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 Your Items for Long-Term Storage

Step 1 of 2

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Imagine moving to a smaller apartment or traveling abroad for an extended period. You find yourself in a situation where storage units North Seattle offers become a necessity. Whether it’s sentimental belongings, valuable items, or important documents, the need for proper preparation cannot be overstated. In this guide, we will discuss the essential steps and considerations on how to prepare your items for long-term storage. Feel free to follow these guidelines and ensure the safety, condition, and preservation of your stored possessions.

Assessing Items for Long-Term Storage

Take a moment to evaluate the necessity of each possession and consider its worth in the long run. Start off by taking into account factors like:

  • Sentimental value;
  • Practicality;
  • Potential deterioration.

Is it an item that holds deep emotional significance? Will it serve a practical purpose in the future? Can it withstand the test of time without significant damage? Consider these factors in order to make the best choices about which items are truly worth storing long-term, as that way, you can also avoid cluttering your storage unit.

Decluttering and Downsizing

Decluttering is essential when preparing items for long-term storage. By decluttering, you reduce the volume of items being stored and make the process more manageable and cost-effective. To begin, evaluate each item and ask yourself practical questions: Do I really need this? Will I use it in the future?

Person donating excess stuff to prepare their items for long-term storage
Declutter and downsize your possessions to have enough space and prepare your items for long-term storage effectively

Next, categorize belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles. Keep only the items that hold sentimental or practical value. Donate or sell items that are no longer useful to you but might benefit others, and discard anything that is damaged or beyond repair. Decluttering streamlines the storage process and ensures your rented storage pods Seattle offers are optimally used.

Cleaning and Preparing Items

Cleaning your items is one of the key steps to follow in order to prepare your items for long-term storage. Clean each item and ensure they are thoroughly dry to avoid mold, mildew, and pest infestations. Follow specific cleaning instructions based on the type of item—furniture, clothing, and so on. For furniture, disassemble it and take extra care to protect each piece to prevent damage. One of the best ways to protect delicate items is by wrapping each piece in bubble wrap or using protective covers before placing them inside a storage pod.

Proper Packaging and Protection

Begin by selecting suitable storage containers, boxes, and packing materials. For delicate items, wrap them carefully with protective materials like bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent breakage. Ensure that boxes are sealed properly to ward off dust, moisture, and pests. Use high-quality packing tape to secure the boxes, and consider labeling them for easy identification.

If storing furniture or larger items, use furniture covers or blankets to shield them from scratches and dust. For additional convenience, make sure to use portable Woodinville self storage units. They get delivered to your address and left there until the lease is done!

woman shows how to prepare your items for long-term storage
To best prepare your items for long-term storage, create a labeling system and make sure to mark every box!

Labeling and Inventory Management

One of the key aspects of preparing your items for long-term storage is having a labeling system. Begin by labeling each box or container with a detailed inventory list, specifying the contents inside. Also, maintain a master inventory list that provides an overview of all items stored. This helps you easily locate specific items when needed. To ensure efficiency, utilize clear labeling systems such as color-coding or numbering. It makes it quick and easy to identify items without having to open every box.

Security Measures

The first thing you should do is find Bainbridge Island self storage units that prioritize security. Look for facilities with good reviews and features like surveillance cameras, access controls, and on-site security personnel. Additionally, consider implementing additional security measures, such as using sturdy locks on storage units or containers. This adds an extra layer of protection. You can also use portable storage containers that are driven directly to your home. They can stay there for as long as you need to pack. Once they are taken to a secure storage facility, you’ll enjoy a newfound peace of mind.

Organization and Placement in Storage Unit

It all starts with getting to know the layout of the unit. Evaluate the measures of the unit and the number of boxes you have to create a sense of how you’ll organize them. Consider grouping similar items together and creating designated zones for different categories. To optimize accessibility, store frequently accessed items near the entrance for convenience. When stacking items, place heavier ones at the bottom to prevent instability. Utilize shelves, hooks, or storage bins to maximize vertical space and keep items organized. Label boxes or use clear storage containers to identify contents easily.

Orange sofa
Always do regular check-ins on your items in long-term storage to maintain their current state

Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

As you’re storing items long-term, you may periodically visit your portable storage unit for inspection. Check for signs of pests, moisture, or damage. If any issues are detected, take prompt action to address them. Also, make sure that the unit is properly ventilated and that temperature levels are within acceptable ranges. It’s one of the key steps in keeping your items safe and maintained in long-term storage.

Prepare Your Items for Long-Term Storage by Following These Steps!

To best prepare your items for long-term storage, there are a few key steps to follow. It is essential to assess their necessity and worth, declutter and downsize, and clean and prepare them properly. Also, wrap, pack, and protect them adequately, employ a labeling and inventory management system, prioritize security measures, organize and place items strategically in your on demand storage Seattle relies on, and conduct regular maintenance and monitoring. Whether you’re downsizing, moving, or going on an extended trip, taking these steps will help you make the most of your on-demand, door-to-door, portable storage experience!

Latest Posts

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