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 to get your kids to stop cluttering your home

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Relocation is, for many, a chance for a new life chapter, and clutter-free life. However, if you’re with kids, then you might wonder whether moving and setting up a new home is possible without scattered toys all over the place. Younglings often get carried away while playing and can cause you extra work with cleaning. However, there are ways to get your kids to stop cluttering your home, from the moment you move in. Therefore, continue reading for useful tips we at PortaBox Storage prepared for you. In addition to advice, we can also make sure that you live a clutter-free life by providing our portable storage containers Seattle residents speak highly of. The latest design of our storage units makes it possible to store plenty of items for as long as you need.

Tips to get your kids to stop cluttering your home for good

It will take more than a critique to get your kids to stop cluttering your home and be more responsible. Moreover, your approach also depends on how old your kids are.

little girl hiding in a box
Kids have a tendency to play in every part of a home.

Teaching your kids the importance of decluttering is the best way to get them to stop cluttering your home

Parents love to spoil their kids with various gifts. This, however, can be a drawback if the kid turns into a little hoarder. Studies show it’s important not to get your kids used to presents almost every week. The reason is obvious – it’s good for them to learn to appreciate the gifts they get. In addition, chances for them to become too attached to material items are significantly lower.

If your kid, however, ends up with too many items that clutter their room, then it’s time to include your family in decluttering. First, sit with your kids and ask if they think they have too many items. After that, examine each corner of their room – closet, bookshelves, etc. – to see if there are spare items that are better to donate or sell. Explain to your kid that he/she grows year after year, which is why some clothing items aren’t necessary anymore. Also, expect that your kid will ask you what’s the point of decluttering in the first place:

  1. Let your child know decluttering makes the room more spacious, and leaves enough space for new items.
  2. It’s also an opportunity for a child to familiarize himself/herself with charity and potentially earn some pocket money.
  3. There’s no point in holding onto outdated stuff that collects dust and serves no purpose anymore.

Introduce a reward system

Rewards are always the best motivators that will get your kids to act in a more responsible manner. For example, teach them that once they finish with a meal, they are obligated to remove their plate, cutlery, and cup. Also, show them how to put all toys where they belong after playtime is over. Once they start doing that, reward them with extra time spent outside. On the other hand, you can promise them a new toy, chair, etc. if they clean up the mess they sometimes make. That way, they’ll learn the importance of order. However, make sure the good habits continue even after your kids get a reward.

young boy carrying plant and a photo
The best way to get your kids to stop cluttering your home is by learning them to declutter and clean after themselves.

Designate where in your home your kids can play

Make sure to set the boundaries with your kids right after the move. Let them know where they are allowed to play and where not to bring their toys and props. That way, your kids will learn not to scatter the props everywhere they go, especially if they’re still very little.

Storage rental will keep your home clutter-free

Teaching your kids how to declutter shouldn’t be difficult. However, you must be wondering where to store all those items. The best solution is short term storage Seattle companies have on offer. All you have to do is find a suitable moving and storage company and rent their unit. What you must consider is the size of the storage you need.

If you seek affordable and effective storage units, portable containers are another solution to consider. They are not only convenient but also safe and spacious, which guarantees that stored goods will remain intact.

What if you have to store the items for longer periods?

Temperature-controlled self storage Shoreline is your best long-term storage solution. Sometimes it might take a while to sell or donate all the items you removed from your home. Therefore, renting such units is a life-saver, and removes all your worries.

couple packing a moving box with books
If you have boxes of books you want to store and declutter your living space, a long term storage rental is a must.

Make sure to find a company with excellent storage services

The company that is responsible for keeping your items safe has to be trustworthy. This is why doing quick background research is essential:

  • Refer to previous customer testimonials for extra information about storage services.
  • Pick a few companies that have top-rated storage units, and give them a call.
  • Before you make your final choice, ask when is the best time to pay a short visit to the units. You have the right to know whether the storage solution you need is of the highest quality.
  • Make sure to check if the storage you are interested in is accessible.

The company you hire has to be the one that cares about their clients

It’s not possible to talk about what makes a company professional without mentioning the way they treat their customers. That’s why some of the best moving and storage companies are the ones that assist their clients in the best way possible. A capable yet friendly crew you can rely on is exactly what you need, no matter if you’re moving or just storing some items. Once you get your kids to stop cluttering your home, the next step is to rent storage and load it with everything you want to get rid of.

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