A trailer with any insulation is better than a shipping container with none at all. You still have to take a box and insulate the thing, put a proper roof on it to shed water and snow. An older travel trailer is probably your cheapest way. At least it's already framed out, plumbed and wired. It's still just as small and just as poorly insulated.
Try living in an 8 foot wide space and you'll see neither one is a very good option.
It looks like I'll be going back to school for a one year course which will allow me to work from home, thus I can move from the city to the boonies.
I've been thinking about a small cabin, such as this: http://www.stevemaxwell.ca/result-web-content-display;jsessionid=EB8B854E5C5D4D253C134B37BDF13341?p_p_id=3&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_3_struts_action=%2Fsearch%2Fsearch&keyword=cabins&_3_keywords=cabins&groupId=22324&articleId=10570558
A cabin is a great idea. This guy built a 14x14 on deck blocks. No mortage. Maybe a shed for your preps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qghZ2ao7GKM
That was built in the USA. In Ontario any structure larger that 10 x 10 requires a building permit. That particular structure would not have been approved,
ICRCC - Only if you are living in an organized Township. Where I am, I can put up anything, any where as long as I don't encroach on my neighbour. That includes building it out of straw, sticks or bricks. The only rules I need to follow are for a well or septic. I do think I'd need to apply for a crapper permit also if I were to go and ask but no one comes looking behind my place.
Another benefit of these twp's is that land tax is about 1/10th of that in town.
In Ontario although building permits are not issued in unorganized townships there are unorganized townships that are subject to Minister's Zoning Orders and require Letters of Conformity or Zoning Conformity Permits prior to any construction taking place. So best to check first.
Also from the Ministry (MMAH) site: "the Building Code Act is applicable to all lands, whether in municipalities or in unincorporated areas. This applies to all buildings, whether or not a permit has been issued or applied for, and also where a person is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit."
Absolutely right ICRCC. Our cottage just outside of Algonquin Park falls into the Zoning conformity because it now lies within "provincial park" zone even though it's still an unorganised twp. Also, my house, even though is in an unorganized twp is also subject to building code because the bank requires it when handing over their money. But for my sheds, garage, guest house etc, I can do pretty much as I please as long as my wiring and other inspected items are done according to code, I can make them as big or small as I want them. Hmm so in thinking about it... I just don't need the building permit 🙂