You sold your home and you are finally ready to begin packing for your move!  Portable storage unit companies are one of the newest and most popular options in the moving industry and for good reason.  They have revolutionized the way people move by offering an easy, convenient way to pack, store, and move their belongings.  It is more affordable than hiring professional movers and it gives people the opportunity to pack and unpack at their leisure, taking a huge amount of pressure off their plates during what is already a stressful time.  That said there are many different options when it comes to portable storage unit companies and they are not all created equal. To help guide you through the process of deciding which portable storage company is right for you, take a look at these important things to consider to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for!

How You Will Be Using the Portable storage unit?

The first thing you will need to consider before choosing a portable storage company is how you will be using it.  Are you planning a move?  Do you need temporary storage for a home renovation?  Are you looking for long-term storage for your personal belongings?  Depending on how you will be using the portable storage unit, different companies might offer features and benefits that are suitable for your specific needs.  For example, SMARTBOX allows customers unlimited time to pack and unload, which is ideal for someone who is moving.  Knowing how you will be using the portable storage unit will also determine what size unit you will need.

Decide if You Need a Weatherproof Container

Are you planning to store your belongings on site at a portable storage facility or are you planning on keeping the storage container at your home for a period of time?  If you are keeping it at your home, you will need to consider this factor when choosing a company so you can be sure the storage container is weather-resistant.  Different companies offer containers made of different materials, some of which are more weather-resistant than others.  This is definitely something to consider if your belongings will be stored in the unit outdoors.

Are You Moving Locally or Long-Distance?

Some companies offer long-distance transportation of portable portable storage units while others do not.  This is something you will need to ask when looking for a storage company.  Likewise, if you do not have a driveway and need to use city parking, you will need a storage company that can accommodate those specific needs. 

Do You Need a Flexible Time Frame?

Many portable storage companies require customers to pack and unpack their storage container within 3 days.  Other companies, such as SMARTBOX, allow the customers to pack and unpack on their schedule.  This flexibility can be a huge perk when you are moving.  It gives you the freedom to pack and unpack at your leisure as opposed to being forced to do it all at once. 

Ask Specific Questions About Pricing

Just about every portable storage unit company is happy to provide you with a quote on pricing but not all of them are completely transparent with that quote.  For instance you might find out after you have booked the company that there is an extra fee for transportation, fuel, mileage, insurance, or that rates increase after the first month.  The last thing you want when you are in the middle of a hectic move is to be blindsided with hidden fees. 

Check Out the Customer Reviews

In the moving industry, reputation is everything.  Perhaps the most important thing you will take away from customer reviews is the overall satisfaction of previous customers.  If most customers seemed to be pleased and had a great experience, you will feel more confident about your selection.  Likewise, if a company has a poor reputation, you will be grateful that you dodged a bullet.