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 Store Hand and Power Tools in Self Storage

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Many people might think that there is not much to know before you store hand and power tools in self storage. However, many tools are fragile and need to be used, packed, and stored with care. It’s crucial to protect your tools over time since they are spending most of their time being stored. For them to be useful to you for a long time, here are some tips from PortaBox Storage on how to properly store them.

Cleaning and organizing come first

In order to find your tools clean, you must leave them clean in storage. Making sure you put enough time into cleaning all the leftover dust, oil, dirt, or grease that could be stuck on your tools is essential. Our experts from Seattle mini storage always advise customers to leave their tools in the best condition possible. You should also make sure you are using the right cleaning solution. Using unfit products can go wrong or simply not help.

Woman with her tools layed down on the table
It’s important to clean and dry everything before you store hand and power tools in self storage

After cleaning your tools, you must properly organize them. If you organize them well, your tools will take up less storage space, which can be very useful. Since hand tools are easy to lose, some people chose to pack them in different boxes or mark them differently in order to remember where they are. Also, keeping an inventory is not a bad idea. You can write down everything you are about to store and check if it’s all there once you take the tools out.

Preparing power tools

Power tools need a bit more attention than hand tools. Since the engine can be damaged because of dust or humidity, preparing power tools is more detailed. All the customers using the business storage Seattle offers were informed about preparing power tools for the storage. In order to prevent fuel from going bad, you must get some fuel stabilizers for your power tools.

In order to pack power tools, it’s best if you have the original box. If you don’t have that, using small boxes lined with a plastic liner can be a good alternative. When preparing both power tools and hand tools, it’s important to consider the temperature they will be staying in and pack them accordingly.

Before you store hand and power tools in self storage, get rid of any rust

Removing even the smallest amount of rust is essential when putting your tools in self storage. You can find different products for removing rust, but make sure you pick good ones because if rust spreads your tool can be damaged.

Keeping tools protected in the storage

Using a protective spray or lubricant to protect metal surfaces is a must. If you want to completely protect your tools from dust and other outside factors, get a good quality plastic tarp (or multiple) and cover your tools. All Newcastle Self Storage customers have done this and their tools are safe and sound. In case you’re leaving caulk, paint, or other liquids in the storage, making sure they are sealed properly is your responsibility. Also, it’s important mentioning that your tools should be stored separately (or away) from any liquids. Especially those power tools with engines.

Person packing tools before they store hand and power tools in self storage
Tools must be properly cleaned and protected for the storage

Before you store hand and power tools in self storage, remember these things

There are some things that you need to keep in mind. Storing your hand tools and power tools in different self storage units is actually a good idea. If these items get out of balance with one another, it can be dangerous. Therefore, to escape worrying about this happening, keeping them separate could make it easier. This is what many customers using storage units North Seattle offers have done. Since power tools are normally heavier than hand tools, and using more strength use and lifting them is normal, it’s better to separate them from light and fragile hand tools.

If you are stacking up your tools, make sure you’re putting heavier ones lower on the rack or on the floor, in order for them to not fall. Light items can always go up. If you have a lot of power tools, you should probably look for bigger storage that can accommodate them all. If your collection is small, you can find some great DIY storage ideas.

Why is it good to use storage units?

Creating your own storage at home is fun. However, if you have a chance to store your items in a proper storage unit, it is safer for you and the tools. Using one of many storage pods Seattle has to offer can help your tools be safer and taken care of. This is also good because it’s will give you more free space at home. In case you have a new project in mind at home, your excess tools could be out of the way.

Man researchinhg on his laptop with tools on the table
If you have a new project in mind, storing tools you don’t need will help

Everyone using power tools and hand tools often knows how important maintenance is. Even after storing your tools, checking on items should be on your list every now and then. Make sure everything is still clean and well-protected. Sometimes, due to weight or other conditions, protection can move, slip or fall, that’s why checking is good.

After you store your tools safely, you can work on new projects

Now that you are ready to store your tools and make life a bit more organized and simple, you can work on new projects. Make sure to check out some of the best power tool brands and see what’s new in the offer. Homeowner or professional, you should stay tuned for new items and storage options. PortaBox storage offers you top-rated portable storage solutions and presents you with premium self storage. Anywhere from Washington or Idaho, we are here to store hand and power tools in self storage and much more. Get in touch with us and tell us what you are looking for.

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I shopped around and could not beat the price. But, what really impressed me was the driver's concern and attention for my things - that was the icing on the cake. I'll recommend you to my friends.

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Locations Served

LYNNWOOD PORTABOX

2902B Lincoln Way Lynnwood, WA, 98087