Portable Storage Containers: What You Need to Know Before Renting

Everyone runs out of storage space eventually, regardless of how large your home is or whether you rent or own your home. Fortunately, there are many options available for extra space, from climate controlled self storage units to simply asking friends or family if you can keep some of your extra clutter in their space. If you’re looking for a safe, convenient, and affordable way to store personal or business belongings for a little while, it may be time to look into portable storage containers.

You may have seen these containers–specifically PODS (Portable On Demand Storage)–on your neighbors’ property; they’re easy to rent, simple to keep on your property, and can be loaded and unloaded at your leisure. However, they may not be best for every storage need, and there’s plenty to consider before you commit to renting one yourself.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the basic features of portable storage containers, how to rent and pack them with your belongings, and some best practices for keeping your container secure once it’s loaded and locked in your driveway.

What is a portable storage container?

A portable storage container, also referred to as a portable storage unit or storage pod, is a metal container that you keep on your property for as long as you rent it. These containers are conveniently delivered directly to your driveway or street when you order them, and can be loaded, secured, and unloaded as needed to provide you with extra storage space for any of your needs. They can also easily be transported even after they’ve been packed with your belongings, making it easy to use them for moving house.

Some of the best reasons for renting portable storage containers include:

• Moving
• Making space for home renovations
• Transporting business goods and tools from place to place
• Storage for events
• Storage for construction sites
• Storage for seasonal items you don’t have the space for

There are a few notable differences between portable storage containers and dedicated self storage units. Let’s go over some of them now:

What benefits do portable storage containers have?

If a portable storage container meets your needs, you’ll find plenty of benefits to renting one. Here are a few of the most notable:

• They’re convenient. Portable storage containers are delivered directly to your home or business, and can just as easily be picked up by the storage company and taken to an off-site facility if you need extra space.  
• They’re flexible. As long as you’re renting a portable storage container and keeping it on your property, you’ll be able to pack and unpack it as needed at any time of day. You also have the option of a short-term or long-term rental depending on how long you need the container.
• They’re affordable. Depending on your storage needs, portable storage container rentals may be a more affordable option than traditional self storage. With portability built in, you can save extra money on moving trucks by combining storage and moving into a single service.
• They’re accessible. If you’re keeping a portable storage container on your lot, accessing your belongings is as simple as walking outside and unlocking the container. If it’s being kept at an off-site facility, you just need to request its delivery, and you’ll have your belongings in hand as soon as possible.
• They’re secure. As Joshua Haley, founder of Moving Astute, notes, “Portable storage units are designed with security in mind. They are typically made of durable materials and equipped with robust locking mechanisms to protect your belongings. Some units also feature weather-resistant construction, shielding your items from the elements. Additionally, reputable portable storage companies often offer secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance, further ensuring the safety of your possessions.”
• They’re environmentally friendly. Portable storage containers are more and more often built with recycled or carbon-neutral materials, and keeping them on your property means you’ll save fuel that would otherwise be used to drive to and from a storage unit.

What should I expect when renting a portable storage container?

Before renting a portable storage container, do some research to find out if they’re actually available in your area. If they are, you’ll most likely go through the following process.

• Research portable storage container providers. Different companies will suit different needs, but some names you may be familiar with are PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, UHaul UBox, and Zippy Shell. Compare prices here and make sure you choose the right company for your specific requirements.
• Order and pay for your container. When you’re ready to commit to a container, choose the size you need, the length of time you’ll be renting it for, and the date you’d like it delivered to you. Depending on the company, you may be limited to a 30-day rental, or you may be able to keep the container for as long as you pay rental fees.
• Wait for the company to deliver the container. Take this time to start packing up items you plan on storing in the portable storage container into boxes and tubs so loading it will be easier once it’s been delivered to you.
• Load and unload the container at your leisure. Once the container is where you need it, fill it up! For short-term rentals that stay on your property, you can pack and unpack as much as you need to. However, if you’re making a long-term rental, moving homes, or having the container stored at a facility, be sure to pack the container efficiently and maximize the space you have.
• Call in a pickup whenever you need it. For a short-term rental, container companies will pick up your container when your lease ends; make sure the container is fully unpacked and clean before pickup. If you’re making a long-term rental to be stored in a facility, or you’re moving homes, make sure everything inside the container is secure so it’s not damaged during the move.

What should I consider before renting a portable storage container?

Don’t just commit to a rental before you’re fully aware of your circumstances! Before renting a portable storage container, ask yourself these questions.

• Do I have a clear, accessible space to keep the container on my property?
• Will I need a special permit to store the container where I want it?
• How much weight am I planning on putting into the container? A packed portable storage container can weigh significantly more than an empty one, so be sure the container company can move the extra weight if needed. 
• Have I looked into any additional fees that might add up when renting the container? Your rental bills will typically charge for transport, delivery, storage, and liability insurance. 

What else should I know while renting a portable storage container?

Here are a few more things to consider to ensure you get the most out of your portable container rental:

• Stay organized. Make a plan for organizing your belongings even before your unit is delivered, and carefully label your boxes and bins so you know what’s inside. It’s useful to have a list of everything you’re packing, and even more useful to write down where in the container each box or bin is.
• Distribute weight properly. An unbalanced container can tip over, causing your belongings to move around and risking damage. When you’re packing, make sure you distribute heavy objects throughout the container so it remains flat and stable throughout any movement.
• Take apart furniture and roll up rugs. You can easily save space in a storage container by disassembling any furniture you’re storing and tightly rolling up large rugs.
• Take action to prevent damage. Cover any surfaces that might get damaged during transport, and wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or foam before packing them in a box. If you’re renting a container for long-term storage, use acid-free boxes or plastic bins to best prevent moisture and pests from getting in.
  • Note: Make sure everything you’re storing is both allowed and recommended for storing in a container or unit–take a look at our list of things you shouldn’t keep in a storage unit before packing.
• Don’t store valuables in a container. Portable storage containers are best suited for storing and moving more utilitarian objects; valuable objects, like expensive electronics and jewelry, shouldn’t be stored in them. These objects will be much safer if you keep them in your house or in a separate storage facility.
• Make sure your container is secure. If you’re keeping your container on your property, always keep it locked and check on it often to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with. Having an external security camera on your property will help you monitor your container in case of theft.

Save Time (and Money) with SelfStorage.com 

If you’re looking to save money, save space, or move your belongings to a new place, portable storage containers may be the storage solution you’re looking for. They’re simple to book, easy to move, accessible as needed, and available in a wide range of cities across the U.S.
If you’re ready to take the next step and find a container company or storage facility near you, SelfStorage.com is here to help! Use our search tool to find and compare nearby providers to find one that fits your needs and budget, or call (763) 225-2744 to speak to an expert who can match you with the perfect storage solution.