The Storage Box vs. Big Steel Box
An honest, transparent look at how Ontario's top-rated local container company compares to one of Canada's largest portable storage chains.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Click any row to read the full story behind each difference.
Kitchener: 4.8 ★ · 60+ reviews
700+ five-star reviews across SW Ontario
Kitchener: 4.7 ★ · 102 reviews
* Comparison based on publicly available information. Prices and features subject to change.
Cleaning Process
7-step cleaning & quality control
Swept out
Perhaps the most important — and most overlooked — difference between The Storage Box and BigSteelBox is the cleaning process. BigSteelBox, like all our competitors, simply sweeps out the container upon its return. This is standard in the industry.
The Storage Box has a 7-step cleaning and quality control process that each Box goes through when returned. This ensures our customers are not at risk of cross-contamination, and they always receive a Box that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected — worthy of storing their valuables. Cleanliness has been part of our DNA since we were founded.
Why is a deep clean so uncommon in the industry? It seems like an easy thing to change, so why isn't it standard practice? The answer is investment. The Storage Box invests in the best possible customer experience, and cleanliness is a critical part of that. It requires a dedicated employee to clean and maintain containers upon their return so they're suitable for the next renter.
If you visit one of our competitor's locations, chances are there is no one there. It is very common in the industry for the person delivering the container to also be the forklift operator in the yard, and the person who sweeps it out on pickup. There is no time between those other tasks to properly clean or maintain. The Storage Box is unique in having adequately staffed locations for the benefit of our customers. Sometimes — but not always — this means our rental or transportation rates can be slightly higher than some competitors. But you can rest easy knowing your items are going into a clean Box.
Transparent Pricing
All-inclusive, instant online quotes
Hidden storage fees; mandatory lock & vandalism fees
BigSteelBox has an online form you can step through — it's relatively simple since they only offer one type of container. Then you wait for an email, which requires creating a login and password to access your quote. Once you have it, things become ambiguous. Listed separately from the box rental fees are mandatory lock rentals and a vandalism protection fee. Separate from the listed fees, buried in the notes, is any related storage cost. We believe this is misleading and easily overlooked by customers — especially when comparing services.
At The Storage Box there are no hidden fees, no mandatory add-ons, and no surprises. We believe in complete clarity from the start. If you're reading this, chances are you've already experienced our online quote system — instant pricing for local services in a simple, straightforward and professional presentation, both directly on the browser and a copy sent straight to your email. What seems simple and fundamental is typically only found with larger national companies. Our rental fees are inclusive of any applicable storage based on the service you've chosen.
Tilt-Free Transportation
Tilt-free · driveway-safe guarantee · air suspension
Rollback trucks — tilts container on delivery
BigSteelBox only offers delivery by rollback truck. This tilts the box, putting one end on the ground while the truck pulls forward or the bed is slid out from under it. This risks damage to your contents and your driveway. This lack of specialized tilt-free equipment is part of why BigSteelBox may have lower transportation rates at times — but it comes at a significant risk to your property and belongings.
Tilt-free transportation was incredibly rare in Canada. The Storage Box was the first to introduce it in the SW region, from Windsor up to Kitchener-Waterloo. The market saw the value in tilt-free delivery almost instantly. The Storage Box utilizes The Box Lift — the strongest, safest and most efficient tilt-free system in the industry. Our remote-controlled system provides a safe, gentle and predictable range of motion. That is why we have our driveway-safe guarantee.
Although our competition may try to make you fear our delivery vehicles, our trucks and boxes are safe for all driveway surfaces. All our delivery vehicles have air suspension for a cushioned journey.
Container Sizes & Types
Premium Storage Boxes + Shipping Boxes in 6 sizes
Shipping containers only — 3 sizes
We believe that if you're taking the time to securely store or move your belongings, it's because they're valuable to you. You should have the RIGHT box for the job, not just what's available.
BigSteelBox only offers shipping containers in 10', 20' and 40' lengths (40' is not available for moving). Shipping containers — also called cargo containers or sea cans — are designed for the shipping industry, primarily for moving goods from continent to continent. Every shipping container is manufactured in China, filled with cargo, and shipped to a destination. Once emptied, a company can purchase them and rent them out.
Shipping containers are very heavy and not well ventilated. The door system is heavy and not designed to open and close easily. They've been designed to meet commercial shipping standards, and there have been notices from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency regarding contamination from pesticides, chemicals and agriculture products. A heavy shipping container sitting in one place over time can also damage surfaces — particularly asphalt driveways.
The Storage Box is one of only a few in the industry that offers both shipping containers and a premium moving container (our Storage Box) in 8', 10', 12', 16', 20' and 40' lengths. Our Storage Box is a premium moving and storage container engineered for the moving and storage industry, featuring an anti-mold interior, slip-resistant floors, easy-access doors, weather & rodent proofing, insulated smooth walls, and an emergency release exit. Even our shipping containers are special-ordered in our exclusive grey colour with upgraded floors and upgraded door latching systems.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Available at select locations
Not offered
This is an easy one! Much like premium containers and a proper cleaning process, climate-controlled storage comes at a high cost for operators. The cost of real estate continues to rise and our competitors keep their costs lower by not having secure buildings or personnel onsite. BigSteelBox does not provide this option.
The Storage Box offers climate-controlled storage at select locations — giving you peace of mind for sensitive items like electronics, antiques, artwork, and more.
Local Family-Owned Service
Same local team every call · founded in SW Ontario
National company · BC-based · call centre
A local, family-owned service may not seem important — but it can have profound effects on your experience. BigSteelBox is privately owned out of British Columbia by the same company as Kal Tire. When you call, you're likely to get their call centre.
The Storage Box is locally founded, owned and operated. When you call, you speak to the same person each time. Our team works closely together to provide personalized service and a seamless experience for bookings, changes, or simply answering any questions you may have.
As a small family business, we know price is always a factor. We challenge you to read some of our 700+ five-star reviews and see how many actually mention price. Some do — but only a few. That's because customers shop on price, choose us on value, and once they're done, rave about exceptional service and a stress-free experience.
Have more questions about how we differ? Give us a call — our all-star team is happy to chat.
What Our Customers Say
"I absolutely love The Storage Box and have recommended them to family and friends for multiple reasons. Their cost is well below other companies that provide the same services; the…"
"Excellent service from start to finish. Jill and the ladies on the phones are tremendous, super friendly and very helpful. Drivers Josh and Anthony were also top notch...super frie…"
"What a great experience it was dealing with this company. Excellent customer service during my 2 years of their service. I would highly recommend"
"We are seniors who were downsizing to a smaller house and didn't have it all figured out yet where we putting all my husbands stuff from his seperate man cave. We were also leaving…"
"This is the fourth time we have used The Storage Box and each time has been excellent!! Drop off was right on time, the box was clean and spacious and most important when it arrive…"
"The Storage Box is an A class business all the way around. From the day I booked the Storage Box, the staff were very friendly and helpful, and they explained everything in great d…"
"Customer service is incredible. They go above and beyond and provide exceptional service."
"I Am very pleased with the service, delivery guys, and office staff who where friendly and very helpful on my choice of size of Box needed. Would recommend to anyone looking for st…"
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