Moving Containers
Moving containers are portable storage units that can be transported to your new home, or kept in temporary storage for a predetermined period of time. One of the major benefits of renting a moving container is the convenience it affords the customer. The selling pitch for moving containers is usually something along the lines of "packing on your time." The flexibility of renting containers has made it popular for residential moves as well as commercial relocations and military deployments.
Many moving companies, including full service moving services, offer their own brand of moving containers - such as moving pods.. The selections such as size and construction vary from company to company, and so do the charges. Depending on which service you opt for, a company may offer additional features such as climate-controlled storage facilities for your moving containers. Most services will provide a pad lock for your containers and a key to be kept by you. This article will highlight some of the major features and considerations involved with moving containers.
Space Efficiency
The same rule of packing boxes applies to moving containers. Units should be packed to capacity, but not overloaded with items. Although the dimensions of moving containers vary from company to company, most are built to minimize the amount of space that would cause your household belongings to shift during transportation. The containers allow you to pack and store your items in such a way that minimizes the amount of empty space inside, subsequently reducing any potential breakage that comes with shifting. Containers can be rented by quantity, and most companies emphasize the dangers of over packing your unit. Don't try to load all of your items into a single unit. The one concern you should be aware of is whether or not you can fit all of your household items, including furniture, into your units without professional help. Most services will recommend that you rent a separate unit for fragile items instead of bulking them together with your more durable items.
Features
The type of container you choose can be made of plastic, plywood, aluminum, steel, or a combination of each. Look into weather resistant or water proof units if you plan on moving during the wet season. Remember that storage rates are affected by what type of container you choose. Also, keep in mind that larger sized moving containers may require zoning clearance or permits. If you plan on having multiple units, be sure to inform your neighbors or landlord when the containers will arrive so you won't be obstructing anyone's driveway when they need it. All containers come with some kind of securing mechanism such as tie-down rings or a simple padlock. If you're still deciding on which service to go with, select one that has electronic tracking so you can check to see where your container is. Full service moving companies often have a tracking service so you can determine the location of your shipment in transit.
Storage and Scheduling
You can usually choose to either have your containers stored at your location or at a temporary facility. Customers can use moving containers for long-term or temporary storage. Since most services offer a pick-up and delivery service, the customer's sole responsibility is packing and loading the unit. Your company should have the necessary equipment to pick up and transport your units to the prearranged destination. In terms of availability, most companies offer moving containers on an annual basis. Regardless, check with your company to see how soon you can receive your units. Some services require a week in advance to ship your containers to you. Make your inquiries to ensure that your containers arrive on the day you need them.
