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.

Signing a self storage lease – why do it and when?

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Self-storage comes in handy in various situations. Whether it’s temporary, like in the event of moving or keeping household clutter under control, in the long run, portable storage containers Seattle are a practical, economical, and versatile solution. You can find your ideal storage solution with the help of our specialists at PortaBox Storage. And if you wonder if signing a self storage lease is a good idea, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will share a few useful points in regards to self storage contracts. Do you always need to sign one, or when should you do so? And why signing the dotted line might be the right choice for you? Thus, read on, and learn all you need to know before signing the papers.

A woman sitting on a wrapped sofa in storage - signing a self storage lease
Signing a self storage lease is beneficial in a number of case scenarios when you need an adequate place for safekeeping of your inventory.

What is a self-storage lease agreement?

The primary purpose of a self-storage contract is to set the terms for payment and usage of the unit you intend to rent. Like most contracts, signing a storage lease allows you to ensure mutual agreement and reduce misunderstandings with the service provider.

So, let’s say you’re looking into renting one or more Seattle mini storage containers. You would first need to ensure that the company you intend to rent the units from is a licensed storage facility. Then, you want to make sure they offer diverse options to fit your requirements. And nevertheless, you have to ensure that the unit you’re renting provides an adequate level of safety, security, and hygiene for your items. Further, when you decide to sign the agreement, you should know that is legally binding once you and your provider have signed the lease.

What is the content of a self storage contract?

People reviewing papers
The terms and conditions of self-storage contracts may vary from one to another provider, and it’s important to understand the content before signing it

Some lease agreements may come in plain language, while others will leave you baffled. However, it’s your responsibility to understand what are you signing, before you do so. With that little bit of extra effort on your part, you’ll ensure your seamless Redmond self storage user experience. Most self-storage contracts will include some of the following sections:

  • Contact information. Pretty self-explanatory this one, you’ll have to provide some of your personal details when signing a self storage lease. Your provider will also include info, such as physical and e-mail address, phone number, etc.
  • Terms of use. All storage facilities have rules, whether it’s off-site storage or a portable unit you intend to use. Thus, a self-storage lease will clearly spell what these are. On most occasions, you’ll be informed of what you cannot keep inside the unit, guidelines on cleanliness, and restrictions on certain activities as well. Besides, the lease will also contain info on what the penalties are in case you break the agreed-upon rules.
  • Payment guidelines. Every storage contract will outline information on the payment when it’s due, and possibly the security deposit you’re required to put down. It should also state details about late payment fees and what happens if you stop paying the rent. Besides, the lease should also contain any additional fees that you may be charged for by the provider.
  • Notice period. In some cases, your lease may renew automatically. Therefore, it’s important to be diligent with the dates, and give appropriate notice if you aren’t about to extend your self-storage usage. Also, some facilities expect you to report a change of address in case you’re moving.

Reasons for signing a lease

Self storage service providers offer various options when it comes to the length and payment of services. Of course, there are variations in the quality of service as well, so the low cost shouldn’t be your priority in itself. However, underwriting a self-storage contract can be beneficial for your wallet nevertheless. Committing to using self storage may or may not guarantee you discounted fees. But, signing a long-term lease agreement means that you’ll lock in the price for rent in case high demand spikes the prices. This is especially important to consider in case you’re running a business and looking for ways to economize in the long run.

Having clarity and understanding of the dos and don’ts of self depository usage has numerous perks. Apart from the savings, signing a self-storage contract allows you to enjoy the benefits of legal protections and your peace of mind. Hence, make a point to carefully review the terms and conditions of self storage usage instead of just dushing your signature off. A self-storage contract enables you to utilize the service’s long-term, and streamline your business operations, or keep your home free of clutter with a solid strategy and sense of extra security.

When should you opt for signing a self storage lease agreement?

In the past storage was mainly needed when you’re moving or running a large business. But, those days are long gone now. With households getting smaller and the bulk of possessions getting larger, the need for safe and reliable self-storage space has never been more prominent. Case in point, the need for long-term storage is on the rise. 

Underwriting a self storage contract is advisable any time when you need to use space for safekeeping for an extended period of time. Although the majority of leases are on monthly basis, do you really want to deal with payments each month? Besides, signing a lease means you get to keep a spot for your personal use long term.

An inventory in storage facility
Safety and protection of your items and liabilities should be your priority when using self storage Seattle

On the other hand, signing a lease for self-storage makes little sense if you need the unit for say, a couple of weeks. If you need space for short-term safekeeping, you can pass by the contract signing part. A rule of thumb would be anything less than a month. In any other case scenario, putting your name on a self-storage lease is a good idea. And so, because it keeps you safe from legal issues and gives you clarity in regards to compliance. Besides, you can save money and get to book your perfect unit for long-term usage.

Also, here’s a bonus tip. Always prioritize safety and protection when depositing your items in storage. First, make sure you partner up with a reputable provider. Also, make a point to use packing materials of high quality for the right protection of your inventory. And nonetheless, sign a self storage contract agreement, for your seamless user experience.

Should you sign a self storage contract?

Signing any contract is a commitment in itself. And self-storage is no exception. Thus, do your due diligence. Choose a trusted provider to maximize your user benefits. Our self storage consultants are happy to listen to your requirements and provide you with expert guidance in making the right decision.

In addition, here are a few questions to answer for yourself, and determine whether you’re ready to put your signature on the dotted line.

  • Do you need storage space as a long-term solution? E.g. keeping your business inventory, decluttering your home, you need extra space to keep the tools of your trade safe, etc.
  • Are you going away for a while and need a secure place to keep your belongings at?
  • Can you pre-set an automatic payment method from your account, so you don’t need to worry about monthly payments?

If your answer is yes to at least 2 of these, then you should consider signing a self storage lease. As we’ve already mentioned, by doing so there’s more to gain than lose, if you respect the rules. Good luck.

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