Self-Storage Unit Vs Portable Storage Container: Which Is Better For You?

If you need to store your belongings, you may be considering whether it’s better for you to use self-storage units or go with portable storage containers. Self-storage involves renting a space in a public storage facility, usually on the outskirts of town. Portable storage containers are units delivered to you, loaded up by you or the company crew, and stored at either a location of your choice, or at the company’s property. Both options have pros and cons, but depending on your needs and situation, one option may be best for you.

Questions to Consider in Your Decision-Making Process

1. Are you planning to move in the near future?

   If you are planning to move, then storing your stuff in a portable storage container is a better choice. Once loaded up, they can be easily transported to a new location.

2. Do you need storage for a long amount of time?

   Self-storage over a longer period of time is less expensive than a portable storage container. However, some portable storage containers do offer a discount based on a longer storage term.

3. Are the items you want to store heavy?

   If you have heavy items to store, a portable storage arrangement is easier for you. The company will deliver the storage unit to you and load up all those heavy items for you.

4. Do you need to frequently access your stored belongings?

   The access to stored belongings in both options can be limited. With a self-storage facility, you have to drive to the location of the facility, which is often on the outskirts of town. And the facility’s hours of operation may not fit with your schedule. With the portable storage solution, the access needs to be arranged with the company, unless of course the unit is located on your property. If that’s the case, access is easier with the portable storage option.

5. Do you have storage needs that exceed the capacity of 3-4 rooms?

   If you have a huge amount to store, than some self-storage facilities might be able accommodate you better than portable containers. The biggest capacity for portable containers is 16 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet, and they typically hold 3-4 rooms.

6. Are you storing valuable belongings?

   If you simply need a place to stash clutter, self-storage is probably a better way to go. If you are storing belongings of high value, portable storage units offer more security, as you can add padlocks, lock boxes, inner bolts or crossbar locks to make these units impenetrable. These additions are not usually allowed in public storage facilities.

So, the bottom line is that self-storage is a better option if you need long-term storage and have a huge amount of stuff of low value. The portable storage container option is the way to go if you have stuff that require less than 3-4 rooms capacity, the belongings you are storing are valuable to you, and you may move in the near future. And if you have space on your property for the container, accessibility to your storage is also more convenient with a portable storage container.

Good luck with your decision!