Everything you need to know about portable storage containers

One of the most important decisions you will make when moving is also one of the first that you encounter. Do you hire movers or do it yourself? Both options have significant advantages. Both options also have their drawbacks. Hiring movers takes the pressure of doing everything yourself off you, ensures only trained and experienced professionals deal with your relocation, and can make a huge difference in the amount of stress you experience. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay in control of the process, do it on your time and at your own tempo, and possibly save some money while you're at it, a DIY move may be more up your alley. But what if we told you there was a third option? What if there was a way to combine the benefits of these methods into a third one? Portable storage containers do just that!

What are portable storage containers?

Portable storage containers are pretty much exactly what their name implies. These are large boxes made usually of metal (sometimes wood). They basically act as storage units that you can move around. They vary in size from 5’x7’x8’ to 8’x8’x16’, though the most common size is 7'x7'x8'. You can rent them for as little as a couple of days or as long as a couple of months. Whether you are moving house or planning to move your office to another address, portable storage containers can be a good solution for you. They give you plenty of time to load up all your possessions gradually, store them as you prepare for the move and then easily relocate them when you're ready.

How do you use portable storage containers?

The first thing you will need to do is rent a storage container in the size that suits your needs. Remember to get an accurate estimate of the amount of space you will need before you start looking. Going too small may result in needing additional containers and going too big could put your possessions at risk of damage during transportation. Both will, however, cost you extra money.

Check out the local business listings to find a company that offers portable storage containers. They will deliver one to your front door (or any other address of your choosing) and transport it to your final destination on moving day. For the rest of the pre-determined time frame, the container will be left at your disposal. It is up to you when and how you load and unload the container.

Packing a portable storage container

Packing a portable storage container is not much different than packing your stuff into regular storage. You want the boxes to be arranged as safely and efficiently as possible. This means putting the largest boxes closest to the floor and walls, then stacking smaller ones on top. Everything you plan on using soon after moving should be packed towards the end of the process. That way it will be closer to the door and easier to reach. Seal every box tightly with tape and label it so you won't have to wonder what it contains when unpacking. This is all pretty standard packing advice.

But before you start, remember to check what you should not pack. All moving companies and storage providers have rules regarding this. When you rent portable storage containers, you should also get a list of items you are not allowed to pack, store and transport in them. These are called non-allowables. Most of them would be risky and dangerous to handle and move. Among other things, this includes:

●     weapons and ammunition

●     flammable, corrosive and explosive liquids

●     toxins and poisons

●     fuels and antifreeze

You should also avoid storing and transporting especially sensitive or fragile items (like expensive appliances and technology or fine china) and items of great monetary or sentimental value (like priceless artwork or family heirlooms) in portable storage containers as they may get damaged.

Avoiding damaged goods

To protect what you are transporting, line the bottom of the storage container with old blankets and sheets or cardboard. This will help absorb the shocks and vibrations during transport. You can also use fabric, cardboard or styrofoam to fill up the empty space in portable storage containers. This ensures the boxes don't move around which helps prevent damage.

Ultimately, it is better to be safe than sorry. So get insurance on anything you can't replace.

How much do portable storage containers cost?

The price of a storage container depends on its size, the amount of time you use it for and how far it needs to go. You can typically find portable storage containers for $200 a month with an extra pick-up and delivery fee of $100. The final cost will, however, also include any charges for additional services (such as storage, additional transportation or extra time) so it can go anywhere between $500 and $5000. Overall, you can expect a portable storage container to cost you more than a full-on DIY move and less than a full-service moving company.

And if you don't think that's worth it, you can always find a moving company that offers both transportation and storage instead. Before you choose your movers though, check them out on Verified Movers - that's the best way to know they're legitimate!

What are the advantages of portable storage containers?

One of the main advantages of portable storage containers is the flexible schedule that comes with them. Since most companies rent by the month, you have plenty of time to organize your move and complete it at your own pace. This is drastically different from hiring a full service moving company when you will be following a pretty strict schedule and renting a moving truck which requires you to load and load boxes quickly.

Another great thing about portable storage containers is that you won't be doing the driving. Moving trucks are large and unwieldy so driving them is no easy task. If you only drive a car, you will find this quite difficult. With a portable storage container, that is no longer something you need to worry about.

Finally, storage containers rest on the ground. This makes it infinitely easier to load and unload up large and heavy boxes. And let's not forget: portable storage containers are essentially a 2-in-1 - they're both the back of a moving truck and a storage unit. You can use them for easy-access self-storage during the move!