Storage containers can be extremely useful in a number of different situations or for a number of different things. Perhaps you are moving house and need somewhere safe and secure to store certain items and possessions during your move. Alternatively, you may just need to create extra space in your current home. Maybe you have run out of space in your warehouse and need somewhere to store equipment or stock. Whatever the reason or situation, storage containers are an ideal storage solution for those who need secure and affordable storage.
If you are looking into storage container hire, there are a few general do’s and don’ts that you should get clued up on before you hire. The last thing you want is to hire a container from an unreliable company, or find yourself bombarded with hidden delivery costs. Similarly, you want to ensure that you have the correct sized container for your needs. Below we have put together some general do’s and don’ts when it comes to hiring storage containers, to help you find the best storage solution for your needs.
Do find a reliable company
As with most things, you should aim to find a company that is well-established and one that has the appropriate experience. While it is good to support start-up companies, finding a company that has a reliable reputation and one that can deliver to high standards is important. After all, you are likely going to be storing valuable and important items in your container, so you want to ensure that you are hiring off a trusted and reliable company.
There are a few things that you can do to check the reliability of a company. Firstly, check how long they have been in business. If they have been established for a while, this is a good sign.
Secondly, look up reviews written by customers online. Look out for answers to the following questions: was the quote good value? Was the delivery charge fair? Was the storage container delivered on time? Was the container in good condition? These are all important factors.
Thirdly, try asking around for storage container company recommendations. Nothing beats word of mouth; if someone recommends a company to you, it will be because they had a particularly good experience with them.
Don’t forget to check the dimensions of the container
Different companies will offer different sized containers, so it is important that you check the dimensions that you need before hiring a storage container. Below is a general guide to shipping container dimensions:
●Standard ISO shipping containers are 8.5ft (2.59m) high and 8ft (2.43m) wide. They come in two lengths: 20ft (6.06m) and 40ft (12.2m).
●Smaller containers are also available: 10ft (2.99m) and 8ft (2.43m).
●A standard ISO 20ft shipping container has a capacity of 33.1m - that has enough room for almost 100 household washing machines!
At Manchester Cabins our containers come in two sizes: 10ft and 20ft.
Do check for damage to large storage containers
When hiring storage containers, most people forget to actually check the container for damage. This is, however, extremely important. Small holes could let rain and water in and therefore damage your possessions. When you take delivery of your storage container, you should always inspect the container for damage. During the day, sunlight will filter through any holes that there might be, highlighting any problems. Before loading the container, it is also wise to check the floor as there should be no soft spots in the flooring. Some dents and general rust are expected, however, if you notice deep dents or severe rust, this is a warning sign.
Don’t give the key to people you do not trust
This may seem obvious, but it is important to highlight this point. You should never give the keys to the storage container to anyone that you do not trust. No matter what you are storing in the container, whether it is personal possessions, work equipment or stock, you should always know where the key is and who has it.
On that note, you should also check that the storage container is safe and secure. The most vulnerable area of a storage container is the door. Before hiring, enquire what security features are included with the storage container. For some added peace of mind, you can use a high security padlock too.
At Manchester Cabins, all storage containers come with the following security features: full height doors and locking bars, anti-tamper steel padlock cover and an insurance approved padlock. All storage containers are constructed with corrugated steel walls and doors for maximum security, so you can rest easy knowing that your items are safe.
Do request a quote
When searching for the right storage container company for you, always shop around and request quotes from different companies. If you accept the very first quote that you receive, you may be missing out on a better deal elsewhere. It is sensible to compare quotes, sizes, delivery charges and other services that are offered by various companies. This way, you can make good judgement and choose an affordable company that meets your needs. When speaking to various suppliers, here are a few helpful questions to ask:
●What sizes and features do you offer?
●Are there delivery and collection costs?
●What are the conditions of your containers?
●How long does it take to deliver a container?
Don’t store flammable goods in your container
While you can store many different things in storage containers, there are a few things that you cannot and should not store in a container. You should never store combustible, hazardous, flammable or toxic materials in a storage container. This includes gasoline, fertilizers, charcoal lighter, paints, fireworks, nail polish and nail polish remover, aerosols, bleach and matches.
In addition to this, you should never store pets or animals, human or animal body parts, perishable items such as food, or illegal items such as drugs or firearms, in storage containers. Plants require food, sunlight and water and should, therefore, not be stored away in storage containers either.
While storage containers are an extremely safe and secure method of storing items and possessions, there are a few important items that you should never trust others to handle, just in case. These include birth, death and marriage certificates, sensitive business information, prescriptions, cash, car and home keys, health records and laptops.
Do ask about delivery costs
Nobody likes unexpected or hidden fees, so make sure that you always ask about delivery and collection costs. They usually depend on where in the country the units are being delivered to, but delivery costs can add up so it is a good idea to ask how much they are upfront before hiring a storage container. Typically, delivery fees are determined by the mileage between the container and your property; the greater the mileage, the more expensive the delivery fee. The cost of delivery can make a big difference to the total price, so be sure to always check.
Manchester Cabins: Steel storage containers to suit your needs
At Manchester Cabins, we offer sturdy storage containers constructed of corrugated steel for maximum security. Our professional team have been established for over 37 years, manufacturing various containers and sizes. We pride ourselves on our highly competitive prices, offering the most affordable storage options to meet all of your needs. Our family-owned factory is based in Manchester, where we convert shipping containers into secure, strong storage containers.
As mentioned above, our storage containers come with a number of security features to ensure that they are as safe and secure as possible, so you can rest easy knowing that your items are stored away safely.
If you are looking for affordable and reliable storage shipping container hire, look no further than Manchester Cabins. For more information about our steel storage containers, visit our website or get in touch today.
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