Moving can be complicated and seem overwhelming. First you have to find a place to live, then you have to coordinate the sale of your house/ end the lease on your apartment so that everything works out just right and you’re not stuck without a place to live or put your furniture. Let’s say you’ve already found the perfect place, here are a few tips and reminders that will make your move go smoothly:
Book your rental truck / Moving company early: Some times of the year or of the week are busier than others. If possible, try to move during the week when most people will be at work or in school. You’ll have an easier time with traffic if you’re moving around within Seattle.
Get enough boxes: You can never have enough boxes. Remember that you’re going to be carrying these around a lot, so don’t pack them too tightly or make them too heavy.
Make some good friends if you don’t already have some: You can’t do it all by yourself and it makes the pain of moving more bearable if you have someone to commiserate with. Don’t forget to thank them profusely/ offer to help them move the next time they do.
Forward your mail: This seems obvious but it’s easy to forget about something like mail that comes automatically to your house everyday. Take time to think about the little things: water, electricity and garbage bills that need to be settled, prescriptions at pharmacies that need to be transferred, etc.
Make sure you have enough quick cash: There are always surprise expenses when you’re moving like extra bubble wrap or a pizza for the movers. Keep extra cash around during this time so you don’t get stuck.
Don’t be afraid to purge your belongings: Even though you always start your move trying to be organized, by the end you just want to put all your belongings on the lawn and drive away to your new home. Take a preemptive strike and look around for all the things in your house you haven’t used in a while or you want to get rid of and have a yard sale a few weeks before you move. This way you’ll have less to move and you might avoid getting rid of something you really like or need in a fit of exhaustion.
Don’t try to do it all in one or two days: Moving takes time. Start early. Pack boxes slowly, starting with the things you don’t need everyday. Clear a space in your house where you can store these packed boxes so they’re not just sitting all over the house causing stress.
We hope this helps in your journey to a new home. Remember to visit Seattle.net frequently for information on your new neighborhood, events around town, contests and much more.
