In today’s post-COVID world, expectations have changed. Much needed materials are expected to be delayed, due to supply chain volatility. Staffing challenges are expected more often, due to labor shortages. Most everything is expected to cost more, due to rising inflation rates. Yet, despite these limitations, facilities managers are expected to do much more with much less.

As the world resumes business not quite as usual, many facilities are dauntedly playing catch up on much needed construction and renovations halted by the pandemic. Construction Dive reports institutional building construction will continue to grow throughout 2023, with education and health care project starts up 5% and 14%, respectively, compared to 2022. 

With more to do and less to do it with, facilities managers are aiming to find tools, strategies, and workarounds to help ease construction planning logistics, especially when resilient space is tight in schools and health care buildings. On-site portable storage containers are one of the most strategic solutions, offering additional space beyond a facility’s current physical footprint, which can significantly alleviate many project planning and space management challenges.

Here are the top five criteria that facilities managers consider when choosing on-site portable storage for institutional building construction and renovations. 

Convenience
Unlike many elements involved in construction planning, on-site portable storage is one of the easiest to facilitate and implement, putting space and time management within control for schools and health care facilities. Simply request a quote online or call for a consultation, and schedule delivery when it’s most convenient. Once the container is on site, storage space is easily accessible as labor, time, and schedules allow. For schools, aligning projects during summer closures is logical, whereas health care planning can be more challenging, due to less scheduled downtime.

Flexibility
Many aspects of institutional facility management require rigorous demands on a daily basis, especially during renovations and construction planning. Not the case with on-site portable storage. Virtually all that’s needed for site preparation is a firm, fairly level surface with approximately 70’ – 160’ of linear space available for unit delivery, perfect for large parking lots in health care and school settings. With a wide variety of container sizes and modifications available, on-site portable storage offers optimum flexibility for best fit solutions.

Customization
The perfect space solution for health care and education construction/renovations is the one that best accommodates their unique storage needs. On-site portable storage containers can be completely customized. From basics, like window and door styles, to a variety of ventilation choices (including sustainable solar-powered fans), to 100% custom builds, there are as many different modifications options as there are many different uses and needs. Health care containers may require climate controls to store temperature-sensitive supplies and calibrated equipment, while schools may opt for custom paint colors, logos, or mascot depictions to showcase school spirit. On-site portable storage containers offer unique solutions to fit unique specifications.

Accessories
Selecting the right size container is essential, however it’s also important to consider on-site portable storage functionality. For confidential health care documents and school records, container lock boxes and heavy-duty locking systems are pick-proof, drill-proof, and cut-proof, offering vault-like security for maximum protection.

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Brian Quick is president of Mini Warehousing, Inc., Mansfield, Mass.