Portable moving containers are now popular because they offer three essential things: flexibility, convenience, and affordability. But how can people fully experience the benefits of these portable moving containers? In this blog, we will present to you all the things that you need to know about portable moving containers.
What Are Portable Moving Containers
1. Definition and Purpose
Portable moving containers are big, flexible mobile storage units that make moving easier. They’re dropped off in front of your home, so you can load them on your own schedule. Once you’ve packed, we’ll drive the container to your new home.
Or if you’d like, we can store it in one of our climate-controlled, secure warehouses. Their goal is to offer the flexibility of do-it-yourself moving while providing the convenience of professional transportation.
2. Key Features of Containers
These portable moving containers are usually constructed out of steel or other weather-resistant materials to safeguard against rain, wind, and all the other elements. They vary in size, usually 8-foot, 12-foot, or 16-foot options.
These dimensions make them ideal for moves ranging from studio apartments to multi-bedroom households. Most containers include top-notch locking systems, keeping your belongings safe whether you’re in transit or taking advantage of a storage option.
3. Common Uses for Containers
Portable moving containers can be used for more than just residential moves. They’re great for short term storage while you remodel your home, stage your home to sell, or even for life’s longer term storage solutions.
Businesses use them to store inventory or equipment during business moves. For military families or students, they provide a convenient option for moves with regular frequency or living arrangements that require smaller footprints.
Benefits of Portable Moving Containers
1. Flexibility for Different Needs
Portable moving containers offer ultimate flexibility to fit your schedule and the way you like to move. One of the largest benefits of portable moving containers is being able to pack at your own pace. Some people like to work on their materials a little bit every night on multiple evenings, while others clear a whole weekend to get it all completed.
2. Cost-Effective Moving Solution
These portable moving containers make relocation and storage easier, more convenient, and more affordable. Unlike traditional moving services that often have hidden costs or make you book multiple services; portable containers marry convenience and affordability.
3. Convenience and Accessibility
The convenience factor is one that’s pretty difficult to beat. Portable moving containers arrive right at your front door. You won’t need to rent a moving truck or drive back and forth to a storage unit! Once they are delivered, they remain conveniently available at your own pace and timing.
4. Secure and Durable Design
Safety is the other big benefit. The best portable moving containers are built strong to safeguard your valuables from damage and theft. These sturdy assets are designed to endure the most extreme elements. This keeps your belongings safe regardless of whether they’re stored at your location or a portable storage facility.
Pricing and Payment for Containers
1. Factors Affecting Costs
The size of the portable moving containers makes a big difference. Smaller containers (like 8-foot long containers) generally cost less than their larger counterparts, such as 16-foot long containers.
The length of your move also affects cost. Your local move will certainly cost less than a cross-country relocation, since the company isn’t spending as much on transportation and fuel costs.
A second consideration is how long a container is used. Renting a container for just one month is more expensive than renting it for a longer period of time.
2. Average Pricing Estimates
Roughly speaking, the rental price for portable moving containers runs about $150 to $300 for a local move.
As for long distance moves, expect to pay between $1,000 to $5,000 based on how far you’re traveling and how many containers you’ll need.
For example, renting a 16-foot container for a move of 500 miles would run approximately $2,000, with the delivery and pickup fees included.
3. Payment Methods Available
Many companies provide flexible payments to accommodate any budget. The most popular options are credit or debit cards and other online payment systems.
For big moves, some providers of portable moving containers let you pay in installments, breaking up the total cost into bite-size pieces.
Service Areas for Moving Containers
1. Local Service Coverage
Portable moving containers are an affordable and convenient solution for local moves, providing flexible solutions that work with your schedule and lifestyle.
However, companies are limiting their active service to as small a geographic area as possible. They extend into urban, suburban, and even some rural areas to make sure they’re accessible by neighborhoods anywhere.
2. Nationwide Availability
When it comes to long-distance moves, portable moving containers are the most widely available option in the United States, reaching most major cities and metropolitan areas. That’s because you can seamlessly move with PODS from Los Angeles to New York, or even just across town, without missing a beat.
Additionally, most providers have an extensive network of service hubs, which helps to facilitate easy transport and quick delivery. These services are extremely useful for anyone who may need storage while moving.
3. International Options
If you’re moving overseas, international portable moving containers make it a breeze—you’ll get help with transit and customs clearance. Providers generally serve every major international market, from Canada and Europe to much of Asia.
Since these containers are built to the shipping industry’s international standards, you’ll be assured that your items are safe during international transport. The experience generally involves door-to-door delivery, coordination with international freight forwarders, and help with necessary documentation.
How to Use Portable Moving Containers
1. Scheduling and Delivery Process
As with any moving process, planning ahead is the secret to a smooth move. First, consider how you would like your move to go. This is where portable moving containers give you some awesome flexibility. No matter if you’re moving in stages or making a single, huge transition, having an organized timeline will go a long way.
Work with your container company to arrange for delivery and pick-up. Research local laws and ordinances in your area. You may have to obtain approval from your municipality, HOA, or neighborhood before putting the container in your driveway or on the street.
2. Packing and Loading Tips
Despite how easy it looks in the commercials, when it comes to packing, efficiency is everything. Consider using portable moving containers for a decluttering project by separating your belongings into piles of objects to keep, donate, and throw away. Doing this step in advance can make your move more organized and unpacking in the future much more efficient.
3. Transport and Storage Process
One advantage of portable moving containers is the availability of temporary storage. For example, if you’re not ready to move everything at once, you can store non-essential items like seasonal furniture until you’re settled.
4. Unloading and Final Steps
When your container is delivered, unpack in an organized fashion, beginning with your most important belongings. Portable containers are great for staged delivery too, allowing you to have access to your items in storage when you need them.
Sizing Options for Moving Containers
1. Small Container Dimensions
Small containers are ideal for short distance moves or storing a few items. For instance, PODS has an 8-foot container with 385 cubic feet of packing space. This size is perfect for a studio apartment move or a small college dormitory move.
This makes this service ideal for particular needs. Try it for estate moves, moving items to a second home, or storing your items while you remodel your home.
2. Medium Container Dimensions
Medium-sized containers, like the 12-foot PODS alternative, work best for mid-sized moves. They’re perfect if you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment or an office of a handful of employees. Not all companies provide containers of this size.
Opting for a medium size avoids the hassle of getting several smaller containers or one large one, which may leave you with extra space. The size and weight capacity differs with each provider, so confirm the size directly with the company you select.
3. Large Container Dimensions
When it comes to bigger moves, a 16-foot container provides a roomy option. This PODS option provides plenty of space for multiple bedrooms’ worth of belongings. It has dimensions similar to that of a 10-by-10-foot storage unit or a 15-foot moving truck.
It’s ideal for families or anyone moving a modest home. Some companies, though, only have one big size, which can make it necessary to use several units for bigger moves.
Construction Details of Moving Containers
Materials Used in Manufacturing
Portable moving containers are designed and manufactured using very high-quality materials, including steel, aluminum, wood, and high-impact polymers. Steel provides superior strength and durability. This makes it the ideal building block for keeping your valuables safe while in transit.
Aluminum provides a lighter, more manageable but equally strong alternative, making it more convenient to use without compromising on toughness. Wood works well, particularly when used with a metal frame. It’s great for temporary storage or use cases that are less high-stakes and need a more low-touch solution.
Weatherproof and Secure Features
Moving containers are built to endure all types of weather. They protect your belongings from the elements, like rain, snow, and extreme sun. Most units are built with watertight seams and rust-resistant doors to keep moisture out and dust in.
Weight Capacity and Durability
Load-bearing behemoths Originally designed to carry big loads, portable moving containers are built tough. Steel and aluminum alternatives are capable of carrying very heavy loads without flexing or crashing.
This reliability is what makes them ideal for moving big things, like appliances or moving multiple furniture items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are portable moving containers?
Portable moving containers are weatherproof, weather-resistant, secure storage units that are delivered to your door.
What are the benefits of using portable moving containers?
Portable moving containers are affordable, convenient, and safe.
How much do portable moving containers cost?
Prices depend on the container size, market area, and length of rental. Monthly prices average between $200 and $500.
What sizes do portable moving containers come in?
Portable moving containers usually are available in lengths from 8 feet to 16 feet.
How are portable moving containers constructed?
Portable moving containers have the advantage of being built from strong materials such as steel, aluminum or weatherproofed wood.
How do I use a portable moving container?
It’s easy to do. We drop the container off at your home or business. You load it on your schedule and then the provider picks it up to store or transport it.
Where are portable moving container services available?
Most portable moving container companies operate all over the country. Contact your provider today to make sure portable moving containers are available in your city or state.
Move with YEG Edmonton Portable & Storage Solutions
Ensuring a seamless moving and storage experience starts with choosing the right partner. At YEG Edmonton Portable & Storage Solutions, we provide a wide range of services tailored to simplify your transition.
Our facilities feature state-of-the-art security, including 24/7 surveillance and secure access controls, so your belongings are always protected. With convenient locations in Edmonton, St. Albert, Beaumont, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and Leduc, accessing your stored items is quick and hassle-free.
We offer durable and reliable portable moving containers, ensuring all your relocation needs are met with ease. To learn more or to start your moving journey, contact us today at (780) 801-7949.