Founded in 1890, Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage 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. The health & safety of our customers, staff, service providers, and local community are paramount and we continue to adhere to all directives from local, state, and federal government agencies.
Although many unknowns still remain, rest assured that Hansen Bros. will be timely and transparent in our communications regarding servicing your moving & storage needs. Our professional relocation consultants will work diligently to offer creative solutions in the event your project is impacted by the current health crisis.

OUR ACTIONS FOR COVID-19

All Hansen Bros. Employees are instructed and expected to follow the guidelines provided by the CDC. This includes:

  • Staying home from work if ill, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or having been exposed to someone with the virus
  • Washing hands frequently with soap or using proper hand sanitizer when soap is not available
  • Maintaining a 6’ social distance from others to the highest degree possible
  • Wearing appropriate face masks when/if requested or required

Hansen Bros. continues to take the following steps:

  • Regularly refreshing and reinforcing prevention guidelines among all staff members to reduce the risk of spreading infection
  • Daily monitoring of staff for symptoms of illness and sending anyone with symptoms home
  • Offering customers the option of contact-free virtual estimate appointments – More Information About Virtual Estimates
  • Following all guidelines and protocols required by Retirement Living Communities, Apartment Complexes, Condominiums, Commercial Buildings, etc.
  • Upon request and at no charge, our crew members can wear masks while performing your move. Please simply notify your Relocation Consultant if this is your preference.

Hansen Bros. requests the following of our customers:

  • If you have a scheduled estimate appointment or booked move, please notify us immediately if you or any members of your household have been exposed to COVID-19, tested positive for COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms including cough, fever, or difficulty breathing. Please rest assured there is NO CHARGE to reschedule your estimate or move due to illness – we will work together to find an alternate date that works for you.
  • Please use disinfectant/cleaner to wipe down commonly touched surfaces, objects, door handles, etc. at your residence.
  • Please make a sink, hand soap, and paper towels available to your outside salesperson and moving crew for handwashing during their time within your home.
  • Please keep all windows open throughout the moving process as this allows for greater airflow and reduces the containment of germs.
  • Please maintain a social distance of 6’ or greater during both your in-person estimate appointment and while moving services are being performed.

Here are some informative and helpful resources about COVID-19:

The team at Hansen Bros. is proud to continue offering our wide range of services in accordance with the necessary precautions outlined above. Whether you are planning to move your household or business down the street, across the country, or around the world, we’re here to make the process seamless & safe for you, just as we’ve done for well over a century!

~Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage  

Guide to moving abroad with cats

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    An international move is a big decision to make and an even bigger task to take on. As complex as it may seem, it becomes even more complicated if your cat is in the picture. A local move is nothing in comparison to moving abroad with cats. All parties involved will go through stress, regardless if they are human or animal. However, if you do your research, and hire international movers Seattle, you’ll have a grand, stress-free time. Just keep in mind that an international move with your pet can’t happen in a single day. Give yourself enough time to carefully plan and consider every minor and major detail of the move. It may seem like a lot to take in, aside from the regular relocation planning and organization. But, your four-legged friends depend on you, so you need to do your absolute best.

    Inquire about the pet import laws of the country you are moving to

    When it comes to pet import rules, some countries are very strict, while others are a bit laxer regarding the subject. No matter where you are moving, you need to get familiar with the rules and regulations regarding pets. Some countries don’t allow certain types of animals to cross the border, while some only allow certain breeds.

    two cats looking out the window before moving abroad
    Preparing your cats for a move abroad demands time, so don’t delay!

    In addition to the rules, you must find out what types of vaccines you need for your pet to be viable for entry. There is also the question of a microchip, which every pet should have, and if there is a quarantine period. If you want to get the most accurate information, you should contact the countries embassy or consulate. It is a good idea to write down the requirements before planning your trip. This is what your pet will require to successfully enter a foreign country:

    • Latest vaccines with paper updates.
    • A health certificate signed by the vet.
    • A microchip. containing your name, address, and contact.
    • A pet passport.
    • Various blood tests. (Note that whether this is mandatory or not varies from country to country)

    Even though best movers Seattle can take care of your home, they can’t take care of your pets. Don’t take your pets to the veterinarian just for the purpose of the trip. Instead, bring them in for checkups often to ensure and long and healthy life for your furry friends.

    Before moving abroad with cats, contact your vet and airline

    Without a doubt, you will want to have your veterinarian on speed dial during your relocation. Call your chosen vet and schedule an appointment. Their say matters the most when it comes to your pet’s long trip. Animals that are of old age, display anxiety, or are sick, usually aren’t allowed to ride in the cargo compartment.

    They will also help you prepare your cats for the flight. This includes getting their vaccines in order, as well as providing you with anti-anxiety medicine, should the need arise. Your veterinarian can also help you figure out the national health requirements and regulations which we discussed previously.

    person filling out paperwork on a desk
    You must have all of the needed paperwork before you move abroad

    The next establishment on your call list should be your local airline. Before hiring movers Bainbridge Island, you need to make sure you’re able to travel. Contact them and ask about the rules and regulations of bringing pets on board for an international flight. There is a good chance that the airline may have different rules which your country of destination doesn’t.

    Also, they can give you added details and information on the type of pet carrier you will need, as well as what kind of documents you need to prepare. If your pet is below a certain weight limit, you can have them in the cabin with you. Of course, they will remain in their carrier, under the seat in front of you.

    Prepare your cats for moving abroad by getting them used to the carrier

    In case you don’t have an airline approved pet carrier, get one immediately. As soon as you get it, start adapting your pet to it. Pets react differently to carriers and might need more time to get used to them. Because of this, you have to do everything you can to get them to develop positive associations with it. The sooner your pet realizes that the carrier is a safe place and stops fearing it, the better. Otherwise, organizing a long-distance move with your pet might become a problem. Gradually get your pet to explore the carrier by feeding it meals and treats inside.

    person petting an orange cat
    Your veterinarian needs to make sure your cats are in good health before the trip

    Over time, add your cats preferred items, such as toys and blankets, inside. Even though to us, a carrier may seem like a limiting, confined space, to a pet it might seem like a safe nook to hide in. It might take some time to reach this level of trust from your pet, which is why it’s important you start early. But once your cats do get comfortable with the idea of a carrier, you’re set for a stress-free move abroad. If they get exceptionally used to the carrier and become fond of it, you can use it even after the move, converting it into their habitat.

    Do one last check to make sure all your documents are in order.

    Before you set out on your adventure of moving abroad with cats, make sure all of your documents are present and valid. This includes records of your pet’s vaccination for rabies or other illnesses, a permit from your veterinarian clearing the animal for travel, and any other documentation demanded by the airline or country for travel and entry.

    To be sure that all of your documents are in order, you can check the requirements on the USDA APHIS website. Make sure there is a signature on every document, and prepare extra copies just in case. Incomplete or missing paperwork can cause delays that you can’t afford. Worse yet, it can cause your pet to be declined entry before the flight, or at customs. However, that shouldn’t even happen, since you’ll come fully prepared.

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