Portable Moving Storage Containers

Portable storage containers are becoming a popular moving option for many people today. When you look at the benefits of that moving storage containers offer, it’s no wonder they’ve become a go-to moving option.

Many people today need to be flexible and adaptable when it comes to moving and relocating. This is why storage containers are an excellent choice for those who are unsure of where or when they’re moving. By storing items in a storage container, you can keep your items safe until you eventually having them shipped when the final date and location is known.

For these reasons, storage containers have clear advantages over rental trucks or freight trailers which have a number of other considerations and responsibilities.

What Are Storage Containers?

Storage containers are not to be confused with shipping containers, which are commonly used for international moves. Storage containers are designed for the main purpose of holding items during a move or a renovation while other factors are taking place, as well as for shipping short distances within local moves.

Shipping Containers vs. Portable Storage Containers

Shipping containers, also known as sea-cans or sea containers, are designed to be loaded and shipped by truck, rail, or sea to long distance destinations whether nationwide or internationally.

Portable storage containers are much more economical for short-term, local purposes whereas shipping containers are for bigger, more expensive jobs that require a larger and more time-consuming application.

Instances to Use a Moving Storage Container

Storage containers are ideal for specific jobs where items need relocating within a small distance. This is usually a temporary rental where there is no other practical solution for storing materials. They’re often used on new construction job sites and where renovations are taking place.

How to Select a Storage Container

There are a few different options for choosing a moving storage container. To start, you need to think about whether you’ll be using the containers for a short move or a long distance move.

Local or Short Distance Move

First, review the different local moving storage container options in your area. If you are staying local, you don’t necessarily need to consider a company with nationwide coverage. You’ll have more purchasing power and local dealers and companies to consider. That being said, industry stand options are usually 12 foot or 16-foot units, but many companies have varying size options for bigger or smaller units.

Long Distance Move

If you’re moving a large distance then you need to consider if the company will accommodate your long distance needs and requirements. Obviously, this limits your options since there are far more local moving storage container options than there are large nationwide networks. Be sure to find out ahead of time if the companies you’re considering can transport your unit across the country or if they are local-moves only.

Here are some other general tips when selecting the proper storage container.

  • Consider the elements effect on the goods being stored — hot, cold, dry, humid
  • Calculate your load size before selecting a container — cost is relative to size
  • Determine the duration required — daily, weekly, monthly
  • Determine where the container will be stored — inside or outside
  • Determine when the container can be obtained and from where
  • Ensure there is enough space at the moving site to accommodate the container
  • Determine method of security for the container

Top Suppliers of Moving Storage Containers

When choosing your moving storage container supplier, there are a number of companies to choose from. Here are some of the top options to consider:

ABF ReloCubes

ReloCubes provide storage containers that are easy to move and are typically rented for do-it-yourself moving by ABF U-Pack , the same company that provides 28′ “You Load, We Drive” moving trailers.

ReloCubes are available in multiple markets across several different regions, offering greater convenience for those potentially moving long distances.

Cool Box

Cool Box manufactures portable moving storage containers that are insulated. They can be conveniently delivered to your home to be loaded or unloaded. Cool Box will pick up and drop off their storage containers from your old location to your new one whenever you’re ready. Cool Boxes come in 12, 16 and 20-foot sizes to suit your needs.

Mobile Attic

Mobile Attic is another portable storage container option for DIY residential or business moves. They offer solutions for long or short-term needs as well as on-site or off-site storage. The Mobile Attic has its own storage facility for you to conveniently store your belongings away in a secured area.

My Way Storage

My Way Storage is a one-size-fits-all approach to modular moving and storage. A newcomer to the industry, My Way Storage serves a specific niche of the market focusing on economical moving. This young, yet experienced organization has become the leading provider of do it yourself moving and portable storage.

PODS (Portable On Demand Storage)

PODS is available nationwide, it is a portable storage company that focuses itself on the storage container industry. Their easy-to-move containers are can be used for a variety of uses. They offer 7, 12 or 16-foot storage container options.

PODS was the first company to offer a portable storage solution, which is why they have become so popular and well-known. They also offer long distance moving options for those moving nationwide. With no deadlines, PODS allows you to keep your belongings stores for as long as necessary until you’re ready to complete your move.

Smartbox Portable Storage

Smartbox is a portable moving storage container that supports either long-distance or local moving. Smartboxes are 8ft storage containers that are available nationwide for your convenience.

Zippy Shell

Zippy Shell is a flexible and versatile moving storage container option that provides solutions for all types of moving situations. Residential, commercial or college moving storage can be delivered directly to your site for easy loading. Zippy Shell will pick-up and deliver your belongings to your new location when you’re ready.

Whether you’re moving local or long distance, Zippy Shell can accommodate. While Zippy Shell does not provide professional moving labor to load and unload their storage units, they can help you find a service that will.

1-800-PACK-RAT

1-800-PACK-RAT is a nationwide portable storage company. They provide both 12′ and 16′ units to suit your personal needs.

1-800-PACK-RAT provides both local and long-distance moving options for any type of move, nationwide. They also provide climate-controlled storage facilities, should you need a place to store your container prior to your next move.

Author:
Moving Options

The Moving Options content team is made up of multiple contributors, writers, and editors. We are your resource hub for anything related to moving, cool stuff, this stuff and great resources.

10 References
  1. https://www.pods.com/About-Pods.aspx
  2. https://www.1800packrat.com/about-us
  3. http://www.abfs.com/freight/
  4. https://www.uhaul.com/UBox/
  5. https://zippyshell.com/about
  6. http://www.mywaystorage.com/portable-storage-works/
  7. http://getacoolbox.com/
  8. http://www.smartboxmovingandstorage.com/about
  9. http://www.mobileattic.com/
  10. http://mobileatticstorage.com/
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