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Questions to Ask Portable Moving Container Companies

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 05 January 2021 08:26
What to Ask a Portable Moving Container Company What to Ask a Portable Moving Container Company

What to Ask Portable Container Companies

Are you considering renting a POD? Moving day can be a chaotic and stressful experience, but if you have longer to load up your possessions, it can take much of the pressure off. Portable moving containers, often called PODS, give you that opportunity and are a great option for many people.

The original company to get into the portable storage container business was PODS moving and storage. Doing moving with PODS has become extremely popular over the years due to the tremendous convenience of accessing your things right from your own yard.

There are now quite a few portable container companies to choose from besides PODS.

Let's take a deep dive into some of the most essential questions you should ask a portable moving container company before renting from them.

What are portable moving containers?

They are similar to shipping containers, only generally smaller, and are available in a few different sizes. They can be constructed of wood, steel, or even partly in plastic, with construction varying between companies.

As previously mentioned, one of the best-known companies is PODS, with containers also available from U-Haul, Mayflower, Packrat, Smartbox, and more.

You can expect the containers to be around 8 feet high, with popular sizes of 7, 12, or 16 feet in length. Loading up your POD is very easy, without the need for a ramp or lift as you would with a moving truck. Renting a Pod is far easier than packing and loading a truck.

There are quite a few questions you need to be asking companies when moving with PODS.

How much does it cost to rent a Pod?

The price of renting a pod is going to vary from company to company. The size of the container you decide to rent will also impact the overall cost of your rental.

When moving with a pod, the costs will typically be over $3,000. There will be a significant variation in what you pay based on how far you are traveling.

For example, moving locally from a small apartment will usually cost more than $800. Whereas if you're moving to the other side of the country from a large home, you could be looking at a bill of close to $6,000.

You can get some solid pricing info for PODS Moving and Storage, along with other helpful storage tips at Realty Biz News.

Are the PODS weatherproof?

The answer you get will likely differ slightly between providers, with some saying their containers are weatherproof and others saying weather-resistant. Weatherproof containers are likely to keep your things dry for longer than resistant PODS. This could be a deciding factor depending on your location and how long you expect to keep the container.

How secure are the moving containers?

Steel containers are likely to be more secure overall, but even then, they are only as secure as the lock you are using. You will often need to use your own padlock for the container, though the companies normally sell them as well.

What content protection options are available?

While your container is on your property or during the move, things inside could be damaged or stolen. The storage companies will sell coverage options to meet the value of the items you intend to store.

Coverage charges will include the cost of damage to the container itself, which means it could be a requirement for some companies. You should always check the small print of such agreements, as there will be things that they don’t cover.

How long can the container be kept at your home?

Your container can normally be stored on your property for as long as you need it. This gives you as much time as you want to fill it ready for your move. Of course, the longer you need it, the more it will cost, and you can only do this if it is allowed in your area.

Some cities or homeowners associations could have restrictions on storing containers outside your home. Perhaps they only allow them for a limited time or not at all. Find out what your situation is before you reserve a container.

Once you have filled the POD, the company will collect it to be taken to your new home or stored in their local facility. There will be extra expenses for collecting and moving the containers, so you should be aware of the full costs before arranging to have a POD delivered.

Are the company’s facilities climate controlled?

When your container is taken to the storage facilities, your items will be better protected if climate-controlled. This will prevent damage from moisture and extremes of heat or cold.

Sometimes the containers will be stored outside, while other providers always offer climate controls. Make sure you find out what the situation will be before deciding on a moving container company.

Can the container be accessed in the storage facility?

You might need to give some notice before getting access to your container. They often stack the portable moving containers in their warehouses, so you will need to give them notice so that they can be moved so you can get inside.

Companies could require a day or more to locate and move the POD before arriving at the facility.

Final Thoughts on Renting a Pod

Whenever you are renting from any moving company, it makes sense to do your homework. Doing due diligence on the company is smart. Moving with PODS or other container companies provides a flexible option for people who want to move with the minimum of stress.

There are many providers available, so compare what they are offering and how much you will pay. Request quotes from a shortlist of suitable companies.

Also, check customer feedback, and, if possible, inspect the security at the storage facilities to put your mind at ease if you will be storing your items for a long time.

If you have never moved before, you should know it is extremely grueling work. Make sure you have a solid moving plan in place before you start the process.

Hopefully, you have found these questions to ask a pod storage container company to be useful.

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Bill Gassett

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