Before you rent a mobile storage container, there are several things you need to be aware of, such as how to be prepared, knowing what you can and cannot put in your container, and packing tips. While it may seem like a lot of information, it’s important to be prepared, so here are 6 things you should know before you rent a mobile storage unit:
- Prepare in Advance for Maintaining Your Shipping Container
If you’re renting a storage container, you’ll want to make sure you come prepared. This means purchasing moisture absorbers, such as silica gel packets. Moisture can sometimes seep into storage containers, damaging important items that you own. If prepared, you can avoid this altogether. Moisture absorbers will protect your items from any moisture damage.
- Think about Which Features You Need
Before renting a container, be sure to consider the different features and which you need or want to keep your items safely stored. Think about features like premium locks, which can keep your items more secure. Some storage containers also offer doors for extra convenience. Some mobile storage units also provide office space. This provides convenience if you need to get some work done while you’re at your rental container or if you plan on working in the container. You’ll also know that all your office equipment will be safe and protected by the durable storage container.
- Understand Your Rental Company's Policy
Before deciding on a company to rent from, be sure to read through their policy thoroughly so that you can be aware of everything you are responsible for while you are renting the unit. Policies can also give you an insight on specific items that are not allowed to be stored in their rentals and which features their shipping container can come with. If a company’s policy doesn’t cover everything you need to know, be sure to ask the company your questions directly before moving to a different company because they might be able to supply you with more information than their policy does.
- Consider the Size of Container that You Need
The size of the container you rent will depend on the amount of furniture and items you plan to store inside of the container. Storage containers often come in various sizes, and if you’re unsure of the size you need, it’s always safer to get the bigger one. Nothing’s worse than renting a storage container only to realize it won’t fit all of your items. If this is the case, you may be forced to rent a second storage container, which will likely result in you spending more money than you would have if you had rented the larger container first.
- Prepare for the Moving Process
Keep an Inventory
A great way to prepare is to keep an inventory of every single item and furniture piece you plan on keeping in the mobile storage unit. But don’t simply make an unorganized list of all the belongings you plan to put in the container. Create a system that works for you to not only keep track of the items you put in the container, but to allow you to reference your items if the need arises. One example would be to create a color-coded system.
Organize Items into Categories
Once you have an inventory system in place, organize your items into categories and group these categories together in the shipping container. Pack like items together, then store them with other similar items in the same area of the shipping container.
- Use a Strategic Packing Process
Once you’ve rented your shipping container and organized all your items, you don’t just want to start packing everything into the container with no strategy in mind. When packing, weight is important. This means you should have the weight evenly distributed throughout your mobile storage container. It also means heavier items should always be placed on the bottom, with boxes getting lighter as you stack. Another strategic moving and packing tip is to keep the most important items at the front of the container. This way you can easily access them if you need them.
Storage Container Rentals Made Easy
Storage, packing, and moving can be stressful, but renting a mobile storage unit can actually help you with the process. Due to the variety of sizes, you will likely only have to rent one unit, which can make your move easier and stress-free. If you need to rent a mobile storage unit, start your search with what you will be using it for, then go from there. You can also contact us at AAA Mobile Storage if you need further help!
