Considering a Portable Storage Unit? Here’s What You Should Know First

By now, you’ve probably seen someone with a portable storage unit on their property or you’ve spotted one on the back of a truck speeding down the highway. And, you might even be considering getting one for yourself, particularly if you’re going to be moving anytime soon. But, before you put portable storage units on your list of things you need for a move, there are some things you should know first.

What Are You Using the Container For?

Certainly, you need to know what you’re going to use the storage unit for before you have one delivered to your property. If you’re moving, you might want to get a storage container several months before the actual moving day arrives so you can put your packed boxes inside the unit as you go along. This will help you clear out your house at your own pace. If you’re selling your house, a storage unit provides space for all your extra belongings that shouldn’t be on display when you’re staging your home for a showing.

When it’s time to downsize, you can put your extra furniture and furnishings into the container and have it taken directly to a storage facility for you. This is convenient because you don’t have to load and unload the boxes from a vehicle more than once. You load them into the storage container, where they can stay until you’re ready to put them into a more permanent facility, and unload them once after the truck picks up your container and arrives at your storage locker.

Portable storage units aren’t just for moving either. If you’re remodeling your house, you may need a place to put your furniture for the rooms that are under construction until they’re completely ready for use. This keeps your belongings out of harm’s way while your messy renovation project is ongoing.

Do You Have Space to Park the Container?

This is a critical consideration when thinking about getting a portable storage container. Most people put them on one side of their driveway, but it doesn’t really matter as long as you have a relatively flat space for the unit anywhere on your property that’s accessible by truck. Just be aware that you may not be able to park one on your street, or if you are allowed, you may need to get a permit first. Keep in mind that some HOAs do not allow storage containers to be on a property for longer than a predetermined amount of time, so if you belong to an HOA, check the rules first.

What Size Container Do You Need?

Most portable storage unit companies offer their containers in a number of sizes, so you’ll want to calculate the amount of space you’ll need before you order one. The last thing you want is to need a larger container or an additional container after you start the packing process. You can also contact a portable storage unit provider to seek their expert advice on the size unit you need. Be sure to tell them all the belongings you plan to store in the unit so they can give you an accurate estimate. In general, it’s good to go bigger when in doubt because you can always use a little extra room, but when you’ve run out of it, you can’t get more without renting an additional unit.

Conclusion

Getting a portable storage unit during a move, home sale, or renovation can take a lot of stress out of the packing and moving process. Give one a try the next time you find yourself needing a little extra space.