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The Pros and Cons of Renting a Portable Storage Unit

     Should you rent a portable storage unit or hire a Sunnyvale professional moving company?
 
The question is out: should you rent a portable storage unit or hire a professional moving company? Honestly, it all boils down to your needs, which might sound surprising coming from a Sunnyvale professional moving company. There are pros and cons to both depending on the nature of your move. (Some people have chosen our Sunnyvale professional moving company for one move and rented a portable storage unit for another).

Whether you’re moving from a three-story home across the country or from one apartment to another in the same neighborhood, these are a few pros and cons to help you make an informed decision that makes sense for your move.

Pros and Cons Of Renting a Portable Storage Unit

The Pros
Renting a portable storage unit is notably cheaper than hiring a professional moving company to move your belongings for you. If you’re on a budget, this might be the more appropriate option for you.
Portable storage units are convenient. A truck drops it off and then picks it up after it’s ready to be delivered to your new home. Once the unit is completely unloaded, they will pick it up and that’s that.
Portable moving containers are great for storing your belongings during the move, especially if you’re moving out of a rental and have a lot of cleaning to do to earn back that deposit. 
Rental a portable storage unit allows for more flexibility in your move. Maybe you’re moving for a job with a TBD start date, but you want to get a headstart on packing. Whatever the circumstance, a portable storage unit can sit for weeks while a professional moving company is unable to do so.

The Cons
While portable storage units include a lock, they can still be vandalized or broken into. If this should happen, the rental company is not liable for anything stolen or damaged. 
Portable moving storage units are cheaper than a professional moving company because you have to do the work yourself (or bribe a few of your friends with pizza to help with the heavy lifting.)
If you’re deciding between renting a storage unit or a moving truck, you will find that the storage unit is more expensive upfront. However, moving truck rentals often have additional fees, so it’s best to decide which rental is best depending on the distance of your move. 
If you are a senior citizen or have physical limitations, then choosing a portable moving container will be more of a hassle than a help.
If you want to place your portable storage unit on the street, you may need to contact your local government and get a parking permit. Check with your local government or HOA to see if there are any regulations against keeping it in front of your house.

Final Thoughts
Renting a portable storage unit makes sense if you’re on a budget, need a flexible moving time, or you’re strong enough and willing to do the move on your own. If you need to move in a rush, you have bulky or valuable items (grand pianos, dining room tables, antique furniture), or you do not have the physical capabilities to move on your own, we suggest hiring our professional Sunnyvale movers instead.

Researching Sunnyvale Moving Companies? Contact us today for a free quote!

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