Did you know that over 40 million Americans moved each year for the past five years? Because so many people move, there are different moving companies and methods out there.
What’s the best option for you? You might consider renting moving containers to remove the hassle of transporting your items on your own.
Keep reading to learn what you need to know about moving container rentals.
Table of Contents
Understand the Different Moving Containers
Before renting moving containers, it’s important to know the different options that you have. Containers are constructed with different materials and can be made from the following:
- Steel and aluminum
- Construction-grade wood
- Steel
- Plastic
Materials affect the amount of weight that a container can hold. Steel and aluminum can hold up to 5,000 pounds while wood can only hold up to 2,500 pounds.
Moving containers made from all steel components can handle the heaviest loads.
Estimate Capacities
A moving container provider might only have certain sized containers for rent. To help you decide, you need to estimate capacities.
You’ll need multiple 300-square-foot containers for a move. Here is a breakdown of how many containers of this size you’ll need:
- Moving an apartment: two moving containers
- Moving a two to three-bedroom home: three moving containers
- Moving a three to four-bedroom home: four moving containers
- Moving a five-plus bedroom home: five moving containers
You can find larger box storage containers that offer more storage space.
Know the Rental Container Costs
The different container sizes will determine the cost of your moving box. Moving containers cost less than storage containers because moving boxes are not for long-term use.
Along with size, the duration of the rental and the number of miles traveled are factors to consider when determining cost. A long-distance move is more expensive than a local one.
You can typically find multiple moving quotes online. Compare costs from different moving companies to find out which offers you the most for the price you pay.
Find Out What’s Allowed in a Moving Container
Containers for residential moves come with certain rules. You can’t pack everything in moving containers for safety reasons.
These are some of the things you can’t put into a moving container:
- Gasoline
- Motor oil
- Lighter fluid
- Paints
- Propane tanks
- Cleaning solvents
In short, anything flammable should not be packed into a moving container. Hazardous materials like loaded guns, fertilizer, and ammonia aren’t allowed in moving containers either.
If you are a plant person, figure out the rules regarding packing plants as the laws differ by state.
Consider keeping sentimental possessions with you during transit. You don’t want your valuable items stolen during the moving process.
Renting Moving Containers: Ready to Move?
Now that you know more about renting moving containers, you can decide if this is the method you want to use for moving.
Learn about the different types of moving containers, estimate the capacity you need, and calculate the costs. After choosing a rental container, it’s important to know what’s allowed during the move.
Consider this guide before you move and don’t forget to come back for more articles like this.
