Moving, renovating, or clearing out a garage usually means finding somewhere to put your belongings. Traditional self-storage means renting a truck, loading it, driving across town, and unloading again. Portable storage units remove most of that. The container is delivered to you, you fill it at your own pace, and then you keep it on your property or have it stored at a secure facility.
What Are Portable Self Storage Containers?
A portable self storage container is a weatherproof unit delivered to your home or business. You load it on your schedule, and the provider collects it when you’re ready. You may also see these called mobile storage units or storage pods.
Why Choose Portable Storage?
- No truck rental. The provider handles delivery and pickup, so you never drive a large vehicle.
- No deadline pressure. You can load room by room over several days.
- Flexible location. Keep the container at your property, store it at a facility, or have it delivered to a new address.
- Weather protection. Wooden containers insulate naturally against temperature swings and help regulate humidity, which reduces the risk of mold and mildew. Wood also doesn’t rust.
How It Works
- Delivery. The container arrives at your door at a scheduled time.
- Loading. Fill it whenever suits you.
- Keep it or store it. Leave it on-site, or have it moved to a secure facility.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Each Big Box container measures 8′ x 5′ x 7′ on the outside and provides about 40 square feet of storage. One container typically holds one to one-and-a-half rooms.
| Home size | Containers | Space |
| Studio apartment | 1 | 40 sq ft |
| 1 room | 2 | 80 sq ft |
| 2 rooms | 3 | 120 sq ft |
| 3 rooms | 4 | 160 sq ft |
If you’re unsure, use a storage space estimator and lean toward extra capacity. With Big Box, you pay only for the space you use.
Who Uses Portable Storage?
- Homeowners and renters: renovations, transitions between homes, home staging, apartment overflow, and student storage.
- Businesses: contractor equipment, real estate staging, restaurant and catering supplies, and emergency overflow.
Portable Storage Costs
Pricing depends on the number of containers, rental length, and delivery location. At Big Box, delivery of an empty container and pickup of the full one costs $99 round trip within the standard San Diego service area. New customers who commit to three months or more in that area get free initial delivery.
Portable Storage Providers Compared
Here is how Big Box compares with four other options. Details come from each company’s website, so confirm current pricing and availability directly.
1. Big Box Storage (San Diego)
Big Box is a San Diego portable storage company that has served the area since 2003 and reports more than 70,000 deliveries.
- Container: wooden, 8′ x 5′ x 7′, about 40 sq ft each
- Service: delivery and pickup, with storage at your site or in its secure San Diego facility
- Access: seven days a week with two hours’ notice, at no charge
- Delivery: $99 round trip in the standard service area, free initial delivery with a 3-month commitment
- Coverage: greater San Diego County
2. PODS
PODS is a national moving and storage company with local and long-distance service.
- Container: steel-frame, 8′, 12′, and 16′ sizes
- Service: delivery, pickup, and optional storage at PODS Storage Centers
- Billing: monthly, with the first 30 days included in the moving price
- Note: its Storage Centers are not climate-controlled
3. MI-BOX Mobile Storage
MI-BOX is a franchise-style network of locally owned dealers, so availability and container sizes vary by location.
- Container: 8×8, 12×8, 16×8, and 20×8 units, depending on the dealer
- Service: delivery and pickup, with on-site or warehouse storage
- Access: during business hours, 5 days a week, at no charge
- Note: it does not load or unload containers, but can refer you to local partners. Check that a dealer covers your San Diego zip code.
4. Ace Self Storage
Ace is a family-owned traditional self-storage company with locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
- Model: you rent a unit at a facility and move your belongings yourself, with no container delivery
- Sizes: from 5×5 up to 10×30, with move-in specials for new customers
- Terms: month-to-month contracts
- Access: 7 days a week, with gate hours from 6 am to 8 pm
5. San Diego Self Storage
San Diego Self Storage is a local network of traditional storage facilities that has operated since 1972, with 18 locations.
- Model: facility-based units, with drive-up options
- Perks: a first-year price guarantee, 7-day access, and a free move-in truck
- Note: you still handle the transport yourself
Quick Comparison
| Big Box | PODS | MI-BOX | Ace | SD Self Storage | |
| Container delivered to you | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| San Diego-focused | Yes | National | Varies by dealer | Yes | Yes |
| Container material | Wood | Steel frame | Varies by dealer | N/A | N/A |
| Truck needed | No | No | No | Yes | Optional free move-in truck |
| Best for | Local portable storage | Long-distance moves | Dealer-based moves | Budget unit rental | Traditional units |
Final Verdict: Why Big Box Is the Best Choice in San Diego
PODS suits cross-country moves. Ace and San Diego Self Storage suit people who are happy to haul their own belongings to a facility. MI-BOX depends on whether a local dealer covers your area.
For San Diego residents and businesses who want portable self storage containers delivered to their door, Big Box fits best. It is built for the local market, charges clear and low delivery fees, and gives free access seven days a week. Its wooden containers resist rust and moderate humidity, and you pay only for the space you use. It has also been serving San Diego since 2003.