Questions? Answered.

Everything you need to know about portable storage in San Diego — pricing, delivery, sizing, military, and more.

Local storage help from 1 Box Storage Containers

1 Box Storage Containers serves San Diego County with local container delivery, secure facility storage, and flexible month-to-month options. Call (858) 397-5586 to discuss your storage needs.

Frequently asked questions

What is portable storage and how is it different from a storage unit?

A portable storage container comes to you — we deliver it to your driveway so you can pack at home without hauling everything to a facility. You keep 24/7 access while it's on-site. When you're done, we pick it up and either store it at our facility or move it to your new address. No trips across town, no rental truck, no deadlines.

What areas of San Diego do you serve?

We deliver throughout all of San Diego County — from La Jolla and Pacific Beach on the coast to Eastlake, El Cajon, and Santee inland. North County (Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido) and South County (Chula Vista, National City) are also covered. Call us to confirm service to your specific zip code.

Are your containers all-steel? Why does that matter?

Yes — all our containers are all-steel construction, which is a meaningful difference. Some competitors use wood-frame containers that can warp, leak, or attract pests over time. Steel containers maintain structural integrity, are fully weatherproof, and are more secure. If you're storing furniture, electronics, or anything valuable, it matters.

How long have you been in business?

1 Box Storage Containers has been serving San Diego for 19+ years. We're fully licensed and insured — CAL-190616, USDOT #1956864, ICC/MC 694565. Our team is local, not a national call center, and we've built our reputation on straightforward pricing and reliable service.

How much does portable storage cost per month?

Our large container (8 ft tall × 8 ft deep × 7 ft wide) is $175/month and our standard container (8 ft tall × 8 ft deep × 5 ft wide) is $99/month. These are flat monthly rates — no hidden fees in the container rental itself. Delivery, pickup, and facility storage are quoted separately based on your location and needs.

What's included in the monthly rate?

The monthly rate includes: the container rental, 25 free moving boxes delivered with your container, ground-level placement, 24/7 on-site access, and customer-supplied lock security. Delivery, pickup, loading crew (optional), facility storage, and nationwide shipping are all additional.

Do you charge for delivery and pickup separately?

Yes — delivery and pickup fees depend on your address and distance from our Encinitas facility. We quote these upfront when you book, so there are no surprise charges. Call (858) 397-5586 for a full quote including all fees.

Is there a minimum rental period?

Our rentals are month-to-month with no long-term contract required. There's no penalty for returning the container early. You only pay for the months you use.

Do you offer military or student discounts?

We offer discounts for military families (active duty and veterans). Please ask about military and student discounts when you call or request a quote — we're happy to work with you.

How quickly can you deliver a container?

Same or next-day delivery is available for most San Diego County zip codes. Call us at (858) 397-5586 and we'll confirm availability for your specific address and date.

What do I need to prepare for container delivery?

Make sure there's a clear space in your driveway or designated drop-off area — roughly 30 feet of clearance for the truck to maneuver. The container needs level ground. No ramp or special equipment is required on your end.

Can you deliver to an apartment or condo with limited driveway space?

It depends on the property layout. Our driver will assess the space on arrival. For tight spaces, we can sometimes use the street with proper permits. Call us with your address and we'll advise on options.

Do I need a permit to place a container in my driveway?

In most San Diego County neighborhoods, no permit is required for a container on private property. Some HOAs or city blocks require a street permit. We can advise based on your specific location — just let us know your address when you book.

What sizes do you offer?

We offer two sizes: the large container (8 ft tall × 8 ft deep × 7 ft wide) for 2–3 bedroom homes, and the standard container (8 ft tall × 8 ft deep × 5 ft wide) for apartments and smaller loads. Both are all-steel with ground-level loading.

How much can I fit in each container?

The large container fits a full 2–3 bedroom home including appliances and furniture. The standard fits a 1-bedroom apartment or a partial load. If you're unsure, go larger — you only pay by the month, not by how full it is.

Are the containers weatherproof?

Yes — our all-steel containers are fully weatherproof and designed for outdoor use. They seal tightly when locked. We recommend a good padlock (included by you) and using desiccant packs for long-term storage.

Can I access the container after it's picked up and stored at your facility?

Yes. Facility access is available Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, by appointment. Call (858) 397-5586 to arrange a time.

Do you help with military PCS moves?

Yes — we have 19+ years of experience serving military families from Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, Naval Base San Diego, and NAS North Island. We understand PCS timelines, last-minute order changes, and BAH realities.

Can I store my container at your facility while I'm deployed?

Absolutely. Many of our military customers store containers at our Encinitas facility during deployment or TDY. Month-to-month billing, no long-term contract, and we'll ship it to you when you get your next orders.

Do you offer military discounts?

Yes — we offer discounts for active duty military and veterans. Ask about our military rate when you call or get a quote online.

Can you ship my container to another base?

Yes. We ship loaded containers to all 48 continental states. Just give us your receiving address and we'll quote the nationwide shipping cost along with your container rate.

Can you ship a container to another state?

Yes — 1 Box Storage Containers ships loaded containers to all 48 continental states. Common routes include San Diego to Phoenix, Las Vegas, the Bay Area, Denver, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest.

How long does nationwide shipping take?

Transit times vary by destination. Coast-to-coast is typically 5–10 business days. Closer destinations (Arizona, Nevada, Bay Area) are usually 2–4 business days. We'll give you an estimated timeline when you book.

How is nationwide shipping priced?

Nationwide shipping is quoted based on your origin and destination. It is separate from your monthly container rate. Call (858) 397-5586 or get a quote online and mention your destination state.

Can I have the container delivered to a new address after shipping?

Yes — we coordinate delivery to your new address, whether that's a driveway, storage facility, or job site. Just give us the destination address and we'll include delivery in the shipping quote.

Where is your storage facility?

Our facility is at 187 Calle Magdalena STE 104, Encinitas, CA 92024 — in Encinitas, conveniently located near I-805 and I-5.

How do I access my container at the facility?

Access is available Monday–Saturday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, by appointment. Call (858) 397-5586 to schedule a time. You bring your key, we bring your container to the access bay.

Is the facility secure?

Yes — our Encinitas facility has perimeter fencing, gated access, and on-site staff during business hours. Your container stays locked with your padlock throughout.

Can you deliver from your facility to my new address?

Yes. When you're ready to move into your new place, call us and we'll schedule delivery. This is billed as a standard delivery fee based on your new address.

Plan your storage