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Learn more about portable storage
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Whether it is your first time using portable storage or you are trying to decide which size container you need, there are likely a few questions you have.
Here you will find the most common questions we receive including more information about how much our containers hold, and better packing tips to maximize space in the containers.
If have other questions or would like to speak with us directly you can contact us here.
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Space Estimator
We specialize in two very popular sizes: 8 x 8 x 12 and 8 x 8 x 16 foot storage containers. While the 12 foot containers typically hold one to two rooms and the 16 foot containers usually hold two to four rooms, it can vary greatly.
But don’t worry, we will help you decide exactly what containers are right for you. And, unlike other moving companies, if you later realize you need more containers, we’ll deliver them immediately.
Call one of our representatives today and they’ll walk you through the entire process!
How Portable Storage Works
We Deliver
You Pack
Store It
Secure It
Move It
How Portable Storage Works
Simple Tips for Packing a Portable Storage Unit
Moving can be both stressful and frustrating, but it can be made a little easier with the proper method of packing a portable storage unit and the right supplies.
Even with our smaller portable storage containers, you get 768 cubic feet of internal space.
How you pack and organize your unit will determine how much of that space you actually use, get the most storage for the price by properly packing your portable storage unit. At UNITS Moving and Portable Storage we want to take the stress out of your move or ease you into freeing up that extra space in your home or office.
Keep reading to get some simple tips on packing a portable storage unit to maximize space.
Use Uniform Box Sizes
When you have all of your boxes the same size, it makes it significantly easier to fit them all together.
While it’s not likely you’ll be able to fit everything you need to in just one shape or size of box, if you can however keep most of them at a certain size you will greatly be able to maximize space in your container.
If you are having trouble filling boxes you can save soft items like plush toys, blankets, and clothes to fill in the empty space in your boxes.
Use Your Furniture To Your Advantage
Furniture and other heavy items should be distributed evenly throughout the portable storage unit. This will ensure minimal shifting during the move and help protect your belongings.
Once your furniture in secure in the UNIT, you can use couches and chairs as an extra layer or two to stack boxes to better utilize the space. You can also create “walls” using boxes mattresses, etc. every few feet to keep items from falling. If you do this make sure the boxes will remain secure during transit.
Stacking boxes on the couch won’t help if they aren’t kept secure and will just fly off and onto the ground or into something else while on the way to your new destination.
To better protect your furniture use moving blankets to wrap and protect your bigger items while utilizing straps to secure large items such as couches, refrigerators, dresser drawers, and entertainment stands.
Pack Vertically
While it may be tempting to create a bottom layer in the unit before you start building up, this will make it extremely difficult for you to completely fill the portable storage unit. Like with painting a floor you want to work from the back first and fill it up as much as possible before getting closer to the UNIT door. Place large or heavy items and boxes in the back or on the side of the UNIT.
Use the strips on the insides of our containers as a guide. Fill the first section from top to bottom before moving onto the next one.
Pack it Tight
Once you get one vertical section filled with boxes, look for any empty spaces to fill with things like blankets, curtains, pillows, and cushions that will keep it from moving during transportation. The tighter you pack everything the more open space you take away and then reduce the risk of items breaking during travel.
Take Furniture Apart
If you can easily remove any part of a piece of furniture, do it. That way, you can move the furniture safely and reduce the chances of pieces breaking off during transportation. By removing things like chair and couch legs and attachments you can also make these items fit and pack better within the dimensions of your UNIT. Also make sure to remove all light bulbs from lamps before packing and place all liquid containers in a sealed plastic bag to reduce the chance of leaking.
Go Heavy to Light
Although it should go without saying, as you stack boxes all the way to the ceiling, you need to put the heaviest boxes on the bottom of the stack. Then, the lighter boxes can go on top of those. If your stack is top heavy with bigger items at the top the greater you chances are of the stack falling and breaking. Always try to put heavier items in smaller boxes for easier lifting. Lightweight items can go together in larger boxes. Distribute the weight of your contents throughout the container, wherever possible.
Use Packing Straps
The metal strips along the walls that you can use as a guide for packing section-by-section actually serve a purpose. They’re for placing straps that will keep your belongings in place during transportation. Strap down all your belongings a section at a time using the channeling system inside all of our UNITS.
When you’ve completely filled a section, add packing straps or netting to help ensure that section stays put. Then, move onto the next section and do the same.
Keep Important Things in Front
If you’ve got things that you know you’re going to want to access first, set them to the side. Make sure these get placed right next to the door. This way, you’ll be able to get to them as soon as you arrive. Essential items (cooking supplies, some clothes, toiletries, etc) are good things to keep towards the front so that you have access to them first when unloading.
Other Tips for Portable Storage
Always secure your UNIT by placing a lock on the container – you can even use two locks for additional security. Never pack or store any items that could cause a fire or damage to the UNIT. For example, DO NOT move or store any gasoline, chemicals or heavy machinery.
Always notify UNITS at least five days in advance for scheduling a move so that we can ensure you have your items where and when you want them.
