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.

Transition to cohabitation: Guide on merging two households

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Joining two households is a significant step that many individuals in Washington State encounter, whether it’s couples moving in together, roommates sharing a space, or extended families uniting under one roof. It’s a practical decision that often signifies a new chapter in relationships, but the process itself can be complex. Proper planning and organization are essential to ensure a smooth transition. Hence, this article from our PortaBox Storage Seattle WA team offers insights and actionable tips to guide individuals and families through the practicalities of merging two households seamlessly.

Understanding the need to merge

As individuals or families consider combining living spaces, it’s essential to grasp both the emotional and practical dimensions of this decision. Beyond the physical act of relocating possessions, merging households encompasses deeper emotional ties, potential benefits, and inherent challenges. A thorough understanding will set the stage for a harmonious living arrangement.

The emotional aspect of merging two households

The decision to combine households often goes beyond mere practicality. For some Seattleites, it signifies a strengthening of bonds, be it among romantic partners, friends, or family members. However, intertwining lives in a shared space can also bring to light vulnerabilities, insecurities, and fears. A solution? Open communication.

A Couple Carrying a Box
Discuss expectations and address concerns proactively to ensure that the emotional transition is as smooth as the physical one.

Practical benefits and challenges

On the practical side, joining homes can lead to cost savings, from splitting rent or mortgage to shared utility bills. Moreover, living together can provide mutual support in daily responsibilities. However, this union also presents challenges. Space constraints, differing lifestyles, and decision-making processes might require adjustments. It’s beneficial to anticipate these hurdles and devise strategies to tackle them head-on.

Taking inventory of both households

Before the actual move in Seattle, it’s essential to take stock of belongings from both households. Creating a comprehensive inventory helps in determining what to keep, what to discard, and what might require storage. This step not only aids in decluttering but also ensures that the new shared space is organized and free from unnecessary redundancies.

Planning the move

Merging two households necessitates meticulous preparation to ensure a successful and stress-free transition. With various factors at play, from visualizing the new space and budgeting to accommodating both parties’ preferences, planning becomes the cornerstone of a successful move.

Creating a shared vision for the new living space

The first step towards a successful merger is envisioning the final outcome together. Do you lean towards a minimalist approach, or do you prefer a more furnished and cozy setup? Are there specific themes or color schemes both parties are keen on? Discussing and sketching a shared vision ensures that the final living space reflects a mutual understanding and caters to both tastes.

Discussing priorities and compromises

Every individual has specific items or spaces that hold paramount importance to them. It could be a workspace, a reading corner, or even the arrangement of the kitchen. On the other hand, there might be areas where both parties need to find a middle ground.

While you may need to compromise on the color of the living room wall, finding short-term storage in Seattle can make the transition easier by providing a place to keep items until decisions are made. Such compromises don’t signify loss but rather a mutual respect for each other’s preferences.

Setting a budget for the move

While it’s exciting to envision the new living space, it’s also crucial to ground these ideas in financial reality. Establishing a budget ensures that the move remains within financial limits, preventing unexpected expenses. Consider the costs of:

  • hiring moving services,
  • purchasing new items,
  • potential storage solutions, and
  • unforeseen expenditures.

Aligning the vision with a clear budget maintains transparency and sets clear expectations for the transition.

Woman wrapped in clothes
Decluttering proactively not only eases the physical transition of merging two households but can also provide mental clarity.

Organizing and decluttering

A clean slate often sets the stage for a more organized and harmonious living space. Decluttering before a move offers numerous benefits. It reduces the volume of items to transport, potentially saving on moving costs. Moreover, it ensures that the new shared space isn’t crowded with unnecessary belongings, allowing for a fresh start.

Strategies to decide what to keep and what to let go

True, making decisions about belongings can be a challenge. So, start by categorizing items based on necessity, frequency of use, and sentimental value. Items used daily or weekly are obvious keeps. For those items that aren’t used as frequently, consider their value in the new space. It’s also worth discussing with your cohabitant; they might see a use or value in something you don’t. Remember, it’s not always about parting with items but ensuring everything has a place and purpose.

Managing duplicates and sentimental items

When merging households, duplicates are inevitable. Whether it’s kitchen gadgets, furniture, or even decorative pieces, decide on which items are in the best condition or fit the shared vision better. For sentimental items, consider their importance and the space they’ll occupy. It might be worth investing in a quality storage solution for cherished items that don’t fit the current living setup but hold too much emotional value to part with.

Moving strategies for merging two households

The decision between hiring professional movers, storage solutions, and a do-it-yourself approach often comes down to budget, volume, and complexity of the move. Whichever method you choose, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons in relation to your specific situation.

Hiring moving professionals vs. DIY

Professional movers bring expertise, equipment, and efficiency. They can make the process quicker and less stressful, especially for larger households or those with specialty items. On the other hand, a DIY move can save money and offer more flexibility in terms of pacing.

Using storage solutions

As you transition, not everything might find its spot immediately in the new shared space. In such cases, storage solutions come in handy. For items that might not have a place immediately in your new shared space, portable storage containers in Seattle offer a convenient solution, allowing you to access them as you settle in. Storage facilities can be a temporary or long-term solution, giving you the flexibility to decide on items without immediate pressure.

Settling into the new shared space

Once the move is complete, the true journey of cohabitation begins. Allocating spaces based on mutual agreement ensures that everyone feels at home and valued. It’s essential to discuss and designate areas collaboratively, be it workspaces, storage, or personal corners, ensuring a balance between individuality and shared living.

Mother and daughter are Painting the Wall before merging two households
Designing and decorating together adds a touch of personal flair from both parties, transforming the space into a true reflection of the combined households.

As the living room starts to take shape, you might find that some items still need a temporary home, and that’s where self-storage in West Seattle becomes invaluable, offering space while the final touches are made. Over time, navigating shared responsibilities becomes crucial. From household chores to bill payments, it’s essential to divide tasks equitably, keeping open communication to adjust as needed.

Coping mechanisms

Even with the best planning, challenges can arise in any cohabitation scenario. If you address and manage potential conflicts promptly, you will avoid letting them fester and grow. So, whether it’s about space usage, aesthetic choices, or household responsibilities, open dialogue is key. Establishing clear communication channels (be it regular check-ins or dedicated discussion times) helps in preempting and resolving issues.

For persistent challenges, it’s wise to consider external support. Seeking counseling or mediation provides an impartial perspective, assisting in finding common ground and strengthening the bond between cohabitants.

Embracing the harmony of merged households

Merging two households is about compromise, understanding, and growth and goes beyond a physical move. Arm yourself with patience, take informed steps, and approach challenges with empathy. The result will be a successful merger, marking the beginning of a harmonious and collaborative chapter together!

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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