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,Ā 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 ā€œsocial distanceā€ 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.Ā  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 processĀ of storing belongings seamless & safeĀ for you.

How To Store Garden Furniture During The Winter Months

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As we are leaving nice weather behind, we must take care of a number of things. One of the things you mustn’t forget is to take care of your garden furniture so that you can enjoy your garden next year too. After all, bad weather, rain, and snow can genuinely contribute to the deterioration of your garden furniture. No matter what material is made of. Hence, consider how to store garden furniture during the winter months. Take into account the material of your furniture in order to store it in the best way possible. Certainly, the best solution is to rely on PortaBox Storage Seattle and its capacity to protect your furniture adequately.

Store garden furniture during the winter months using some general tips

First of all, we advise you to find adequate short term storage Seattle and arrange all the details concerning the actual date and terms of using the storage. Of course, you can always store your furniture in a garage or shed or just move it to a sheltered position. With feet off the ground of course. However, if you don’t want to risk damaging your garden furniture then a better option is to contact professionals. As a result, your furniture will last longer and it will be good as new. Moreover, when hiring your storage company make sure to find an adequate weatherproof storage unit to ensure better protection.

Your storage should be secure, taking special care of the protection of your items against pests, moisture, and temperature fluctuation. Also, make sure it possesses video surveillance and alarms 24/7. As for the price, check the terms and make sure you rent the appropriate size of storage. It will definitely affect the final price.

store your garden furniture during the winter months in an indoor storage with pink doors
When knowing what to look for in a storage unit it shouldn’t be too difficult to find appropriate storage.

Clean your furniture before storing

Expect your garden furniture to be dirty and stained since you are using it every day. Nevertheless, you mustn’t store it in that condition. Therefore, clean it thoroughly first before storing it. Use some mild dish detergent with warm water and scrub your furniture using a brush or a sponge. Vacuum if necessary, especially weaker. In case you have cushions scrub and dry them too. After that, they are ready for you to place in some bags and store indoors. Also, dry the pieces completely before you store garden furniture during the winter months. Use clean and dry towels to remove moisture.

The material of your furniture determines the manner of storing

Prior to storage, you must be well-informed about how to treat your furniture to ensure the best protection of your garden furniture during the winter months. Its material will strongly influence the treatment itself. What furniture you may have?

  • wooden
  • plastic
  • rattan or wicker
  • ironĀ 
  • aluminumĀ 

Wooden furniture

In case you are a proud owner of wooden furniture, know what to expect from this material. Thus, scrub it with a stiff brush and hot soapy water. Of course, let it dry properly. Otherwise, the lack of air circulation will cause the wood to rot. If possible oil it before placing it in the storage unit. This way, you will definitely prolong its lifetime.

a set of garden chairs and a table made of weaves
Unlike wicker, synthetic rattan is hardy and less sensitive to winter months’ weather. In case you have wicker furniture make sure to prepare it well for storage.

Rattan or wicker garden furniture

When we talk about storage of outdoor furniture during the winter months pay special attention to wicker and rattan furniture. As a matter of fact, it can be quite a challenge because of the weave. To start with, you should remove the dust by vacuuming the furniture first. Then, you can clean it by using hot soapy water and a brush. In order to reach all the nooks and crannies use a toothbrush. Also, you can give it a blast with a high-pressure hose. Only after a thorough cleaning leave it to dry completely and use storage pods in Seattle to safely store it during the winter months.

Plastic furniture

Having plastic furniture may be problematic since different weather conditions may create problems such as leaving stains that can’t be removed that easily. Thus, end of summer storage ideas must quite effective. Hence, if certain stains do appear at the end of the summer, use neat bleach to get back the original whiteness. However, test this on small areas first. If not stained, clean it with hot soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry it well before storing it. As with all other garden furniture types, ensure to dry your furniture completely.

Iron furniture

When preparing your items for storage pay special attention to preserving iron garden furniture since it’s prone to rust. Thus, clean it carefully and let it dry. Still, if you notice any signs of rust, no matter how small they are, you must remove them. Remove rust by using certain products you can buy in DIY shops. On the other hand, soak the area in white vinegar and rub it with aluminum foil. Then, wash it lightly and dry it. Now you can store it.

a black table and two chairs made of steel
Each type of garden furniture is different and storage also differs especially with different materials. Store garden furniture during the winter months protecting it from all sorts of negative effects.

Aluminum furniture

What is good about this type of furniture is that it won’t rust. However, it still needs protection over winter months. Hence, clean it with hot soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. After rinsing it you can apply water and vinegar and polish it using a soft cloth.

Preserve your furniture for the next summer

All in all, your garden furniture requires special treatment when the summer months end. In order to preserve it and have it last for a long time make sure to store garden furniture during the winter months. Prepare it well for storage. Of course, bear in mind the material your furniture is made of and treat it cautiously. What matters is to clean and dry it. You can cover it with sofa and chair covers for further protection during storage. However, the most important thing is to opt for the most secure storage company that offers the best protection and ultimate security.

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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