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 prepare an essentials box when moving

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Moving is always so stressful. So the last thing you’d want to happen is to need something after a long day of moving and not have it. That’s why it’s very important to prepare an essentials box when moving mindfully. Packing a box of essentials is not like packing boxes for storage when storing with Porta Box Storage. You can’t just pack by size or category and be done with it. No, when packing essentials you really have to think long and hard before packing. Your box of essentials will be the first thing you open after arrival. Of course, you’ll likely have access to most boxes, but digging through countless boxes after moving is probably not what you’d want to be doing. To help you, we’ll give you some tips on packing your box of essentials so you can have a relaxing first night in your new home.

Keep in mind that essentials bag and essentials box are not the same thing

Once all your boxes are packed and ready for storing in self storage West Seattle, it’s time to prepare for the actual move. And when preparing for a moving day, your moving day essentials bag and moving day box of essentials are stars of the show. But why would you need both of those? Well, there’s a big difference between the two. Your bag of essentials is what you’ll have with you at all times and it should contain everything a person might need during a move. Plus, your bag should contain everything you might need if something goes wrong.

A woman carrying a moving box.
It’s important to prepare an essentials box when moving properly because you’ll feel a lot more comfortable if you have everything you need!

On the other hand, your box of essentials should contain everything you might need for a comfortable first night at home. You likely won’t feel like unpacking immediately. So in order to feel comfortable, you should make sure to prepare a box of moving essentials that will allow you to spend a pleasant, stress-free evening after a long day of moving. However, you probably won’t have access to this box during the actual move. It will likely be sealed, in a moving truck with all other boxes. But as soon as you get to your new place, this is the first box you should open. And that’s why you should make sure to pack it well.

It takes time and effort to properly prepare an essentials box when moving

Before you start preparing your box of essentials, you should be aware of the fact that it might take some time and effort. So it’s advisable to take some time off to create a moving checklist, as well as a list of things that will go into your moving day bag and your moving day box. That way you’ll ensure that you’re completely covered. We understand that finding time can be rather hard during a moving preparation. However, keep in mind that this is an integral part of moving. Sit down with a cup of coffee and truly focus on the task. Your future self will thank you.

Comfort begins with a well-rounded essentials box

Your essentials box is going to be your best friend during the first night at your new place. So once all your boxes are neatly tucked away in a portable storage Boise is offering, you’ll be left with this box. At least for the time being. But what should this very special box contain? Keep in mind that some of your very important belongings will already be in your moving day bag. For example:

  • Keys
  • Cellphone
  • Cellphone charger
  • Planner
  • Moving schedule
  • Important documents
  • A change of clothes
  • Snacks
  • A bottle of water
  • Any medication you take regularly
  • And similar

These should all find a place in your moving day bag. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t pack extra snacks or clothes in your essentials box. You actually should do that. However, very important documents and expensive electronics should be among the first things you pack in your moving day bag.

A bag full of essentials.
Your moving day bag will also contain some essentials!

So what should your essentials box contain?

After the move, you’ll likely be completely knackered. That means that you should pack your essentials bag in such a way that things are easy to access and that there’s not too little or too much stuff in it. We strongly advise that you pack only what you need since you probably won’t feel like digging through the essentials box. The most important things to pack are:

  • Bedsheets, pillows, and blankets to be able to sleep comfortably.
  • Toiletries so you can take a shower after a long day of moving.
  • Pajamas so you can sleep comfortably.
  • Comfortable change of clothes for post-moving activities such as unpacking.
  • A few dishes so you can eat and drink something.
  • Some easy-to-make food that won’t compromise your other belongings in the box.
  • Electronics you plan on using the first night.

Of course, if there’s anything extra you feel you might need, pack it. These are just the very basics everyone should pack when preparing their essentials box when moving. You should also make sure to pack the box in a way it makes sense. You can use pillows and blankets to pad fragile items. Take your time to figure out what works for you and your belongings. Just don’t forget to pack anything important.

An ipad in a messy bed.
Comfortable sheets are one of the most important things you should have after a move!

It’s extremely important to pack your essentials box properly

Once you’re done with finding movers and great on demand storage Seattle residents recommend, it’s time to start packing your essentials box. By now it should be obvious why it’s very important to prepare an essentials box when moving well. But keep in mind that what works for one person won’t work for another. That’s why you should stick to some basic guidelines but still try to figure out what would work for you and your current situation. And when you do, try to pack your box of essentials as diligently and as carefully as possible.

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