Mobile Storage / Moving (Tucson: to rent, mover, appliances)

[BillyBaroo]

Does anybody have any experiences they can share about using a mobile storage unit to help them move?

We're moving in May or June and our new home is 35 miles away. I like the idea of having a storage shed placed in our driveway so we can start filling it up and then have it delivered to our new house. We've accumulated so much stuff and it's going to take awhile to sort through it all and get rid of all the junk and stuff we don't need anymore.

I checked on rates for PODS and that seemed a little too expensive, there's a couple local companies that our cheaper though. The other thing to consider would be using a storage building around the corner from us. We could store a lot of boxes there and then rent a truck to move it all when our house is finished. I'm also not sure if starting this now is too early or if we should wait until we only have a month or two left. We have so much clutter in our little house and it sure would be nice to clear some of it up now.

[Gretchen B]

Billy - I don't know about prices/differences between the different mobile storage companies, but I will pass this along . . . I had a client who moved to AZ from CA and did the Pod thing (I'm not sure if it was actually "PODS" or something similar) - anyway, she was very, very pleased with how it all worked. She was able to load her stuff in as she got it ready, then it was all stored for a few months, and they delivered here right on the day they said they would.

[BillyBaroo]

Thanks Gretchen, that's interesting that your client used one for a move of that distance. I thought it was more of an option for local or short distance moves. But now that I think about it, it makes sense regardless of distance. I just have to decide whether or not I need a professional mover. I'm starting to think we won't. We don't have a lot of large or heavy items that need moving, so I think I'll be able to do most of it by myself. We'll have new appliances and we don't have a lot of furniture. Any new furniture that we're getting will be delivered to our new house. We're not selling this house, so we're fortunate that we won't have to have everything out on a specific day. I like the idea of loading a little at a time as we get things ready to move. That way the move won't kill me until my wife wants everything unloaded in one day.

The big thing I'm wondering now is how much difference there is between companies for price and the quality of service. I'm looking at nationwide companies and local companies here in Tucson.

I'm also wondering about using a storage building around the corner from my house. That would be cheaper to store things, but I would have to rent a truck to move it and it would be so much less convenient, plus I would have to handle everything twice as much.

[Arizona Bound]

Hi.. I would check to see if your local storage place has ample security, ie; completely fenced and gated, video camera's is a plus, overnite lighting, steel siding and doors. The storage centers that have more thefts are ones that do not have all the extra security measures. We have an antique car stored at one, but they have the extra security features. We also called the local police to see if they get many calls or reports before we decided where to store the car. You may want to call your local police also, just do not rely on the storage center to tell you how safe and secure they are lol!

[Arizona Bound]

BTW... you should also use a Brinks "round" padlock. They have made them especially for uses like storage centers. The round locking stem is much harder for anyone to use boltcutters. They come in different sizes, so check the hardware on the storage door. or ask the storage center what fits.. small med, or large Brinks round locks!

[BillyBaroo]

Thanks for the good advice Arizona Bound. Where are Brinks locks sold? I don't remember seeing them at the hardware store.

[Arizona Bound]

Hi.. You can usually find them at Lowes, Home Depot, wal-mart, Ace hardware... just go to lowes, home depot and ask for one.. they'll point you in the right direction.. lol!