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.

Tips for loading a storage pod safely

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Portable storage containers are nothing new. They first appeared back in the 90s and revolutionized moving. It is a great option for anyone looking to save a bit of money during their relocation. While using a storage container or pod can be a convenient option, loading them can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to pack all of your items correctly, but you also need to load the container in a way that maximizes space inside, and prevents damage to your belongings. In this blog post, PortaBox moving experts will share some professional tips and tricks for loading a storage pod safely. By following our advice, you can navigate the process with ease and peace of mind, bringing you one step closer to your move.

How moving pods work

Moving pods, you’ve heard of them and you want to use them but do you know how they work? You will see the process is incredibly easy, as our self storage Seattle experts can testify. First, you will have to contact your movers and tell them how many moving pods you need. After that, the moving company will deliver your storage containers right to your doorstep. The great thing about moving pods is they are on the ground level, which makes for easy loading.

A couple is preparing furniture for loading a storage pod safely
Loading a storage pod safely involves a bit of prep, like disassembling furniture that is too big.

There is no rush to pack your items, as pods can remain on your property without limitations. However, there are monthly fees that vary from company to company. Once everything is loaded, your moving or storage company will transport the pod to its destination. That can be your new home, a pod warehouse, or a storage facility. Some companies allow you to track your pod in transit and access it in their storage warehouses. Just contact your Seattle mini storage professionals and they will arrange a viewing.

Loading a storage pod safely is easier if you have a plan

According to advice from Bellevue self storage pros, the easiest way to load a storage container is by creating a plan. How you go about this will depend on the number of items you have, and how much time you’ve got. One great technique involves making a visual floor plan. While it seems like a bit of a hassle, it can save you time and money in the long run.

All you need for this is measuring tape, duct tape, and your boxes. Measure the size of your moving pod on the floor and map it out with duct tape. That’s it! This simple visual will be your guide on how to properly pack your moving pod. Now you can easily figure out how to stack your belongings without losing any space. After you “packed” everything be sure to snap a few pictures of the layout, so you don’t forget it by the time moving day arrives.

hands wrapping a dinner plate
Fragile items that are likely to break should be wrapped in protective materials.

Packing your items for safely loading a storage container

How you pack your individual items matters too. This is a crucial step that will prevent damage further down the line. Moreover, it also works to maximize space inside the pod. To prepare your items for the journey, use boxes of similar sizes. This will make it easier to stack and create a more stable load. Additionally, remember that you should never overload any of the boxes – you risk them collapsing or breaking. Instead, try to pack items snuggly together. Our Everett self storage experts advise using sufficient quality materials to ensure a tight fit.

Clear the path

As we all know, moving can get messy. It can leave your house in a state of complete chaos, with random items and boxes lying around everywhere. Keeping everything in order is tough but essential. Experts specializing in mobile storage containers in Seattle advise creating a clear moving path. You surely don’t want to trip while lugging heavy boxes to the front door. Additionally, pad the corners of the walls and door frames with moving blankets. This will prevent accidental dents and scratches. If you have hardwood floors, it would be a good idea to cover them as well.

The importance of what goes where

To ensure that your items are protected during transportation, it is crucial to create a stable layout when loading your moving container. Here are some tips to help you do it:

  • Put heavy boxes on the bottom: Heavy furniture and other items should go on the bottom, to prevent lighter boxes from being crushed. Loading the storage container this way will distribute the weight and save your items from getting damaged. Just make sure to secure the top boxes so they don’t move around.
  • Build a barrier: Start by packing your items in a way that creates something of a wall structure on one side of the container. It should go all the way to the top of the container. This will prevent your items from rattling around the pod and moving during shipping.
  • Pack containers tightly: This is the time to show off your Tetris skills. Make sure to pack boxes and other items as snuggly as you can to keep them from moving. You can also use ties and moving straps.
  • Fill empty spaces: After you finished loading a storage pod safely, you will probably be left with a few empty nooks and crannies. This is a great way to reuse old clothing, towels, or newspapers while creating more stability and structure inside the container.
man and woman wrapping a chair in bubble wrap
Use bubble wrap to protect your walls and furniture from damage, as accidentally bumping into things is inevitable during a move.

Planning equals safety

In conclusion, loading a storage pod safely requires a bit of planning and prep. By following the tips from Portabox packing pros, you can easily navigate the process and ensure that your belongings are protected during transport. Create a plan, pack your items correctly, and utilize the space in your container efficiently. Remember to clear a path, protect your walls and floors, and pay attention to the weight distribution of your items.

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