Portable Storage Vs. Conventional Storage

As employees of a portable storage company, we may be a bit biased, but we firmly believe that portable storage is the superior choice for anyone seeking storage solutions in San Diego.

What is Portable Storage?

For those who may not know, “portable storage” (or “mobile storage”) involves having a storage unit delivered directly to your location. You can load it at your own pace, and when you’re ready, the unit is picked up for transport back to the storage provider’s facility. In contrast, “conventional storage” typically refers to self-storage facilities where renters must transport their belongings to the site and load them into a storage unit on the premises.

Why Choose Portable Storage?

Now, let’s dive into why portable storage is often the better option:

Convenience

With conventional storage, the process can be cumbersome. Renters usually have to rent a truck, load their items, drive to the storage facility, unload the truck into their unit (often involving long hallways and stairs), and return the rental truck. When it’s time to move out, they face the same laborious process in reverse.

Even if a conventional storage facility offers a free truck for move-in, you still have to load and unload before you reach the storage unit. Plus, that truck is typically unavailable for move-out.

In contrast, with portable storage, the unit is delivered directly to your home or business. You can take your time packing it—whether it takes a few hours or a few weeks—before it’s picked up for secure indoor storage at our facility. Big Box Storage allows you to access your stored items any day of the week. When you no longer need the space, simply call us, and we’ll bring the unit back to you. There’s no need to worry about renting a truck or making multiple trips.

Affordability

While prices can vary between companies, Big Box Storage offers competitive rates, which include free delivery and pickup for rentals of at least three months. Plus, we back our rates with a low price guarantee: if you find a better rate elsewhere, we’ll beat it by 10%.

Conventional storage facilities often charge additional fees, such as administrative or processing fees upon move-in, typically around $15 to $20. At Big Box Storage, we don’t have hidden fees or security deposits—just straightforward pricing.

Enhanced Security

Security features also differ between storage options. Most storage facilities, including Big Box Storage, implement various security measures such as perimeter alarms, motion sensors, and video surveillance. However, a significant number of break-ins at conventional storage facilities occur from other renters accessing their units.

In contrast, portable storage units are delivered and stored in a controlled environment at Big Box Storage, accessible only to company employees. When you need to access your unit, it’s brought to an outdoor access area, allowing you to drive right up to it, provided the weather permits (which is usually the case in sunny San Diego). After you’ve retrieved your items, your storage unit is securely returned to the facility.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, if you’re looking for a storage solution that saves you time and money while providing added convenience and security, consider portable storage.

If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact Big Box Storage. We’re here to help you find the right storage solution that fits your needs!