In my marketing activities to get the word out about SMARTBOX, I am often questioned about the various uses of a SmartBox.  Sometimes people inquire about the more direct uses, such as storage of excess home items or simply moving from point “A” to point “B” - both locally and long distance (via SMARTCARE). 

But there are a myriad of uses that you may not think of, but ultimately is a great use of a SmartBox.  So here are some other things that you may not have thought of:

• Remodeling
  • Rather than cram items from two rooms into one while having work done, why not instead put the items into a SmartBox?
• Garage addition
  • Likewise with remodeling, we have a lot of clients that utilize a SmartBox when having a garage built or rebuilt.
• Home Staging and/or De-Cluttering
  • As referenced below in this issue, now more than ever Home Staging is really important.  With the increased inventory of homes for sale, you need to do everything you can to make your home stand out above all others.  A SmartBox is a fabulous solution as we do all the driving and you only need to pack once.
• Kids going off to – or coming back from – College
  • Why “schlep” your kids things in a rental truck – or worse, in the back of your vehicle – when you can call SmartBox to do the “schlepping” for you?
• Disaster Relief
  • These are the calls we hope to never receive, but we’re glad to be able to provide our services when needed.  With the glut of flooding as of late, tornado’s, etc what does one do on short notice when something like this occurs?  SMARTBOX is a great resource as we can fit into tight spaces, respond with short notice and we’re very affordable.
  • Add to that, most insurance companies will reimburse you for the use of a SmartBox during your time of need.
• Military, Fire and Police Personnel discounts (offered by most - if not all SMARTBOX Franchise locations)
  • General uses for SmartBoxes qualify you for a discount if there is an immediate family member serving our country or municipality.
  • Additionally, if you’re being shipped out for active duty, you can use SMARTBOX to keep your items safe while you go off to keep us safe!

Many, many other uses….  I’d venture to say a thousand-and-one uses, or more!!!

With gas at record high prices and climbing ever higher, people are looking in new directions to find cost savings.  SMARTBOX, the premier provider of portable self storage is now the ultimate solution for moving.  With gas prices hovering over $4.00 a gallon, and well higher for diesel, truck rentals are becoming too expensive for the average customer.  The average 14′ rental truck offers 8 to 10 miles per gallon.  One thing that you don’t account for when counting your options is the hefty fee of re-filling the tank when you return your rental truck, often blowing your budget.

SMARTBOX Portable Self Storage offers you pricing up front with no hidden charges.  There are no fuel charges tacked on after the fact, allowing you to budget your move without fear of extra expense.  Even better, SMARTBOX’s delivery system has the ability to service multiple customers in one trip, saving us gas, and allowing us to provide our service at a savings.  Next time you move, think about filling up your rented or borrowed truck, and then think about letting us do the driving.

There are virtually limitless ways to use portable storage units to your benefit. Due to their easy ability to be delivered, picked up, and transported, these containers can be an innovative solution to numerous problems. The containers can be used to transport specialty equipment for many different kinds of businesses. They can be helpful for catering services, bands, and sports teams alike. In fact, the 2007 Women’s U.S. Open golf tournament used SMARTBOX to provide secure storage for merchandise which was sold to attending fans.

While driving around from day to day, I am beginning to see more and more SMARTBOX portable storage units around. I see them in front of homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. Quite a few times, I have even seen them used on construction sites. It makes sense that our mobile storage containers would be found in construction areas. Whether it is a new build, a renovation, or a remodeling, these storage units are an ideal way to store and transport construction equipment. Businesses find that the portable storage containers are a feasible means to transport specialty equipment and building materials safely, securely, and quickly from job site to job site.

Recently, the moving and self storage industry has seen an enormous influx of portable self storage units. These units are delivered to your home, so you can fill them up with your belongings. The company comes and picks it up when you are ready, and transports it to your new home or into storage.

Some of the company’s that offer these services are SMARTBOX, PODS, the Mobile Attic, and BoxCart. While there are several factors to consider when deciding which service to go with, the size of the shipping container is very important.

SMARTBOX offers one container size. Each of these 5’x 7’x 8’ Smartboxes holds 1 - 1.5 rooms of furniture, with a capacity of 2,000 lbs. The size was chosen because of it’s advantage in helping prevent damage. It is easier to securely pack belongings in several smaller containers than one large one, yet the box is still large enough to accommodate big pieces of furniture, like a king size bed or an oversized armoire. The smaller size also makes the units more affordable so you pay for only the storage you need.

To ensure your items are safe from damage during the moving process make sure new and high quality packing materials are used.

• Newspaper, tissue paper, bubble wrap and foam peanuts
• Permanent markers
• Paper & pen to inventory items
• Packing tape
• Scissors or box cutters