Are You in Need of a Shipping Container?

Do you have a lot of items that don’t fit into your house? Your home continues to evolve as seasons of your life change. And during those seasons, it’s inevitable that you accumulate all sorts of stuff along the way. For most homeowners, this makes space an ever-growing need. At one point, you’ll end up asking, “Do I need a shipping container for storage?”

The same scenario can be observed in offices or business establishments. In most offices, the busier and more hectic it gets, the more cluttered and less productive the working environment becomes. Clutter takes up precious space and makes your office feel smaller and darker. It makes you feel overwhelmed so it’s difficult to work or even rest and relax.

Shipping container hire is an affordable and effective solution. However, more than just decluttering, using a shipping container for storage provides an excellent solution for your need of extra space, both for essential items and for things that you seldom use.

How to Choose the Correct Shipping Container Size

Before heading out to a local shipping container rental company, make sure you know what container size you need. Unfortunately, the answer is not always straightforward because there are several shipping container sizes with varying features.

In general, the container size that best suits your requirements depends on a few factors including availability, intended use, cost, and the volume of items you want to store. Here are some tips to help you sort things out:

Determine the shipping container’s primary use

You definitely don’t want to outgrow a storage container and then move everything to a bigger space. It’s a huge waste of time, effort, and money. You must assess the primary use of the container to help you determine what size you need. Some common questions to ask include:

• I need a shipping container, but what will I be storing?
• Will I be storing furniture and other household goods?
• Will I be storing a motorbike, a car, or a boat?
• Do I need temporary storage space for a move?
• Will I be storing excess or expanding business inventory?
• Will I be moving items in and out of the storage container?

It’s important to know what you plan to store because it will help in figuring out the container size that makes the most sense.

Make a preliminary inventory

You may have a general idea of what you’ll be storing in the shipping container, but walking through your home or office and creating a list can be very helpful. You may not realise how much stuff you need to store until you make an inventory.

In your inventory, take note of the following: how many boxes you’ll store; how many pieces of furniture or equipment will go into storage; and if possible, get measurements of large items.

Go one size bigger if you’re in doubt

You’ve done the calculations but you’re still not convinced if your belongings will fit into the shipping container size you’ve chosen. At this point, it’s advisable to go for the next size up to make sure everything will fit.

Saving money by choosing a shipping container that’s smaller than what you need isn’t a good idea in terms of safety. For instance, avoid stacking more than two pieces of furniture and refrain from packing boxes that are more than four feet high. Doing so poses a hazard when unpacking and can cause damage to your goods.

Also, bear in mind that a larger sized storage container costs only a few more dollars a month. In some instances, a larger storage shipping container might be cheaper if there’s more available units. While shipping container hire cost is a crucial consideration, it becomes irrelevant if your goods won’t fit and the difference in price for the next size is not as much as you’d expect.

If you still need assistance, you can call one of our friendly staff to ascertain what shipping container size your goods really need.

How to Choose the Best Shipping Container Company

When keeping your prized possessions in a storage container, it’s important to know they’re in safe hands for your peace of mind. Most shipping container rental companies offer similar services so see to it that you understand what you require so you can find the service provider that will be able to cater to your requirements, including any budget or size constraints.

Location – Cost and convenience are two crucial factors when it comes to choosing a company with an ideal location. If you’re keeping the shipping container in their facility, it’s advisable to choose a service provider that’s closer to your home or office, as it’s cheaper transportation wise and easily accessible.

Cost – Always bear in mind that low-cost is not always the best option, particularly if it’s at the expense of other crucial factors like convenience or security. It’s imperative to know what the overall cost includes. Most companies have promos or special offers to attract new clients, but make sure you clearly understand the terms and conditions and enquire what the rates are when the offer expires. Everything must be transparent, meaning no extra charges or hidden fees.

Security – For the shipping container itself, it’s important to note the quality of the steel used, how sturdy the doors are, and how well they’re secured. If you opt for offsite storage, most facilities have security personnel and CCTV cameras, but it’s important to know whether they’re operational round the clock and if they’re consistently monitored.

Final Thoughts

I need a shipping container. You’ve finally made the decision and good for you. It may be high time for you to get that much-needed additional storage space. Using a shipping container for storage offers a ton of benefits, including a variety of uses in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It’s always worth your while and your hard-earned money so long as you do some research and know the right container size for your needs. More importantly, choose a reliable and reputable shipping container company that’s more likely to deliver exceptional service at the most reasonable price.