Compare
Portable container or self-storage unit?
Both give you extra space. The difference is where the space is and how many trips it takes. Here is a side-by-side look so you can choose what fits your project.
Quote for My Home| Feature | BigBox2Go portable container | Self-storage unit | Rental truck + storage unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where your things are | At your home, business or jobsite | At a storage facility | At a storage facility |
| Driving and trips | None: we deliver and pick up the container | You drive your things to the facility | You rent, load, drive and return a truck |
| Loading | At your door, at your own pace | At home, then again at the facility | At home, then again at the facility |
| Access while you store | Any time: it’s on your property | During facility access hours | During facility access hours |
| Good for projects | Renovations, decluttering, inventory overflow, jobsites | Long-term storage away from home | One-time moves you handle yourself |
| How it’s billed | Monthly rental + delivery and pickup | Monthly unit rent (plus your truck or trips) | Daily truck rental + mileage + unit rent |
General comparison. Facility hours, prices and terms vary by provider; your BigBox2Go quote lists every charge before you accept.
Why a portable container is often easier
No truck to rent or drive
We bring the container to you and take it away when you’re done.
Load once
Pack straight into the container instead of loading a truck and unloading it again.
Your things stay close
Get to your belongings or stock any time without a trip across town.
On your schedule
Rent month to month and schedule pickup when your project ends.
Storage comparison questions
Is a portable container cheaper than a storage unit?
It depends on how long you store and what you count. A container includes delivery and pickup and saves the truck rental, fuel and trips a storage unit usually needs. Your quote lists the monthly rental and each delivery and pickup so you can compare.
Can I keep the container at my house?
Yes, if you have a stable, reasonably level spot with truck access and permission from the owner, HOA or city where needed.
Can I get to my things while they’re stored?
Yes. With on-site storage the container stays at your property, so you can open it whenever you need to.
Which container size do I need?
The 8 ft container suits about one room or a small stockroom; the 16 ft has about twice the floor space. The size finder on our container sizes page suggests one in a few clicks.