SMARTBOX has the honor and privilege of serving more than sixty million customers nationwide.  Our very talented customer service specialists receive many calls on a daily basis from people with a wide variety of questions about our portable storage units and the services we offer.  How much does it cost? What’s the range of your service area? What kind of discounts do you offer? In addition to questions like these, we also receive many questions about the storage aspect of our business, the actual storage units themselves to be more specific.  With this thought in mind, below you will find some essential tips for using a portable storage unit and advice everyone should know when it comes to using them effectively.

Safety and Durability

One of the first questions people ask when they contact a moving and storage company is in regard to the protection measures in place and the containers’ durability.  We take these questions very seriously at SMARTBOX, and we want to make sure that everyone understands this should be at the top of your moving and storage checklist.  First, you want to make sure that the inside of the unit provides the right amount of protection.  Many storage units are constructed with wood interior to protect against harmful substances that can do permanent damage to your belongings.  Additionally, many storage containers come equipped with climate-controlled settings, which assist in protecting the items inside.  As far as outer protection is concerned, most portable storage units are built from materials that can withstand all weather conditions.  You can relax and breathe easier because no matter what part of the country you are in, your valuables will always remain protected.

Space Utilization and Planning

Another concern to address is how much usable space is available in the units.  This may seem somewhat obvious, but it is very important because it could have a direct impact on how you plan, organize, and execute your move.  Many companies offer an estimation process, either online or over the phone, that will allow both parties to know how many units are going to be needed to make your transition successful.  Perhaps one of the most crucial things to remember is you want to choose a storage plan that will best accommodate your items in a safe manner. You must also determine if you need temporary, long-term, or seasonal storage services.

Our units, which are 7’ tall, 5’ wide, and 8' deep, are designed to hold up to 3,000 pounds. Each unit can hold an average of 1-1/2 rooms of furniture and other belongings. You can separate the storage units by room, which will help you stay organized and make unloading easier.

If you’re downsizing and moving from a single-family home to an apartment, you may choose to utilize the portable storage unit as extra permanent storage for items that you can’t fit in the smaller space. One of the best tips for using portable storage containers is to know ahead of time what you need the unit for and what you will put inside.

Off-Site Storage Convenience

Storage options are another aspect to consider when choosing a storage company.  Do they offer an off-site storage option as part of their service packages? This is very convenient for those customers with a relocation taking an extended amount of time.  See if the companies you are interested in will be able to store your things at a storage facility for as long as you need while you are transitioning from one location to another.  Check on the cost of this service so you do not incur any unexpected expenses.  Some companies will include this in their quote, and the expense will be part of your overall payment.

Detailed Security Features

SMARTBOX containers are made of durable materials to withstand the elements while being packed. Once you have everything packed, the container is secured with a lock to prevent unauthorized access. If you need to store your belongings for longer periods, we transport the containers to a secure storage facility. The facility is climate-controlled and has cameras to protect your belongings until you’re ready for delivery.

Cost Benefits of Using Portable Storage Units

Traditional storage units are generally more expensive than portable units with on-site storage services. With portable storage containers, you don’t need to pay for more space than you use. Our customer representatives at SMARTBOX can help you determine how many units you need so you don’t waste money by getting too many containers.

You can add in cost savings for your time as well. Since you don’t have to drive to a storage unit and back—your driveway is a great commute—you can pack a little at a time instead of taking time off work to pack everything at once.

Tips on Managing Storage and Moving with Children

You may feel overwhelmed if you’re moving across the state or the country with children. Packing up your belongings becomes a bigger deal because you don’t want to pack anything you might need during the trip or before you leave. You also want to access essential items as quickly as possible once you arrive. Here are some tips on how to use portable storage containers as you move with children.

• Keep a bag of essentials to take with you. This may include a week’s worth of clothing, a few toys, snacks, and first aid items.

• Have sleeping bags on hand for a “camp-out” at your new home until you can get the beds set up.

• For younger children, keep a Pack-n-Play with you, which can serve as a playpen while you’re loading and unloading and a bed for naps.

• Allow older kids to get involved in packing. Have them pick out toys they don’t want to keep and donate to a children’s charity. You’ll have fewer things to pack and take up space in your storage units.

• Since children’s items are usually smaller, you may be able to squeeze things in open areas instead of getting a separate container for their rooms.

• Pack your kids’ stuff last. That way, you can unpack it first, making the place feel more like home for your children.

• Color code the boxes so your kids know which ones belong in their rooms.

Utilize these tips for portable storage units to help make moving with children easier.

Transform Your Moving Experience with Tips for Using a Storage Unit

A portable storage container can hold all your belongings if you pack them correctly. Here are some storage unit organization tips to make the most of the space.

• Put large furniture and heavier items and boxes on the container's bottom.

• Tear down any furniture that can be disassembled, such as beds.

• Fill drawers and cabinets with small boxes and personal items. Wrap breakables and tape the doors shut so they don’t open in transit.

• Use blankets, sheets, and towels to wrap items instead of packing them in a separate box.

• Pack clothing in suitcases and duffel bags.

• Label each box and build a packing list to know where everything is to make unpacking easier.

• Fill every space and pack everything tightly to prevent slippage during transport.

• When unpacking, work room by room instead of randomly unloading. You’ll keep everything together and feel more organized when it’s time to put your belongings in place.

Contact SMARTBOX to Learn More

Our SMARTBOX customers have emphasized to us many times how convenient and user-friendly our portable storage containers are, and we hope that the above information reinforces that.  If you would like more information about what we have to offer and our moving services, please give us a call today at 1-877-627-8269.  Our staff members are standing by and ready to speak with you.