If you think that steel shipping containers are just used for seaborne trade, you couldn’t be more wrong. As of this very moment, there are more than 20 million containers crossing the world. While many of these will only be used for shipping, there is a large percentage of used shipping containers that are being converted into custom works of art.

From mobile offices to apartment buildings made entirely from used shipping containers, these ubiquitous containers have become the go-to option for consumers and industries who desire an affordable way to meet their needs. The container market is projected to grow by about 5.3% between 2014 and 2017, mainly because of the infinite ways to reuse them. Their durability and endless customization potential is catching the attention of people around the world, and the ways they’re being modified will truly blow your mind. Here are just a few of the many reasons that used shipping containers are in high demand:

• Mobile office containers. Businesses are beginning to take an out-of-the-box approach to offices, and used shipping containers provide the perfect template for mobile offices. These custom containers can be modified with doors, locks, windows, electricity, and just about anything else you would find in a “normal” office. It is helping many companies to save space in their main building while allowing employees to separate themselves from the action and go to a quiet place to do their work.
• Pop-up shops. You’ve likely already seen pop-up shops made from mobile containers on beaches or boardwalks. If not, you certainly will this upcoming summer. Pop-up shops are all the rage among store owners because of how easy it is to transport them. These shops can be fit with awnings, sliding cashier windows, and even grills. Pop-up restaurants have overtaken food trucks as the most popular trend in food service, and investing in one now can help you to corner your local market before your competition.
• Shipping container villages. If there is anything that properly displays the infinite possibilities of used shipping containers, it is shipping container villages. All across the world, apartment buildings made entirely from custom containers are providing affordable housing to people who desire a unique living situation. These custom container pods can be equipped with climate control, electricity, beds, and sofas. They are exactly like a normal apartments, just a bit more exciting and less costly.

People are finding new ways to customize used shipping containers every single day, and it’s only a matter of time before the next stroke of genius graces the custom container market. Do a little research on your own and see the many other ways that you can benefit from used shipping containers.