Really important questions you probably haven't thought to ask your portable storage company but absolutely should.
Your container showing up on time. Being able to place it in your driveway. Paying the price you were quoted.
Seems pretty reasonable, right? We think so, too.
Unfortunately, those things aren't always a given in portable moving and storage. In fact, some of these not-so-obvious questions are exactly why we created the six STORsquare Guarantees.
But this isn't about convincing you to choose us. It's about knowing what to ask, no matter who you choose. Because finding out the hard way can be a pretty expensive way to get an answer.
Click a question to find out why it matters, what could go wrong, and what a good answer sounds like.
Not every portable moving and storage company guarantees delivery dates. Some use estimated arrival windows, particularly for long-distance moves. That distinction matters when you're coordinating movers, work, closing dates, and childcare.
You've scheduled movers, taken time off work, and arranged childcare. Then your container doesn't arrive. Now you're rearranging schedules, potentially paying for extra accommodations, and trying to figure out when you'll have access to your belongings. One delay can set off a chain of unexpected expenses.
Ask for a specific delivery date in writing. Find out whether the commitment covers both the empty-container delivery and the delivery of your loaded belongings, and what happens if the date is missed.
“If my container arrives late, will your company cover any additional expenses caused by the delay?”
Portable storage companies use different delivery equipment, and not every system can access every property. Driveway width, slope, overhead clearance, and turning space can all affect placement. Just because a container can be delivered to your current home doesn't mean it can be placed at your new one.
Imagine loading your belongings, transporting them across the country, and discovering the truck can't place the container at your destination. You may have to rent a moving truck, transfer everything at a storage facility, drive it home, and unload it all again—the exact extra work you were trying to avoid.
Look for a provider that evaluates both locations before you book, explains its equipment's access requirements, and discusses a clear backup plan if placement isn't possible.
“If your driver arrives and can't place my container where we agreed, what happens next?”
Portable storage pricing can include initial delivery, monthly rental, transportation, redelivery, and final pickup. Providers structure these charges differently, and the first price you hear might not reflect the total cost of your move.
You choose the lowest initial quote, then discover that transporting your loaded container or picking it up costs extra. A longer-than-expected rental could add another month's charges. By the time your belongings are loaded, switching providers isn't exactly easy.
Ask for an itemized quote covering every stage of your move. Confirm which charges are one-time or recurring, when payments are due, and which circumstances could change the total.
“What circumstances could cause my final bill to be higher than the amount you've quoted?”
Storage containers vary in materials and construction. Some use all-steel construction; others incorporate wood, composites, or fabric-based components. Construction, door seals, maintenance, and weather resistance all affect how well your belongings are protected.
A container arrives with damaged doors, worn seals, or visible gaps. Do you delay the move and request a replacement, or load your furniture and hope for the best? Water intrusion or other problems discovered later can be far more disruptive.
Ask what the containers are constructed from, how they resist rain and moisture, how often they're inspected, and what happens if one arrives damaged or dirty. 'Weatherproof' doesn't necessarily mean waterproof in every condition, so ask what protection is actually provided.
“What will my specific container be made of, and can you guarantee those materials?”
Moves involve lots of details: addresses, delivery dates, access instructions, and schedule changes. When a different representative handles every call, important information can get lost between conversations.
You call to change your delivery date and hear 'all set.' Days later, a different representative has no record of the update. You're explaining the entire situation again and hoping the right team gets the information before moving day.
Ask whether one coordinator will be your primary contact from booking through final pickup, how to reach that person, and who handles your move when they're unavailable. Find out how changes are documented and confirmed.
“When I call, will I reach a call center, or will I have direct access to the same person throughout my move?”
Most companies say they provide great service. Customer reviews can show what working with them is actually like—from scheduling and delivery to billing and problem resolution. The overall rating is a starting point, but the details tell a fuller story.
You book based on a low price and a polished sales pitch, without noticing repeated complaints about missed deliveries, billing surprises, or unreturned calls. The real test of service often comes when something goes wrong.
Check Google reviews and BBB customer reviews. Consider the number of reviews, how recent they are, recurring themes, and how the company responds to complaints. The BBB's letter grade is separate from its customer review rating. A few unhappy customers don't necessarily indicate a pattern; repeated issues deserve attention.
“Can you show me how your company responds when a customer has a problem or leaves a negative review?”
From delivery day to final pickup, the details matter. Ask the right questions before your belongings are loaded—not after you're committed.



Ask about delivery dates, placement, pricing, container construction, who you'll be working with, and what other customers have experienced.
Don't settle for answers that sound reassuring but don't actually answer the question. The best time to find out what a company won't guarantee is before you trust it with everything you own.
And if STORsquare happens to be on your list? Ask away. We like these questions. There's a reason we brought them up.
Ask us the tough questions. Ask us the obvious ones. Ask every provider the same things. We encourage it.
Get a QuoteNo guesswork. No unanswered FUQs. Just a better way to move and store.