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.

Space-saving tips for small apartments in Newcastle

Step 1 of 2

MM slash DD slash YYYY

There’s no better feeling than moving into your own apartment and having the freedom to decorate it to your liking. In addition to this, living in a small apartment comes with numerous perks. Given their size, they are much easier to clean and furnish, and the overall maintenance is far simpler. However, one of the biggest downsides of living in such a place is the limited space. The good thing is that, if you ever run out of space, you can always rely on Newcastle self storage for a temporary solution. But when it comes to enjoying your small apartment, the key is to make everything practical. To help you overcome this problem, we’d like to tell you about a few clever storage ideas. With our space-saving tips for small apartments in Newcastle, you will be able to make the most of what you have.

Hidden storage in small apartments is the ultimate space-saving method

Creating hidden storage compartments throughout your home is one of the ultimate space-saving tips for small apartments in Newcastle. The best way to do this is to create spaces within spaces. For example, take a few storage boxes and place them under your bed. You can then use these for your bedding and sheets, which will always be within easy reach.

Another method is to use any high tables you may have to keep your boxes under, or even closets if the space allows it. Naturally, if you do run out of space, renting professional temporary storage Seattle container is always an option. With this simple method, all your belongings will be stored safely, with the maximum use of space. And most importantly, your apartment won’t feel cramped or stuffy at all.

utilizing the space below the bed is one of the space-saving tips for small apartments in Newcastle
Everyone should utilize the dead space below the bed or a couch.

Now, even if you rent one of the Bainbridge Island self storage units, you should still apply the same method. All the furniture that is stored inside should be filled in a way we have already explained. Treat your storage unit as an additional room in your house, even though it is located somewhere else. Utilize all the space given and stack your furniture while filling the gaps with boxes and other oddly shaped items.

Downscaling your appliances can help save space

Essential home appliances can surely take up a lot of precious space in your Newcastle apartment. If you live in a small apartment, this can be quite challenging. If you want to tackle the issue of space, but still keep all the appliances you need, consider going smaller. Instead of a huge freezer, get a mini freezer or a fridge that can still keep your food fresh without wasting space. You can do the same thing with your stove and washing machine, as every appliance out there has a smaller version available.

One more benefit to this, besides saving space, is the economic aspect, as smaller appliances usually consume less energy. And you do not even have to get rid of the bigger appliances. You can lend them to your friends, or family, or keep them in a garage for a while.

Few kitchen appliances visible is one of the space-saving tips for small apartments in Newcastle
Remove small and rarely used appliances from plain sight and thank space-saving tips for small apartments in Newcastle

Or you can rent self storage Shoreline and keep all excess appliances there as most families do. But most families with kids need bigger devices. So, if you cant downsize you should blend appliances into the rest of the home. Your washing machine and a dryer should be in the bathroom and all other kitchen appliances hidden inside cupboards, armoires, and dead space behind the counter.

Although, if you live inside a family home, this one will come much easier for you. Simply have all your bigger appliances like a washing machine, dryer, and freezer down in the basement or in a garage. This way they won’t take up any space inside your home.

Make the most of your furnishing with multipurpose furniture

If you’ve just moved in, your next step is to add furniture to the apartment and make it fit your tastes. Some pieces will go to a Kenmore self storage and others to a garage. This will give you the opportunity to reorganize and purchase new pieces of furniture. This is the perfect time to invest in multipurpose furniture while getting rid of the old ones.

Items such as beds with drawers, or a desk with an integrated display case, can work wonders for your space management. A drawer bed can contain your clothes or bedsheets, and a display case desk is a perfect place for your precious souvenirs. So, multipurpose furniture is one of the great space-saving tips for small apartments in Newcastle and most families have at least one piece in their homes.

If you’ve already moved in with some pieces of furniture, you can consider donating them or placing them in Everett self storage until a later date. And the benefits of multipurpose furniture don’t end here. Besides saving valuable space, they can add a modern and unique touch to your home. Choose colorful elements that reflect your character and tastes, and you’ll soon have a home that perfectly matches your personality.

a fireplace with ornaments
You should use tall furniture and utilize all the wall space unless you prefer to live in a minimalist home.

One of the best space-saving tips is going vertical

As you develop your Newcastle apartment’s floor plan, you will soon find out that you’ve run out of horizontal space. When this happens, it is time to get the most out of your apartment space and go vertical. Tall pieces of furniture, such as bookshelves, can really help you utilize space to the fullest, and find a place for your books, trophies, and figurines. Hanging lamps can also add a pinch of beauty to the house, as well as potted hanging plants. If you happen to be renovating your apartment, consider building storage into the walls themselves. Small nooks in your walls will come in handy for books or small decorative pieces.

Clothing racks can do wonders for your wardrobe

Like so many others, if you struggle with finding enough space for your clothes, you’re going to love clothing racks. The racks are the perfect mix of convenient storage and utilizing that precious vertical space. These clothing racks also offer another level of convenience, since your clothes will be on easy display and within instant reach. They will help you avoid purchasing a huge, space-wasting wardrobe. And, best of all, they can be placed anywhere.

If you need to quickly move your clothes from one place in the home to the other, simply move the rack with the clothes still on it. And if you get the hanging version, you can attach it to your door, keeping everything out of sight. Although, if you already have an expensive and stylish wardrobe, simply install a closet rod inside and utilize the empty space. If your wardrobe does not have one already, that is.

Create zones and you will add another level of organization to your home

When it comes to space-saving tips for small apartments, you will always have two things to rely on. Organization and illusion. And creating specific zones throughout your home is an excellent mix of both. The great thing is that these zones can serve any purpose you wish, as the only limit is your imagination. Go wild and create an optimal work zone, a relaxation area, or a guest space. And all zones you make can be separated by colorful carpets or wall dividers which will add an extra touch of elegance to the home.

Clothing rack
Clothing racks can make quite a difference. Especially the portable ones.

Renting a storage unit is one of the ultimate space-saving tips for small apartments

We are almost at the end of our piece and before we go, we must stress out the importance of renting a storage unit. When we talk about space-saving, storage rental is the ultimate solution. Whether you want to rent a regular storage unit, a temperature-controlled one, or storage pods in Seattle for moving purposes, it doesn’t matter. All these solutions will serve the purpose and justify the investment instantly. So, let us quickly list down all the perks you’ll have access to once you rent a storage unit. Consider the following:

  • Extra Space – Renting a storage unit provides extra space for items that won’t fit in your home or office.
  • Protection of belongings – A storage unit protects your items from damage caused by environmental factors like extreme temperatures, moisture, and pests.
  • Convenient access – Storage units typically offer 24/7 access, so you can retrieve your items at any time.
  • Organized storage – renting a storage unit provides a designated space for organizing and storing items, helping you declutter your living or working space.
  • Increased security – Most storage units have security measures like locks, security cameras, and limited access, providing peace of mind for the protection of your belongings.
  • It is cost-effective – Renting on demand storage in Seattle can be more cost-effective than buying additional living or workspace, especially for short-term storage needs.

Yes, the accessibility is amazing but the affordability surpasses all perks a unit can have. By being affordable, storage facilities are also available to anyone who is willing to use them. And it can be you.

Get the most out of your Newcastle apartment!

Taking the time to improve your living conditions pays off. It will make your already limited space feel much bigger than it really is. Better yet, it can increase the feeling of privacy in certain areas. The result is daily life that doesn’t make you feel stifled. Now that you are ready to apply space-saving tips for small apartments in Newcastle, we are sure you’ll think of a few more along the way and turn your living space into a comfortable home.

Latest Posts