Category: Capsule

Going Green: How Portable Storage Containers Are A Eco-Friendly Moving Solution!

In today’s world, sustainability is not just a trend – it’s a necessity. As we strive to reduce our environmental footprint, every aspect of our lives, including moving, comes under scrutiny. Enter portable storage containers, the unsung heroes of eco-friendly moving solutions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how these containers are transforming the moving industry, one green step at a time.

The Environmental Impact of Moving

Traditional moving methods often involve excessive waste and emissions, contributing to pollution and environmental degradation. From cardboard boxes to fuel-guzzling moving trucks, the carbon footprint of a typical move can be substantial. Recognizing the need for change, many individuals and businesses are seeking greener alternatives to minimize their environmental impact.

Enter Portable Storage Containers

Portable storage containers offer a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by traditional moving and storage methods. By opting for reusable containers, movers can significantly decrease their waste output and carbon emissions.

One of the primary benefits of portable storage containers is their ability to minimize fuel consumption during the moving process. Unlike traditional moving trucks that require multiple trips back and forth, portable containers can be loaded and transported in a single trip, reducing the overall distance traveled and the associated fuel usage. This not only saves money but also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

Encouraging Conscious Consumerism

Beyond their environmental benefits, portable storage containers also promote a shift towards more conscious consumerism. By choosing reusable and eco-friendly moving solutions, individuals and businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and set an example for others to follow. As awareness of environmental issues grows, so too does the demand for greener alternatives like portable containers.

Embracing a Greener Future

In a world grappling with climate change and environmental degradation, the importance of sustainable solutions cannot be overstated. Portable storage containers offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional moving methods, helping to reduce waste, minimize emissions, and protect the planet for future generations. By embracing these green innovations, we can move towards a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

DFW Capsule in Texas Bluebonnets

This is what the EPA says about emissions from transit and this is what the White House report on the larger impact of human migration has on the planet

Find out how much you can save and help the environmental impact by getting a quote: HERE

Great Tools for Moving and Packing.

When it comes to moving, there are several tools that can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Here are some of the best tools for moving and packing:

  1. Obviously, a Capsule portable storage container. Load at your pace, at ground level, and let Capsule do the driving. Reduce time, effort, and money.
  2. Moving Boxes: Sturdy, uniform-sized moving boxes are essential for packing and organizing your belongings. Look for high-quality boxes that can withstand the weight of your items.
  3. Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: These materials provide cushioning and protection for fragile items during transportation. Wrap delicate objects individually to prevent damage.
  4. Moving Blankets: Thick, durable moving blankets are ideal for protecting furniture and other large items from scratches, dents, and other damage.
  5. Furniture Dolly: A furniture dolly or hand truck is a wheeled platform designed to help you transport heavy or bulky items with ease. It reduces the strain on your body and makes moving heavy furniture more manageable.
  6. Moving Straps: Also known as lifting straps or shoulder straps, these tools help distribute the weight of large items evenly, making it easier to carry them and reducing the risk of injuries.
  7. Tape Gun and Packing Tape: A tape gun speeds up the process of sealing boxes, making it more efficient. Choose a high-quality packing tape that securely seals your boxes.
  8. Moving Labels and Markers: Labeling your boxes and furniture helps you stay organized and ensures that items end up in the right rooms of your new home. Use markers and color-coded labels to indicate the contents and destination of each box.
  9. Utility Knife or Box Cutter: A sharp utility knife or box cutter is handy for opening boxes, cutting packing tape, and breaking down boxes for recycling.
  10. Furniture Sliders: These small disks or pads with smooth surfaces allow you to slide heavy furniture across floors without scratching or damaging the surfaces. They are particularly useful for moving furniture on hardwood or tile floors.
  11. Stretch Wrap: Stretch wrap, also known as plastic wrap or cling film, can be used to bundle loose items together or protect furniture from dust and moisture during the move.

Remember to prioritize safety when using these tools, especially when lifting heavy objects. Capsule does not offer any moving supplies outside of the 8×16 container itself. Many of these supplies can be bought as packages on Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, or Home Depot. Capsule Portable storage containers is local, independent, and family-owned operating in DFW.

Tools for moving, packing and loading portable storage
Tools for moving, packing and loading portable storage

Portable storage weight limit

No matter what portable container company you are using you will learn about a weight limit. We will cover what a portable storage weight limit is, why we have weight limits, and how to gauge the weight of the contents.

What is a portable storage container weight limit?

A weight limit can be expressed as the total maximum allowable weight of the container and contents, or the weight limit of the contents alone. CAPSULE’s weight limit Is expressed by contents alone. The CAPSULE can have 6,000lbs of contents inside the capsule without going overweight.

Why do CAPSULE containers have weight limits?

Weight limits are typically specific to containers that will be moved with contents. Most weight limits do not apply to containers used only for on-site storage. CAPSULE has a weight limit of 6,000lbs of contents for our 8×16 CAPSULEs. This limit, and almost all weight limits set by portable storage companies are due to TXDOT weight regulations, not necessarily the durability of the container or equipment. For our truck, equipment, and container to operate on the road without a CDL driver, the entire rig needs to be under 26,000lbs. That is where the weight limit comes in. This is also why CAPSULE only provides 8x16ft containers and not 20ft, people go overweight with bigger ones, and the weight limits is actually less.

How do you gauge the weight of the contents?

CAPSULE has a machine that weighs the container before loading. However, to avoid delaying your move you want to make sure you do not go overweight. This can be tricky, but there are some easy and clear ways to make it a breeze.

First, it is more about what you put in it, than how much. Household items are not an issue, but some things are, BIG flags that affect the weight are things like:

  • Large gun safe
  • Large Rolling toolbox or shop full of tools
  • A fully dismantled rock fireplace (yes that happened)
  • Multiple full filing cabinets
  • Abnormal amounts of boxes with books and paper

If you do not have any of those things, but you are still a little concerned, take the heaviest things you plan to pack, and look them up online for a weight (most retailers provide this online). The weight of the heaviest items should not exceed 4,500lbs. Here is a link to a moving weight calculator you might find useful.

loading capsule portable storage in Texas heat

Other things to consider about weight:

If you’re getting multiple CAPSULEs, try spreading the heavy items between the 2 CAPSULEs instead of all the heavy stuff in one, and all the light stuff in the other.

It is also beneficial to try to evenly distribute the weight in the container for transport. Some make the mistake of loading all the heavy items first, that means they all go in one capsule, and/or loaded on one end.

If you have any questions you can always call ant talk or email us.

Capsule loaded full of weight contents

What to do when your house floods

Nothing is better than living in Texas, however we do sometimes have issues when the weather acts like its from Canada. Given the last 2 years we wanted to make a general list addressing what to do if your house floods, what to look for in a restoration company, and how to help prevent frozen pipes. As always keep Capsule portable storage in mind for your pack outs for any restoration or mitigation needs.

What do I do if my house floods?

If your house floods, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your property. Here are some steps to take:

  1. Evacuate the area if it is unsafe to stay in your home.
  2. Turn off the main power and gas supply to your home to prevent electrical fires and gas leaks.
  3. Contact your insurance company to report the flood and begin the claims process.
  4. Document the damage by taking photos and videos of the affected areas. The more the better!
  5. Remove as much water as possible using pumps, mops, and towels.
  6. Dry out the affected areas as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
  7. Contact a professional restoration company to assess the damage and begin the cleanup and repair process.
  8. Look for help from local disaster response organization if needed.

How do I choose a restoration company?

It is important to act quickly to minimize the damage and to contact your insurance company as soon as possible, so they can take the necessary steps to help you.

Check out our YouTube page and see what our Capsule and delivery machine can do.

Choosing a restoration company after a flood can be a difficult task, but it is important to select a reputable and experienced company to ensure that your home is properly restored. Here are some tips on how to choose a restoration company:

  • Look for a company that is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) or other professional organizations.
  • Research the company’s reputation by reading customer reviews and checking their ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  • Verify that the company has the necessary licenses and insurance to perform the work.
  • Ask for references and contact them to get an idea of the company’s work quality and customer service.
  • Check if the company has experience working with your insurance company.
  • Get a detailed estimate of the work to be done, including the cost and timeline for completion.
  • Make sure to ask questions and discuss your concerns with the company before hiring them.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose a reputable and experienced restoration company that can properly restore your home and help you get your life back to normal after a flood.

How to I prevent my house pipes from freezing?

  • There are several steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing during cold weather:
  • Insulate your pipes: Insulating pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as the attic, garage, or crawlspace, can help to keep the pipes warm.
  • Seal drafts: Seal any drafts in your home, such as those around windows and doors, to help keep the warm air inside.
  • Keep the heat on: Keep the heat on in your home, even when you are away, to prevent the temperature from dropping too low.
  • Open cabinet doors: Open the doors to cabinets that contain pipes, such as those in the kitchen and bathroom, to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
  • Let faucets drip: During extremely cold weather, let the faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes and prevent freezing.
  • Keep the garage door closed: If the pipes in your garage are exposed, keep the garage door closed to keep the cold air out.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and at night.
  • Have a professional winterize your pipes if you are going to be away for an extended period time.
Capsule pack out after damage to a home in DFW

Capsule’s Charitable Mission

CAPSULE’s charitable mission is to give directly back to the community focusing on children in need in the immediate communities we serve in the DFW area.

Capsule has decided that instead of discounts and promotions we will quote the best rate possible and give back to the community through charitable donations to nonprofit and other 501-c organizations. Most of the organizations supported are aimed at improving the lives of children in the immediate DFW community. Listed below are some of the organizations we have helped and continue to support. Please consider using Amazon Smile and designating your charity of choice to give back when shopping online.

Who we have supported:

Children’s Advocacy center of Johnson County 

Salvation Army Angel Tree

Shop with a Cop

  • Provide donations and resources to give gifts to children during Christmas.

The Cowtown Marathon

  • Capsule provides containers during the famous Cowtown Marathon in Fort Worth Website

6Stones in HEB (Hurst, Euless, Bedford)

  • Provide Capsules for Christmas gifts, and Back to School supplies. Website & Facebook

Capsule Container’s at 6Stones back to School event Aug 2022

Sunshine Spaces 

  • CAPSULE Provides product and services during renovations for children with serious chronic health conditions .Facebook & Website
capsule truck in front of salvation army Capsule Giving Back: Discounts and Promotions supporting North Texas Children
CAPSULE helping local DFW children
Capsule Giving Back: Discounts and Promotions supporting North Texas Children
Child Advocacy Center

Why Give and why these Charities?

CAPSUEL is a local Family-owned business in Dallas Fort Worth.

We have chosen to give directly back to organizations the have a positive impact on our local community by helping those most innocent. Not only is it great to do, but by focusing on the children we can have a decade’s longs impact on North Texas.

Capsuel
Capsule at Salvation Army in DFW

Moving Checklist

Moving tips and checklist, a short but useful exercise.

Moving is stressful, don’t make it worse by doing it last minute and on the fly. Do yourself a favor and plan ahead.  However, plan for the plans to change, 80% of the time, moving schedules change.

“Planning is the most important thing you can do, but plans are useless” – Gen. George C. Marshall

Grab a notepad and a pen. You’ll need to physically create your own checklist because everyone’s move, and lives are different. Physically writing it down helps you focus and remember things you need. You can later put that list on a digital to-do list.

Moving Checklist: A Breakdown

Sort: You need to start sorting things out. They typically fall into the following FOUR categories.

  • Essentials
  • Nonessentials
  • Donate / Trash
  • Personal documents

You’ll want your essentials set aside, as they are the last to get packed, or not packed at all and kept on you personally during home transition.

Non-essentials are the things you can live a good amount of time without.

Purge the stuff you really don’t use and or will never use. Consider donating it to a local nonprofit before putting it on the curb if it’s in good shape.

Personal documents are often forgotten, especially when people don’t plan on things falling through or changing. You may need documents at closing you didn’t think you did. Enrolling kids at school may be difficult if their paperwork is put in storage.

Research movers and moving services

Figure out what you need or what combination of services will fit your needs best. Some people use a Capsule for 100% or their moving needs and pack themselves. Many others use it to supplement their move as a combination of services. Taking their time to pack nonessentials away and using full-service labor movers the day of. This also helps staging your home.  

Not all movers are created equal. Reviews and referrals from friends are the most utilized resources. Unfortunately, many scams involve moving services. Some ways to verify this is a physical location, and online history, & reviews.

Get your Quotes on services and get them scheduled out, do not wait until the day before.

Get moving supplies. Boxes, tape, packing paper, and markers for labeling will help in numerous ways. First, you know what’s in a box without ripping into it during unpacking. Also when your loading a Capsule, geometric shapes like boxes, and various size of packages help compact at better utilize the space inside the container.  

Random Moving Checklist everyone forgets

  • Boxes, packing paper, tape, and markers
  • Dolly’s, rope, straps, and blankets.
  • Change of address notice at USPS HERE  
  • Notify Bank, Employer, Credit Cards, Mailing services
  • Defrost Freezer a few days out
  • Plan to eat all your perishable food or trash it.
  • Service your personal vehicles

Aforementioned, Make your own list. Hopefully this one helped too. Major takeaways, do net procrastinate, and the better organized, the more smoothly it goes. Utilizing a Capsule container can help.

Is a CAPSULE a good fit?

  1. Call or contact us here locally in DFW if you have any questions or what to find out.
  2. Read our blog about whether or not a Capsule is a good fit HERE
  3. Read our FAQ page HERE
Moving Tips and Checklist. Plan!

Is a CAPSULE Moving and Storage Container Right for You?

There are a lot of benefits to a CAPSULE moving and storage container, but it may not be the best option for everyone. We don’t like to talk ourselves out of business, but we have a high customer satisfaction level because we want to make sure we are a good fit.

In order to understand if it’s right for you, let’s look at the primary benefits. Then, we will look at the common misconceptions where a Capsule may not be a good fit vs the alternatives.

Benefits of CAPSULE Portable Storage Bins

Containers for moving

  • Reduces labor and effort.
    • Load at your own apace
    • Load at ground level
    • Packing one time
    • You call when ready to move
  • You’re packing so you know where things are at
  • Flexibility when things change
    • Things do and will change, supply chain issue, construction dates, closing issues. 80% of moves change because things do not remain on schedule.
    • Closings or projects don’t always stay on schedule, don’t get stuck with bad options if things fall through on closing or a contractor doesn’t finish on time. 
  • You don’t have to drive a large truck
  • Cost effective when compared to full service movers

On Site Storage of Restoration or Remodeling

  • Keep things on site and near for quick easy access
  • Get stuff out of the way of construction workers
  • Avoid having to move items multiple times

Moving Storage Container Misconceptions

  • Moving all in one day
    • If you need the container dropped off in the morning and moved the same day you may be better of renting a truck, or a full-service moving crew. Capsule does not provide same day drop and pick up, this is due to logistics, someone is always waiting on someone else (mover don’t show up on time or you thought it would take 30min to load). No one else does this either, be weary of salespeople in a call center that promise you that.
  • Apartments
    • Capsule has helped many people move in and out of apartments. However, you want to check on the apartment complex rules regarding them, plan for where you want to put it.
    • Second, if you’re in downtown Dallas, and the only parking is a parking garage, there may be no place to drop the capsule, we do not put them on the curb. They must go on your property, or in a parking space.
  • 24 hr Access
    • If you plan to put the container into our storage, we are happy to give you free access during business hours with 24hrs notice so we can pull it. However, if you plan to make regular stops in and out, a traditional 24hr self-storage facility may be a better option
Moving alternative in DFW, what’s right for you?

How Much Does It Cost to Use a Storage Container?

What are portable storage and moving containers?

Portable Storage or Moving containers are not shipping or conex containers. Portable storage is normally smaller and intended to be used for relocation or onsite storage in residential situations for remodeling or restoration needs.

The value portable storage is boundless, but primarily saves and labor, time, and provides flexibility with delays or changes in schedule.

Whereas the shipping containers are larger, and typically only used for onsite storage in heavy industrial situations or actual ocean freight. If you’re curious about what our Capsules look like, we’ve added some pictures below, or you can check us out on Instagram or Facebook.

Capsule 8 x16 Portable storage and moving containers used for Residential relocation or onsite uses.
Capsule 8 x16 portable storage and moving containers used for residential relocation or onsite uses.

How Much Does It Cost to Use a Storage Container?

The two biggest costs associated with renting a container is the monthly rent, and the transport fees. Rental rates in the DFW area range from $189 – $310 a month. The second primary cost are the transport fees, which are relative to where you’re at, where you’re moving, and what type of storage. They can range from $65-250+ per local DFW move.  

Capsules Pricing model:

Capsules are all 8x16ft in size. We charge a flat rental rate whether you keep it on site, or we bring it back and store it for you. Our transport costs are a flat rate dependent where you are and are charged each time we move the Capsule, including initial delivery, and pickup empty. We either provide service to your area, or not, there is no hidden mileage fees, or extra admin fees. We only service the DFW area and do not prorate. You can find out if we service your area and get a free instant online quote and visit our FAQ page linked below:

CASULE Pricing summary

  • All CAPSULES are 8×16
  • Flat rental rate
  • No term contract (month to month until you move out)
  • Flat transport fees (no mileage)
Capsule Container rental is simple and easy

How do other companies charge rental and transport rates for Portable moving and storage containers?

Several factors play into the rental rate, and some providers vary greatly. First factor depends on where the container will be stored. Will it be on-site at your location, or will it need to be stored off site at some point? Most companies charge an additional rental rate if they must store it for you. Many times, this rate can start at the very beginning of the rental, or just during its time stored off site for you.

Second, some companies base the rental rate on how long you “think” you’ll need the container.

Ask yourself:

 If you do not stay in the capsule the full length of your contract, is there a penalty? Does the rate get higher after the term does it goes month to month?

IF you keep the container on site for 3 months, have them store it for 1 week, are you paying 3 months of extra rental fees, or just that one extra week?

Transport fees vary greatly from company to company. Below are some common pricing models and pitfalls.

A company advertising “FREE TRANSPORT” typically limits this to a small area near their location. They will have mileage rates after that radius, but will not quote it. This comes as a shock to some when they get charged for it after delivery. Another side effect of “Free Transport”, is a very high rental rate. If you’re only keeping it one month, that may seem fine. However, not everything stays on schedule when moving or building. If you had to have it a second month, you’re stuck with a very high recurring rate.

Others may have some free transport into storage, or no pickup empty fee. These all come into play dependent if they are charging extra in rent, and for how long.

The types of deliveries can fall into one of 5 categories:

  • Initial Deliver empty
  • Final Pick up Empty
  • Move house to house (Curb to Curb)
  • Return full into storage
  • Deliver full out of storage

Other fees some companies charge

  • Administration fee
  • Credit card fee
  • Required container insurance
  • Setting it on grass fee
  • Extended rental if they can’t get it by anniversary

Promotions and discounts

Many companies run promotions and discounts, Capsule does not run any promotions or discounts. Instead, we focus on giving back directly to our community, focusing on children in our immediate community. You can read more about how we give back and are involved in the community HERE.

Capsule’s Mission

Capsule’s mission explicitly states our goals of simplicity and transparency.  These values echo through every part of our business from pricing, product, communication, and more.  

Part of the Capsule Mission is to be a simplistic and transparent as possible with current and future customers.

Portable Storage in Southlake and Keller

Capsule Portable storage DFW. Helping with your moving and projects.

Are you wanting to use Portable Storage in Southlake and Keller area? Capsule portable storage and moving containers near you can help. Our 8×16 mobile containers can be used for your next move or project. We are exclusive to the DFW area. Capsule is local, independent, and family owned. We have a lot of experience helping people in Southlake and Keller communities.

Below we have highlighted some moving tips along with some local resources you might want to use in conjunction with Capsule Portable Moving and Storage Containers.

Moving supplies companies for Portable Storage in Southlake and Keller, TX.

The list of moving supplier companies can make your portable storage in Southlake and Keller easier.

  • Best Price Boxes: 500 N Main St, Keller, TX 76248
  • Office Depot : 1317 TX-114 WEST, Grapevine, TX 76051
  • Home Depot: 300 S Village Center Dr, Southlake, TX 76092

Local Organizations and City Websites in the area around Southlake and Keller, TX.

Charitable Organizations around Southlake and Keller, TX.

Capsule Portable Storage loves giving back to our kids as you can read here. When renting portable storage in Southlake and Keller consider giving back to local charities that focus on children in our community such as these:

Portable Storage in Southlake with ground level loading for easy moving.
Southlake Capsule Moving and portable storage container

Other Capsule moving resources:

Feel free to reach out to us by phone or email. You can use the Contact us page, or include any questions you have into the notes of our instant quote tool.

CAPSULE Giving Back: Harvest House

Food Drive Harvest House Non Profit Johnson County North Texas

At Capsule, we believe in giving back and we focus on supporting non-profits that impact children in our local community.

Over the next few months, we will publish highlights of the organizations we partner with. This September we want to Harvest House in Burleson , TX.

About Harvest House

At Capsule, we are partnering with Harvest House to Celebrate The 5th Annual Harvest Fest on September 18th at the James Event Center.  Harvest House services Johnson and South Tarrant Counties with with clothing, groceries, and financial assistance.

Organization: Harvest House Burleson, TX

The Event: Harvest Feast Gourmet Dinner and Auction

Location: The James Event Center 1524 S Broadway St Joshua, TX 76058

When: Saturday September 18th, 2021 6PM

Harvest House Mission:  Provides basic necessities, spiritual encouragement, education, and care to individuals and families in our community by following Biblical principles. 

Harvest House Vision:   Help families break the cycle of hopelessness by providing resources that assist in restoring their dignity and independence.

Food Drive Harvest House Non Profit Johnson County North Texas

CAPSULE GIVING BACK

Similarly, other non profit organizations Capsule will be highlighting in the next few months. Follow the links to see how you can support local children and our communities.

Child Advocacy Center of Johnson County

Salvation Army Angle Tree Program DFW

SPARK Worldwide located in Burleson, TX

You can also take a look at our Discounts vs Charity policy and other organizations we have heled in the past.