Founded in 1890, Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage the parent company of Portabox has successfully weathered many history-changing events including the Great Seattle Fire, WWI, the Spanish Flu of 1918, the Great Depression, WWII, the 2008 recession, and 9/11 among many other public crises. We are taking the current COVID-19 threat very seriously and will promptly adhere to any and all directives from local, state and federal government officials. Hansen Bros. and Portabox have been categorized as an essential industry business (moving & relocation) within the current mandate established by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee.

As essential services, we will maintain normal operations until such time as either company management determines we must close our offices or we are directed to do so by a governmental authority. We are taking extensive precautionary measures including the adoption of all CDC guidelines and the establishment of our own policies intended to minimize health risks for all customers, employees, contractors, vendors, and community stakeholders. We are proud to be able to support the needs of our customers during this crucial time but are prepared to quickly change course as required.

Stay safe together with Hansen Bros. and Portabox

The COVID-19 crisis is fluid and there are many uncertainties and factors outside of our control that may, with little or no advance notice, impact our delivery of moving & storage services. Please be aware the current crisis could potentially result in small inconveniences such as a delayed project start time or significant inconveniences such as the complete rescheduling of services.

Although there are many unknowns to be navigated, you can be certain that Hansen Bros. and Portabox will be timely and transparent in our communications regarding servicing your moving & storage needs, and our professional relocation consultants will work diligently to offer creative solutions in the event your project is impacted by the current health crisis.

Steps We're Taking:

  • Company-wide Implementation of all precautionary measures recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
  • Office staff and crews are being monitored daily for symptoms and/or known exposure by management and asked to go home, contact their healthcare provider, and self-quarantine as directed. Staff that experience symptoms and/or aware of exposure when not at work have been directed to stay home and notify their supervisor.
  • Office staff and crews are receiving daily briefings on precautionary measures and have been directed to follow them on and off the job.
  • Office staff and crews are being instructed to maintain appropriate “social distance” of 6 feet minimum between one another, customers, and all other people.
  • Office staff and crews are being provided with appropriate hand sanitizer and surface disinfecting supplies. They have been directed to disinfect truck cabs and moving equipment between each move to the best of their ability. These supplies will continue to be replenished as we are able, based on availability from retailers.
  • We are limiting visitation to our branch offices. If you wish to purchase moving boxes or supplies, please simply call in your order and we will happily deliver to your vehicle outside.

We are all in this together.  The team at Hansen Bros. and Portabox is proud to continue offering our services in accordance with the necessary precautions outlined above. We are here to make the process of storing belongings seamless & safe for you.

Benefits of using self-storage while deployed

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Deciding what to do with belongings during deployment can be a difficult task. Those that are renting a home need to figure out what the best solution is. Should they keep renting their place, keep their stuff at a friend’s place while deployed, or do something else? Why not rent a self-storage container? There are many benefits of using self-storage while deployed and we are going to mention the biggest ones right in this article. So, if you want to learn about the perks of getting storage services before the deployment date, this is the article to read.

The main reasons people use self-storage during deployment

Line of soldiers
Many soldiers choose to store their belongings before deployment overseas.

Temporary self-storage services are a great resource for anyone who is looking to store their belongings in a secure place. Portable storage units are convenient, affordable, and time-efficient. That’s why so many individuals choose to use them. Even military personnel find them useful.

But, if you are still not sure whether you should use self storage West Seattle while deployed, we’re going to help you decide. Here are some of the main reasons why military personnel use storage units.

#1: Not having to pay rent

In case you aren’t a homeowner, you will need to make one big decision. Are you going to keep renting your flat while deployed or not? This isn’t the simplest question and we understand this. Many choose to continue with rent payments even though they aren’t living there, mostly because they have nowhere to leave their belongings while sent away. But there is a better solution. Instead of renting an apartment, you should consider renting on-demand storage Seattle.

Just think about it – renting a storage unit is much cheaper than renting an entire home. There are no bills to pay and you don’t have to deal with landlords. Simply move all of your belongings into a storage unit and keep them there during your deployment.

#2: Protection against theft

Packed statue by someone who is using self-storage while deployed
Store your valuables to protect them while you are away

For most military personnel, leaving an unattended home is what stresses them out. Unfortunately, there are always people who are desperate or greedy enough to look for unattended homes to break in. And, if you are somewhere far away, overseas, for a longer period of time, there’s a small chance you’ll be able to catch those thieves.

So, instead of leaving your valuable possessions vulnerable, ensure their safety by placing them in a storage unit. Storage units are secure and can keep your precious belongings safe for as long as you need. This is one of the biggest differences between improvised and professional storage. Store your items and you won’t have to worry about a single thing.

#3: A chance to get a long-term discount on using self-storage during deployment

Those who are serving our country and who are fighting for our freedom deserve only the best treatment. That’s why many moving and storage companies offer discounts for customers storing their belongings for a prolonged period of time. This is another reason why many choose to safeguard their belongings in our portable storage Boise or Seattle facilities during their deployment.

Having a discount is a great thing because it allows you to keep your belongings stored without spending tons of money. And, in case you have to be away for a longer period of time, you don’t have to worry about storage expenses. So, if this sounds interesting to you, make sure to ask companies whether they offer discounts.

#4: Generating passive income

As you can see, placing items in storage units is very useful for military members that don’t own their home. By placing their belongings in storage units, they manage to save money and provide them with extra protection. However, this doesn’t mean homeowners aren’t using self-storage while deployed. They can store their belongings and start renting their home. This way, they’ll manage to make some cash while they are deployed.

In case you don’t want to have tenants, you can rent out your home or room on specific dates. There are many platforms such as Airbnb where people can contact you if they need a place to stay. Right there, you can place the photos of your home, set the price, communicate with short-term tenants, etc.

Simple tips for finding a self-storage solution before deployment

A cardboard box on a bed
Finding a safe place for your belongings should be your number one priority

If you too are thinking about using self-storage while deployed, you’ll need to find the right one. Although renting a space where you can place your belongings is awesome, that doesn’t mean you should rent a storage unit from the first company you stumble upon. There are some rules you’ll want to follow.

  • Research the company before using their storage services. Make sure that the company is certified and licensed. Also, make sure to look for and consult online reviews and ratings.
  • Get informed about the types of storage units. There are many of them and it’s important to find the one that suits your needs. For example, if you have temperature-sensitive items, you should think about getting temperature-controlled storage facilities.
  • Learn more about the storage facility before you store your belongings there. It’s important to have peace of mind while deployed. And learning that the storage facility where your belongings are held is clean, organized, and secure is definitely one of the ways to secure that peace of mind.

Final thoughts on using self-storage while deployed

Follow the steps from above to find a storage unit that is perfect for your needs. After you rent it, just make sure to declutter your basement and attic, as well as other parts of your home that are usually filled with clutter. Get rid of the stuff you’re not using anymore and store the rest. It couldn’t be any simpler than this!

In case you have any questions or you’re interested in our storage solutions, give us a call to get the information you need.

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