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.

Your Essential Checklist for Packing a Mobile Container

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Are you preparing for a move or in need of extra storage? Knowing how to pack a mobile container can make your life much easier. The following is your essential checklist for packing a mobile container. From boxing up your belongings to securing them for transport, each step is crucial. With reliable services like PortaBox Storage WA, you can trust that your items are safe. However, a good packing strategy is indispensable. Here is your journey from the initial sorting stage to final packing, ensuring you’re well-equipped for this task. Undoubtedly, with careful planning, you’ll master this challenge.

A Thorough Packing Plan

Start by drafting a comprehensive packing plan. Take note of what items need packing and when. This allows ample time for careful sorting and wrapping. Next, pinpoint your storage needs. Do you have large furniture? Are there fragile items? Analyze your possessions and determine the suitable mobile container size.

For this reason, consider using storage pods Seattle for various options. These portable containers provide flexible storage solutions that adapt to your specific needs. Lastly, having a strategic packing plan in place, alongside the correct mobile container, will ensure a smooth and stress-free move.

person writing Checklist for Packing a Mobile Container
You need to make a checklist for packing a mobile container

Efficient and Sustainable Packing

Begin with a plan, scouting for packing materials. Consider essential items like the following.

  • boxes
  • bubble wrap
  • packing paper
  • tape

Additionally, explore local stores, online marketplaces, or friends’ leftover supplies for obtaining these. On demand storage Seattle is an innovative approach. They often supply packing materials, which saves time and resources. An inventory of your items helps assess the material quantity needed, preventing over-estimation. Always think about sustainability. Therefore, use reusable materials where possible, reducing waste. Opt for biodegradable options like paper, avoiding plastic. Reuse boxes and packing materials, contributing to a greener move. Efficiency and eco-consciousness should guide your packing endeavor.

Minimize Space, Maximize Access with a Checklist for Packing a Mobile Container

Start with a detailed plan when packing your mobile container. Itemize your belongings for optimum organization. Next, devise a labeling strategy using color-coded or numbered systems to quickly locate items. Now, onto packing. Always place heavier items at the bottom. This not only maximizes space but also enhances stability. In addition, consider packing mistakes to avoid them. Don’t overlook hollow things – use them for extra storage. Also, avoid leaving unfilled spaces. Utilize soft items, like clothes or blankets, to fill these gaps. Finally, maintain a list. It ensures you have a clear idea of each box’s content. Efficient packing equates to easy access and space maximization.

A Comprehensive Guide to Room-by-Room Packing

A successful move begins with good packing practices. Start with the least used room, sorting items into categories: keep, donate, and toss. In the bedroom, pack non-essential items first, and consider vacuum bags for clothing and linens. Additionally, for the kitchen, secure fragile items with packing kits and defrost your fridge. In the living room, handle electronics carefully and use special moving boxes for artwork. Fill any empty box spaces with padding to prevent items from moving during transit. Lastly, packing room by room keeps you organized and ensures every item is packed securely, making moving a smoother process.

person packing books
Pack one room at the time

Effective Techniques for Securing Belongings

When securing items in a mobile container, employ high-quality protective materials. Padding, blankets, and furniture covers are instrumental in preventing damage. Wrap delicate objects in bubble wrap, then line the container’s bottom with a thick layer of packing paper. Next, maintain balance within the container. Heavier items should go in first, providing a firm base. However, avoid overloading one side. This balance helps to minimize risk during transit. Common packing errors can derail your efforts. One major pitfall is leaving empty spaces. Items can shift and collide during movement, leading to damage. Therefore, fill gaps using crushed paper or towels. Lastly, take note of fragile objects. Avoid packing them with heavy items, which can cause crushing.

Handle Excess Packing Materials Responsibly

Every move brings a lot of packing materials. Therefore, you need to handle excess packing supplies. Cardboard boxes, plastic wraps, and packing peanuts pile up, creating a disposal challenge. To begin, consider recycling. Most communities have accessible recycling programs. Check local guidelines to ensure your materials are recyclable. Yet, recycling isn’t the only option. Another step you can take is reusing. Keep packing supplies if you anticipate future moves or need storage solutions. They can be reused, reducing waste and saving money. Finally, don’t forget about donating. Many non-profit organizations and schools can use your surplus. They can transform these materials into valuable resources for projects or storage.

Mastering Mobile Container Management

The first step to secure your belongings in a mobile container is adopting effective loading and stacking techniques. Use heavy items as the base, followed by lighter ones, ensuring stability. Employing padding and dividers can further minimize movement during transport. Keeping track of all packed items is crucial. Make a detailed list of your belongings, documenting their condition and location in the container. Now comes the task of finalizing the packing process. Prepare a checklist with all the items. Cross-verify each with the documented list, ensuring everything is packed as planned. This meticulous process leaves no room for overlooked items. Lastly, carry out a final walkthrough. Check all container corners, ensuring things are secure and ready for transportation.

books on the table
Packing properly is the most important

Your Checklist for Packing a Mobile Container

Begin with a clear plan. Prepare for transportation by evaluating the mobile container’s space. Create a list of items and their suitable locations within the container. Next, secure loose items. Use bubble wrap, straps, or old blankets to cushion your belongings and prevent movement during transit. Now, arrange the pickup and delivery. Contact your transportation service, specify your dates, and confirm all details. It’s crucial to be ready when they arrive. Lastly, remember that your checklist for packing a mobile container is your guide. Stick to it diligently for a smooth, well-organized packing experience. Go forward, confident in your preparation.

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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