Portable storage containers are becoming increasingly popular among people who are planning to move to a new place soon. However, there is a lot of confusion regarding the ideal size of such containers as every person has a different set of moving requirements. If you are thinking about renting a container to move your belongings, you need to consider a number of factors.
Renting a moving container is one of the most effective ways to move your belongings from one place to another without any hassle. In today’s market, you may find such containers in different sizes for storing and transporting different home sizes. However, choosing the right container size is much more than knowing the size of your current home. You need to focus on the following points to find what size of storage unit you may require for moving to the new place.
- Assess the Amount of Load You Need to Store:
Evaluate the amount of load you want to store before you select the container size. If there are only a few small items, a 10-foot container will be enough to fit them perfectly. However, you may need to consider renting a larger container for the moving day if you have several large items, furniture pieces, and appliances. A 20-foot container is ideal for a 2-3 bedroom home while moving.
You also need to consider the height of the container based on the type of items you need to store. If your storage load is mostly boxes, you can use the height capacity of the container. However, if a majority of your storage load takes up floor space, you need to choose a long container.
- Calculate the Distance and Duration of Your Transportation:
The ideal size of the storage unit is also determined by the distance and duration of the transportation. A smaller container does a good job when you are moving to a place within a short distance. However, if you are moving to a different state that may require several days of on-road travel, a larger container size may be the right choice for you.
With smaller containers, you have a higher risk of damage to your items as they may collide with one another when the moving truck goes over an uneven or bumpy road. While it may be okay when you are moving locally, you need to invest in a larger container to ensure your belongings are secure and protected during the long transport.
- Understand the Weight Capacity of the Container:
Every container that is used for residential moving projects has a certain weight capacity. Before you select the container size, you need to consider how much your storage load is going to weigh approximately. If you load more items than the container can carry, it may cause issues during the transport.
If your storage load includes heavy items, you should go for a larger container with a higher weight capacity. This will help you move your belongings to the new location without any issues. Moreover, you can ensure the safety of your items by choosing a larger container.
- Consider the Cost:
The cost of a container for moving needs typically depends on its size, condition, and type. You will be surprised to know that a large 20-foot container, which holds twice as many items as a 10-foot container, costs almost the same as the smaller one. So, if your budget permits, you should choose the larger container to keep your items secured during the transit.
Storage solution providers like PODS offer a number of container options in smaller sizes for residential projects. You can find 8-foot, 12-foot, and 16-foot containers that come at a reasonable price. However, do not choose a smaller container just to save money. It may cost you a lot more if the items get damaged during transportation.
- Think About Your Access to the Container:
You also need to assess whether you need frequent access to items in the container or if they can remain in the same place until they come out of the store. This is an important factor to consider when you are moving to a different state. If you want frequent access to the container, you need to make sure there is enough space in the storage unit to maneuver.
In such situations, you may want to consider renting a larger container. Small containers may be great for neatly storing the boxes and items without the risk of damage during transport. However, you will have to unload stuff from the small container every time you decide to access something from the storage unit. With large containers, you will have enough room to move within the storage unit and access the items you want to use before they are unloaded at the destination.
How to Go About It?
Once you have checked all the factors mentioned above, you will have a clear idea of what size of storage container will be right for your moving needs. While the amount of load and the distance are expected to influence your decision the most, you also need to consider your budget and access requirements before deciding on the container size. It is recommended that you rent the container from a reliable storage provider so that you do not have to worry about the cleanliness and its security features.
