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Portable Storage companies deliver a storage container to your door for on-site storage and most offer warehouse storage as well. Portable storage companies are plentiful and costs and features vary so it can be a bit confusing to decide what is right for you. Sure, everyone wants a good deal but if the low-price container doesn’t protect your belongings, what’s the point? If you ask the right questions, you can find a company that offers good value and a quality portable storage unit that fits your needs.

Portable storage containers come in a variety of sizes. Be sure to ask what size containers are available and what size is recommended for the amount of stuff you need to store. Make sure it is large enough to hold all of your items but not larger than what you need; a large container generally costs more than a smaller one.

Try to plan ahead and reserve your portable storage unit as soon as you know the approximate date that you will need it. Some companies can get the unit to you within a day or two, others take longer. If they can’t deliver within a few days, be concerned about their ability to respond to your immediate needs.

If you plan to store the container in the warehouse, consider the following:

If a company has been around for a while, that’s usually a good thing. But if their trucks and containers have been around for a while, they may not have the technology that keeps the portable storage unit level when it is lifted. Be sure to ask if the truck is equipped with the technology to keep the container level when it’s picked up and whether it is designed to keep your belongings from shifting and swaying during transit. If not, your belongings are likely to be tossed around and possibly damaged during the move.

Is the warehouse climate-controlled? If you’re using warehouse storage, you want to be certain that your belongings will not be damaged by exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity.

Can you access your storage container at the warehouse? You should have your own key and be able to get in with 24 hours notice.

What type of security does the warehouse offer? Look for one that has 24 hour surveillance, sprinkler systems and securely locked doors.

If for any period of time the container will be stored outdoors on your property, you want to be sure that your belongings will be protected; you need to know:

Is the container weatherproof? If it’s an older model, it may not be designed to hold up to the elements. A newer model constructed of metal is your best bet. And a unit that is slightly elevated off the ground provides further protection from the elements.

How much notice must you give before the company will come take the container away? It shouldn’t be more than a few days.

Will the container fit in the space you have available? Measure the space just to be certain.

And finally, if you’re using portable storage to prepare for a move, decide how much of the work you want to do yourself and use a company that provides the services that you need. Many portable storage companies offer local moving, fewer offer long-distance moving and still fewer offer full-service moving. Many will require that you contact and pay a third party for packing and unpacking. A company that offers both full-service and do-it-yourself moving gives you the option to pay for the services that you don’t want to do yourself.

There isn’t a significant price difference between portable storage companies that offer these essential features and services. All things being equal, you might want to choose the one that offers the best customer service and is responsive to your calls and emails. And if you’re thinking about using traditional “self-storage,” consider these hidden costs: moving truck/van rental fees, gas and mileage charges, truck insurance, storage unit insurance, your time. Portable storage is about the same price as traditional storage when you factor in the hidden costs.

There are many portable storage companies out there and they’re not all the same. Know what you’re getting before you sign the contract.

Ellen Gipko is a freelance writer for 1-800-Pack Rat portable storage and moving where you can find more information about Portable Storage and other services.