Portable self storage is containers provided by a storing company to use in storing or moving your goods. The containers are delivered to a customers residence. The customer then loads and packs them. They are either left at the residence or returned to a central warehouse where the customer can access later.

The containers are secure. There is only one entry that is locked with a key the renter has possession of. The warehouse area the units are stored in usually have sophisticated security systems and climate controlled temperatures. The transport trucks have special security systems to ensure your container and belongings are protected should something unfortunate happen in transit.

Portable self storage containers can be rented for a short period or for the long term. The length of time depends on your own needs. The units can be stored off site at a facility until you need it. Only you can access the container since you have the key to the lock. It will be delivered wherever and whenever you are ready for it.

How much stuff will a container hold? These containers vary in size but the rule of thumb is a 5 foot by 8 foot by 7 foot container is large enough for a room of furniture and belongings. To get the correct size for your needs, talk to your provider on their recommendation.

You can store items while you move or belongings that need to be out of the way while you are remodeling. Furniture, clothing, knick knacks and most items in your home will fit into a container.

These containers are great for someone who is moving, but they can be used for all sorts of storing needs. New businesses can store goods while your storefront is being prepared. Instead of trying to store items in a garage or other personal space, moving the goods into a portable self storage bin will save you space. You can organize the items in the unit by date of receipt or by type of item or any other way you like. When the storefront is ready for business, the container can be moved to the storefront to be unloaded. The units can be retained to store extra stock.

You need to consider the size, price and how portable the container is when choosing a portable self storage container. Compare several different suppliers since prices can vary widely.

Find a container in your price range. You should decide before hand your budget and how much you are willing to spend on the container. Be sure to factor into your budget the length of time you will be renting the container

Sizes also vary among companies. Some have containers as small as a closet or larger than your living room. Having a good idea of the size you will need will help you limit your options and dealers.

Check on the portability of the container you choose. Some containers can only be used in one area while others can be moved from area to area. Some companies might move your container for you. The container can be delivered to your address so you can take your time to pack the container.

Portable self storage is convenient and affordable for moving and storing your stuff. The containers are easily transported to your door for loading and delivered to your new residence or a facility for storing.

By: Kamyar Shah

About the Author:
Source : Self Storage Blog

Owners and operators are taking notices of the portable storage business and asking themselves if it is a logical expansion to their current facility. These containers can be seen parked among driveways and transported along streets and highways all over the country. Those who own traditional types of facilities are questioning the opportunity they may be missing on offering another option.

Portable storage or often called mobile or drop box, comes from a facility offering to delivery a container to the customer, either their home or office. The container is then packed by the customer and locked with their lock. The facility then picks up the container and returns it to a warehouse among other containers. This saves the customer the expense and hassle of renting a truck or hiring a moving company to pack and move his belongings from his home or office to the facility.

Portable storage differs significantly from the traditional facility. With the traditional facility it is more of a landlord and tenant relationship where the company rents space. The tenant or customer is responsible for all risks to the loss of their property. The facility does not need to have insurance for the contents.

With the container program, the company becomes responsible for the locked unit when it is placed on the truck and stored in the warehouse. The facility is now responsible for the risks and needs to carry insurance on the property.

The system means you will need a new rental agreement from your standard lease agreement. The agreement will clarify you liability limitations and the responsibilities of the renter. One of these responsibilities might include proper packing to prevent damages to the contents.

The portable storage operation requires the use of a truck, drivers and forklift. The facility will need to provide insurance coverage for the trucks that will be transporting the containers as well as any workers compensation for employees. But the most important coverage the insurance needs to cover is the contents the renter stores on the premises in the container.

You should determine if adding containers to your current facility is a viable option. Shop your competition to determine a range of rental and delivery fees. A market within a 30 mile radius is typical of the container customer. The rates are often two to three times higher than a typical unit, with the addition of delivery and pickup fees.

Demand will often depend on the population of the area you serve. Smaller rural areas often want larger containers while the crowded city area looks for a smaller container to rent.

There are other considerations as well to take into account. What will be the estimated costs of launching the upgrades?

Containers are a big investment. Will you be using wood crates or investing in the more durable steel or plastic containers?

Land and warehouse space will need to be figured into the costs. Do you have land suitable for storing containers outdoors or will you want them stored in a warehouse that can be climate controlled? Check local and zoning restrictions on the placement of containers. You may need permits. There will be transportation regulations you will need to comply with.

There are many benefits of adding portable storage to your existing operations. You can add more containers as your business grows unlike the permanency of a traditional facility. With the right planning and research, adding containers to your operation can increase the profits you see from this growing trend.

By: Kamyar Shah

About the Author:
Source : Self Storage Owners
Mini Storage

Portable storage units are a great way to transport your belongings during a move, whether that move is between states, or just down the street. However, these containers can come in handy in numerous other ways.

Tools:

Portable storage containers can be used to store your own household tools, and when you need them, they can be delivered to your home. For construction and similar businesses, this can be an ideal solution to transporting equipment from one job site to another. They can be used to store and transport specialty tools, lawn and yard equipment, and project supplies.

Seasonal Decorations:

Every year, you have to pull out holiday and/or seasonal decorations and furnishings out of storage. For some people, these items may be packed somewhere at home, taking up valuable storage space. For others, they may store their seasonal belongings at a self-storage facility. This means having to drive to the facility and bring back all the items in their vehicle.

Portable storage containers, while most commonly used for moving, can be a great solution to the yearly task of having to unpack holiday gear. The containers provide a secure, protected place to store these seasonal items, and also provide the added benefit of being able to be delivered to your home whenever the time comes back around to use them.

Business Uses:

Many businesses are finding that portable storage units are an efficient and innovative way to store excess inventory. When these businesses find that they have too much of a particular good, portable self storage units are an excellent way to store these products safely and securely. When the products are needed again, they can be delivered right back to the point of purchase, making the whole process a little easier for the businesses. When excess inventory can be controlled in a manner such as this, it means higher efficiency and productivity for the business, and less waste.

Many businesses can make use of portable storage units by using them to store promotional tools. For many businesses, promotional material is rotated frequently, requiring an appropriate place to store such items when they are out of rotation. Signs, banners, displays, and other point-of-purchase materials can be safely stored away inside one of the containers, and delivered back to the business when it is time to use it again. Some good examples of these types of promotional tools may include seasonal, holiday, and now hiring items.

Trade Show Events:

Today’s business environment is growing ever more competitive. Businesses must make use of new and innovative ideas and technologies to remain competitive in the modern market. One example of this innovative thinking is illustrated by businesses that make use of portable storage units to store materials used for trade shows and other similar events.

Construction Sites:

Whether it is a new build, a renovation, or a remodeling, these storage units are an ideal way to store and transport construction equipment. Businesses find that the portable containers are a feasible means to transport specialty equipment and building materials safely, securely, and quickly from job site to job site.

By: Budda Oliver

About the Author:
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of SmartBox USA. The mobile and self storage company provides mobile storage units and self storage services throughout the nation. For more information on their Portable Storage please visit their website.