and upgraded to the 30 ton jack. Never hurts to have to much power. Thanks again! Awesome video.

[@skully7763]

My main advice is, if you are living in a small space it is best to have rounded edge furniture rather than furniture with right angles. It helps to make the area flow better and caused less bruising when walking about. The other thing I would suggest is watch a lot of the tiny house build videos that are on You Tube, as there are lots of fantastic design idea that you can copy to maximise the use of the space you have.

[@granthanham9082]

Wow , you sure found a hard way of doing this.

[@breauxlee8421]

I would rotate the design of the kitchen to be parallel with the container walls- that way you would be using the space more effectively and you would have a bigger kitchen with less floor space taken up for working. Also in terms of a bathroom, have you thought of buying a 4th container situated between the living and sleeping spaces that could be connected with an additional structure to create both an en suite for the bedroom but also a separate guest bathroom (so guests don't have to walk through your bedroom or use your bathroom). Think of it as creating a deck between the living and the sleeping space where you could have an outdoor dining area/patio w/ access to a bathroom. Also, depending on budget replacing the door side of the container with a large double pane window would let in plenty of light and probably without reducing the rigidity of the structure or needing extra support like cutting into the container walls would.

[@WildWeRoam]

These are some really great ideas for us to consider Breaux Lee!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share them with us, it's really appreciated :) Hope you are having a nice Sunday!! :)

[@anabalbasky]

You probably already thought about it, but just might be a good idea to consider researching where the sun is coming from so you can strategically place the windows where you can get the best sun in Winter :) Love your videos! We're expecting our first child in the next upcoming weeks and we get super inspired about what life could look like in the future with your projects

[@Chelsea_stewart]

Skylights!!! And also, I’d put the bathroom near the bedroom because at night it would make more sense if U have to use the bathroom at night. Are there going to be connections between the containers or completely separate? Also, it seems not sanitary to have the bathroom right off the kitchen (this bothers me in regular houses too not just off grids). And more windows/ventilation options the better imo.

[@WildWeRoam]

Thank you Chelsea!! Skylights are such a wonderful idea! And yes, I think often the bathroom/kitchen connections is often a simple plumbing question (kitchen sink one side, bathroom sink the other side, same water source for the faucets) but that is a great point about wanting to use the bathroom at night!! Thank you so much for these great thoughts!! :)

[@deborahbell5372]

I would switch the over/stove with the fridge and turn the island/counter on the wall behind the dinning table. This gives you tons of space Add a window on the wall facing the counter. add two sky lights, one over the kitchen area and one over the dinner area. Such a cool project ! have fun can't wait to see it all unfold.

[@sophielocke7249]

Hey Dana and Lou! my partner and I have watched your videos since your van build! We think three skylights in each container would help with even lighting and sky gazing! With the doors you could remove the bolt lock and add handles for easier opening. Or evening adding windows may again assist with the lighting and views. No matter what you guys do you always make it look amazing, we can't wait to see the next installation!

[@samwebb585]

What about making the kitchen container a galley style, so it's along both sides of the container? And then maybe by the doors have bench seating along either side of the container, so it opens out and visually it's quite evenly balanced to pull your eye from one end all the way through to the end? So - you'd walk in one the left/right hand side, have the bathroom immediately beside you a la hotel room, then you'd centre into the space as you got further into the container. Excited to see how this turns out!

[@Fivetimesthree]

Always cinematic, relaxing, and inspirational.

[@ginagonzalez6547]

You will have to make openings on the sides and maybe on top of the containers for lighting and doors to connect one container with the other besides the main doors. During the winter, you will definitely will not want to open them unless you put sliding glass doors to let light in not the cold.

[@TheDanceact]

You can put a glass wall ,small cubes of Glass, Glass Block, ( cant remenber the name of it) in the Bathroom wall ! And in that wall ( in the side of the kitchen ) you put the wet session of the kitchen, here in Lisbon we have that solution dor small Spaces, a glass Bricks wall! ☺️

[@WildWeRoam]

Oh that is such a creative idea!! Thank you :)

[@lynnchoborda7942]

This looks like such a fun project, I’m excited for the both of you. You might think about separating the stove and the refrigerator. One’s trying to stay hot and one’s trying to stay cold it’s not good to put them side-by-side.

[@nadiaw246]

Hey Dana and Lou, maybe you could share a layout with the dimensions of the container digitally so we can send you our suggestions. Also might come in handy to let us know if you intend to connect the containers later on.

[@nichols5j]

it should be a crime the fact this channel doesnt have millions of subs. Such entertaining, stressful, yet wildly calming content.

[@thegreenguy8837]

You could a sliding floor to ceiling door in your kitchen/dining area. This way you get to keep the views, whilst also getting the option of expanding the dining space with a deck or similar structure in the future. Being able to expand like that might be benificial in terms of futureproofing. It also makes the room feel bigger and allows for plenty of daylight.

[@heatherk8931]

I've seen a container kitchen, really beautifully done.it ran along one side, windows opposite, letting in natural light. It was people in Washington state, on a hillside, overlooking a huge river. A deck on the drop side, ...

[@WildWeRoam]

Wow, that sounds really gorgeous!! Thanks for the idea, Heather :)

[@hannatjie8884]

Hi I will consider to put a roof between bedroom and kitchen, and definitely the bathroom in the bedroom.. Looking forward to your ideas..

[@vivih1428]

You are both so incredibly inspiring! As far as design suggestions go, I have only one word of advice: skylights! I also keep seeing little walkways between all three containers. Kind of like a space station. 😊

[@Lili-xq9sn]

Yes. I am thinking big glass doors on the sides of each container, and covered walkways for indoor/outdoor "rooms" between the containers.

[@moniquea2497]

yes..I agree. Since I live in the tropics, how would you maintain the walkways in the winter?

[@laurieanne9712]

Solatube skylight is easy to install because you wouldn't even need the tube part! Will you be connecting the containers? Be kinda chilly going from one to the other likewise I'm thinking with mountain winters.

[@rebeccasukhdeo]

Have you thought about putting the bathroom in the bedroom area rather? Would give you more space for your cooking, food storage and living space. Also you’d then have an en-suite bathroom kinda vibe too. :)

[@WildWeRoam]

Oh that is a really good idea to consider! We were thinking in terms of plumbing the water of a kitchen sink may be connected with a bathroom sink too... but it would be convenient to have a bathroom there as well! Thanks for the idea, Rebecca :)

[@caterina4151]

That’s a great idea. They can also use the extra space off the kitchen pantry/laundry room

[@Msmaggy13-d5q]

I just got my 40ft container from Wuwi Shipping Container very cheap and even paid it upon delivery. cant wait to start working.

[@cassidyheffner6504]

SKY LIGHTS!!!! love u guys

[@susanlecuirot1573]

Definitely consider putting the bathroom in the bedroom xx

[@mosslovingremlin]

You guys are doing a phenomenal job! Thank you for taking us along on your journey. Best wishes from Germany. 🤍

[@user-hc5th3oo3h]

Skylights seem like the optimal way for natural lighting in the containers

[@WildWeRoam]

Yes a lot of people have been mentioning this and it makes so much sense--make the best out of the surroundings you got :) Thanks, L!!

[@WanderingHome]

Wowww!! It’s been a while since I caught up and Freja is a fully-fledged dog now!!! Hope you’re all well ❤

[@marianela111]

There's a channel called Life Uncontained they just completed their container home. All the best with your new adventure. 🙏🐈🌻🇬🇧😃

[@WildWeRoam]

Thank you so much, Manuela, we really appreciate the tip!! :-D

[@marianela111]

@Wild We Roam You may enjoy checking out the channel they also have a young family and they pretty much did it all on their own. 😃🌻

[@youstartedtalking]

Every time I pass by a shipping container and my inner architect kicks in.

[@JKMA818]

Spectacular job you are moving along fast. Thank you for sharing and have a great week 😊

[@d.vsinghbali7550]

Very brilliant idea

[@harrytaylor6854]

very good i found a railroad track jack to lift mine worked very well anyway well done guy's

[@WildWeRoam]

How cool, a railroad track jack!! And thanks for the kind words :) Hope you are having a great Sunday, Harry :)

[@gl6517]

That's great work Lou, amazing how one small jack can lift a container. Have you considered having all containers at the same level, there is a lot of useable living space between them that could be partially closed in, or utilised for a more direct access between each container. For the kitchen ideas, have you considered a galley style bench like you had on board Penelope. I know you would probably love to look out through the opening while your chopping your home grown goodies, but aligning it along the wall will allow more flow through a narrow space. The positioning of a mirror inside to reflect light and the gorgeous view might also help to make you feel less contained. pick your best two options of a layout and mark them out in tape, then choose the one that feels the best for you All the very best to you guys, I'm loving the journey your on.

[@gingerhitzke9185]

It’s been a while since I have seen your videos and of course when I do finally see them, you are building a house! Incredible!

[@WildWeRoam]

Haha, thanks for stopping by, Ginger :) Hope you have been up to nice things in the meantime, too! And that you are having a nice Sunday :)

[@evaaxlol]

Have you thought about making a hallway/walkthrough from one container to the next with glass, and then you can make it a greenhouse too and put some small seats in? Then you don't have to go outside every time you want to go to the other container, At least that would be my dream.

[@sharonoldham4374]

Well done getting the containers lifted. Ready for the next step anxious to see. Take care and see you next video.

[@WildWeRoam]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Sharon :) We are happy to have you along for our adventures :) Hope you are having a nice Sunday!!

[@Deb_Creamer]

Love the separate eating area!!! We're not in upstate NY but on a mountain in rural Colorado and have mt lions and such... food smells separate is a great idea!!

[@ozzycool1000]

I would put the middle container sideways with the short walls facing the other containers (so it looks like a capital i in new roman lettering) Then make the middle one the bedroom with a bed to the left and then alot of windows and patio space and doors out towards the field/forest and then making the two side containers kitchen/workspace and so on.

[@ginagonzalez6547]

Although containers are build to withstand the test of time, they are made of metal and will rust. Rust will make holes so I suggest at this point to build a weatherproof roof over them connecting all the containers that way. By doing that, you will make additional living space later on in your lives as your dreams, goals, and family grows. You are young and will most likely have a family. Whether you want to have your very own or adopt, or extended family want to move closer to where you are. You will have additional space to accommodate them.

[@lowlighttravels4775]

This is already looking so good! I was wondering if you thought about placing the kitchen against one of the walls, maybe in a corner, so you would have more cooking space and maybe don't have to really divide the space. It would also be cool to have a sliding window instead of de doors (if that fits within budget). This way, the light would always be there and you would always feel like you are in nature. + If you would want it dark anyway, adding curtains would help that. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the build! We have our van now for a year and you guys have always been such an inspiration to discover new things and live in nature!

[@hikermom01]

how are you connecting them all? Can’t wait to see the full design. So excited for you all!

[@kdmedchill]

Thankyou guys for sharing your life story. Good luck to you guys from Wisconsin

[@kings5223]

Should do a sliding glass door at the container opening. Also a simple enclosed breezeway connecting all there would be super functional.

[@pretty_life_sussexsarah5178]

I’d maybe consider putting an ensuite toilet in your bedroom container, especially as Max gets older, he may want to go to the toilet during the night, also it will make potty training easier at bedtime

[@thethreeamigos6764]

Well done x

[@zachwoodall7858]

Super cool video and well done leveling! Giving me great ideas… what digital rendering program did you use? Thanks.

[@susananderson8995]

Are you keeping all three containers separate, or will they be joined together? A horseshoe layout would make sense so you don’t have to go outside to get from one area to the next.

[@WildWeRoam]

Susan, what a clever idea with a horseshoe layout!! Thank you, will add that to our considerations, what a great idea... :)

[@InfructuosaFelicidad]

I was thinking something similar, something kinda like japanese style with open/outdoor areas. You guys could maybe connect the container with like hallways that have a view to the open areas, so it still feels outdoorsy and the light can come in.

[@sirenxtina9200]

I agree! I've seen container homes with a U shape like that with a massive deck in between that connects the whole space.

[@susananderson8995]

@@WildWeRoam and think of all the courtyard possibilities in that horseshoe. I see outdoor furniture and fire pit. Maybe a outdoor pizza oven!

[@hitied1]

@@sirenxtina9200 Might heat up there in the summer, but Nice wind protection in the other months. GREAT IDEAS

[@Glenda4936]

I am thinking: the container where you will keep the doors open option I would add glass door. This way the view will be always there plus it adds light and doesn’t take up space. You could close the doors if it’s cold or something like that. Plus I would do a long korfjes across the wall maybe with a small add on block (like an L) I feel it would add more space plus you add cabins or storage above. So curious about this all. Really admire you guys. Keep up the good work!

[@ginagonzalez6547]

Instead of a bathroom connected to the kitchen, make it a walking pantry. Think about the future. You will need a pantry to store your food so you don't have to go to the store everyday. Especially if it is far from where you are building your home. Even if you are having your own farm and grow your food, you will have to preserve for winter season when you cannot grow much if anything. However if you are not going to grow anything, you will definitely need a storage area for winter season when it will be hard to go to the store for groceries due to snowstorms or frosts. It would be a great idea if you can afford it to have a large freezer and a large fridge separate for the winter months.

[@kevin.g.aguilar]

Arrange the containers in a U shape.

[@sivardbremaud888]

Yesssss! I was thing the same

[@militarymamma]

Can you share a picture of what the piece you got off eBay that slid into the container for you to use the jack with is called. We have 2 40ft high cubes that need leveling

[@sylviaprospero7808]

Bridges, hallway to connect. Insulated.

[@mellameow5892]

Hey Dana Where is your pantry going to be if you have the bathroom behind the kitchen? And won't you rather want a bathroom setup closer to your bedroom? More windows for growing some herbs in would look and be more user-friendly, I guess. How will you guys be moving between each container? Sorry so many questions. I am a huge sims player and those are just the few thing that I can think of would be my most important aspects to look into. I am so excited for you guys. This is amazing. And to think Max will be growing up in such a beautiful peaceful place. I am so happy for your guys!!! Well done Lou on the leveling, even my husband is like wow! From South Africa 🇿🇦

[@noormohamad1]

Is part of overall plan to have a roof structure between the containers, or leaving it open?

[@CutePreciousKitty]

Do you plan on painting the exterior of the containers or leaving them as is? This is such a cool project!! What a legacy you are leaving to your baby! Looking forward to the next video!

[@jimsmith3134]

use blue painters tape to lay out your floor plane, windows, doors with swing of door, bookshelves,my wife added photo sizes to the walls and made me move a window to fit her photo!!! then you get to see it before you cut anything out. just found you today keep up the great work. welcome to up state!!!

[@FourthWayRanch]

What did you paint the inside with? The space underneath will be occupied by pests Should have wood between concrete and metal

[@orvillelyons3026]

A tee shape with a 8'x8' and 2 doors open to box in most of the open space with a 10'x10' on top over the opening. Just a thought.

[@mamacat315]

Will you be connecting them with hallways so you won’t have to go in and out each container?

[@spiritflower6640]

I'm liking the idea of those doors maybe remaining open somehow and creating a little nook there at the end.... maybe it's just a glass end or maybe it's kind of a built-out end that incorporates those doors that is a light letting in kind of creating a cozy zone, connected with the outside type of spaces... lol Anyway, I appreciate your guys's videos! and, I'm looking forward to seeing what you create and how you create 🤗🤙

[@juiced-fightclub-hamster]

I'm curious as to what part of the country you are setting this place up in? Are you going to somehow secure it to the ground in case of high winds and/or tornadoes?

[@beccalex89]

Have you thought about doing a galley style kitchen to increase your work space or a long counter and appliance design along one side of the container? Another option to increase workspace - a L shaped design for counter that runs along the wall and then juts out for a partial island/room divide? What if you just did a big window where the doors are that can open and close?

[@teaganlyndy]

I feel like there’s gotta be a way to turn the double doors into French doors!

[@dieselkong]

Can I get the link to the adapter for the jack? Thanks

[@cindygagnier2250]

Will there be hallways attaching the container rooms? Could be really cool with windows.

[@HeyHollyYoo]

This is incredible progress! I’m always so amazed how how these two tackle enormous projects with such calm and competency. I aspire to be like that, little by little! I am a huge interior design fanatic, and I wanted to ask what the grey door is for? I was thinking if you wanted to have a little more wall space to expand the kitchen a bit, the “wall” that the seating faces can be a large window/patio door combination so you’ll enter the home that way and also have a view, then the door won’t be necessary - but if your plan is to connect the homes together and have a ‘hallway’ of sorts, maybe it would be better efficient use to have that entry at the end of the container so you can maximize the wall space in the main living area! Just a quick idea, but i know you two will find the best solution that works for your needs :p

[@WildWeRoam]

Holly what great ideas!! Thank you so much for sharing your insight, that is super helpful :-D And thanks for the kind words :) Hope you are having a nice time with any creative projects you may have going on!! :)

[@HeyHollyYoo]

@@WildWeRoam 🥰🥰🥰

[@Bynggo]

What is the gizmo called that goes into the shipping container grip holes?

[@mrbill8542]

How are going to anchor them into the ground?

[@LIK64]

You are SOOOO TALENTED

[@WildWeRoam]

You are so sweet, thank you :)

[@janetwilpan123]

Will you have connecting breezeways between the containers?

[@marilynreichenbach9220]

I’ve seen that done and it adds so much more living space to the containers.

[@tesstess3371]

My idea would be connecting the back of the containers with a porch walkway. It would keep the elements from the walk to the bathroom, opening a door at the other end would increase ilumination (don't know about sun orientation of the site...). But I'd increase the number of footings, so that if one fails, the others can minimize the problem. With a flat roof and heavy snow load, a sunroof would be not advisable, metal contracts with cold, and leaks are a big mess.

[@laurenfailing9949]

Put long windows in the doors so it can still be a focus point and give light

[@garywarren5048]

I think you'd spend more time in the kitchen space, moving the bathroom would be an idea creating a bigger kitchen/ seating space. Use the back wall for storage, maybe add more counter space along the container. Interested to see the progress

[@tralalanick9318]

I'm so happy for you. Good luck with all the work. Can you, please, give us some idea on how do you plan to connect 3 containers? I can't figure it out yet.

[@Joanne6103-p]

Wait and see

[@RichardJacques-q3z]

How did you know how far to dig to have each block at the same height?

[@EarthWinz]

I think it'd be really cool to have a counter up against where you'll be opening the doors so when you eat or work or whatever you can look right outside. You could also leave enough room to be able to walk past the counter and for a baby gate to keep child in. Also to put windows in the doors so when the doors are closed it doesn't feel super closed in

[@islandvibesgardening4419]

Can you please tell me the name of the tool the black peace used to lift up the container

[@LostNative]

So excited as im planning on doing the same and im sure my partner would like to get involved also. May I ask how much is it to buy a container? Is it difficult?

[@YOSEFITZCHAK]

Can you please share a link to that metal piece that enables you to put the hydraulic jack

[@HiSkippy]

Wow!! That is exactly what I'm wanting to do!!! Amazing... I'm watching!! Lol Thank you ,Thank you!!

[@HiSkippy]

Dana & Lou, I know you all did your research on where to purchase your containers and delivery. I'm doing my research too but would love your info on prices to compare my discoveries. I so love your tent home build and am excited about your container build....

[@HiSkippy]

Is there a place that you have posted your equipment purchases and details. I'll be recieving a shipping container and leveling it in Arizona , near Kingman this December. I'm also going to take an Adobe Dome Building Workshop at the end of this month. Learn, Store/Security, Build... crosses fingers lol

[@noormohamad1]

I was also curious if condensation would be an issue that addressing.

[@jansmith3158]

for inspirations of these tiny home look at boat, yacht and camper layouts = these disigns are usually done by interior designers.

[@jansmith3158]

ps there are lots of you tube channels for camper, ⭐truck campers (which might be the same size as these cargo containers??) look up "2022 best truck campers yt vids. For boats and yacht Dana & Lou check out Nautistyle yt ch. They highlight tons of different size boats/yachts for great kitchen and bathroom layouts in a small space but with maximize storage ideas etc that would work well in your storage container home. Plus some of the yacht amazing interior designs ideas can be duplicated on a fraction of the cost but, really create a wow factor in these tiny storage containers. Anyways best of luck with this fun but, very hard physcially & emotionally building project. But, there is no doubt in our minds the two of you are going to build an amazing home together. enjoy the process of buiding this project even the hard days will give you the confidence in the future to do anything your mind set to accomplish. Take care.

[@ZuriDsWellness]

FYI, QT, are you going to connect the 3 containers with a porch system and will that porch have a roof, cuz that will also determine the light and therefore the windows. Just a thought...

[@Coco-mw8tz]

I live in a shipping container building in London :) couldn’t you have whole sliding glass door at the front of the central container? Great at getting heat in and keeping it in; even in winter months.

[@marymoran719]

Are you putting hallways in between the containers so you can move from one room to another without going outside

[@Dairy9661]

Can you make glass doors? Or windows in the doors?

[@kathleenrowland8666]

If you haven't already, you might want to check out Life Uncontained. They have built their container home over the last few years and have great content documenting their build.

[@maenagusky9560]

Dana! I have such an important question for you. I absolutely love your orange coat with the cute Wild we roam patch on it… what is it called??? I have searched the inter-web and I cannot find it anywhere. Any leads would be much appreciated!

[@leilu9431]

Where to buy container?

[@ginagonzalez6547]

The outside of the containers have to be covered somehow to prevent rust and winterize them more or pant over and over on a yearly or by-yearly basis.

[@rebekahmenn2118]

It could be nice to cut windows in the middle shipping container doors so that you have the option of some light/a view of outside even when the doors are closed.