Businesses often have a lot of important paperwork and other office items, making their need for portable moving containers and portable storage containers obvious and understandable. Portable storage units are ideal for businesses that have a number of items or documents which need to be kept on hand, but in an organized and subtle manner. Meanwhile, portable moving crates and other portable moving containers are suitable for businesses that move items frequently or for those wanting to move the items or paperwork securely and safely.

Portable moving and storage containers can be purchased or rented, depending on the particular needs of the individual business in question. Before investing in such products, it is important that potential consumers understand the differences between the portable moving and storage containers types and styles to ensure that they are making the most beneficial decision for their business. To learn more about portable moving and storage containers types and styles, businesses are encouraged to:

1. Investigate metal storage containers for moving.

2. Research portable plastic container options on the open market.

3. Consider wooden portable storage container models.

4. Look into fiberglass portable storage units and portable moving containers.

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Explore metal portable storage units available from portable storage container distributors

Metal portable storage units are very sturdy, reliable and stable. They are made from a very strong and reinforced material, which works to keep the items inside the metal short or long distance moving container or storage unit safe and secure for potentially long periods of time. However, it is important to note that due to their density, such storage units are often bulkier, heavier and more expensive than their plastic counterparts. Metal storage containers are also typically larger containers.

I recommend: BuyerZone.com offers metal storage containers that measure between 10 feet in length and 48 feet in length. FalconStorage.com has pictures and information related to their large metal moving containers and storage containers. Steel and aluminum storage and moving containers can be found at U-Pack.com.

Examine plastic portable moving and storage containers from portable moving container distributors

Plastic portable moving and storage containers are often very cost efficient and beneficial options for businesses who are storing or moving light-weight materials. When compared to metal storage and moving containers, plastic ones are found to be less durable, but also less expensive. Businesses should also note that plastic moving and storage units are lighter and easier to maneuver in most situations.

I recommend: Simplastics.com offers pictures and information for a number of portable moving and storage containers, including collapsible bins, ventilated totes, solid totes, stack and nest totes and dividable grid containers. MilitaryCases.com offers a selection of plastic moving and storage containers like their tote cases, chest series and supply cases, ideal for the storage and moving of medical supplies. RandMH.com offers plastic moving and storage containers such as their totes, storage bins and bulk containers.

Compare wooden portable moving and storage containers

Wooden portable moving and storage containers may seem strange to some, but they actually offer better ventilation than metal units. This helps prevent condensation and other potential problems that go along with long term storage.

I recommend: DoortoDoor.com offers pressure-treated plywood moving and storage containers which have a vinyl outer casing. SmartBox.com offers images and information about similarly designed moving and storage containers.

Research portable moving containers and storage units constructed of fiberglass

Fiberglass portable moving containers and storage units are beneficial because they do not peel, fade or rust. For storage units and moving containers that will be exposed to the elements, fiberglass models may be very advantageous and cost effective.

I recommend: Mesmerenterprizes.com offers information and pictures discussing fiberglass, as well as plastic, storage and moving containers. Fiberglass storage and moving containers can also be found on ThomasProducts.com and are illustrated as being utilized on boats, at marinas and in outdoor settings.

Portable moving and storage containers are a solution for both short- and long-term storage needs. Storage containers are delivered to your place of business, giving you easy access to your goods at any time of the day or night.

A standard five by eight foot portable storage container will hold approximately 1.5 rooms of household or business goods. Most portable storage container distributors offer units that are up to 40 feet in length. The units are typically made from plywood and covered with weather-resistant materials. The units are lockable so your goods are protected against theft. As you think about your storage needs, consider the following:

1. Purchase a portable storage unit when you have long term or permanent storage needs

2. Use the services of a transport company that uses portable storage containers

3. Rent or lease a storage unit for temporary storage needs

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Purchase portable storage units for long term storage solutions

When you are looking for a long term storage solution portable storage units are a great option. Portable storage units afford the secure space you need without the burden of construction costs for building expansions or the hassle of moving.

I recommend: Mini Warehousing is a portable moving and storage containers supplier that has portable storage containers for sale, as well as lease and rental options. Their portable storage containers come in varying sizes from six to 40 feet. Mobile Mini is another company that sells portable moving containers. Their containers are ISO-certified. Mobile Mini has locations throughout the United States.

Use a portable moving container service when you are moving locations

Portable storage containers offer a great solution for moving. Storage container companies will deliver the containers directly to your door for you to pack. Once the container is packed the company will pick up the container and deliver it to the new location. The container will be picked up according the schedule set with the supplier.

I recommend: Door to Door is a company that provides storage containers for moving. Door to Door will deliver a container to your home or business, then deliver to the new location once you have packed it. PODS offers drop off and delivery service of portable moving crates as well. PODS is a nationwide company that offers service to almost any location in the United States.

Rent or lease portable moving crates for temporary storage solutions

When your business is expanding and experiencing temporary growing pains portable storage containers are an option for temporary storage. Rent storage containers for as little or as much time as you need.

I recommend: National Mobile Storage is a division of National Construction Rentals. They offer portable storage containers in varying sizes for short of long term rentals. Williams Scotsman is a second company that offers rentals for portable storage units. They carry units that open from one or both ends, and their units come from eight to 40 feet in length.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Rent or purchase climate-controlled portable storage units when your storage items require a controlled environment. Climate-controlled units cool or heat to keep the temperature constant inside the unit.

Whether you're moving office or simply need some extra storage space, portable moving and storage containers offer you the solutions you need. However, it's important to know all the terms associated with the industry in order to make sure that you purchase the right types of product or service. Use temporary storage when you simply need to make extra space, and a moving container when you are moving office. A collapsible container stores easily when you are not using it, but stacking containers may be a good way to save space while you are storing your items.

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Refrigerated and insulated storage containers

Some goods, such as foods, may spoil if the container gets too hot. Refrigerated containers have special controls to monitor the temperature inside. Insulated containers will keep things cool for a few hours, depending on the size.

I recommend: Visit Aztec Containers to see examples of refrigerated and insulated storage containers.

Moving container or door-to-door container

When moving, it's convenient to place all of your items in one storage container, sometimes called a moving container. Companies that offer a door-to-door container will drop the container off at your office, then pick it back up after you've filled it.

I recommend: See moving containers at Falcon Storage.

Collapsible container

A collapsible container breaks down for easy storage when you do not need to use the box. This is a good solution when you only need temporary storage. The boxes are often made of plastic, ensuring that they will last a long time.

I recommend: See an example of a collapsible container at Simplastics.

Temporary storage

A number of companies offer temporary storage for those that do not need a permanent solution. Consider this when you are moving and you need a place to store things before you can enter the new location or as a place to store your holiday decorations.

I recommend: SMARTBOX offers temporary storage solutions.

Wooden container

A wooden container is simply a portable moving or storage container that is made from wood. This is ideal for shipping antiques or furniture, which may be damaged in the usual metal storage containers.

I recommend: Valley Box Company shows wooden containers.

Stacking boxes

Stacking boxes are designed to easily stack well on top of each other. This can help you to store many items in a small space.

I recommend: SpaceSavers.com shows see-through stacking containers.

Portable moving and storage containers applications and uses obviously include storage, but they go far beyond that. Portable moving container distributors no longer offer just plain boxes. You now have a large variety of options when using these containers for moving and storage.

Even if they were designed for temporary use, it’s now easy to find a portable storage container for sale that you can convert to a permanent storage solution to fit your own special needs. As you look at portable moving and storage containers applications and uses for your business, you should consider their cost versus a more traditional form of moving or storage. You should also look into:

1. The size of the portable moving and storage containers you need for your job.

2. The security of the portable moving and storage containers for protection from theft.

3. The door seals of the portable moving and storage containers for protection from pests and moisture.

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Use portable storage units to create a temperature-controlled environment

A step above using the basic box for storage, you may find many uses for climate controlled storage units. They keep your goods at a steady temperature. The seal keeps out moisture that can cause problems with goods stored for a long period of time.

I recommend: Use portable moving and storage containers to keep your extra inventory in a climate-controlled warehouse provided by 1-800-PACK-RAT. All you need to do is notify the company when you need to access your portable storage containers and it moves them to a secure location within the warehouse. American Portable Mini Storage offers individual, climate-controlled moving containers that you can also use for long-term storage. You can keep them on your property or store them in the company's climate-controlled warehouse.

Create on-site office space with portable moving containers

Save time and money by working on your job site rather than commuting to the office. Set up a lockable portable storage container designed for office space and in no time you're in business. Many companies allow you to configure storage containers for moving to suit your preferences. They can be as elaborate as you want or strictly utilitarian.

I recommend: Pac-Van can create on-site offices for you that use portable moving containers. You can configure any number of portable storage units to suit your needs. The Mobile Storage Group allows you to choose the size and configuration of the portable moving container you prefer as your temporary office.

Place security offices in portable storage units

Not only can you lock up your tools in a portable storage container, you can also use a container to create a security office on the work site. For the most efficiency, place the container near the main entry point to your secure work zone.

I recommend: Use a Mobile Mini portable storage container for security on your job site. You can use it as a secure office space or to keep tools and other supplies safe. Portable storage container distributors McGrath RentCorp offers security and storage combination options in its oversized portable moving crates.