RIGBY—Moving can be a stressful process, but a new business in Rigby hopes to make it a little easier. Teton Tote Rental opened earlier this week, offering reusable, commercial-grade moving totes for people and businesses throughout the region.
Owner Trace Barney says the business model, which has become popular on the East Coast, is a good fit for the growing communities in Eastern Idaho.
"It's really just good for anyone that's moving in the local area. Even commercial clients we've had where they move offices," Barney said.
The business offers moving totes to a variety of customers, from young families and college students to local businesses looking to relocate.
While customers could purchase traditional storage totes from retailers such as Walmart or Costco, Barney says there is an important difference between storage containers and professional moving totes.
"They're kind of a thicker plastic. And the reason why those companies use those boxes is for a couple reasons. There's a big difference between a storage tote and a moving tote," Barney said. "A storage tote is what a lot of these retail stores sell. Like Costco and Walmart. They're selling these thin totes that you fill up and then you put in the garage for a long time. But they're flimsy and they're not great for moving."
Another benefit Teton Tote Rental offers is convenience, Barney said. Customers don't have to worry about finding a place to store the totes after their move or making a trip to return them.
"We'll do everything. You don't have to store them when you're done. You don't have to drop them off anywhere. You don't have to worry about any of that," Barney said.
The company serves a wide area, reaching as far south as Pocatello and north of St. Anthony, giving customers throughout Eastern Idaho access to the service.
Teton Tote Rental offers two and four-week rental options, with each rental including a free dolly to help customers transport their totes during the move.
The two-week rental includes 20 totes, which Barney says is enough for many customers. Customers can also choose a 30-tote option, while larger orders of up to 150 totes are available for customers with bigger moving needs, including commercial clients.
Pricing starts at around $89 for 20 totes. The 30-tote option costs approximately $119.
For college students living in the Rexburg area, Teton Tote Rental also offers discounts through participating apartment communities. Those discounts include a 15% off code that can be applied to the $89 package.
For Barney, the business is also about finding a more practical way to help people during a major transition. He hopes Teton Tote Rental can even become a useful housewarming gift for families moving into a new home.
Instead of giving a young family a traditional gift basket or muffins after closing on a house, Barney hopes moving totes can provide something they will actually use.