Renting a Container

Why People Rent Containers

Containers, also known as portable storage containers are a popular option for people who are moving a small number of items. Most of the time, people rent containers because they don’t want to go through the entire process of renting a moving truck or hiring professional movers to do the heavy lifting for them. Another popular reason on why people rent containers is because they want to take their time in packing and organizing their belongings. If a container is readily available in your backyard, you can carefully organize what comes where and have a good estimate of just how many things you need to move (or let go for that matter). Containers are also often used for storing certain items for a short period of time, or even an extended period of time.

But then, there are also several valid reasons on why you might want to rent a container. Portable containers are very common during emergency situations such after a hurricane or tornado hits. In these scenarios, containers can be helpful in setting up emergency workstations and storing the items of people whose homes have been damaged.

In the end, rental containers are chosen by people because they are very handy and durable. Plus, they’re quite cost-efficient too.

Types of Rental Containers

There are different types of containers depending on where they are stored. Here are some of the most common:

• Pods – Some companies will rent you smaller containers or pods that you can place near the vicinity of your home (like your backyard for example). Pods or moving pods are portable storage containers that can be rented out for a specific period of time.
• Storage Unit Type – The second type of container are those that are stored in the rental company’s premises. It’s very similar to renting a storage unit. These types of units sometimes come with special temperature controls and weather-proofing. Of course, there’s also the added security of being in the premises of the company (as opposed to just being on your backyard).
• Pick-Up and Delivery Type – There’s also a third type where the company will send you the container, which you then fill up. Once you’re done packing your belongings in the container, the company picks it up again, puts it on their truck and delivers it to your new home or assigned destination.

Sizes and Costing

Moving containers come in different sizes and varieties. Sizes range from 7-ft, 12-ft, to 16-ft in height.

For example, United Mayflower offers moving containers that are approximately 16’long, 8’wide and 8’high. A container of this size is estimated to hold the contents of a typical 1,500-square foot home.

Here’s another example: Upack offers 6’3-ft (Dimension) x 7-ft (Width) x 8’4″-ft (Height) moving containers that sit flat on the ground for easy loading and unloading. These are large enough to accommodate one (1) room of furnishings.

It’s important to note that renting a container will still cost you money. Companies charge differently depending on how big or small the unit is. Typical rental containers may charge you on a per week or per month basis. As for the third type stated above, they will add the cost for pickup and delivery. The average cost is about $200-$500 depending on how big the container is and how far the delivery location is. So of course, the further the distance for delivery, the higher the cost. How long you want to rent the container should also be factored in.

Short Distance Move or Local Move

Let’s see an example costing for a short-distance move. Let’s say you’re moving from your house in LA to a new one that’s still located within the city. You also want to store the container just within your own backyard and then delivered to your new home. Here’s the cost breakdown:

Long-Distance or Interstate Move

Let’s see an example costing of a long-distance move. Let’s say you’re moving from your house in LA to a new one in Las Vegas. You want your things stored first for a month before they deliver it to your new home (once construction is finished, or once you’ve settled in). Here’s the breakdown of a full-service, pick-up and delivery service with additional storage requests:

What to Store in Rental Containers

You can store a lot of items in containers but take note that there are also some items that you cannot. The most popular items that people put in rental containers are furniture, clothes, coats, mattresses, bed frames, televisions and other electronics, even computers. Just make sure to pack and seal them properly in order to avoid damage (especially for electronics).

On the flipside, you cannot store any flammable chemicals or explosives inside rental containers. You should also not put any living things inside, like pets or plants.

Pros and Cons

Here are the positive sides to renting a container:

• You can just leave the pod sitting outside your home while you pack at your own pace. Should you need more time, you just have to pay for the time extension.
• Renting containers or moving pods are usually cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company.
• They are great for temporary storage, such as when you’re remodelling a part of your house or if you want to get as many things out of the way before the move.
• With your stuff taken care of, you can drive your own car to your new place. No need to drive a huge truck.

Now let’s take a look at the negative side of things:

• Pods and containers can be a great option for moving, but it’s not for everyone. They are not advisable for people who don’t have the space. If you’re just renting an apartment or condo then there’s literally no space for you to put a container or pod on.
• Lastly, rentable containers are not a viable option for people who are not good at, or who just hate packing in general. If you hate paying close attention to detail, and doing tedious tasks like packing then you may be better off having someone else do it.

So basically, if you’re thinking about renting out a container, what you need to consider is your schedule, your lawn space, the number of your belongings, and your willingness to do some serious packing