Moving is often one of the most stressful activities to undergo. Between the packing, planning, driving, hauling, unpacking, and cleaning, it’s enough to send the most steadfast person screaming for the hills.
However, moving doesn’t have to be as stressful as it stereotypically ends up being. There are many ways to lessen the stress of a move. One of the best ways is to use a portable moving container.
If you’re thinking about PODS moving containers you’d be on the right track. However, PODS is only one options in the portable moving containers industry.
If you’re trying to plan a move and are looking for unique ways to transport and store your belongings keep reading to learn everything you need to know about moving containers and the benefits they offer.
How It Works
Moving containers are exactly as they sound. They are containers that come in a variety of sizes. The purpose of these containers is to store your personal belongings in them and then ship the container to your new home.
In order to use this service, you would call the provider and schedule a delivery/drop-off date. On that date your container will be dropped off on your property. At the same time, you schedule the drop-off date you’ll also schedule a pick-up date and time.
From the time they drop off the container until they come and pick up is the time to start filling your container with your household goods. If you need more containers some companies will allow you to rent as many as you like and will only charge you for the ones you actually use.
For those who are unsure how many containers they may need, this might be a good option.
Container Sizes
As mentioned, moving containers come in a variety of sizes. However, the availability of those sizes will depend on the company you choose to go with.
For example, PODS offer three different container sizes 7ft, 12ft, and 16ft. However, if you’re looking for a PODS alternative some companies only offer one size but will allow you to rent as many as you need. Only charging you for the ones you actually use. This can be beneficial as mentioned above. And might be the better compromise for the limited size selection.
Be sure to check with companies in your area and ask what sizes their containers come in and if they charge for every container rented or just the ones you use.
What Can I Pack?
You might think that because it is a shipping container and you’re packing it yourself you can pack anything and everything your little heart desires. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
There are still restrictions on what you can and cannot ship in a moving container. The obvious items are banned like flammable materials (lighter fluid, gasoline, and motor oil), hazardous materials, and loaded weapons. Any item that could be dangerous is not allowed to be packed.
However, you also can’t pack any perishable food as it will likely spoil and turn rotten by the time you unpack it. Also avoid packing valuables in your moving container. The last thing you want is a priceless family heirloom to become lost, stolen, or damaged in the move in the container.
Cost
The cost of the moving containers will depend on a few factors. The size of the container, the length of time you’ll need the container, how many containers you use, and the distance the container is traveling are all used to determine cost.
Long distance moves can start as low as $800 or higher. Shorter distance moves will be cheaper, and the size of the container will adjust the price as well. This may seem on the high end; however, a PODS alternative will have different pricing with different features and options.
Regardless of the total cost it will usually be cheaper than hiring professional movers or even renting a moving truck.
Making Your Move Stress Free
Moving does not have to be the most stressful thing in your life. Using moving containers is a great way to help reduce that stress by allowing yourself plenty of time to pack. Packing your items, the way you want them packed. And being able to ship your household goods without having to worry about driving them a long distance. Or any distance for that matter.
If you’ve got a move coming up in your future don’t fret about hiring movers or a moving truck. Rent a moving container today and make your move as stress free as possible.
