Getting ready to make a move can seem overwhelming. Our advice is to take it one step at a time. It is easy to accomplish those steps separately as opposed to trying to do everything at one time. So where to start? How do the steps line up to create a smooth move? Click on the relocation link above for information on hospitals, culture, weather, taxes and the local Chamber sites.
1. Where is the destination?
You have to decide where you want to live. Determine a target area and then talk with a realtor. Why?
- You need to understand traffic in the area, commute times, school districts, local real estate pricing, accessibility to the lifestyle you desire, communities that fit your sense of comfort and needs. Seasoned realtors are your best source to all this information. You can read it, see pictures, and think that you know all about what you have researched BUT, you don’t live there and you have not had the experiences that bring “true” knowledge.
2. Make a decision as to whether the furniture and other large items are to be moved.
- Be realistic. If an item can be replaced for 500 dollars and it costs you 500 dollars to move it…your best bet is to decide if you REALLY want to keep it.
- Large items may not fit in your new space.
- Furniture and decorator items may not be the decor that works in the change of living environment. Florida beach, floral and pastel ambience does not work in a rustic cabin style home.
- Furniture can be damaged in transport. The longer the trip, the more likely the damage.
- Our suggestion is if it isn’t something that you love, let go and replace it.
- If it is an expensive, one of a kind piece or a piece that can not be replaced easily, then take it.
MOVERS PRICE LOADS BY EITHER: WEIGHT, INTERIOR SPACE USED IN THE MOVING VESSEL OR BY ROOM COUNT
3. Make a decision as to how you want to move what you are taking?
- You can rent a truck and do it yourself, Hire a moving company, Buy a tow trailer, then sell it when the move is over, or if you have a “ship to” address, UPS clothes, and small items.
- RENT ENOUGH SPACE TO MAKE THE MOVE IN ONE TRIP. Remember that driving multiple trips, and or flying back and then driving a second trip can often make your move more expensive than it has to be.
- Drive or ship your car? If you have a car salesman that you have a relationship with, ask him/her to shop rates for car shipping. That’s probably going to be your best shipping rate. Remember that driving your car, can take days of your time, and be costly in hotels, motels and eating out. Everyone’s situation is different; know your car, your ability, and the “true cost” as you make your decision.
Here are some websites and phone #’s for your convenience. Always work with facts so that you are not surprised with extra costs that you did not factor into your move.
Budget Truck Rentals
U-Haul
Budget Van Lines 1 (800) 611 6001.
MoveX 1-800-876-6839
Omega Shipping (go here and get the rotating #’s on the site)
Neighbors Moving and Storage 1 800 431-1939
Global Movers
American Movers 1 800 982- 0130
National Transport LLC Car Haulers 1 800 665-5022
Internet-Trailer.COM 1 866 787-2453
FindaTrailer.com
These companies are posted here as a time saver to you…..They are by no means the “only” ones available. We recommend that you always investigate any company on your own to your satisfaction before contracting to do business with them.
4. Set your dates.
- Target date for leaving
- Target date for being all packed and ready
- Target date for garage and yard sales
- Target date for newspaper adds
- Target date for arrival
- Target date for having all information that you need for schools, medical, written prescriptions, insurance, CONTACT numbers etc. Put it together in one bag that stays with you.
Make reservations or plans to stay somewhere when you are all packed and ready to move.
Tell your realtor when you will arrive and what you will need for a living residence. In Washington, your realtor can find you a rental or a sale property.
Your realtor can get pictures of the new school to help your children “look forward” to the new area and experience. Local parks in the area can be comforting as well.
5. Need Storage Space?
Do you need or want a storage space when you arrive? If you are renting an apartment, you might need to put your extra items into storage.
Public Storage 1 877 788-2028
StorageReserve.com
Self Storages.net
6. Are You Driving?
If you are driving to your new residence…..Be sure that you have maps in your car. It’s fun for the family to see where you are and where you are going. The driver sees the GPS, but the rest of the passengers can not. It’s a great geographic learning opportunity for the kids!
Are you traveling with children? Here are some tips.
Put together a bag of activities for them. DVD’s ( maybe a serious for fun…Old ones are good…Little House on the Prairie, Kung Fu, The Waltons, Tool Time, I love Lucy, or perhaps a cartoon series Scooby Doo, Dora, etc. As time goes by, your children will associate the series with a very special time in their life. Color crayons, pencils, pens, note books or paper, zip bag for little souvenirs a diary, their own map etc. Don’t forget some munchies for their bags.
If time and money permit, let the kids pick a place they want to see. Let them mark it on their map.
Give the children some spending money for their trip. Tell them it’s for souvenirs, snacks and drinks…..but has to last them the entire trip.
Plan to travel an extra day if you can. This way, when you are tired or the kids are tired, you can stop and not be stressed.
7. Plan!
GET school shot records, report cards and medical data that you think you might need.
Keep your goal in mind when you sell unwanted items. To get them SOLD. Something is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. If you don’t want it, and it won’t sell for what you want, let it go for what someone will pay.
When you’re moving, you don’t need unwanted items left over for you to figure out the best way to discard them.
8. Research:
- How much will my car license cost me? Where can I get it?
- How much will my car insurance be?
- How much will homeowners or rental insurance be?
- Where should I bank?
Drivers License Information Driver’s License, Vehicle and Boat Registration, Business Licensing
Insurance Contacts:
Allstate
State Farm
MSN Money insurance quotes
Geiko
Nationwide 1 877 669 6877
Local Banks:
Wachovia
Wells Fargo Bank
US Bank
Bank of America
Banks in King County
Banks in Snohomish County
Banks in Kitsap County
9: Hotel/Motel Chains in the area
Before you leave, pick up some chain motel/ hotel books for places you like to stay. On a cross country move, it’s nice to have at your fingertips information that helps you locate your favorite accommodations in upcoming towns.
La Quinta Inn
Hilton
Westin
Holiday Inn
Best Western
Red Roof Inn
Residence Inn
Marriott
Double Tree
10. Do you have a job here?
If you do, let your Realtor know where it is. This is a very large area. Overall, you will enjoy your off time more if you are not sitting in traffic somewhere. He or She will try to help you get close to your work initially.
Are you interviewing for a job? That’s where you will want to get your temporary lodging.
What is available in your chosen field? Here are some sites to explore.
Monster.com
Seattle Times Jobs
NW Jobs
Job Fox
Seattle Biz Journals
Seattle City Jobs
Seattle Jobs
We look forward to meeting you and helping you find the home of your dreams. This is what we do. We love what we do and so will you.
If you have made use of this website, you know that we do our best to help you gather information that will make your move and experience here fantastic!
What else do you need? Just to give me a call and put the wheels in motion.
Here’s the number 1 877 922-2150 Here’s the EASY e-mail!
See YOU soon!
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