What Is a Moving Container?
So what is a moving container? Well, when it comes to moving, this container could just be your new best friend. Whether you’re relocating across the country or within the same town, using a moving container is a low-cost, efficient way to make your move possible. Not only do these portable containers give customers a cost-efficient way to move, but they also make it easy to store belongings before, during and after a move. Here’s a quick run-down on what exactly a moving container is and how it works.
My transformation:
You may have heard the term thrown around once or twice, but what actually is a moving container? In a lot of ways, especially when it comes to relocating, this container could become your own personalized hub, perfect for storing belongings before, after, and during a move. Moving containers are a low-cost, efficient way to make any move, whether you’re relocating just down the block or across the state, go as simply as possible. Here’s a quick breakdown of what a moving container is and how it functions.
What is a moving container?
Moving containers typically come in a variety of sizes. Most are steel-framed and weather-proof boxes that can be left outdoors for long periods of time during the moving process. Usually, they come with a lock and key for added security as well. The smallest size moving container available at most companies typically holds up to a room and a half of furniture – or the equivalent of a small furnished apartment. Larger moving containers can hold around three to four bedrooms worth of furniture. Depending on the sizes offered, you may have to rent more than one moving container to hold all of your belongings.
My transformation:
Moving containers are typically available in a variety of sizes which serve different needs. Most variants are steel-framed, weather-proof boxes that can be left outside for prolonged periods of time during the moving process, oftentimes being equipped with a lock and key for extra security. It’s important to note that not all containers are created equal so make sure you know the exact type of container you are purchasing before you rent it. The last thing anyone wants is their precious possessions being damaged as a result of them being stored in a low quality environment. The smallest size moving container provided by most companies typically holds up to a room and a half of furniture as a rough estimate. This is comparable to the amount of furniture which might fit inside a small, furnished apartment. Larger moving containers can hold roughly three to four bedrooms worth of furniture. Not all companies offer the same sizes so depending on what is available, you might need to rent multiple containers to hold all of your belongings.
How does it work?
While the moving container process varies from company to company, they are all fairly similar. Before the move, these storage containers are delivered to your front doorstep by the moving container company. Customers are then given several days to load their moving container with their belongings. Once the moving containers are packed, the company will pick the container up and drive it to its destination. This is essentially a hybrid DIY move. The customer does part of the moving process themselves (packing and unpacking the container), while the moving container company delivers the portable container to its end point. Once you’ve finished unloading your moving container, the company will pick the container up and return it to a service center.
My transformation:
While the moving container process is different depending on the company you decide to go with, they are all fairly uniform. Prior to the move, these storage containers are brought to your home by the moving container company. Customers are then granted several days to load the container with their belongings. Once the container is fully packed, the company will pick it up and drive it to its destination. In this way, both the customer and the container company are part of the moving process. They load the container and the moving container delivers it. Once the container is finished being unloaded, the company will pick it up and return it to one of its locations.
Can I use a moving container for storage?
Yes. One of the main advantages to using a moving container is that they double as storage containers. If you wish, moving container companies will pick up your container and deliver them to a storage facility. Many companies also allow customers to store their moving containers on the customer’s personal property or at the storage facility. In terms of signing a contract for storage, most companies offer storage services on a month-to-month basis.
My transformation:
Absolutely. One of the most important advantages of using a moving container is that they double as storage containers. Moving container companies can also pick up your container and deliver it to a storage facility if you so choose. Additionally, many companies allow customers to store their moving containers on the customer’s personal property making access to their belongings even easier. Contracts for these storage arrangements are typically offered and signed on a monthly basis.
What are the main advantages to using a moving container?
The three main advantages to using a moving container over other moving services are: 1) Moving containers tend to be a cost efficient way to move to a new home; 2) Moving containers offer customers flexibility with their move. In fact, when using a moving container, you should be able to move on your own timeline. 3) Moving containers can double as storage, making them ideal for complicated relocations.
My transformation:
There are three main advantages to using a moving container over other moving services. These are: 1) Moving containers are often a cost efficient way to move to a new home.
2) Moving containers offer customers lots of flexibility with their move allowing them to move on their own timeline.
3) Moving containers can double as prime storage making them ideal for complicated relocations, people who wish to clean out clutter in their homes, and those who wish to organize their belongings in preparation for a new move.
Can I pack anything and everything inside of a moving container?
No. Similar to packing rules with full-service movers, not all items are allowed inside a moving container. These non-allowables are not allowed for a reason. For starters, flammable items, such as gasoline, lighter fluid, motor oil, propane tanks, paints and cleaning solvents, are absolutely not allowed to be packed inside of a moving container. Hazardous materials, including loaded guns, scuba tanks, fertilizer, poisons, ammonia and even nail polish, are not permitted inside of moving containers either. If driving a moving container across state lines, you’ll also want to avoid packing plants, as each state has their own rules about which plants can and cannot be imported. Other items to avoid packing inside of a moving container include perishable food (think: refrigerated fare) and valuables. The last thing you want is for your valuables to be broken or stolen during a move. So before loading a moving container, think twice before packing jewelry, money, electronics, sentimental items or important documents inside.
My transformation:
Unfortunately not. Much like packing rules with full-service movers, not all items are allowed inside moving containers. It should be clear that these banned items are prohibited for a reason often because they might be dangerous or become dangerous when inside a moving container. Flammable items such as gasoline, motor oil, lighter fluid, propane tanks, fireworks, paints and cleaning solvents, are strictly prohibited from being packed inside a moving container. Hazardous materials, including loaded guns, scuba tanks, poisons, ammonia, fertilizer and seemingly innocuous things such as nail polish, are also not permitted inside of moving containers. Plants are also something to avoid if you are planning to cross state lines as each state has its own rules about which plants can and cannot be imported. You’ll also want to avoid packing any perishable food (ie. foods that must be refrigerated) because without constant refrigeration (something that moving containers cannot provide) these items are likely to spoil or decay. Finally, it should be stressed that you should not pack valuable or irreplaceable items. While some of these items could theoretically be safe during a move or in a stationary moving container, the last thing you want to do is risk your valuables breaking or being stolen during this process. Be careful when contemplating packing jewelry, money, electronics, sentimental items or important documents inside because you never know what might happen to them.
What if I don’t want to load the moving container by myself?
Good news! If moving yourself sounds unappealing, you have the option to hire labor-only moving professionals to help load and unload the container. These movers typically specialize in loading services and won’t be responsible for driving the container to its destination. Of course, you can always ask friends and family to help with packing and unpacking your moving container as well.
My transformation:
If you don’t like the idea of loading and unloading your container, you have the option to hire labor-only moving professionals to help do this process for you. These movers often specialize in loading services and will not be responsible for driving the container to its destination. If that’s still not very appealing to you, you can always ask your friends and family for help with packing and unpacking your moving container.
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