You’ve probably seen Mobile Storage Units parked in someone’s driveway or traveling down the highway on the back of a trailer driving down 88, 81 or 17 through Binghamton. Beyond that, you may not have given them a lot of thought.

But now that you’re thinking about storing some stuff, moving, or maybe doing both, you want to know more. How do they work, and what do you need to know before you rent a portable storage container? We’ll go over all that in this article.

Here are some basics:

WHAT IS A MOBILE STORAGE UNIT?

Mobile Storage Units are large, secure, and (usually) weather-resistant boxes that can be conveniently moved from place to place. You can put your stuff in the containers... everything from large furniture items to small personal possessions and then have them delivered to a storage facility or to your new home. Millions of people find these containers are an affordable, flexible, and convenient way to move and store stuff.

When you rent portable storage containers, you don’t have to worry about moving all of your stuff in one day. With Laing Mobile Storage you get at least 30 days to load and unload your stuff. And it can actually be a lot more valuable than full-service movers.

Here’s a quick look at how renting portable storage container works with Laing Mobile Storage, whether you’re just using them for storage, for a move, or a combination of both:

• Get an FREE estimate by visiting Laing Mobile Storage.

• Choose your container size and make a reservation.

• Your container is delivered to your current residence.

• Load your container.

• Your loaded container is picked up.

• Your container is taken to a secure Storage Center or delivered to your new home.

• Unload your container.

• The container is picked up and you’re done!

As you can see, all you really have to do is the loading and unloading - and you can even hire someone to do that part for you if you’d like.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE RENTING PORTABLE STORAGE

1. HOW WILL YOU BE USING THE PORTABLE CONTAINER?

Portable storage units can be useful for all kinds of situations, but these are some of the most common uses:

Moving With Storage Portable containers give you flexibility for loading and unloading your stuff, and you don’t have to worry about driving a box truck. They can also simplify challenging moving situations, like when you don’t have your next place lined up yet or are moving in stages.

Selling Your Home Containers give you convenient on-site storage that can help you stage your home for potential buyers.

Remodeling Your Home Remodeling and renovations are stressful enough already, so why not skip the trip to the storage unit by having a storage container delivered right to your house? Whether you’re moving somewhere to relocate after retirement or just trying to simplify, portable containers can make home organization and downsizing a lot easier. Just put all your extra furniture and possessions in the container and have it taken directly to storage or to the donation center.

2. WATCH OUT FOR STURDINESS AND WEATHER RESISTANCE — NOT ALL CONTAINERS ARE CREATED EQUAL.

Moving and storage containers may seem simple: They’re just big boxes that hold your stuff, right? Well, not exactly. If you’re not careful, you may end up with a container that doesn’t actually protect your stuff.

The quality can vary significantly from company to company. While Laing MSU's containers are steel-framed and built for impact and weather-resistance, others may be made mostly of wood and covered by a tarp. Watch out for some companies that advertise their containers as “all steel,” which may only be lightweight metal sheeting that offers no added security for your belongings.

Be sure to research the container quality before you choose a company.

3. WHAT SIZE AND HOW MANY CONTAINERS DO YOU NEED?

While some young college students may be able to fit everything they need into the back of their cars, the rest of us will need something bigger. But just how much space do you need for storing and moving? That will depend on a number of factors, like how large your home is, whether it’s lightly furnished or filled to the gills, and how efficient you are at packing and loading.

4. DO YOU HAVE SPACE FOR DELIVERING AND PARKING THE CONTAINER?

While Mobile Storage Unit's don’t take up a huge amount of space, you do need to make sure you have enough maneuvering room for the container and its delivery process. Fortunately, if you’re using Laing Mobile Storage, our tilt free delivery system can maneuver containers into some amazingly tight places a normal moving truck or container company can’t reach. It’s a level-lift technology that makes it easy for MSU drivers to pick up and set down your moving and storage container almost anywhere that’s flat, level, and clear of obstructions. Once placed, you’ll be ready to start moving, store your belongings, or kick off your renovation project.

5. YOU’LL WANT TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR STUFF.

Using a moving container is easy, but you’ll still have to keep track of a few things, like where you put your stuff. The best way to keep track of your belongings is by using our totes.

Here are a few neat tips to help organize your stuff with multiple containers:

Make an Inventory for Each Container Record the container serial number and write down everything that’s inside so you can unload easily and efficiently or access what you need while it’s at a storage center.

Stagger Container Deliveries for Convenient Unloading For instance, you might want to have the container with your essential everyday items — like your mattress and television — come before the one that has all of your specialty china and old record collection.

Designate One Container for Storage If you’re downsizing or not sure what items you’ll want in your new home, designate one container for storage. That will cut down on the number of items you have to deal with when you start unloading.

If you take a little bit of time to plan your packing and loading before you get started, you’ll thank yourself later.

6. PROPER PACKING AND LOADING MINIMIZES DAMAGE RISKS.

As with any type of move, when you pack and load your stuff carefully, you can significantly lower your risk of damage. Just make sure that you’re following best practices.

Some of the most important things to remember when packing are:

• Use good, clean materials (boxes, tape, padding).

• Break down and disassemble big items when possible.

• Take your time.

• Pack your things tightly so that they don’t shift in transit.

• Opt for insurance (we’ll talk about this more below).

• Get a quality lock and keep it locked at all times.

For more packing advice, see our packing and loading guide and tips to avoid damage when moving long distance.

7. YOU CAN HIRE HOURLY HELP.

If all this talk about packing and keeping track of your stuff sounds intimidating, don’t worry. You don’t have to do it all by yourself. You can hire hourly assistance from pros who have experience working with portable moving containers.

They’ll know how to pack and load your stuff safely and efficiently, so you maximize your space and reduce the risk of damage.

If you’re going with Laing Mobile Storage, then the company can help you find reputable packing and loading services in your area.

8. WILL YOU NEED MOVING INSURANCE?

You’ve got insurance for your stuff while it’s in your home. But what about when it’s not in your home?

Homeowners insurance doesn’t always cover your belongings during a move. And even if it does, getting supplemental moving insurance may still be a good option. For instance, if you file a claim through the moving company’s coverage, your homeowners insurance rates wouldn’t be impacted. In addition, the plan’s deductible will probably cost you less out of pocket (as little as $100), compared to your homeowners insurance deductible, which could be $1,000 or more.

In some cases, you can get these policies from your existing insurer or a third party. But it’s often easiest to just get insurance through the moving container company.

No matter what kind of insurance you end up getting, make sure that you read the policy carefully before signing it.

9. Mobile Storage isn't always the right fit!

If you're not 100% sold on Mobile Storage, thats ok...because Laing offers traditional self storage as well. Please visit Laing Self Storage for temperature controlled storage!

Laing Mobile Storage will deliver Broome County, NY, Tioga County, NY, Chenango County, NY and Susquehanna County, PA.

For a Free Mobile Storage Quote, you can call 607-775-9776 or visit www.laingmobilestorage.com. For temperature controlled storage or non temperate controlled storage call 607-775-9776 or visit www.laingselfstorage.com.