Moving is often one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, but moving can be made much easier by using a shipping container and hiring a shipping container removals service. There are many advantages to using shipping container removals over a traditional moving company. You may just find that it could also be a suitable and cheaper option for you.
This article will explain how shipping container removal works, the advantages and disadvantages, and how you can buy or rent a container for your next move.
How to use a shipping container for a move
Moving is a huge endeavour, no matter how large or small your household, and no matter how far you’re moving. Shipping containers can help make it a lot easier as repurposing containers has grown in popularity in recent years.
People use containers for short or long-term storage options, for temporary workspace, and even as permanent homes. With the right craftsmanship and modifications, containers can be converted into different kinds of structures and buildings.
They are also especially practical for residential moving. Containers can be rented or purchased, delivered to your current address, filled at your leisure, and delivered to your new home.
Shipping container removals advantages
The advantages of using a shipping container for your house or business move include:
Saving Money: By packing the container yourself, you can save a significant amount of money on movers and/or shipping costs. Moving companies can charge thousands of dollars, and add on surprise fees if your move takes longer than expected.
Relaxed Pace: Moving day often feels like a mad rush to get everything packed and loaded as fast as possible. You’re bound to miss something, break something, or spend the day in high stress. Renting or buying a shipping container for your move allows you to go at your own pace.
Have the container delivered and then fill it at your own leisure. You can take your time to pack up your place a little at a time until it’s time to haul out. This extra time will allow you to get organised, and an organised move is the key to cutting back on stress.
You might “stage” your move strategically; packing up your home in stages rather than all at once can not only save on energy and frustration, but it can also help you be more organised and thoughtful about your move.
No Moving Trucks: When you use a container removal service for your move, you don’t have to worry about driving a large truck over a great distance. Renting a truck can be expensive, a hassle, and even dangerous if you’re not accustomed to driving such a large vehicle.
On the other hand, you could pay container movers to drive the truck for you, you just need to factor this into your expenses. With a shipping container move, you just load the container at your leisure. When you are ready, you can have the container collected and delivered to its destination. At the other end you can take your time to unpack it. Then, you can simply call the company to collect it.
Durable and Weather-Proof: Steel shipping containers are made to hold up against high winds and severe weather during long trans-oceanic cargo voyages. This makes them a strong, sturdy place to keep your belongings during a move.
Increased Security: Since you are packing your container, you can avoid having personal effects go missing or get broken through removal company carelessness. And, your container is built to be a secure facility against thieves and pests while it is on your property. You can even have it fitted with an electronic lock box for good measure.
Range of container sizes: There are different sized containers on offer, which means you can select the one that meets your needs. The average number of items in a modest sized home can fit in a standard 10 or 20-foot container.
If you need to move a larger home, or if you need to move your employees’ materials and furniture to a new office space, a 40-foot or a high cube container might fit the bill. A member of the sales team at Gateway can help you select the right size for you. We have overseen numerous storage and moving projects for both residential and commercial purposes.
Exclusive load: Often, removal companies share loads with other clients and this can slow down your removal or lead to loss of property, however with shipping containers you can pack only your own goods. All of your furniture, appliances, and household items are shipped together in one compact package.
Challenges and limitations of shipping container removal / delivery services
Infrastructure and logistical constraints: Because of their large size, you’ll need to be aware of any logistical constraints on your property. A 10-foot or even-20-foot container can fit in a typical driveway, but you’ll also need to factor in room for the truck that will lift the container in and out.
Containers need to be placed on level ground, preferably on pavement or a prepared surface. Another option is to place concrete blocks or bricks under each corner of the container to help keep it level and prevent it from sinking into the ground.
Custom clearance and regulatory issues: Are you allowed to place a shipping container on your property? Even for temporary purposes, different towns and cities have their own regulations concerning the placement of shipping containers on residential property. Before moving forward with any plans, be sure to check to see if you’ll need any kind of permit.
Damage and loss during transportation: Packing your belongings carefully and securing them for transport can go a long way toward ensuring your fragile items reach their destination in one piece, but there is never a guarantee.
Should I buy or rent a container?
One of the things you’ll need to decide is whether to buy or rent a shipping container for your move. There are advantages and drawbacks for each option, and everyone’s needs are different. Consider how long you plan to use it for. What kind of space will you have at your new home?
If you choose to rent your container, you might be subject to a minimum rental period. But, when you’re finished with it, companies like Gateway can come and pick it up from your specified location. Keep in mind that you can also use a shipping container to store your belongings while you prepare to move, while you’re away from home for a few months, or for any short or long term purpose.
If you’re making a long distance move for work, you might not have a permanent home lined up right away. You might be spending a few weeks or months living in a hotel, Airbnb, or apartment until you make more permanent arrangements. A shipping container in which to store your belongings can make this transition easier.
On the other hand, some people choose to buy their container. Even if you only need the container for your move, consider the many ways you might repurpose a shipping container on your new property. Shipping containers can be turned into home offices, home gyms, garden sheds, workshops and studios, vehicle storage, and more.
That said, you can also resell your container to another individual or business, or take advantage of Gateway’s buyback program.
Take the stress out of the moving process
Shipping containers are versatile, durable, and cost-effective, making them a highly practical solution for moving. Shipping container removal services can take much of the stress out of the moving process.
There are a range of container sizes, and they can be modified according to your needs. Your container can be fitted with interior lights, ventilation, temperature control, and more to keep your belongings safe and easy to access.
Before beginning your shipping container move, you’ll want to make sure that you can find the right container for your needs. That means finding a container that is the right size and that is modified according to your needs.
What size container is big enough but not too big? Do you need a container with temperature control? How do you know the container is in good condition and won’t leak on your belongings if it rains?
This is where the container experts at Gateway can help. Talk to an expert about shipping container removal professional services and the different types of containers available.
Talk to an expert about shipping container removal services
Gateway Container Sales & Hire have years of experience in not only sales and container hire but also helping people move house using shipping container removal. We are one of only a few companies in Queensland who can work directly with the shipping lines to supply the largest inventory of containers at competitive prices.
Contact us now to discuss how shipping container removals can be a safe and cost effective option when you are moving your home or office. We will work with you to learn more about what you need, and help you come up with a plan that makes sense for you.
