The short answer: for most remodels, the easiest setup is a portable storage container on your driveway. Your belongings stay locked, dry and a few steps from the door, you can grab things anytime, and when the work is done everything moves straight back in.
Why on-site storage works so well for remodels
- Out of the dust and the way. Furniture and boxes are clear of drywall dust, paint and foot traffic, and your contractor gets an empty room to work in.
- Close by. Need the holiday decorations or a box of tools? Walk out to the driveway instead of driving to a storage unit across town.
- One move instead of two. No truck to rent, no loading and unloading at a storage facility. Load it once and unload it once.
- Flexible timing. Remodels run long. Swiftbox rentals are month to month, so a delay doesn't mean a new contract.
Projects where it helps most
- Floor refinishing or new flooring. Every piece of furniture has to leave the room, often the whole floor of the house.
- Kitchen and bath remodels. Clear out cabinets, dining furniture and anything near the work zone.
- Whole-home renovations. Store most of the house while crews move room to room.
- Painting, drywall and repairs. Short projects that still need rooms emptied.
- Water or fire restoration. Keep salvageable belongings safe on site while repairs happen.
How much space will you need?
One 16 ft Swiftbox holds about 2 to 3 rooms of furniture. A kitchen or bath remodel usually fits easily in one. Flooring for a whole level, or a full-house renovation, may call for two. The quickest way to know is our Storage Calculator: pick your rooms or items and watch the container fill up.
Plan the spot before delivery day
Remodels bring dumpsters, material deliveries and work trucks, so think about where everything will go:
- Leave room for the crew. Keep the container out of the path your contractor needs for materials or a dumpster.
- Give us about 19 ft by 9 ft with 9 ft of overhead clearance. A driveway, side yard or lawn all work. Not sure? Try Will It Fit.
- Keep it on your property if you can. That usually means no city permit. Our placement guide covers driveways, yards and street rules.
Packing tips for a remodel
- Keep out what you'll use. Set aside daily essentials, paperwork and anything the contractor needs before you load.
- Load from the back wall forward. Heavy, sturdy items go low and toward the back; lighter boxes on top.
- Put "maybe" items near the doors. Things you might need mid-project should be the last in.
- Label boxes by room. Moving back in goes much faster.
- Wrap furniture. Moving blankets or pads protect finishes from scuffs.
- Load things dry. In our damp Pacific Northwest weather, make sure items are dry before they go in, especially rugs and cushions.
Keep it secure
A Swiftbox is a locked, weatherproof steel container sitting right on your property. Use any padlock you like; we recommend a disc lock. Since it's steps from your door, you'll always know it's there.
When the project runs long
If your remodel stretches out, simply keep the container longer; it's month to month. And if you need the driveway back before the work is finished, we can pick up your loaded container and keep it at our secure storage facility, then bring it back when you're ready to move in.
Common questions
How long can I keep a container during my remodel?
As long as you need. Swiftbox rentals are month to month, so a delayed project doesn't mean a new contract.
Can I get into the container during the project?
Yes. It sits on your property, so you can load and unload whenever you like.
Will my furniture get dusty or damp?
The container is weatherproof and closed off from the work zone, so it stays clear of construction dust. Make sure items are dry before you load them.
Do I need a permit for a container in my driveway?
Usually not. Containers on private property generally don't need a city permit. Street placement is different; see our placement guide.
Can you store the container somewhere else partway through?
Yes. We can pick up your loaded container and keep it at our secure facility, then deliver it back when your remodel is done.