Ladder with removable step and method of storing the ladder in a compact container

A method of storing or transporting a ladder in a compact container comprising the steps of:

• providing a modular ladder having an assembled configuration that comprises;
• a base having a front end and a back end, a vertical support attached to the back end of the base when the ladder is in the assembled configuration, a stair section assembly comprising a plurality of steps connected between two parallel stringer sections, the stair section assembly having a front end and a back end, the front end of the stair section assembly being attached to the front end of the base when the ladder is in the assembled configuration, the stair section assembly further comprising a removable top step with a depth dimension perpendicular to the vertical support when the ladder is in the assembled configuration, the removable top step directly attached to the vertical support and the stair section when the ladder is in the assembled configuration;
• providing a compact container that has a depth smaller than the depth of the removable step in the assembled configuration;
• packing the stair section assembly and the removed top step in the compact container such that the plurality of steps remain assembled between the stringer sections.