National Portable Storage Association

Storage types

Mobile self-storage units

Mobile self-storage means a storage unit comes to you empty. You load it at your own pace. The provider picks it up and moves it to a new place, to storage, or to your next home. These units can travel fully loaded. NPSA members offer lengths from 7 ft to 20 ft.

Portable units at the NPSA trade show
Quick facts from NPSA members
Standard height
8ft
Lengths offered by members
7ft to 20ft
Typical build
Steel frame, aluminum and steel composite panels, smooth white sides, an easy access roll-up door, and a translucent plastic roof
Other options
Metal roofs, swing doors, and multiple doors

How does mobile self-storage work?

With mobile self-storage, an empty mobile storage container is delivered to your location, you load it up at your own pace, and then it is picked up and moved to a new location for unloading.

Why choose it over a storage facility?

Mobile self-storage allows you to only use the amount of storage that you need and you won’t waste any time or money making multiple car or truck loads to a self-storage facility. No more maneuvering a heavy dolly load of fragile and expensive items from your vehicle to a freight elevator to a storage locker. You load your items straight into the container that has been delivered to you instead.

What makes it different from a shipping container?

Unlike portable storage containers or shipping containers, mobile self-storage containers can be transported while fully loaded. You won’t upset the neighbors or the city with a large metal box for an unspecified period of time and can easily take your valuable items with you when you move. Mobile self-storage is not just for long or short distance residential moves. Mobile self-storage is also applicable for home renovations, office relocations, donation drives, store openings, disaster response, and seasonal merchandise.

What sizes and builds are available?

Mobile self-storage containers come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Standard mobile storage container height is 8ft and NPSA members offer mobile self-storage containers in lengths that range from 7ft to 20ft.

The majority of mobile self-storage containers available on the market are similar to the PODS® mobile self-storage container, constructed with a steel frame, aluminum and steel composite panels, smooth white sides, an easy access roll-up door, and a translucent plastic roof. However, many NPSA members offer mobile self-storage containers with metal roofs, swing doors, and multiple doors. Call the NPSA member that provides mobile self-storage in your area to find out what options they have today.

How to get a quote

NPSA is a trade association. Its member companies rent and sell these mobile storage units. For larger steel boxes, see portable storage containers. Send a quote request and it goes to member companies near you, or search the member directory yourself. For a plain comparison, see portable storage vs mobile storage.

Questions

Mobile self-storage: common questions

What is mobile self-storage?

An empty mobile storage container is delivered to your location. You load it at your own pace. Then it is picked up and moved to a new location for unloading. You only use the amount of storage you need, and you skip the trips to a storage facility.

How is mobile self-storage different from a portable storage container?

Unlike portable storage containers or shipping containers, mobile self-storage containers can be transported while fully loaded. You also will not upset the neighbors or the city with a large metal box for an unspecified period of time.

What sizes do mobile self-storage units come in?

The standard mobile storage container height is 8ft. NPSA members offer mobile self-storage containers in lengths that range from 7ft to 20ft. Sizes and configurations vary by member company, so ask the provider in your area what it has today.

What can I use mobile self-storage for besides a move?

Mobile self-storage is also applicable for home renovations, office relocations, donation drives, store openings, disaster response, and seasonal merchandise. It works any time you need space at your door for a set period and may need to move the contents later.

What are mobile self-storage units made of?

Most are built with a steel frame, aluminum and steel composite panels, smooth white sides, an easy access roll-up door, and a translucent plastic roof. Many NPSA members also offer units with metal roofs, swing doors, and multiple doors.

Need storage?

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Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you.

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