Moving Container vs. Truck Rental: Which One is Better for Moving?

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find a new home to experience is only part one of the moving cognitive operation . Once you ’ve found your new lodgings , actually have there will take some provision . According toU.S. Census data , the average American can expect to move 11 time in their life . With this many move to voyage , find ways to make changing locations soft and more affordable is essential .

Doing the packing and moving yourself is cheaper than call inprofessional help , but once you ’ve pack up , you involve to decide how you ’re going to move your material to the new place . Are you going to rent a truck , pack it up , and move your belongings yourself , or will you rent a portable storage container and have it transported to the new locating ? Choosing between the two options come down to your penury and preferences . Read on for the professional and cons of each option .

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Timeline for Packing

If packing up a truck as soon as it get at the threshold feels like a lot of pressure level , then amoving containermay be a better road . These pods can be return up to a month in onward motion — or more , if needed — leaving plenty of time for packing at a comfortable pace . Then , once the container arrives at its destination , there will in all probability also be excess metre to discharge .

While it ’s commodious to have a pod easily accessible so you’re able to carry over prison term , that convenience get at a price : The container is an eyesore that consider up a lot of space and announces your move — and the possible mien of valuable — to the world . These factors may be a deterrent , especially for those with smaller properties or a desire to keep the move muted . A move truck , on the other hand , is there and conk out in one day .

Quantity of Furniture and Belongings

A moving container is basically a freehanded metallic shed . Large pods will extend stack of room for kinsperson who have lots of furniture and property . For example , a 16 - foot container is idealistic for a 2 - sleeping accommodation home or up to 1,200 straight feet . That said , for those who do n’t need the supernumerary space orpackingtime , it may be easier and more affordable to rip a small truck .

Driving

If the idea of driving a giant rented truck sounds terrific , opt for a container storage company that will fork up the seedcase to the original and final goal . Having aprofessionaldriver remove the worry and possible cost of traffic incident and saves you from having to shell out money on insurance , price , and gas ( although these costs will at long last be reflected in the pod company ’s transportation fees ) .

One con is that the move container company determine the docket , and some do n’t operate on weekends . Depending on demand , the pod delivery may end up taking place after the move - in date . In contrast , when you rent a truck , you get to resolve when the stuff arrives . As well , with a hand truck rental , if you also ask to move a personal vehicle to the fresh location , you may be able to tow it behind the rental truck .

Parking

When considering a storage container , families must have a place to park it for an elongated menses . This extinguish use by apartment dwellers , those without a driveway , and those who live in biotic community with strict rule about street parking . While parking a large go motortruck can be a infliction , someone can stay in the vehicle and move it as take .

Size

People make houses out of memory board containers , so they are n’t tiny . Most range from 7 to 16 feet , and they can be park for an lengthy full stop once they ’ve been delivered . Rental hand truck , too , derive in different sizing , from pickups and cargo vans to much largertrucks . This size range imply that a undivided mortal or someone living in an area where parking may be an issue can opt a more thickset fomite that well suit their indigence .

Storage

One significant benefit of renting a storage container is that , as the name says , it offer a portable storage selection . For anyone who needs storage either before or after the move , a container is a bully alternative . computer storage pods can be make a motion directly to a storage deftness for irregular or extended storage .

In contrast , while it ’s possible to rent a truck for a brace of days , it ’s not a long - term storage alternative . However , some truck letting companies do offer short - term storage .

Safety and Security

Portable storage containers are weatherproof and have unassailable locking system to keep items secure until it ’s time to unpack — although nothing is completely theftproof . proceed trucks leave jam overnight or neglected , on the other hand , can be ripe targets for thief . Renters should park their packed motortruck in well - lit areas and look at using tamper - resistant padlock .

Another benefit of containers is that the extra time for wadding give user the opportunity to secure items thoughtfully before transport . Sometimes with rental trucks , belongings end up thrown in in haste , leading tobreakage . But such mishaps can be avoided if the substance abuser pack more carefully .

Pricing

There ’s a pregnant variant in pricing for rental truck and storage containers . Those planning a move will want to check off all local options to liken quotes . In cosmopolitan , rental trucks range from $ 20 to $ 100 a daylight , depending on size of it of the truck and other ingredient . At the low end , Home Depot offers lowly trucks at an hourly charge , ideal for small moves . In comparing inverted comma , renters should be sure to factor out in thecostof gasoline and bell .

A portable storage unit ’s monetary value will vary count on size , placement , and time of year , but the average grade from $ 150 to $ 400 per month . There may also be separate delivery and pickup fee , look on the companionship and the space of the move . foresighted - distance moveswill be more .

The Stress Factor

It ’s no secret that moving can be a pain in the ass , so it ’s a good idea to cut stressor when possible . Start by matter these considerations : idealistic boxing timeline , puff floor with driving a truck , neighborhood rules about storage container parking , budget limitations , and storage needs . Consider your puff tier around the factors discuss above before making a determination to make your move as stress - free as potential .

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iStock-1287234762 Moving Container vs. Truck Rental couple packing up items to move