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 save time when renting self storage

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The world we live in today is more fast-paced than ever. Your schedule is packed and every little chore takes a chunk of your precious time. Yes, even something seemingly mundane as renting storage. However, in this case, a bigger time-sink usually precedes. Moving, remodeling, or just freeing up space in your home – most of them hold higher priority. Therefore, it’s essential to save time when renting self storage, so you’ll have more of it to focus on graver matters. Fortunately, this isn’t so difficult to do, even if you’re a first-time storage renter.

A businessman looking at the watch
No need to rush – there are ways to save time when renting self storage.

Choose the right way to access your storage

Since time is of the essence, let’s start with accessibility. The first things you should consider are:

  • How do you want to access your storage;
  • Will you need frequent access, and;
  • How would you like to handle storing items?

Full-service storage

This is an excellent option if you’re living in an urban zone, highrise building, or anywhere where finding a parking spot and traffic are a nightmare. When you opt for full-service storage, movers will do all the work. They’ll come to pick up your stuff (and even pack it, if you so desire) and transport it to their storage. In most cases, they’ll take photos, make an inventory list, and make it available to you through their website or app. The only downside with full-service storage is that you must think ahead if you need something from it. They usually need a 24-hour notice to deliver the stuff you need.

Self-storage

Here, we have the most popular way of storing things. Bainbridge Island self storage providers offer an array of options that are safe, secure, and affordable. However, you’re responsible for taking photos and making an inventory list. And you have to transport and pick up your stuff in person. Therefore, being organized is essential if you want to save time when renting self storage.

Portable storage

West Seattle self-storage PortaBox delivery
Storage comes in many forms. Some can even come to your doorstep!

Why not let the storage come to you? Yes, you read that right. Portable storage containers Seattle providers offer can be at your doorstep with a mere phone call. Speak about convenience! The downside here, however, is that you’re responsible for, well – everything. At least while the storage is in your front yard. Once the storage company picks it up, it becomes their responsibility. Still, this storing method offers amazing versatility:

  • It can act as short-term storage if you’re renovating or need to free up some space fast;
  • You can organize it however you like, and at your own pace;
  • If you’re moving, you can ship the entire container. This can sometimes make moving cheaper if you’re willing to forfeit the convenience movers bring.

Know which features you need from your storage

Not every item can go into any storage. Well, technically it can. But that only creates more problems than it solves. Back on point: storage requirements vary based on the item type.

  • Electronics, for example, are sensitive to temperature variations, especially extremes and sudden changes. Therefore, they’ll need a temperature-controlled unit;
  • Expensive items, such as art pieces, demand ample security. So, a combination of 24/7 monitoring, video surveillance, and even security guards is a must;
  • Clothes and fabrics are favorites of various pests and rodents. So, you’ll need a storage company that takes necessary precautions to ensure these vile beasties stay away.

Researching how to store different items beforehand lets you save time when renting self storage. But, more importantly, it ensures they don’t suffer any damage due to improper conditions.

Make use of the 21st century

A woman using laptop to find out how to save time when renting self storage.
Use technology to your advantage to save even more time.

Your smartphone or PC can be your greatest allies if you’re trying to save time when renting self storage. With only a few clicks/taps you can:

  • Find a reliable Seattle mini storage provider and check their credentials;
  • Request quotes and compare prices;
  • Find out what you can and cannot store;
  • Reserve or order a unit;
  • Submit rental documents;
  • Pay for a storage unit.

Needless to say, doing things digitally is an incredible time-saver. And, as mentioned earlier, some companies even have apps that let you check in on your belongings. So, no pointless trips, rummaging and repacking. Your whole storage can be at the palm of your hand.

Spend time to make time

As you can see, saving time when renting self storage is almost a science in itself. There are many factors to consider, and each of them will take a while. Fortunately, though, not nearly as much as if you do everything without preparation. But, you’ll steal a minute here, another there, and soon you’ll have hours to spare.

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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