The Storage Box vs. portablestorage.ca
The Storage Box was founded on the fundamental belief that customers deserve more than a container — a cleaner, safer and more dependable moving and storage experience.
Many of the features now appearing elsewhere — such as tilt-free delivery and improved driveway protection — started with The Storage Box. This quickly led to us becoming an industry leader and the largest family-owned provider in the region.
When competitors follow our lead, we take it as confirmation that we are raising expectations across the industry. And while they work to catch up, we continue refining the systems, equipment and service standards that continuously set and raise the benchmark. Let's look at how we're invested in providing customers with the RIGHT solution, in every aspect.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Click any row to read the full story behind each difference.
* 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 portablestorage.ca (true of all our competitors) is the cleaning process. But why is that? It is a seemingly easy thing to change, so why is it not 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.
Transparent Pricing
Instant, all-inclusive online quotes
No instant quoting — call or wait hours/days
At The Storage Box, we want to make it as easy and straightforward as possible to get pricing when you're exploring options.
With portablestorage.ca, like most of our competitors, you must call to get instant pricing. Otherwise, if you fill their forms online you're waiting hours or days for a response, which comes as a simple email.
The Storage Box believes in 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 is seemingly simple and fundamental is typically only found with larger, national companies.
Transportation
Tilt-free · air-ride vehicles · driveway-safe guarantee
Tilt-free but trailer-mounted, no air suspension — harsh ride
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. It was a number of years after The Storage Box was founded that portablestorage.ca adapted to tilt-free transportation.
portablestorage.ca utilizes what is called a 'Mule' — a wheelbarrow-style system that is now a common entry for industry operators into tilt-free ability. It lifts one end of a container while wheels are attached to the other end and maneuvers it on and off a trailer. A trailer system is not ideal as they're towed by pickup trucks not equipped with air-suspension (air-ride), which makes for a harsh ride for your contents. Mules are also prone to tipping over, leaving tire marks. The Mule forks must go under the container which puts your driveway at risk of scratches and gouging. We know, because we still have one!
The Storage Box utilizes The Box Lift — the strongest, safest and most efficient 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. All our delivery vehicles have air-suspension. Although our Mule is not used often, we designed it as a unique setup — the first of its kind capable of transporting two 20-foot containers or a single 40-foot container, with air-ride suspension!
What competitors don't tell you: Vehicles as large as loaded dump trucks are fine to come and go. But beware of shipping containers on your driveway — a heavy container sitting in one place over time can damage surfaces such as asphalt driveways.
Container Sizes & Types
Premium Storage Boxes + Shipping Boxes in 6 sizes
Shipping containers only — 10', 20' & 40'
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.
portablestorage.ca offers only 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, and once emptied a company can purchase and rent them. They are very heavy, not well ventilated, and their door systems are heavy and not designed to open and close easily.
There have been notices from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency regarding contamination from pesticides, chemicals and agriculture products in shipping containers.
The Storage Box 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 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 door latching systems.
Why is this uncommon? Premium moving containers come at a premium cost and must be ordered in bulk. Shipping containers can be purchased from a port one at a time, requiring minimal upfront investment — which is why many small companies pop up in the industry without offering premium options.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Indoor facilities across the region
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.
portablestorage.ca, like others, does not provide this option. The Storage Box offers climate-controlled storage at indoor facilities across the region — giving you peace of mind for sensitive items like electronics, antiques, artwork, and more.
Service Area
Southern Ontario — the original and largest family-owned provider
Southern Ontario — expanding into markets TSB pioneered
As we have grown rapidly across the region in our first 10 years of operation, portablestorage.ca is now catching up — after operating for over 15 years, they've recently opened satellite yards in some of the markets we service to provide a similar reach across SW Ontario.
While both companies now serve Southern Ontario, The Storage Box remains the original and largest family-owned provider in the region, with the deepest roots and the most established team in each market we serve.
As a small family business, we know price is always a factor. We challenge you to read 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…"
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Get an instant, all-inclusive quote — no phone call required.
Get Your Free QuoteOr call us at 1-800-555-4510 — our team is happy to answer any questions.