For many young couples, the dream of homeownership feels increasingly out of reach. Miriam and Eric Guiterrez, both in their early thirties, knew this struggle all too well after nine years of renting in Las Vegas. Spending $2,000 a month on rent while watching house prices soar left them feeling stuck and financially strained. They had initially planned to put down permanent roots in the city, but the high cost of living eventually took its toll. Tired of the relentless expenses and wanting to be closer to family, they made a radical decision that would change their lives: they decided to build a home out of a shipping container.
The couple already owned a small home in Tijuana, purchased as an investment in 2017, but its location was still too far from Miriam’s family to be practical. Looking for a creative and affordable solution, they drew inspiration from a modern source: YouTube. Both Miriam and Eric were fascinated by videos of people constructing their own homes from shipping containers, a concept that seemed both practical and adventurous. This interest sparked an idea that would become their new project and their path to financial freedom.
They took the plunge, purchasing a 200-square-meter plot of land in Mexicali, Baja California, for just over $8,000. The location was ideal, being only a five-minute drive from Miriam’s family. The next step was acquiring the main structure—a shipping container, which they bought for $2,500. Their ambitious plan is to complete the entire build and renovation for a grand total of around $35,000, a fraction of the cost of a traditional home in Nevada, where they estimate they have already saved well over $400,000.
Over the last six months, the couple has been hard at work transforming the metal box into a livable, two-bedroom space complete with a bathroom. The process has not been without its challenges; for instance, the container did not come with a roof, requiring them to install an overhead cover and extend the walls. Despite the hurdles, they have successfully erected a metal fence and installed essential utilities like water and electricity. Miriam expresses nothing but excitement for the future, envisioning an open-plan living and kitchen area, a separate bathroom and bedroom, and even a loft for a second bedroom.
Once completed by their target date in April, the container home will serve as a second home for the couple during visits to family. When they are not using it, they plan to list it on Airbnb. Miriam acknowledges that some may see their project as a waste of money, but she holds firm to her vision. She and Eric have no regrets about leaving their rental behind and hope their story can inspire others to pursue unconventional projects, no matter how bizarre they may seem, in the pursuit of a more affordable and fulfilling life.
