The Dos And Don'ts Of Portable Storage Containers

Portable storage containers are fantastic solutions that can significantly improve the moving process.  

Portable storage units are parked right on your property, so you can quickly and efficiently load in your belongings to simplify the move. Once your container is filled and ready to go, the company comes and transports it to your new home, saving a lot of additional work and time by avoiding numerous trips.  

However, there is a good chance you may not know best practices when using these storage solutions. While full of excellent benefits, the containers still need to be cared for and used correctly to get the most out of them.  

To ensure you use your portable storage container to its full potential, we have compiled some dos and don’ts to follow when you are moving.  

To learn more about how portable storage containers can improve your move, check out our ‘The Advantages to Renting a Portable Self-Storage Container’ article.

Dos  

Let’s start with the dos of portable storage containers.  

Get the Right Size Container for Your Needs

Portable storage containers can vary in size, so be sure to shop around and find one that best suits your needs. A great way to dictate the size of the container you will need is by determining how much you will be packing into it. Most containers will hold three to four rooms of stuff, so keep this in mind when deciding.  

Get a High-Quality Lock

Many portable storage containers do not come with a lock, so you have to purchase one yourself. Be sure to buy a high-quality lock to ensure your belongings remain safe.  

Stack Smartly

Stacking your belongings intelligently will increase storage space and decrease the chance of things being damaged during the move. Start by building a wall in the back of your unit and continue to stack top to bottom, with heavier items on bottom, distributing weight evenly in the process.  

Keep Frequently-Used Things Towards the Front

When packing your container, put any items you will frequently need in the front so you don’t have to go digging when you need them. Some examples of this would be toiletries, cooking supplies, and clothing.  

Label Every Box & Item

When packing your belongings, be sure to label each box so you know what is inside. Adding labels will save you time and energy and allow you to see where each box goes when unloading the container at your new home.  

Disassemble Furniture  

Before packing in large furniture, disassemble it as much as possible; this will allow you to maximize storage space and reduce the chance of your items being damaged.  

Don’ts

Now that you know what to do, let’s jump into what not to do.  

Don’t Keep Plants, Food, or Other Perishables in Your Container

Do not leave plants, food, or other perishable items in your container as they will begin to spoil and create a terrible smell and could even lead to mould. Not only will mould damage your belongings, but it could also attract pests and small animals. Also, to ensure your container is pest-free, place in some mothballs.

Don’t Store Flammable Items

Never store flammable items within your container, as it could lead to a fire that will destroy all of your belongings and may even start to spread. Oil, gasoline in bottles, chemicals, aerosol cans, and other related items are some examples of things you should never store in your container.

Don’t Store Very Valuable Items

Though you will have your container locked, accidents can still happen. Aside from theft, items will shift around when your container is being transported, which could lead to a lot of damage.

Don’t Wrap Your Possessions in Plastic

While wrapping your belongings in plastic seems like a great way to prevent damage, storing your items for a long time could cause damage. If you have your item wrapped in plastic for more than a few days, mould can begin to form and ruin your items.  

Don’t Climb on Boxes  

If you need something that is in the back of the container, you may be tempted to climb on the boxes to get to it - this can lead to a lot of trouble. Not only will you possibly destroy your belongings when climbing on boxes, but you could even hurt yourself in the process. This is why it is essential to pack smartly and leave everything you will need at the front of the container.  

Now that you know the dos and don’ts of using a portable storage container, you can use them confidently and get the most out of this convenient storage solution.

To learn more about all of the storage solutions available, give our ‘Different types of storage units explained’ a read.  

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