Are you moving or planning to move in the near future? It may be time to consider a different, better method of moving your belongings.



Renting a moving truck can be very tiring and stressful. It takes time to pack, load, unload, and unpack all of your things. However, the moving company normally only allows you a limited amount of time, and will charge you extra if you bring the truck back late. Plus there are the costs of gas and insurance, as well as the hassle of loading your things up and down the truck ramp.

Moving companies that will do the loading and unloading for you is another option. However, this can be awfully overpriced, and you must work around their schedule.

The solution to local and long distance moving

There are now a number of new businesses offering ‘portable self storage units’, sometimes called POD units. Many are finding this service to be the best thing in moving since the invention of the wheel. So how do these portable self storage units work?

After placing a phone call, the company will deliver a storage unit to your home, and place it where you specify, like the driveway or the lawn. The company will normally provide you with ample time (days and sometimes weeks) to fill the unit, so there is no ‘race against the clock’ as there usually is with renting a truck. Also, the unit sits on ground level, so there are no moving ramps to deal with.

When you have the unit filled to your liking, simply call the company and they come pick it up for you, load it onto a truck, and will deliver it wherever you specify. These companies even offer the option of storing your belongings for you. Once you get it to where you need it, just unpack!

As Michael Lowe, president and CEO of SMARTBOX Portable Storage explains, “SMARTBOX is the result of an evolution in storage, because it eliminates the hassle of locating a rental truck, packing and loading it, delivering it to storage, unloading it and racing to return the truck on time, while also incurring the cost of gas and insurance." Lowe continues, “We are able to reduce our customers’ expenditures of time, money and stress by providing a convenient and affordable storage option."

What are portable self storage units like?

Different companies offer various types of these storage and moving units. SMARTBOX Portable Storage offers units that are 8’ x 5’ x 7’ tall and can hold about one and a half rooms worth of furniture.

They are mostly constructed of wood, with metal supports. The wood protects from humidity and the floor is pressure treated to resist ground water. The units are topped with a water resistant cover to, well, resist water.

Each Smartbox has a large, single door to facilitate loading of large pieces of furniture.

Boxes are secured and locked by the customer and no one other than the key holder has access.

Storage options available

These companies also normally offer their units as short and long-term storage options, as well. The portable storage units can be used for seasonal storage, commercial, and excess inventory.