Every journey starts off with just one step – even a long-distance move. For anyone who is on the threshold of a giant relocation adventure, you’ll want to make a significant decision that could define your complete moving experience: Do you hire professional movers or move by yourself?
Both moving options have considerable positives and negatives, but neither of them may be appropriate for your particular moving needs.
You’ll need a solution which combines essentially the most advantageous elements of the self-moving process with the greatest advantages of using professional moving services. In cases like this, moving with portable storage containers may be the right choice for you.
What you need to Know About Portable Moving Containers
Exactly what are portable moving containers?
You’ve probably seen them parked in driveways or curbside. A portable moving container is essentially a large box (usually 7-by-7-by-8 feet) you can rent and use to hold your belongings and have them shipped to another location.
How do portable containers work?
The moving containers are dropped off in front of your home and left at your disposal for a prearranged time period (a few days to a couple of weeks).
You pack and arrange your items inside of the containers within that time frame. On moving day, the containers are picked up and transported to your final destination. You can unpack at your leisure and have the containers removed when you’re ready.
What are the perks of portable containers?
Using portable moving containers provides a convenient, safe, and cost-effective solution for your relocation needs.
You can rest assured that your belongings are safe. The moving containers are handled by professionals who use specialized moving equipment and proven moving techniques to make sure the safety of your belongings. The delivery trucks have a special hydraulic lift system built to reduce shifting inside the containers and make them level during transportation. The container itself is very strong and completely insulated, so it provides the very best protection against moisture, dust, dirt, and physical impact. What’s more, the containers may be locked to reduce the risk of theft.
You can pack and unpack your items at your own pace, and you can keep the moving container for as long as you require it. Scheduling is extremely flexible, so you’re able to take the time to organize and pack your belongings with utmost care, arrange them inside the container in a tidy and systematic manner, and then unpack your items without pressure (some companies permit you to keep the container for as much as a month without incurring any extra fees).
You are able to use the portable moving containers for storing your items. Should you need a temporary storage option for your belongings, the containers can be delivered to a secure facility or left in front of your home for as long as necessary.
You will experience fewer difficulties loading and unloading your household items. The containers sit on the ground, so there will be no requirement for a loading ramp or other specialized equipment for loading or unloading your belongings.
Moving with portable moving containers will likely be easier on your budget than using full-service movers.
How much does it cost to use containers?
You can rent a portable moving container for approximately $200 a month (plus a pick-up/delivery fee of $100). When moving with a container, however, the final expense is typically determined by the distance the moving container needs to be transported.
Any extra services (for example storage in transit) or complications with container access (for example, a container drop-off or pick-up location that’s hard to access) will likely lead to additional fees.
How to pack a portable moving container
Exactly the same basic rules pertain to packing moving containers as to boxes: Ensure that you pack your belongings in a safe and efficient manner. Seal the boxes tightly and label them properly so you know how to locate every single item.
Here are more specifics for packing containers:
Read the moving company’s directory of prohibited products that you shouldn’t pack in the moving container (for instance flammable or hazardous materials).
Line the bottom of the container with moving blankets for added protection against vibrations and shocks during transportation.
Arrange your items inside the container in a logical manner. Place all the larger and heavier items at the bottom and close to the walls, and make sure the items you are going to need first when you arrive at your new home are packed last. Optimize the available space, and secure your items well to prevent accidental shifting or toppling over during transit.
Use old blankets, large pieces of corrugated cardboard, and other adequate materials to provide sufficient cushioning between items in the container.
Avoid transporting items of great monetary or sentimental value (such as sensitive electronics, delicate artwork, and family heirlooms) in a moving container.
Get adequate moving insurance for your cherished possessions. Better safe than sorry.
Nick & Cindy Davis are here to assist you here in the Tampa Bay and Surrounding areas. We have assist hundreds of buyer relocate here and ensure that the move is stress free for you. When you are ready to find your new home. We are always just a call to 813-300-7116 or click here away.