Things to Ask Your Moving and Storage Company Before Renting a Unit

You’re moving, and you’re left to deal with who knows how many items to transport from point A to point B. From furniture to boxes of clothes, you’ve got a lot to move. Shipping container leasing may be the perfect option for you. With plenty of containers for rent from a variety of companies, you’re likely to find exactly what you need.

Things to Consider Before Renting a Unit

But maybe you’re not sure what you need, especially if this is your first time leasing shipping containers. If you have lots of questions, we’re here to help you figure out the best questions to ask your moving and storage company before renting a unit.

What sizes of storage units?

Depending on your individual needs, different sizes of storage containers for rent are available. You will want to know what options your storage company can provide so you can find the right container for you. Also, although moving is a common reason to use these containers, there are plenty of circumstances where shipping container leasing can work well for commercial purposes. Perhaps a construction company needs to store materials. In that case, they almost certainly would need a larger size.

Smaller containers frequently come in 6ft, 8ft, and 10ft length varieties. The larger options are usually available in 20ft and 40ft sizes. Most units are about 8ft wide as a standard. Sometimes companies have taller options as well. Finding out what options are on hand at your chosen company will be helpful to tailor to your needs.

How long can I rent for?

Whatever reason you need containers for rent, you probably have a good idea of how long you’ll need the container. The next step once you determine the duration is figuring out if the storage service can accommodate your needs.

Many companies offer rentals on a month-to-month basis. Certain companies will allow you to rent from month to month after a period of time – for example, three months or six months. Other companies have more stipulations about long-term rentals that require you to secure the unit for a longer period of time.

Another option is rent-to-buy, which allows you to essentially buy outbuy-out ease. This works well if you want to own your shipping container rather than rent it. Of course, this only works if you need your storage container for an indefinite amount of time in the foreseeable future.

What are your security precautions?

One important concern when you lease shipping containers is the safety and security of your items. If you’ve decided to invest in shipping container leasing, you are essentially investing in your items. Keeping those items in a trusted place is, without a doubt, one of the most important pieces of the storage puzzle.

Many storage containers have state-of-the-art locking systems that prevent common theft tactics. These storage containers often have cargo door locks or crossbar locks. You can also use padlocks on your container to ensure the utmost security for your belongings; concealed shackle padlocks are typically recommended.

What about climate control?

Some items you want to store in your shipping container are bound to be sensitive to temperature and humidity. Things like paper documents or wood furniture can sustain damage from storing in high temperature or high humidity conditions for an extended amount of time.

Some companies go as far as to have refrigerated units available for rent. Other times, these services provide shipping containers with cooling capabilities, using traditional HVAC equipment. Alternatively, you may just need to have some venting available in your unit. In that case, find out if your company’s units have vents that promote air circulation.

These considerations allow you to keep your items in the best condition possible so they can look the same from the day you place them in the unit to the day you take them out.

How does delivery work?

Figuring out the logistics of delivery is another crucial part of shipping container leasing. Perhaps most importantly, you need to make sure you have ample space and the right conditions to keep your storage container on your property or wherever you plan on storing it. Then you’ll want to make sure your moving and storage company can deliver the container wherever you intend on keeping it.

Companies will typically have different types of trucks and tools for various sizes of shipping containers for rent. Understanding these capabilities, how far your containers can be transported, and what you need to have ready on the ground is a significant part of the plan to ensure a smooth process.

Shipping container leasing made simple

No matter what the purpose is, renting a shipping container is an excellent decision that can help in countless scenarios. Once you know what to consider in the rental process, moving forward with your storage container is a breeze – and useful addition to your life!

If you’re interested in leasing a shipping container, discover what Spinnaker Leasing & Equipment can offer you. Spinnaker’s creative solutions can provide the perfect options with global reach and expertise.