Using a Portable Moving Container

Posted on: July 30, 2007

Portable moving containers are an alternative to full service van line providers. Usually a container is dropped off in your driveway and you have a period of time to pack and load your own belongings. When the items are loaded, drivers pick up the container and transport it to your new home, where you unload and unpack. This might be a good option for you if:

— You would like to pack and load some of your household goods into storage while your house is on the market or if you can not move immediately into your new home. Remember that you will be charged for the unit for the time that you are using it for storage. Compare those costs with full service van line storage options.


— You have a very small shipment. Most full service movers have a minimum weight requirement. If the weight of your shipment is significantly lower than that minimum weight it may be more cost effective for you to use a portable moving container.

Although Portable Moving Containers provide solutions for the above situations there are some things you should take into consideration:

—  Consumer Reports Money Advisor, January 2007, published a study of pricing for moving services. Portable containers turned out to be significantly more costly than other self pack options.


—  Don’t forget to add the cost of packing materials to the base price of your portable container estimate. Packing materials are included in a full pack quote from full service van line providers.


—  You forfeit the benefits of having professional movers pack your items for transport. These benefits include professional packing techniques and protection coverage. Don’t forget the added benefit of having someone else do all that physical labor!

Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples when you compare pricing and various options for your move. The Move Advocate benefits include aggressive discounts, free protection coverage, and carefully selected service providers. Most importantly, the Move Advocate is your single point of contact and your advocate, making sure that your move goes smoothly. The Move Advocate is standing by to answer any questions you may have about moving. Call today!

Written by Fayette Wester of the Move Advocate, which is a no cost, single point of contact move management program for state to state moves. Benefits include discounts, protection coverage, multiple & binding van line estimates.