How to Choose a Portable Storage Container

Released on = April 30, 2007, 4:13 am

Press Release Author = Self Storage Promotions

Industry = Consumer Services

Press Release Summary = Portable storage units come in many sizes and offer bells
and whistles you may not have known were available. Get some tips on how to choose
the best match for your needs.



Press Release Body = KANSAS CITY, MO. - April 13, 2007 - You may have noticed
portable storage containers beginning to spring up seemingly everywhere, from
residential neighborhoods to industrial parks to big box retail parking lots and
beyond. Indeed, portable storage is gaining momentum and many new vendors are
entering the market with new types of containers and even new uses for these old
stand bys.

Finding the right type of portable storage container, then, depends on your specific
needs. You can begin your search at the National Portable Storage Association, or
NPSA. As the nonprofit membership association dedicated to the advancement of the
portable storage industry, NPSA members adhere to a strict code of conduct and
ethics. So you can be sure that the products you rent and the service you receive
from these vendors is top quality. The NPSA web site even offers a "Solution Finder"
that allows you to request information about the types of products in which you are
interested.

"You'll find plenty of vendors ready and able to serve you. Now it's up to you to
ask the right questions," said NPSA Executive Director John Finnessy, CMP. "If you
aren't exactly sure what you need then just ask questions. Our members can help you
determine the best size and features for your specific needs. Not all needs are
created equal. Someone who is moving has different needs than someone who is storing
equipment on a construction site."

Storage containers come in a variety of sizes. Here's what you need to know: Most
are 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high with common lengths of 20 and 40 feet (1,170 cubic
feet and 3,340 cubic feet). Most customers choose 20-foot containers because they
provide easier access the items inside. Forty-foot models provide almost three times
as much storage space, but may require additional doors on the back or side to take
gain quick access to the stored goods. You can also find containers in other
lengths, from as small as 6 feet wide or as large as 54 feet wide, but these odd
sizes can be difficult to find. If it's additional clearance you need, consider what
the industry calls "high cubes" that feature internal heights of 9.5 feet.

You'll also want to keep in mind space considerations. For a 20-foot storage
container, for example, plan on at least 75 feet of clearance for delivery,
installation, and to maneuver in and out of the container. You need at least 100
feet of clearance for 40-foot units. Of course, containers can also come with
additional features such as a lockbox, alarm system, shelving, doors on the side,
ramps, ventilation, partitions insulation, refrigeration, HVAC and much more.

When considering pick-up and delivery, you'll want to assess your options. Some
vendors may charge for the round trip, others may only charge one way or roll the
price into the monthly rental. Be sure to ask about the options up front because it
could be a deciding factor as it relates to price. Speaking of which, price is an
important distinction and you may find that pricing varies widely from region to
region or even from one side of a city to another. Obviously, larger containers
customized with electrical outlets will cost more than smaller units that will be
used to store goods.

"Just like anything else, you can't choose a portable storage vendor on price alone,"
said NPSA Operations Manager Joel Rathbone. "Just because something cost more
doesn't mean it's higher quality, and just because something seems like a bargain
doesn't mean there's a catch. The good news is you can be confident you are getting
a reputable vendor when you choose an NPSA member. "

For more information, visit www.npsa-us.org.

The National Portable Storage Association
The National Portable Storage Association is dedicated to the advancement of the
portable storage industry. We at the NPSA are here to serve those in the portable
storage industry who rent, sell or lease containers, trailers and mobile offices.
The NPSA assists members with industry, regulatory and workforce issues; plus,
offers members networking, marketing and legislative support at national, state and
local levels.

PR Contact:
Jennifer LeClaire
Self Storage Promotions
954.454.0072
jennifer@selfstoragepromotions.com
www.selfstoragepromotions.com


Web Site = http://www.npsa-us.org

Contact Details = Jennifer LeClaire
Self Storage Promotions
954.454.0072
jennifer@selfstoragepromotions.com
www.selfstoragepromotions.com

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