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.

Guide to storing summer season equipment

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Having said goodbye to hot, summer days, it is time to dig out our winter gear and put shorts aside. The time for swapping summer gear for winter gear is here. But, instead of doing all at once and creating a mess in your home, slow down for just a sec. It is better to plan every step of storing summer season equipment than to rush this process. And don’t worry, this isn’t something that will take a lot of your time. Follow the tips we have prepared for you and you will learn how to “winterize” your summer gear with no problems along the way. In this article, we discuss how to store “the right way”.

Prepare for storing summer season equipment well in advance

Many people think that storing clothes and other summer season gear isn’t a big deal. You simply throw these items in a couple of boxes, seal them and wait for the next year, right? It’s not like you need to disassemble some furniture and carry around heavy pieces. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. This is a process that shouldn’t be rushed.  Whether your plan is to get a Seattle mini storage and store your items there, or you are going to store them somewhere in your home, make sure to do it properly. Prepare for this process by going through the following steps.

Woman making a list for storing summer season equipment
Make the list of the items you want to store away

Plan the entire thing

Every task becomes simpler when you have a well-made plan. This goes for storing summer season equipment, too! This doesn’t mean you should spend tons of days on making a plan. You need to plan every step but that doesn’t mean this process should last long. It is a good idea to make an inventory list before storing your items in Bothell self storage. Write down all the things you want to store while you declutter at the same time. Get rid of the items you don’t need anymore and separate those you want to store. It is as simple as that!

Determine your needs

There are many reasons why you would want to have an inventory list by your side. Not only will it give you an idea of how many packing supplies you need to get, but it will also tell you what kind of Woodinville self storage you need to get. In case you need to store some sensitive or delicate items, you will need to get a climate-controlled storage unit. Also, you will need to determine whether you need a long-term or a short-term self-storage. So, determine your needs. In case you have any special requirements, you should tell that to the professionals and they will help you find a storage unit that suits you the most.

Gather the necessary packing materials

One of the things that need to be done before storing summer season equipment is learning some of the best packing methods for items in self storage. By packing your things the right way, you will ensure their safety during the storing period. However, good packing skills won’t be enough. You will also need some quality packing materials, too. Moving boxes, wrapping materials, and packing paper are only some of the things you will need to gather. In case you want to save a couple of bucks, consider using alternatives to traditional packing materials. Our homes are filled with items that can be used as containers for storage. But, keep in mind that these alternatives aren’t as safe as quality and sturdy boxes.

Couple packing for move
Make sure you have enough packing materials before you start to pack

Make sure your summer season equipment is ready for storing

Every item needs to be prepared for the storing period. You probably already know that. But, what does it exactly mean? How can you prepare your summer gear?

Before storing summer season equipment, you will need to clean every item. Items that will be stored away, need to be clean and completely dry. The last thing you want to happen is to find mold and mildew in your self-storage one day! Dealing with this problem is everything but simple so you better be sure your items are dry. Make sure to pack them properly or simply get packing services and let professionals deal with it. Getting packing services is especially important if you want to store some fragile items. Professionals will know how to pack them in the safest possible manner. In addition to this, you can make natural insect repellent and place it inside your storage unit. This will keep pests away and also keep your items secure.

Find a storage unit that can meet all your requirements

Storage units with blue doors
Find a safe storage facility for your belongings

If you opt to store your seasonal items offsite, you need to pick your storage unit carefully. You can’t just get the first storage unit you see. We’ve already told you that there are different types of storage units. Thus, you need to find a company that offers a solution that will work for you. Also, before getting a storage unit make sure to:

  • Inspect the storage facility thoroughly. Look if there are any damages or holes.
  • Talk with the company’s representative. Ask them anything that interests you.
  • Determine your budget ahead of time. Find the one that meets all of your needs, as well as your wallet.
  • Make sure your storage unit has everything you need. Find a place in which your items will be safe.

If you ever find yourself in need of well-maintained, secure, and water-proof storage facilities, choose PortaBox Storage. We offer various storage solutions that come at affordable rates. Our professionals are very helpful and will gladly answer all of your questions. So, please, ask us anything that interests you.

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