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.

Moving to a condominium in Seattle: Pros and cons

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For those unfamiliar, a condominium or condo is an extensive property complex consisting of separate units owned independently. Seattle is a great place for condos because it’s a busy city with many high-rise buildings, and condos are often more affordable than single-family homes. If you have issues with whether you need storage solutions or which storage unit best fits your need, PortaBox Storage is here to help you resolve any problem related to moving to a condominium in Seattle.

Pros and cons of moving to a condominium in Seattle

Condos are becoming increasingly popular, especially in busy cities like Seattle. Nonetheless, thinking things out carefully before jumping in headfirst is smart. On the one hand, living in a condo can be super convenient. You’re often right in the middle of the action, and many condos come with amenities like a gym or pool. But on the other hand, there are some potential downsides to consider.

Whether condo living is right for you depends on your priorities and lifestyle. It’s important to do your research and consider factors like location, price, and HOA (Homeowners Association) rules. Another thing you should consider after deciding to move is if self-storage Seattle meets your needs.

A low-angle picture of a building with many condominiums.
Your priorities and lifestyle will determine whether or not condo living is a suitable option for you.

Pros can assist you in choosing a condominium when moving

There are many benefits to condo living in a city like this. So, let’s explore the pros of moving to a condominium in Seattle. Among the many cons of moving to a condominium, we singled out the most important benefits such as:

  • Concerns with upkeep are minimal, if nonexistent
  • Easily accessible locations by foot
  • Diversity of amenities
  • Priority is given to safety

Concerns with upkeep are minimal, if nonexistent

Condos need far less upkeep than single-family homes do. Condominium owners can rest easy knowing that their monthly HOA dues go toward maintaining common areas such as the roof, security, landscaping, corridors, elevators, and fitness center. The interior upkeep of a house, including the walls, appliances, and flooring, is within the owner’s responsibility. If this makes a living more manageable for you, start packing. You don’t need to contact moving companies but simply rent mobile storage containers in Seattle to simplify the process.

Easily accessible locations by foot

You can’t get much closer to the theater, restaurants, spa, and main shopping center than in a condo. One of the biggest perks of living in a walkable community is getting to places quickly and easily without relying on a car. Whether grabbing groceries at the local market, meeting friends for dinner, or simply going for a walk in the park, accessing destinations by foot can save you time, money, and hassle.

Diversity of amenities

Amenities in condominiums can vary depending on the specific building and community, but they often include shared spaces and services that enhance the residents’ quality of life. Some standard condominium amenities include fitness centers, swimming pools, business centers, party rooms, outdoor spaces such as terraces or courtyards, etc. These amenities are typically available to all residents and are maintained by the Homeowners Association (HOA) through monthly fees.

Priority is given to safety

Most downtown Seattle residences have a 24-hour concierge and package storage service. Having a friendly face on call at all hours may eliminate stress. They monitor the outside of the building, the garage, and the communal areas to ensure suspicious outsiders do not get in.

Security logo displayed on a computer screen.
When moving to a condominium in Seattle, safety is a top priority.

Cons of moving to a condominium

While there are many benefits to living in a condominium in Seattle, there are also potential downsides to consider. By understanding the potential drawbacks of condo living, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s the right choice for you. Here are some common downsides of moving to a condo in Seattle:

  • Connected units
  • Associations fees
  • Noise and other disturbances
  • Limited privacy and space

Connected units

Those who live in condos often have to share walls with their neighbors, not to mention the people who could live above and below them. But having only one loud neighbor daily might degrade your quality of life. It’s not ideal to have completely opposite schedules from your neighbors. Connected units can change your way of living. But if you’re realistic and well-organized, this shouldn’t be an issue for you. Give yourself time to adapt. Pack your things and find West Seattle self storage to help you out.

Associations fees

Those who invest in a Seattle condominium must pay a monthly fee to help cover maintenance and other expenses. This adds up to thousands of dollars every year. That’s the price you pay for the convenience of not worrying about gardening, painting walls, changing carpets, and other common-area upkeep.

Noise and other disturbances

Shared walls, floors, and ceilings can mean that sounds from neighbors, pets, or even traffic can be heard more easily. While most condominiums have rules and regulations in place to address noise and disturbances, it’s important to consider the potential impact on your daily life.

Limited privacy and space

In a condominium, you’ll share common areas such as hallways, elevators, and possibly even laundry rooms with other residents. This can mean you’ll have less privacy than in a single-family home. Additionally, condominiums are often designed with space efficiency in mind, meaning you have less square footage than you would in a traditional home.

Moving to Seattle usually requires portable storage solutions

Moving to Seattle offers a vibrant city lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. After deciding to move to Seattle, the next part is often overwhelming- packing your stuff and moving. But with limited space and likely a lot of stuff to move, finding the proper storage solution can be a challenge.

A man is packing belongings for moving to a condominium in Seattle.
With various container sizes available, you to select the one that best suits your storage requirements.

Whether you need on-demand storage, a mini storage unit, temporary storage, or door to door storage in Seattle, portable storage containers can be delivered to your location, allowing you to pack and store your belongings on your schedule. Also, it will enable you to load and unload your belongings without renting a moving truck or hiring professional movers.

Before moving to a condo in Seattle, do a deep research

If you’re considering moving to a condominium in Seattle, research is recommended. Look for condominiums with amenities that are important to you, and make sure you understand the rules and regulations set by the HOA. It’s also important to consider storage solutions and find the one that suits you best.

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