By MovingQuotes.com Staff
Your only option for storage used to be the local self-storage facility, often
in a seedy part of town you don't care to visit very often.
Mobile storage eliminates that annoyance.
It’s a relatively simple concept. The mobile storage company (often called as
POD, after the largest company in the industry) brings a large container, using
a trailer, outside your house or office. You then load it with the items you
want in storage.
When you’re done, the container gets picked up and taken to the company’s
storage facility, where you access it like you do normal storage, although you
might have to give a bit more notice than a self-storage facility if the
containers are stacked one on top of the other.
When you want your stuff, the company ships the container to your old or new
house. You unpack it and the company comes and picks it up.
Some things to consider about mobile storage:
- The storage container should be moved to a storage unit when it is loaded. It
cannot remain at the home or office location indefinitely; in fact, most storage
companies insist on the trailer being moved as soon as possible after loading.
- If your office or home is on a steep hill you may not be able to use mobile
storage, unless you have a flat, hard surface where the unit can be loaded.
- Rates for mobile storage, just like regular storage, will vary on location and
even time of year.
- Check with your insurance agent about coverage for your goods in storage.
- You are in total control of how the goods are packed so you will know exactly
where everything is when you wish to remove items from storage.
Now some tips on packing a container.
- Protect your items from water entering the storage container -- use a plastic
sheet, tarps or plywood to seal the container.
- Distribute the weight evenly on all sides.
- Pack the container according to weight – heavier items on the bottom, and
continue with lighter stuff on top.
- Fill up the boxes and close them securely.
- In order to prevent the items from shifting and breaking inside the container,
pack the items as densely as possible.
- Large boxes are best for lighter items; this way you can move many items in a
single box.
- When you are not using your mobile container, keep it locked with a strong
commercial-grade padlock.
- As you pack, prepare an inventory list to keep track of them.
Some More Tips:
Mattresses: Mattresses and box springs should be placed along the side of your
container and shielded with protective bags.
Mirrors and pictures: Wrap your mirrors and pictures with bubble packing to
protect them from damage. Do not lay them flat as this could increase the
chances of breakage. It is wise to put them next to your mattresses or alongside
your mobile unit for protection.
Clothing: Wardrobe boxes are recommended for clothes. They feature metal bars to
hang your clothes on. Shoes, bags and other smaller items can be placed at the
bottom.