If a shipping container home is well-maintained and is located in a gentle climate zone without harsh winters and lots of severe weather events, then a container home can last somewhere between 25 and 30-years. The biggest enemy of shipping containers is corrosion. If you notice any rust spots developing on your shipping container, you must address them immediately to prevent the spread of rust. You can also add siding to your container home to ensure that it is well-protected from the elements.