Frequently Asked Questions
Moving Starts Here
SERVICE & QUOTES
It's very simple and flexible! If you're moving, we deliver a Box to you. You fill it, and on the day of your scheduled move, we pick it up and deliver it to your new location. If your new location isn't ready or you don't have one yet, we can store the Box for you and deliver it when you ready for it. If your plans change, no sweat!
If you're just looking for storage at your home and don't need it to move, it's even simpler. We deliver the Box to you. You call us when you want to schedule it for pickup.
That's it! Moving & storage made easy.
Can I get pricing for a Box and transportation online?
Yes! It is very easy, click here to get started.
How much does it cost to rent a Box?
The Storage Box offers a variety of types and sizes of containers. For a quote on our most popular sizes (16’ and 20’), you can get an instant quote here for local rentals. Promotions can be found here .
Is there a minimum or maximum rental period?
There is no minimum or maximum rental period. Our low daily rates mean you only pay for the days you use - no monthly or weekly minimum charges!
Are there any other fees?
The Storage Box has no hidden fees! No reservation fees, no admin fees, no fuel surcharges. There are optional items like moving supplies, our Container Protection Plan, or locks you can choose to add to your rental. All fees are subject to HST.
I received a quote, but what will my grand total be?
If you know exactly how many days you’ll need a Box for, multiply the number of days by the daily rate of the Box you want to use (be sure to use the correct rate if you plan to store with us, inside, or outside), add your transportation fees and that is your total before HST! There are no additional fees unless you choose to buy a lock, moving supplies, and choose to have our Container Protection Plan added to your rental.
Does the daily rental rate include transportation?
The daily rental rate is for the Box rental only. Your transportation fees will depend on where you are located and how many times you need to move your Box. Transportation fees can be found below the daily rental rates on your quote.
What if I don’t know where I’m moving to yet?
That’s very common, and not an issue! We can store the Box for you at our facility until you have a new location. Most of our locations have both outdoor and indoor storage available for your Box (some restrictions apply). For the quote, you can put simply the city you think you will be moving to (only confirmed, complete addresses will be valid and apply to your rental). Once you know your next destination, the fees will be calculated at that time.
What if I need to move it more than once?
No problem at all, our service is very flexible! Our online instant quote system is designed for quick quotes for the most typical move situations. If you need to move your box multiple times, give us a call at 1-800-555-4510 for pricing to each location you need to move to.
Does The Storage Box do long distance moves?
We service southwestern Ontario, so we can move you between Windsor and the GTA, and everywhere in between! See our general service area map here. In some cases, we can accommodate locations outside of the service area, but only if moving to/from within the service area. If you would like to know if your long distance move can be accommodated, request a quote here, and you will receive an email with a quote, or notification that we cannot service the area you are requesting.
Does The Storage Box fill the portable storage container for me?
We do not load your portable storage container. In some areas, there are companies we can recommend to assist you with labour to load your Box.
Will The Storage Box price match?
You will find our pricing is competitive or better in the markets we service! In many cases we will match the price of a local competitor on the same container type, within one of our hub cities. Since our Storage Boxes are a unique, premium container, our competitors do not carry this and are not subject to price matching (although some look similar!). However, we are happy to price match shipping containers.
For example, if you have a competitor's quote for a 20' Shipping Container, we will only price match against our 20' Shipping Box, not our premium Storage Box. Since The Storage Box is the only company that offers daily rates, price matching requires us to charge monthly (4 week) minimums like our competitors. Price matching also means we must match all fees associated with the competitors quote – admin/reservation fees, fuel surcharges, mandatory coverages, rental charge minimums and transportation pricing.
OUR BOXES
What is the difference between a Storage Box and a Shipping Box?
Our Storage Boxes are the premier containers, they’re designed for moving & storage with features like insulated, anti-mold, rodent & weatherproof interiors with easy-to-open doors and multiple convenient interior tie-downs. This is the Box recommended for moving and storage of household furniture and sensitive items.
Our Shipping Boxes are ISO standard shipping containers (aka sea cans or cargo containers). All shipping containers are made the same to a global standard for cargo ships, so they so they do not have the benefits and premium features of a Storage Box. This is the most common container used by our competitors. You can use them for moving, but we do not recommend using this type of Box for moving. But they’re great economical alternative for stationary storage while you rebuild that shed or garage!
You can see them side by side here.
What are the Boxes made from?
All of our portable storage containers are made from steel. The walls of our Storage Boxes are insulated with an R8 insulation and the floors are wood or bamboo with a slip and moisture resistant coating. Our Shipping Box is a standard ISO shipping container, they are not insulated, the floor is high-strength plywood but does do not have a slip and moisture resistant coating.
Are the storage containers secure?
Of Course! Portable storage containers should always be locked. For our Storage Boxes, we recommend stainless steel disc locks which are the most secure for their locking mechanism. Some Storage Boxes have additional locking points to accommodate a puck lock or a block lock. For Shipping Boxes we recommend using a block lock, this is the most secure lock for these containers since the locking tabs on the handles can be cut easily. You can purchase a disc lock or block lock from us or use your own.
How much can I fit into a Box?
No two moves or homes are the same! It is best to measure your bulkiest items as your starting point to determine the size that would best suit your needs. See this page for size recommendations. You are limited to a maximum weight of 5,000 lbs. Generally, a 20’ Box can fit a 3 bedroom home excluding appliances: 3 bedroom sets, a living room set, a dinning room set and your packing boxes.
Do the Storage Boxes have climate control?
Although our Storage Box is insulated, the Box does not have a self-contained climate control (HVAC) system. But, we can pickup your Box and store it for you inside our climate controlled facilities.
Is there a weight limit?
All boxes have a weight limit of 5,000 lbs of content. Most household furniture and appliances wil not cause weight issues. Items that are most likely to make your Box overweight are: large safes, heavy exercise equipment, large quantity of books, tools/loaded automotive toolboxes, building materials (ex. concrete block materials, tile, flooring). If your Box is overweight at the time of the move/pick up, you will be required to remove contents until the Box is within allowable limits. Our vehicle will return at the next available time, and additional charges may apply.
Does The Storage Box offer shelving for the inside of the Box?
We do! Shelving brackets are available to anyone renting a Shipping Box that is NOT moving. These should not be used during a move.
For our Storage Boxes, we offer food grade shelving to commercial customers.
Give us a call at 1-800-555-4510 for more information on shelving options for our Boxes.
Does The Storage Box sell containers?
Yes! We sell new and used containers, you can view our current inventory here. For pricing, please give us a call at 1-800-555-4510.
Does the Box come with a lock?
We do sell locks for you to purchase one from us, but a lock is not included in each rental. You’re welcome to use your own lock if it fits on the locking point. For our Storage Boxes, we recommend stainless steel disc locks which are the most secure for their locking mechanism. Some Storage Boxes have additional locking points to accommodate a puck lock or a block lock. For Shipping Boxes, the locking tabs on the handles are easy to cut, so to get the best security they require a more expensive block lock that goes into the lock box.
BOOKING & ORDERS
How do I reserve a portable storage container?
If you’ve already received a quote, you can start your reservation here, just have your quote number ready! You can also call us at 1-800-555-4510.
What is required to rent a Box?
You will need a valid Visa, Mastercard, Visa Debit or MasterCard Debit card to rent a Box. We also require a signed lease agreement which you complete online. A link to sign the agreement is in your reservation confirmation email that we send you upon completion of your booking.
Is a deposit required to reserve?
We do not take a deposit to reserve a Box! A valid credit or debit card is required to reserve, but the charges are not processed until your initial delivery.
Is there a cancellation fee?
There are no fees to change or cancel your reservation. If you cancel or make changes when your box is on its way, a delivery fee will still apply.
Can I pay cash?
Unfortunately, we do not accept cash, or any other forms of payment. A valid Visa, Mastercard, Visa Debit or MasterCard Debit card in your name is required to rent a Box.
Can I use someone else's credit or debit card?
No we cannot allow the use of another person’s card. The name on the credit/debit card must be the name on the lease agreement and the person who signs the lease agreement.
What is the cancellation policy?
We prefer you stick with us, you’ll be glad you did. But if plans change, there are no charges to change or cancel your rental up to the point that your Box is being loaded for delivery!
How quickly can I get a Box delivered?
We may be able to accommodate same day or next day deliveries, but lead time can fluctuate greatly month-to-month. We recommend calling for the most up-to-date information. Transportation schedules during peak moving season (May-Sept.) can book up well in advance. We recommend at least 7-10 business days notice to schedule any transportation in this period. The end of each month is most common for people to move, so we recommend calling even further in advance if you're moving at the end of the month. There are no guarantees on schedule availability when you call, regardless of the lead time provided.
TRANSPORTATION
How much is delivery?
Your transportation fees will depend on where you are located and how many times you need to move your Box. You can get an instant quote here for local rentals and transportation. Transportation fees can be found below the daily rental rates on your quote.
Does The Storage Box deliver and pickup on weekends?
Yes, The Storage Box trucks operate on Saturdays in most locations. Our hours are Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM and Saturdays 8AM to 1PM. We are closed on Sundays and major holidays.
How do you deliver the Box?
The Storage Box only delivers, moves and picks up Boxes with our fleet of tilt-free trucks!
What is a tilt-free or level-lift delivery system?
Our lift system is tilt-free/level-lifting which means the portable storage container remains straight and level when being dropped off or picked up. Your valuables always stay level with our delivery system. You can watch it in action here and see why tilt free is important!
Why is tilt-free delivery important to me?
This is important for you because traditional portable storage containers can only be moved by a tilt-bed or roll-off truck, causing your belongings to fall to one end and cause damage. Our system picks up and places containers gently on the ground, keeping your belongings safe. Due to our system gently bringing the box down, the truck will not cause damage to your driveway as well. Our portable storage containers are equipped with tie-down points inside, which we recommend using for added safety during transport. You can read more about our delivery system versus others in this article.
Do I need to be present when the storage container is delivered?
Since the required lease agreement must be signed prior to delivery, we do not require you to be present for the delivery. However, it is recommended that you are present when the container is delivered, so that the container can be placed in a spot that is convenient for you. If you are not present, our drivers will place the Box in its most suitable spot and follow instructions/requests provided as onsite conditions allow. If the requested placement is not possible they will place in the best position they can.
Can I specify the time of my delivery/pickup/move?
You can make time request like "anytime after 10am" or "early afternoon" or simply morning or afternoon. The Storage Box will do its absolute best to accommodate these requests, however there are no guarantees these requests can be met.
What if I don’t get keys to my new house until late afternoon and my move/drop off is scheduled earlier?
We try to schedule moves/drop offs as late as possible in these situations, but it is not always possible. In our experience, it is best to communicate your moving plans with your real estate agent and the sellers of the home you’re purchasing. In most cases, delivery of a container prior to a key turnover is not an issue. If you think there may be an issue with placing your Box prior to a key turnover, it is best to have your move/drop off schedule for the following day.
What if I don’t have a driveway?
To place a box on the road typically requires a permit from your municipality. Contact your city permit and by law department for information on required permits.
If you live in a condo or apartment building, no problem! Private parking lots and private roads only require consent from the building manager!
Can I put a Box in my backyard or on grass?
That can vary by location and site conditions. We can place a Box on grass, but we will not drive on grass with our truck.
Can the truck or Box damage a driveway?
Driveways that are interlock stone, concrete, or gravel are more than strong enough to accommodate our delivery vehicles and Boxes.
Our drivers place wood under all 4 corners of the Box. Our tilt-free delivery system gently picks-up/places the Box down while keeping it level. There is no dragging or dropping that could damage your surface below.
If your driveway is asphalt and you will have a box during the summer months, it is recommended to have larger pieces of wood (like plywood sheets) to have placed under your Box to further distribute weight. Asphalt gets hot and soft in the summer heat, and with a box full of contents, it may cause some indentations on the surface.
Will my stuff shift during transportation?
Our tilt-free trucks keep you box from tilting and smashing your stuff into each other during the loading and unloading of the Box. To protect your stuff in transport, think of it like the trunk of a car! Its important to tie large heavy items down, and pack the Box as tight as possible!
How do I schedule or change future transportation after booking?
Just give us a call at 1-800-555-4510 and a member of our all-star team will assist you. Changes can only be made over the phone.
Most driveways are sloped! If your driveway has a steep slope, in either direction, in most cases we can still deliver a Box. Our drivers will do their best to level the container on your driveway while keeping it safe for loading/unloading. If you'd like to discuss your placement capabilities, give us a call at 1-800-555-4510.
BILLING
What am I charged upfront?
Your first payment is made on the day of your delivery (using the debit/credit card provided) with your delivery fee, pickup fee and first 30 days of rent. The Storage Box pre-bills 30 days at a time and issues a credit for any days that are unused once the box is picked up.
[For example: you will be charged 30 days on the 1st day of the rental; If you only used the Box for 10 days, you will be issued a refund of 20 days of rent when the box is picked up. If you keep the Box past 30 days, we charge for the next 30 days, and so on, until you're done!]
How do I get my receipts?
A detailed invoice and credit/debit card receipt are attached in an email to you every time a payment is made.
INSURANCE
Are my things insured when I use a Box?
For insurance coverage on your belongings while being stored, contact your home insurance provider, but we do not require you to carry insurance on your contents. The Storage Box offers the Container Protection Plan (CPP) which provides coverage for the Box. You can only opt-in to the CPP BEFORE your initial delivery.
STORAGE
Will The Storage Box store my Box for me?
Absolutely! You can have your Box brought to The Storage Box location nearest you and stored outside or inside* until you’re ready for it. (*where available)
Yes, most of our locations have a climate-controlled warehouse that you can have your Box stored inside. Some restrictions apply. Indoor storage is not available for shipping containers at any location.
Can I choose not to have the portable storage container delivered and use simply as a self-storage unit?
Of course! You can load and unload your box from one of our locations. Delivery is optional, but the cost is low and the convenience of having it at your home is priceless!
The rental rates are the same as shown on your quote with the outdoor and indoor storage options, but you will not be subject to any transportation fees!
Is there anything I can’t put in a portable storage container?
Any items that are food, flammable, hazardous, explosive, toxic or illegal are not allowed to be stored within our portable storage containers. Bulk salt is not allowed to be stored in our containers.
I don’t know where I’m moving to yet, what do I do with my portable storage container?
The Storage Box offers storage of your portable storage container either at our outdoor storage facility, or our indoor climate-controlled storage facility until you’re ready for it. Call us at 1.800.555.4510 to find out the storage options at the location nearest you. Your future transportation fees can be calculated once you have your new location.
If my container is stored at your facility, can I still access it?
Yes! For added security, Boxes are kept inaccessible while in storage. If you would like to access your Box while it is being stored in one of our facilities or yards, we require a minimum 1 business day notice in order to make your Box accessible for you in our designated customer access area. Your Box can be kept in the customer access area for a maximum period of 3 days. There is no fee to access your Box at our facility.
Do I have 24-hour access to my Box while it is stored at The Storage Box facility?
If your Box has been requested to be in the customer access area, the customer access area is accessible at any time of day. Your box can remain here for a period of 3 days at a time to accommodate other customers. When your Box is being stored within the yard or facility, it is not accessible.
How much room do I need to have the portable storage container delivered?
The Storage Box requires at minimum 13.5 feet of clear height, 11 feet of clear width and 60 feet of clear length to deliver a portable storage container. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the proper space required at your current, and new location(s).
If you do not have the required clearances available, call us and we may have other delivery options available to you.
How should the portable storage container be packed?
The Storage Box recommends taking advantage of all space that is available in the Box, the width, length and height. Pack the portable storage container as tight as possible to take advantage of all space. Use the tie down points to tie down items that may shift during transportation. The Storage Box uses a level lift system to move the containers, so your contents are always safe and level during loading and unloading. Things can wiggle and shift while driving, so we recommend packing the container as if the truck will have to slam on their brakes during transportation. This ensures your contents will be safe during travels.
What if I empty the container and leave garbage or unwanted items in the Box, will you dispose of it?
The Storage Box will not dispose of trash of any kind, or unwanted items left in the Box. All items must be removed from the inside, lock must be removed from door and the area around the Box must be cleared prior to our arrival.
OUR COMPANY
Is The Storage Box a franchise?
The Storage Box is family owned and operated, established in 2015 in Windsor! We may not be as big as some of our national competitors, but in a short time we have become and industry leader and the benchmark that many attempt to imitate – the sincerest form of flattery!
Does The Storage Box move across the border or to other provinces?
At this time, we only service Southern Ontario and do not cross into the USA or move past the GTA. For a look at our service area, you can see our general service area map here. In some cases, we can accommodate locations outside of the service area. If you would like to know if your long distance move can be accommodated, request a quote here, and you will receive an email with a quote, or notification that we cannot service the area you are requesting.
What makes The Storage Box different? Why should I choose The Storage Box?
There are many things that set The Storage Box apart. Since the very beginning, we built everything around providing a better service for residential and commercial customers.
Our Service
Moving or a renovation project can be stressful, that’s why our all-star team provides the best service in the industry. The most critical part of our service that sets us apart, is what you wont see – that’s the hardworking team and ‘well-oiled machine’ staying very organized behind the scenes. Our dedicated team, technologies and process provide clear, consistent communication that is always friendly, always professional – so you don’t have to stress out if your Box is coming today, tomorrow or a month from now! Leave it in our hands and you can be stress free – the way moving should be!
Our Daily Rates
The Storage Box is the first & only company in the industry to offer true daily rates. Only pay for the days you use, no monthly minimums, hidden fees or surcharges!
Our Boxes
We have the most options for sizes ranging from 8’, 10’, 12’, 16’, 20’ and 40’ lengths
Get the nicest and cleanest Boxes in the industry! Our Storage Boxes are the premier containers, they’re designed for moving & storage with features like insulated, anti-mold, rodent & weatherproof interiors with easy-to-open doors and multiple convenient interior tie-downs. This is the Box recommended for moving.
Our Shipping Boxes are ISO standard shipping containers (aka sea cans or cargo containers). All shipping containers are made the same to a global standard for cargo ships, so they so they do not have the benefits and premium features of a Storage Box. This is what our competitors carry and is not the type of Box we recommend for moving, but you can so we still offer them. They’re great for stationary storage while you rebuild that shed or garage!
Our Transportation
Our low-cost transportation is always tilt-free, Driveway & Content-Safe! Click here to see it in action! No tilting means your driveway and contents are always safe during the process. Our patented proprietary Box Lift is the fastest, strongest, and safest tilt-free system in the industry
The Storage Box has Ontario’s largest fleet of tilt-free container delivery trucks to offer the fastest service possible.
Our Reviews
Any company can claim to have excellent service, but we let our track record speak for us. Learn from our past clients and read our reviews on Google!
When is The Storage Box open?
Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM and Saturdays 8AM to 1PM. We are closed on Sundays and major holidays. You can leave a voicemail after regular business hours and a representative will call you back the next business day!
Moving Starts Here