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 make long-term storage work for you

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Long-term storage is an essential aspect of organizing and preserving personal and professional possessions. It is important to have a plan in place to make long-term storage work for you. Whether it’s for children’s toys, business records, or seasonal decor. Making a plan and a budget for long-term storage ensures that your items are protected as long as storage is needed. But many people struggle with making long-term storage convenient. Some have difficulty assessing their storage needs. Others struggle with choosing the right options when picking storage solutions. Packaging and labeling items also take time and skill. That’s why our team from Bellevue self storage will cover important topics related to this problem, from planning to accessibility. Let’s see what you truly need and what you can skip.

Planning and preparation are essential

Outlining a storage plan is crucial if you want to make long-term storage work for you. By taking the time to assess your storage needs for PortaBox Storage and properly pack and label your items, you will be able to ensure that your items are protected and easily brought back when needed. It’s better to think things through than have to rent a different unit shortly after. And you’ll have a much easier time getting to your items.

couple planning how to make long-term storage work for you
Planning is essential if you want to make long-term storage work for you.

Assessing your storage needs makes all the difference

When it comes to long-term storage, the first step is to assess how much storage space you need. Take inventory of the items you plan to store. Think about what type of storage would you need to comfortably store your items. On demand storage Seattle offers is a great solution but consider factors such as your items’ value, sentimental significance, and how often you will need to access them. This will help you determine the type of storage space and temperature control options you will need.

Choosing the right storage solution

Once you have assessed your storage needs, it’s time to choose the right storage option. There are various storage options available, such as self-storage units, climate-controlled storage, and temperature-controlled mobile storage containers Seattle offers. Consider the size of the storage space you need, the location of the storage facility, and the options offered by the facility.

Preparing, packing and labeling items properly is essential

Proper preparation, packaging, and labeling are crucial for the preservation of your items during long-term storage. The more fragile an item is, the more preparation it will require. For example, preparing furniture for storage isn’t that difficult while storing your more fragile items might present a challenge. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials, such as bubble wrap and packing peanuts, to protect your items from damage. Label each box with a detailed inventory of its contents. Include the date it was packed and the storage location.

Temperature Control and Protection

Temperature control is essential for the preservation of items during long-term storage. The environment in which your items are stored can greatly impact their condition over time. Fluctuations in temperature can cause damage to items such as furniture, electronics, and art. But just as so, there are also many situations where you don’t need climate-controlled storage. Many items will be safe in a regular storage container. Especially if the container is mobile and kept securely in a facility.

a sofa with pillows next to a curtain
Some items, like furniture, don’t require climate-controlled storage. Others, on the other hand, do.

Choosing the right climate control options

Knowing if you need climate instead of temperature control, and whether your storage provider offers them or not is essential to preserve the condition of your sensitive items. By maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level, you can prevent damage and prolong the storage life of your items. There are many ways in which storage providers ensure the safety of your items:

  • Air conditioning and heating: Maintains consistent temperature inside a storage unit.
  • Dehumidifiers: Removes excess humidity to prevent mold.
  • Temperature control systems: Monitors and controls temperature level.
  • UV protection: Blocks UV light to prevent fading and discoloration.
  • Air filtration systems: Removes dust and particles.
  • Smart temperature monitoring systems: Monitors and adjusts temperature and humidity using sensors and mobile technology.
  • Energy-efficient systems: Conserve energy and reduce costs.

Accessibility and Security

Accessibility and security are important considerations when it comes to long-term storage. It is essential to be able to easily access your stored items when you need them and to know that they are safe from damage or theft.

Security is an important step in making long-term storage work for you

You need to find the right balance between security and accessibility. So you don’t have to jump through hoops to get your items back. But have enough security measures to make your self-storage safe from thieves. However, not all storage providers offer the same level of security. Each storage facility has its own set of security measures. Some of the things you should be looking for are:

  • Keypad entry
  • Security cameras
  • Controlled-access hours
  • Alarm systems
  • Well-lit facilities
  • On-site security personnel
  • Remote monitoring
  • Insurance coverage
person looking at maps on a phone
It’s very important that your storage is close to your home

Accessibility makes all the difference

If you want to make long-term storage work for you, you need to be able to access your unit when you need to and how you need to. So when considering a storage facility, it’s important to think about how you will be accessing your stored items. Will you be visiting the facility frequently, or only occasionally? Are there specific times when you will need to access your items? By considering these factors, you can choose a storage facility that is accessible and convenient for you.

You need to be able to easily access your stored items when you need them. That’s why it’s important to choose a storage option that can be delivered to your doorstep. In that regard, Kenmore self storage is excellent. It offers excellent protection and door-to-door pod delivery. Another aspect of accessibility is the ability to reserve and pay for the storage unit online or via phone, this feature can save you time and hassle by not having to go to the facility in person.

Acquire all the necessary information before renting storage

The key to getting the best of long-term storage is to make informed decisions. By taking the time to research your options, consider your specific needs, and plan accordingly, you can make long-term storage work for you. With the right plan in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your items are safe and secure for the long term.

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