Let’s face it, everyone loves the idea of moving to a new part of Chicago, but no one likes the idea of packing up and moving an entire house. You have to donate old clothes, take furniture apart, find a moving company, pack up your belongings, get the kids together, etc.
Even after you pack everything up, you need to figure out the logistics of stopping for gas, buying snacks on the road, and paying for hotel rooms. Fortunately, there is a way to avoid creating a packing and moving plan; moving containers.
Not only do these containers save you time, but they also save you money. This comprehensive moving guide will talk about moving containers, their many benefits, and who you can reach out to for more information.
What Are Moving Containers?
Moving containers are steel-framed and weather-proof boxes that you can store your items. Instead of packing up your belongings in a moving truck and driving your items out or into Aurora or Chicago, you just pack your things into the moving container, and a company will come to move the items for you.
These containers usually come with their own lock and keys for added security while on the road. The smallest moving container can hold a room and a half worth of furniture.
Process of Renting a Mobile Storage Unit
To ensure they have your container available, it is best to reach out to a mobile storage unit company a couple of months before your move date. Once you have your move date set, they will deliver your container a few days before you have to move.
These containers are usually delivered to your footstep, and you have a few days to load up your belongings.
Once you are all packed up, the moving company will come to pick up the container and drive it to the destination of your choice.
When the container arrives at its new destination, you typically have a few days to unload your belongings. Once you take out all your belongings from the container, the moving company will come to pick up the container.
Can I Use a Moving Container for Storage?
You can use your moving container for storage if you would like to. All you have to do is pack up the container and contact the moving company to move it to a storage facility. Most moving companies have their own storage units they can put your box in.
Advantages of Moving Containers
If you plan on moving in or out of Aurora or Chicago, Illinois, renting a moving container can provide you with many different benefits. For example, moving containers are affordable and have no hidden costs. Whatever the moving company quotes you is the only price you will pay.
Moving, in general, is a costly task, especially if you hire movers and rent a truck on your own. You have to pay for the car and the movers, but you also have to worry about paying for replacing your items if they accidentally break or damage them.
Different Container Sizes
Most storage companies offer different-sized containers based on your needs. If you are unsure of what size to get, they can suggest container sizes for you. For example, if you have a small one-bedroom apartment with minimal furniture, you can opt for a smaller container which is about seven to eight feet.
If you need to move a three to four-bedroom house, you may want to consider one of the larger containers. You may need to use a moving trailer, which averages around 27 feet.
Pack and Unpack at Your Pace
Another major perk of using shipping containers during your move is that you can pack and unpack on your own time. When you rent a truck, you only have a set amount of days to get your items loaded and unloaded. You also have to pay for gas in addition to the rental rate and mileage rate.
Flexible Delivery and Pick Up
No one likes to rush or frantically direct movers on moving day. You already have so much to worry about, and you may need more time to make sure everything is packed and put away properly.
Moving containers give you the flexibility to change your moving and pick-up date. If you have staggered closing and move-in dates and you need to store your items until you move into your new home, you can store your container at a moving facility.
You Don’t Have to Drive
One of the most significant advantages of using moving containers is that you don’t have to drive. This comes in handy, especially if you have to move far and aren’t necessarily a fan of long drives. Moving trucks are hard to operate, and they are very clunky. Not only do you have to worry about the drive, but you must also consider paying for food, gas, and other necessities.
When you add in unfamiliar roads, bad traffic, icy roads, wind, and other factors, the drive becomes even more challenging. To avoid that, you can just pack your belongings in a moving container and wait for them to arrive at your destination.
Moving Container Cost
The cost of your moving container depends on several different factors, such as the distance of the move and how many containers you need. Certain companies have other container costs depending on how many containers you need.
For example, if you need to move many things out of a five-bedroom house, you may need two or three large containers. The average cost of a 40′ moving container ranges between $210 to $475. There are some companies that allow you to return any unused containers at no cost to you.
Season
The cost of your moving container will increase if the company’s containers are in high demand. This tends to happen around the summer or springtime when most families move.
If the moving company has increased demand, they are likely to charge you more for their services. To avoid paying higher than average, try to plan your moving day during the winter. Prices over the weekend are also higher than during the week.
Distance
The farther away you move, the more expensive your move will be. Companies increase the moving costs depending on fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, environmental tax, and other factors.
If you need to move overseas, expect that cost to increase significantly. Moving items over the ocean is a complicated and lengthy process.
Cost of Moving Containers by House Size
As mentioned above, the smaller the container, the cheaper the move. Suppose you have a one-bedroom house or apartment you can expect to pay around $2,000. The price may fluctuate up or down depending on the distance of your move and the company’s pricing scale.
If you need to move a three to five-bedroom home, your moving cost may range from around $3,000 to $5,000, depending on how many things you have. Again, you will need to consider the company’s pricing range and the number of containers you need.
Average Moving Container Costs by Distance
Most shipping container companies charge their clients about $2.45 per mile, but the per-mile moving costs will vary depending on how far away you move. Local moves may cost more per mile than a long-distance move would.
100-Mile Move
Moves around the 100-mile range are considered local moves. The average moving container cost for local moves is around $16 per mile, and your final price will depend on the size of your home and your container. The average rate for a local move is $1700, but other companies offer lower rates.
1,000-Mile Move
If you need to move somewhere about 1000 miles away, you can expect your rate to be around $3.00 per mile. The average cost to move that far is approximately $3,000. As you may be able to tell by now, the further you move, the lower the mileage rate.
Do I Need Moving Insurance?
If you have high-value items that you need to move, you should invest in moving insurance. Not all moving companies offer moving insurance, but you may have to purchase it from them if they do. If you already have an insurance policy over your home or your vehicle, you can reach out to them to see if they can insure your belongings.
Save Time and Money
Packing and moving are one of the fewest things we like to do but have to do at many phases of our lives. It is better to use a moving container to save time and money. Moving containers in Aurora and Chicago make the moving process more manageable and give you more control.
If you are looking to rent a moving container for your next move, contact us now. Our team is prepared to answer any questions or concerns you have about the moving process.
