First explain what guests will actually be staying in
A single converted container, two connected modules or a complex with several small units: even this difference changes the perception of the stay. Describe the specific accommodation on offer and its layout. Are the kitchen, shower and sleeping area in the same building, or does a path lead to another building? Anyone viewing your listing for the first time should be able to answer this question straight away.
The ‘shipping container’ category here refers to a converted space for overnight stays. Therefore, showcase the living space and how it is used, not just the striking steel façade. A friendly description can explain what was important to you during the conversion, such as a bright dining area or storage space under the bed. Terms like ‘luxurious’ or ‘spacious’ are less helpful than a clear impression of the actual rooms.
A small footprint requires clear navigation
Take photographs of each area in such a way that the transitions between them remain clear. A view from the entrance to the sleeping area conveys more than lots of close-ups of attractive items. Also show the spot where guests can put their bags down and hang up their coats. In narrow passageways, a standard perspective works better than an extreme wide-angle shot, which might later give the impression of completely different spatial proportions.
A pull-out bed can free up space during the day, but may take up the entire living area in the evening. Explain such changes in daily life. Is there a fixed dining table or a fold-away shelf? Can one person use the kitchen whilst another is sleeping? Such small details help couples, families or solo travellers to assess whether your accommodation suits their plans.
Describe the warmth, atmosphere and sounds in concrete terms
Guests cannot tell from an exterior photo how your container home can be used on a hot afternoon or a cool morning. Mention any heating, air conditioning, ventilation options and sun protection, provided they are actually part of the accommodation. If you only let out the property for part of the year, specify the season. Do not promise year-round comfort based solely on the building’s construction.
Noises are also part of an honest picture. Rain on a metal roof, a nearby road or an adjoining workshop area can shape the stay. You don’t need to turn this into a warning: a short, factual sentence about the location is often sufficient. You can explain just as clearly whether windows face the garden, a shared driveway or other accommodation units.
The area outside the door is part of the description
A small terrace can be an important part of the stay. Make it clear whether it belongs exclusively to your container or is shared with other guests. Are there seating areas, shade and lighting for the walk back? Also describe where the property boundary lies and which areas remain private. This information is particularly helpful on a large site.
If the accommodation is on higher ground, stairs and the entrance should be visible in at least one photograph. Describe the routes in wet weather and the distance from the car park to the entrance if this is relevant for luggage. A level interior does not necessarily indicate accessibility throughout the property. Rather than making general statements about accessibility, clear details about steps and routes are more valuable to travellers.
Make day-to-day use straightforward
In your facilities section, specify what is available for cooking and washing. A kitchenette with a fridge and cooking facilities is different from a storage area with a kettle. It is equally important to state whether the bathroom is located within the accommodation and is for exclusive use. If the utilities require specific procedures, these should be included in a brief, clear guide for the stay.
Walk through your accommodation once with a packed travel bag. Where do you dry towels, where do you put your shoes, and where can you charge a phone? This often helps you spot the information missing from the listing. You don’t need to explain every little detail publicly. The description should show what facilities guests can expect; personal arrival instructions can supplement the practical details later on.
A series of images that clearly illustrates your refurbishment
Start with a photo showing the container and its surroundings together. This should be followed by the living area, sleeping area, kitchen and bathroom. Include a view of the entrance and a usable outdoor area. This creates a short virtual tour. The lovely details of your fit-out can be highlighted at the end, once guests have understood the layout of the accommodation.
Take photographs that accurately reflect the condition in which you intend to offer the property. Temporarily placed furniture, facilities not yet ready for use or areas not included in the listing should not be shown as part of the accommodation. If using reflective windows, ensure that personal documents or people in the background are not inadvertently visible. Above all, good photos need to clearly show what is included in the booked accommodation.
Get started with your specific listing
You can create your listing on BookNoFees free of charge. The standard process involves describing your accommodation, selecting the appropriate type and adding photos, facilities, availability and price. Start by filling in the details you can answer with certainty. The tips on this page are suggestions for a helpful description and do not constitute an additional list of mandatory fields.
Then read through your draft from the perspective of someone who has never stayed in a container house before. Is it clear how many people can sleep there, where the bathroom is and what facilities are available outside? A simple, warm text is sufficient. You don’t need to turn your accommodation into a spectacular adventure if its special appeal lies precisely in its peaceful, well-organised everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ‘shipping container’ also refer to a storage container?
This page is about shipping containers offered as overnight accommodation. A storage space or a container for storage is a different service. In your advert, describe the rooms that are actually habitable and the facilities available for your stay. The external appearance alone does not tell guests what they are booking.
Should I just show the small size in the photos?
Photos and text should complement each other. It’s best to explain openly if the living space is compact, if a bed folds out, or if there’s little room for large suitcases. This might be just right for a short stay. A clear description allows guests to decide based on their own needs, rather than having to guess the dimensions from pictures.
Can I describe my container house as sustainable?
Do not base such statements solely on the fact that a container has been reused. If you wish to describe specific features, only mention what you can substantiate, such as original components or existing fittings. A factual insight into your refurbishment is more credible than a general assessment of the overall ambience of the accommodation.
Do I need to have a finished advertisement ready before I place a listing?
No. Start with a clear description of your rooms and good photos showing their current condition. Then think about what questions might arise during a first visit. On BookNoFees, follow the usual process for creating a listing. You can select ‘Shipping containers’ yourself there to match your actual listing.
