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.

How storage affects your mindset

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The environment in which we live, work, and play has a profound impact on our mental well-being. While many might initially consider the aesthetic and functional aspects of their surroundings, there’s a deeper correlation between physical space and our state of mind. More specifically, the organization and decluttering of such spaces can have tremendous positive effects. In this PortaBox Storage post, we are discussing how storage affects your mindset, explaining how storage solutions can significantly influence our mental well-being.

The connection between clutter and stress

Have you ever felt a mounting sense of unease when walking into a messy room? This isn’t just a personal preference. Scientifically, clutter has been linked to increased stress and anxiety levels. When our surroundings are chaotic, it sends signals to our brain that tasks remain unfinished, creating a constant, underlying tension. Do you know about the types of clutter affecting you right now?

  • Emotional Clutter: Items tied to memories or past events.
  • Physical Clutter: Excessive possessions crowding your space.
  • Digital Clutter: Overloaded electronic files, emails, and apps.

They all result in mental clutter leading to overthinking, stress, and a lack of focus. Furthermore, cluttered environments can become a visual distraction, making it difficult to focus and often leading to decreased productivity and efficiency. For those working or studying from home, this can significantly impede progress. In a broader perspective, a disorganized space can also stifle creativity, making it harder to think outside the box or come up with new ideas. Luckily, Seattle mini storage is there to assist most types of clutter to your benefit.

Man at work smiling
One of the benefits of storage is that you will get your focus back

The benefits of streamlined spaces

On the flip side, a decluttered and organized environment can work wonders for your mental health. A tidy space can improve concentration by reducing the number of distractions. With fewer items out of place, the mind isn’t constantly pulled in different directions, resulting in a more focused and effective working or living environment. So, here are the mental benefits storage brings alongside an organized space:

  • Enhanced Focus: Fewer distractions lead to improved concentration.
  • Boosted Mood: A tidy space can elevate your spirits.
  • Better Sleep: A decluttered bedroom promotes restful sleep.
  • Increased Productivity: Streamlined environments foster efficiency.

Moreover, cleanliness and order in your immediate environment can boost your mood. There’s a sense of achievement and calm that comes from a well-organized space. Whether it’s a kitchen where everything is in its place or a bedroom devoid of excess, the ambiance created is one of tranquility.

Let’s not forget the benefits of sleep, a crucial component for overall well-being and a stress-free lifestyle. A decluttered bedroom, free from work-related materials or random clutter, can promote better sleep patterns and quality rest. So, rely on the storage pods Seattle offers and avoid stressful situations altogether!

The hidden costs of holding onto items

The strategic use of storage solutions not only frees up physical space but also offers financial savings! Beyond the obvious spatial constraints, holding onto items, especially those you don’t need or use, has several hidden costs. Every object we own carries emotional, financial, and temporal weights. For some, possessions might hold memories or sentiments, making them hard to part with. However, this emotional baggage can also serve as a reminder of times or events one might prefer to move past.

Woman writing in a notebook
You will see that storage affects your mindset once you get rid of clutter, and your memory improves

Financially, holding onto excess items, especially if they’re stored improperly, can lead to damage or depreciation, costing more in the long run. This isn’t even considering the potential value gained from selling unused items.

Time is another resource that’s often overlooked. How many hours have been spent searching for something in a cluttered room? Or the time taken to reorganize a space repeatedly because of accumulated items? These hours add up and could be better spent on more fulfilling activities.

Ways decluttering for storage affects your mindset

Life is ever-evolving, and our needs change with different life stages, be it a new family member, a relocation, or a lifestyle shift. Flexibility becomes crucial in such times. Adapting isn’t just about letting go but also about finding efficient ways to manage our possessions.

It’s worth noting that there are off-site solutions that offer both security and accessibility. Such solutions allow users to store items they might not need immediately but aren’t ready to part with. These options are particularly beneficial for those in transitional phases, ensuring they don’t feel overwhelmed.

Accessibility is also important. While these items are out of your immediate environment in portable storage Boise offers, knowing that belongings are within easy reach and can be accessed when needed offers peace of mind, striking a balance between decluttering and availability.

a Woman Hugging a Blue Pillow sleeping

Peace of mind through proactive choices

Decluttering isn’t just about physical space; it’s also about mental space. Decision fatigue is real, and by reducing the number of choices we have to make daily, we free up mental bandwidth. When proactively choosing what to keep within reach and what to store away, we simplify daily decisions. Lifting this mental weight also allows you to focus on your pursuits, relationships, and personal growth without the nagging worry of misplaced or forgotten items.

Additionally, having a streamlined environment fosters a sense of control. In a world full of variables, having command over your personal space can be grounding. Planning ahead, understanding what you need now versus what you might need later, and having a system in place provide comfort and stability. With a reliable storage system in place, you can navigate life with greater confidence and ensure that your essentials are safe and secure.

Beyond physical space: The mental freedom of decluttering

The relationship between our physical spaces and our mental state is undeniable. The environments we cultivate play a significant role in our daily moods, productivity levels, and overall mental health. As we’ve explored, streamlined and decluttered spaces don’t just look good—they feel good. Whether it’s through decluttering or utilizing flexible storage solutions, storage affects your mindset in the most positive ways. Hence, if we take proactive steps, we can create surroundings that nurture our well-being, promoting peace, focus, and happiness.

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Locations Served

LYNNWOOD PORTABOX

2902B Lincoln Way Lynnwood, WA, 98087

SEATTLE PORTABOX

10750 Aurora Ave N Suite B Seattle, WA 98133

NEWCASTLE PORTABOX

6868 Coal Creek Pkwy SE Newcastle, WA 98059

BOISE PORTABOX

103 N Curtis Road Boise, ID, 83706