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 your bike during the off-season

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Properly storing your bike during the off-season is something that can prolong its lifespan and help you keep it in perfect condition for years to come. Of course, you need to make sure that you find an adequate storage space – a space that is dry and sheltered from outdoor environment influences. Therefore, PortaBox Storage prepared a small guide that will help show you how to do it right and make sure that your bike survives the next winter.

You need to make sure that your bike will be stored in suitable conditions

PortaBox self storage Seattle container with a tricycle next to it.
You need to find good storage for your bicycle.

The first and most important thing when storing your bike during the off-season is to find good storage. There is nothing that you can do on your bike that will prevent deterioration if it is placed in an unsuitable environment. That is why finding good Ballard self storage is your number one priority. Unfortunately, many storage facilities will not provide you proper conditions for storing your bicycle. In order to find a good place, you need to do proper research. Here is how to do it.

How to determine whether a storage facility is suitable for storing your bicycle?

Take your search online. There are many storage companies out there that you can use for storing your bicycle during the off-season. Choose several options in your vicinity and do a cross-comparison. Every storage facility looks good online so you need to make sure that your bike will be stored in a suitable self storage Bothell, for example.

If a storage company lacks images of their facility online, you should reach out directly to them and have them either send over some additional images or book you in for a tour around the facility. Everybody wants that peace of mind when storing their possessions away from home, and it is up to self storage service providers to offer that assurance. Given that we are talking about bicycles, you don’t really need a climate-controlled facility so much as simply a secure one with the proper conditions.

Choose the right type of storage

There are many different options for storing your bike in a storage facility. You can rent a regular storage unit, a portable container, or even different types of storage pods Seattle. It all depends on whether you want to visit your bicycle regularly during the winter or you want to let your storage company pick it up, store it, and return it to you when the time comes.

Find a proper bike cover that will keep your machine safe during winter

bike closeup
Find a good cover for your bike

Once you find a proper storage facility,  you need to deal with your bike. The first thing that you need to prepare is the bicycle cover. Here, you have many available options. And all depends on the amount of money you are ready to invest and the conditions that your bike will need to endure during winter.

Remove all detachable parts and pack them

Now that you have storage space and a proper cover, you should deal with the bike itself. First, you need to remove all detachable and vulnerable parts like electronics, water bottles, tools, a pump, etc. These parts need to be removed in order to keep them safe and that you can get to those hard-to-reach parts of your bicycle. Wrap everything in cloth and plastic wraps, and put them in a plastic container that will keep them safe during storage.

Clean your bicycle properly before putting it in storage

Once all removable parts are detached, you should clean your bike. Remove all dirt with a wet cloth. Make sure that there is no residue that can generate rust. Once you clean it, dry it. Use a dry cloth and thoroughly dry your bike.

Tune your bike to make it ready for the season

After you clean your bicycle, consider tuning it up. Preparing your bike for the season is something that is obligatory before you start using it after winter storage. If you do it before you store it your bike will be ready in the spring. And all you will have to do is check the tire pressure and you will be ready to go.

Pay attention to tires

deflated tire
Make sure that your tires are properly inflated

When it comes to storing your bike during the off-season, tires are probably the most delicate part that you need to pay attention to. Tires can warp when your bike is stationed for a long time. That is why you need to make sure that they have enough air pressure in them. Alternatively, you can consider hanging your bike on hooks.  This will prevent tire issues regardless of whether they are inflated or not.

Grease up your chains and cogwheels

Finally, make sure that everything is oiled up. Grease up the chain, gears, and cables. This will keep them protected from moisture and dust and keep them in perfect condition until you start using them again. Of course, make sure that you are using proper lubricants. Visit a specialized bicycle store and get the right type of oil for your bike parts in order to provide them with proper protection.

Storing your bike during the off-season is not difficult but it is necessary

And that is it. As you can see storing your bike during the off-season is not a complicated thing but it is necessary if you want to keep your bicycle in perfect condition and ready for the spring.

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