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.

Self Storage Terminology You Must Know

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When you search for storage, it comes in handy to learn about self storage terminology. When you know what to look for, chances are you’ll choose just the kind of storage you need. Before you dive into a wide range of long-term or temporary storage Seattle companies offer, take time to read the following guide. Also, feel free to contact us at PortaBox Storage to learn more about our storage services.

Make sure to learn about self storage terminology before you start browsing the units

Once you learn storage-related lingo, you’ll know exactly what kind of storage to look for. Plus, it will be easier to communicate with the company staff.

storage manager explaining self storage terminology to a new worker
Learn the basic self storage terminology to understand what to look for in a storage unit.

Access hours

This is one of the first things to ask about when looking for storage. Some storage companies allow 24/7 access, while others have a specific timeframe during which you can access stored goods. Therefore, don’t forget to ask about access hours.

Access pin

Once you rent storage, you’ll get a code that allows you to access stored items.

Business Storage

If you have a company to relocate, look up quality and top-rated business storage Seatle companies provide. The business storage unit includes additional space for office inventory, documentation, and equipment.

Climate-controlled

If you seek a self-storage with the most optimal indoor temperature regardless of the season, ask the company whether they offer a climate-controlled storage unit. There are several types of them to choose from:

  • Humidity storage is ideal for storing sensitive items.
  • Air-cooled storage is your go-to solution during scorching hot summer days.
  • Heated storage is a life-saving solution, especially in areas subjected to extremely low temperatures during winter. There are plenty of heated storage Boise units you can find at modest pricing.

The good thing about a temperature-controlled unit is that you can store plenty of different items. Nevertheless, check with your chosen company if you’re allowed to store all items from the list in their climate-controlled unit.

CCTV surveillance

Safety comes first when it comes to storage rental. In addition to storage conditions, check about CCTV surveillance.

Indoor storage unit

Unlike outdoor units, indoor units are situated in a specific warehouse building and are additionally protected.

Locks

It also matters whether the locks of a storage unit you choose are strong and resistant to corrosion.

Long-term storage

If you’re planning cross-country and international relocation, or have an idea to travel the world, consider renting long-term storage. You can choose a 12-month rental period, or extend it.

Mezzanine

Extra built-in floor for more space for your goods.

On-site manager

An on-site manager is there to monitor move-ins and move-outs and make sure the storage is sanitized and pest-free.

man checking stored documentation
The storage manager is there to ensure everything in the facility runs smoothly.

Prohibited items

Keep in mind that every company has more or less the same list of prohibited items that can’t go into a self-storage unit. Don’t sign the rental agreement before you check what items aren’t allowed.

Rental agreement

It’s an official document you sign with a moving and/or storage company in order to rent the unit for yourself. Before you put your signature on the rental agreement, go over all terms and conditions. Do it in the presence of company representatives, so you can check with them if something in the document seems unclear.

Roll-up door

Storage door you open from the bottom to the ceiling. The roll-up door is secured with a strong, theft-proof lock.

Short-term storage

Short-term storage is storage you can rent for up to 3 months.

Storage size

There’s no one-size-fits-all storage solution. Check how many items you plan to store, then inquire about the storage size range on offer.

Upper unit

Modern storage facilities provide upper units accessible by an elevator and thus make them a lot more spacious.

Research moving and storage companies before you decide which one to hire

When looking for storage pods Seattle has on the market, or any kind of storage you need, make sure to spend a little bit of time researching the companies. In addition to the main features (size, locks, temperature-controlled conditions, etc.), you must check whether the storage company fulfills sanitary requirements. Whether you opt for short or long-term storage, you must be sure your packed good are safe in a pest-free environment. That way, you won’t have to worry about the condition of your items.

Hire a company that is up to the task

If you’re moving, look for a moving company that includes the storage services you need. If you just need a temporary storage solution, search for individual storage providers as well. Whichever option you choose, make sure the company you consider is registered. That way, you’ll avoid dealing with suspicious companies that don’t operate legally.

labeled moving boxes
Ensure your goods are properly packed and labeled using the correct self storage terminology.

Your goods will stay in a storage unit for a while. So, hire movers who know how to prepare belongings for storage the right way. If you have sensitive items to take care of, consider special parking services, and specially designed moving boxes (for TV, mirror, etc.)

Request a storage visit

Any professional moving and storage company allows its customers to see the units. Therefore, don’t hesitate to request a visit to storage units and see if it’s worth the investment. However, if a company refuses your request, and yet guarantees the quality of their storage services, take it as a red flag. As a customer, you have a right to know where your money goes.

Have a list of self storage terminology with you

When speaking to moving and storage companies, have a list of self storage terminology by your side. That way, you’ll know what to ask the company representatives. Also, it comes in handy to make a checklist of all important requirements for decent storage. Once you put a checkmark on all of them, wait no more and rent it. Discuss possible lease extension in case of necessity.

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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