Getting Started with Portable Storage

When it comes to portable storage, there are a few key items to consider before planning a rental or making a purchase. Whether you’re moving, decluttering, or just need some extra space, a portable storage unit can be a great solution. But where do you start? Here is a checklist to help guide you through the process of selecting the right portable storage unit for your needs.

#1: Size

Once you’ve decided between renting and purchasing a container and you have also identified its intended use, the next thing to consider is the size container that you need. Thankfully, you usually have more than a couple of options depending on the company you decide to rent from.

10 Foot Shipping Container Rentals 

The exact measurements of these containers are 8 feet wide and 10 feet long. This size container is a great option for anyone who needs to fit a lot into a small space. While 10-foot container prices can vary widely and depend on availability, these smaller containers can sometimes be more expensive than larger alternatives. That is because this is not a standard size for overseas freight, so they are more difficult to come by.

20 Foot Shipping Container Rentals

We refer to this one as the ‘classic.’ This is the most commonly used container for renting and buying and is the most commonly used to transport goods all over the world. Due to the amount that is created and circulated on a global scale, these containers are often the best bang for your buck. They are the same weight as 20 foot containers at 8 feet but they have double the storage capacity.

40 Foot Shipping Container Rentals

If a 10 or 20 foot container isn’t going to do the job and you’re in need of additional space, a 40 foot container may be a viable option. While they offer twice the storage as their 20 foot predecessors, they are usually not going to cost you twice as much. In fact, they often are the best value per cubic foot of storage space.

Need additional options for your storage solutions? Live in Washington State, Oregon, or Arizona? Get Simple Box has an array of shipping container rental options to suit your needs, including standard 10 foot, 20 foot, 40 foot containers. We even offer a 20 foot basic office container rental that has a window, shelf brackets, and outlets so you can set up your office wherever your work takes you. Visit our container rental page to learn more.

#2: Material 

Portable storage units come in a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider which one will best meet your needs. For example, metal units are durable and weather-resistant, but they can be heavy and difficult to move. Plastic units are lightweight and easy to transport, but they may not be as durable. Simple Box storage units are made from heavy metal material and are built to withstand the elements and keep your belongings safe and secure, no matter the conditions.

#3: Features

Different portable storage units come with different features, such as lockable doors, ventilation, and shelving. Consider which features are important to you and which ones you can do without. Get Simple Box portable storage containers are equipped with lockable doors, weather-tight sealing, and our containers can even be modified to include framing/insolation, windows, air conditioning, and pedestrian doors. We work with you to find out if a traditional rental container, or a purchased and modified container is the best fit for you and your needs.

#4: Cost

How much it costs to rent a container varies on the company you decide to work with and the size/type of container you decide to rent. In addition, the cost will vary depending on how long you need the container for and where it is being delivered. It’s also worth noting that prices can fluctuate based on market conditions. To give you a better idea, however, at Get Simple Box, we have provided pricing estimates for the following storage solutions:

10 Foot – Starting at $109/month
20 Foot – Starting at $149/month
40 Foot – Starting at $199/month

20 Foot Basic Office Rental – $199/month

*Pricing varies depending on location, to get the most accurate pricing information, please contact us for a quote.*

#5: Accessibility 

Consider how you will access the portable storage unit once it’s in place. If you’re storing items that you may need to access frequently, you’ll want to make sure the unit is easily accessible. If you are storing more seasonal items that do not need to reached frequently, may find that storing the container out of the way may be more beneficial to you. At Get Simple Box, we move with you. If you find that you need to move your container to a new, more accessible location, we are here to help.

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