Best Portable Storage in 2023
Our Top Picks
The recent explosion in the popularity of portable storage means that Canadians have many more quality choices when it comes to moving and storage than ever before. This means that choosing a moving and storage provider will depend more on you own particular needs, including your price, security, and convenience, goals.
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Yes. Often these containers are more secure than self storage units, since they are either at your home or in a locked facility.
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No one. You put a lock on your unit and you retain the key for it.
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Yes. All portable storage providers offer property protection insurance.
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You can find some that do, but typically most are not climate controlled as it can greatly increase the cost of these units and therefore the cost to customers.
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You have the choice to keep it on your property or store it at a secure facility.
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They can, but you first need to have permission from your condo board or apartment manager, so make sure you get this permission before ordering one.
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Yes you can, but it is typically up to the customer to provide a parking permit. Some municipalities allow storage units to be parked on the street for up to two days, but after that, you will need a permit to keep them there longer. Since there are thousands of streets, regulations, and municipalities, it would be impossible for portable storage companies to keep track of all of this themselves. So it is usually up to you as the customer to provide the permit.
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Yes. The majority of portable storage providers will provide an option for the driver to wait while you load the container. Keep in mind that there is usually a fee of around $150 per hour involved in this option.
What is Portable Storage?
Portable Storage goes by many other names including Pods, Cubes, Storage containers, Moving containers, Shipping containers, and more. The general idea is the same with all of them. a portable storage container is delivered to you, you fill it with your belongings, and the portable storage provider takes it away to be stored on their property until you need your belongings again, at which time they bring the unit back to you wherever you are. These are great solutions when moving or when extensive renovations require clearing out part of your home. Beyond that basic explanation, you may have further questions. Below we provide answers to some of the most common questions.
How Portable Storage Works
Portable storage is a service where a storage provider will deliver a storage unit directly to your door. The units are typically 16 feet long by 8 feet wide and high and are placed on your driveway or curb by truck. Think of it like having a self storage unit but delivered to you. They are commonly used for moving, decluttering, and construction.
Step 1: Order a container
Order a portable storage container to your home. Pick a date that works for you and your portable storage provider will drop it off at your convenience.
Step 2: Pack your container
Once your container is delivered to your driveway, pack it on your own schedule.
Step 3: Schedule a pick up
Whenever you’re ready, schedule your container to be delivered to your new location. You can even have it stored for a while while you make further arrangements.
What can you store with your portable storage container?
You can store almost anything with your portable storage container like furniture during your renovation, your belongings if you are traveling remotely or in between your move, or construction supplies and tools when you are on the job. Additionally, you have the ability to store your portable storage container on your own property or have it stored at your portable storage provider's secure facility.
Self Storage vs Portable Storage vs Valet Storage
If you need to put some things in storage, you fall into the category of normal. At some point, almost everyone needs some kind of storage solution, whether it's for a long time or just a short stretch. The question that everyone has to face when this time comes is what kind of storage fits your needs best? Consider the following options to see which one will work for your specific situation.
Self Storage
Self storage is probably the most common type of storage solution. This is for the person who may need something stored long term or needs to store many belongings at a low price. If you live close to a self storage facility this may be the option for you, as it generally saves you money and allows you ready access to whatever you've stored. People choose this type of storage for many different reasons. Some need to keep their stuff somewhere during a move when there's a wait before they can move into their new space, others keep boats or cars stored that they don't use all the time, and others will store equipment for work or sports that just takes up too much space at their home. The reasons are endless, and the options are plentiful in most areas. You might need temperature-controlled storage or a unit inside a building with extra security measures. Whatever the need, there's probably a solution that's nearby.
Portable Storage
Also known as storage containers or moving containers, this is a great option for when you need something that falls in between the independence of self storage and the convenience of a moving company. Portable storage is basically having a self storage unit delivered to your home so that you can pack on your own schedule. It is also great for construction contractors who need to store tools and supplies on-site. Then you pack your belongings in it at your convenience and on your schedule, without having to load things into trucks, carry them to a self storage spot, and unload them - and then do it all again in reverse when you need them again. With portable storage the unit you packed will be delivered where you need it, when you need it, providing a lot more convenience - but at a higher price than self storage.
Valet Storage
Valet storage is like portable storage but on a smaller scale. You just order boxes delivered to your home, fill them, and the valet storage company will pick them up and store them in their facility. Then they return them when you need them. This can be more expensive than portable storage and self storage depending on how much you are storing and how many deliveries and pick ups you require.
Moving Companies
Moving companies are the best for convenience but also cost the most. The same moving company you might call to pack your stuff up and move it to your new home will also pack it up and put it in storage for you. This is the ultimate in concierge storage services, but you'll pay for that service. You also put a lot of trust in other people to handle your things, so take that into consideration.
Self Storage is great if you like to save money and are ok with doing the work yourself. The economical pricing makes it great for long term storage. Portable is storage is an added level of convenience where the storage unit is delivered to you. You can keep it or have it stored in a facility. Valet Storage is one step away from a moving company where the storage provider will pick up your stuff and store it at their facility. With all of this variety, storage has never been more flexible!
