Ever see one of those large storage containers, which can often resemble a shrunken down version of a semi tractor-trailer, sitting in a neighbor’s driveway or next to a business? These are ideal to store items after a house fire, providing a secure and accessible space for your belongings during the restoration process.
Maybe you need to remove undamaged items from a severely damaged structure … or maybe you need to store items while having repair work done … or maybe you have decided to move from your fire-damaged house to a new house … in any of these situations a portable storage unit can be an excellent solution as they are well-known for being both convenient and affordable.
Here’s How Portable Storage Units Work:
The portable storage unit is brought to your location where you can then fill it with your belongings.
If you need to clear belongings for repairs, you can keep a portable storage unit on-site. You can store your items in it until the work is completed.
If you are moving and selling a fire-damaged house, you’ll load the portable storage unit and the company that you obtained the unit from will come and pick it up and transport it to your new location.
Why Use a Portable Storage Unit?
Portable storage units offer a number benefits including:
- Convenience – A portable storage unit is delivered to you for convenient on-site loading, eliminating the need to drive to a self-storage unit.
- Security – Portable storage units from top companies are made of steel and have features such as tamper-proof lockboxes.
- Versatility – Portable storage units can be used for either short-term or long-term storage and since the items are stored right on site you can easily access them or take you time in determining where you want to put them.
- Variety of sizes – Portable storage units are available in various sizes, allowing you to select a smaller one instead of a large, bulky container if suitable.
- Weather proof – Portable storage units are made to protect your belongings from wind, rain, snow and other harsh weather conditions.
- Cost-effective – When compared to other storage options, portable storage units are surprisingly cost effective.
- Stress Reliever – Having the container delivered to you, loading it on your schedule, and then moving it to your new location can significantly reduce moving stress and hassle.
How Do Portable Storage Units Compare Against Self Storage Units?
We discussed self-storage units in our previous blog post, but we’ll again address some of their benefits here.
Both portable storage units and self-storage units offer security and weather protection. Yet, there are two significant differences that stand out.
- Service providers bring portable storage units to your location for on-site loading. This eliminates the hassles of battling traffic and the weather to transport your belongings to a physical location. In other words, they can be a great time saver.
- On the other hand, many self-storage units offer climate control, providing even greater protection for your valuables. Extreme temperatures can damage items kept in a portable storage unit. For example, wood expands and contracts in hot and cold temperatures which can result in cracking, splintering, weakening and more. Climate controlled self storage units can prevent this damage from occurring.
One other thing you might want to consider regarding portable storage units – if your community has a homeowners association, does it permit you to keep a portable storage unit on your property, and if so, for how long can it stay? The answer to this question could go a long way in determining whether you want to use a portable storage unit.
Deciding Which Storage Method Is Best for You …
Ultimately, compare the benefits of self-storage and portable storage units to decide which is better for you.
For example, what do you value more: avoiding transporting items to a self-storage unit or protecting them from extreme temperatures?
Asking yourself these questions will help you determine the right storage method for your situation.
Should you end up choosing to use a portable storage unit, here are a few reputable providers and their websites:
- PODS – http://www.pods.com/default.aspx
- Portable Storage Units – unitsstorage.com
- 1-800-PACK-RAT – 1800packrat.com
- Door to Door Storage – doortodoor.com
- SmartBox – smartboxusa.com
One More Thing to Consider When You Store Items After a House Fire is Self Storage Insurance
Many self storage unit renters are surprised to learn that damage to their stored items is not covered by their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Industry experts state that your insurance company and specific events determine your items’ coverage.
In general, most insurance policies do protect property stored off-premises for theft and damage from fires and other disasters. However, they often don’t cover damage from flooding, earthquakes and mold and mildew.
Be Sure to Call Your Insurance Agent
That’s why the one of the first things you should do when you store items after a house fire in a self storage unit is call your insurance agent and find out exactly what your coverage details are.
Industry experts say that off-premises coverage is usually 10 percent of the overall amount of a homeowner’s policy. That means if you are storing expensive items you may want to see if you can get higher limits.
Want to sell your fire-damaged house?
If you are thinking of selling a fire-damaged house, We Buy Fire-Damaged Houses buys burned homes in “as-is” condition and pays all cash. Fill out the short form below to see if your house qualifies for a free quote.
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash