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Moving from one state to another comes with its challenges, especially if it’s your first time relocating. Whether you’re moving for a new job, to be closer to family, or to experience life in a new part of the country, being prepared for the move can help ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.
Of course, some interstate moves can be more exhausting than others. For example, if you are a Houston resident and got an exciting opportunity for your dream job in Seattle, the move is just around the corner. With over 2,300 miles separating these two cities, there are several considerations as you plan your interstate move. From packing and transportation to finding the right neighborhood and adjusting to a new climate, there are plenty of factors to consider when moving from Houston to Seattle. This article provides 10 preparation tips.
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When relocating from Houston to Seattle, it’s best to hire a professional interstate moving company. They can handle physically transporting your belongings and offer a range of additional services to help make the moving process smoother and less stressful.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy and efficient moving company for your relocation, check with the movers around your area or consider visiting https://www.colemanallied.com/areas-served/moving-from-houston-to-seattle/ to get a free quote. Great moving companies offer various services, including packing, transportation, and storage, and have years of experience with interstate moves. They are also familiar with the regulations and requirements for moving across state lines and can help ensure it complies with all necessary laws and regulations.
Infographic provided by Careful Movers, a go to company for long distance moving services
Researching the new area before moving interstate can be incredibly helpful. It can help you get familiar with everything from the local culture and customs to neighborhoods and communities.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the cost of living. You should know how much you’ll have to spend on essentials like food, shelter, and other expenses. Research before moving to save yourself from surprises and to set your budget.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the pending tasks. However, breaking them down into manageable chunks and giving yourself a realistic timeline will make the process smoother.
One way to create a timeline is to start with your move date and work backward. For example, if your move date is in six weeks, you could break it down into weekly goals. Focus all your energy on decluttering stuff one week and pack non-essential items in another.
Of course, everyone’s timeline will be different based on their specific circumstances. For example, you may need more time if you have many items to move. You may also need more time when moving with pets if you need to get them vaccinated or collect their health certificates.
Decluttering before a move is the perfect opportunity to dispose of items you no longer need, use, or want.
You can take one room at a time. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s probably safe to say you won’t miss it.
You can turn it into a game with your family or friends to make the process more fun. See who can fill up a box of items to donate or sell the fastest.
Depending on the number of rooms and people, you may need about 60 to 100 boxes. It may seem like a lot, but with planning and organization, you can make the packing process a breeze.
Start by packing items you won’t need before your move, such as out-of-season clothing or extra linens. Label your boxes to make unpacking easier. Use plenty of packing materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, or even old newspapers to cushion breakables like dishes, glassware, and knick-knacks. You can also consider investing in specialty packing materials like dish barrels or mirror boxes for extra protection.
Packing an essentials bag is a life-saver when you’re moving interstate. The last thing you want is to rummage through boxes looking for a toothbrush or a change of clothes on the first night in your new home.
Think of your essential bag as a survival kit for the first few days in your new place. Pack items such as toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, important documents, and any medications you may need. You may also want to include snacks and bottled water if you don’t have time to stop at a grocery store.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when moving interstate, often resulting in forgetting things. Creating a checklist can be extremely helpful in such cases.
A checklist can help you break down the tasks into manageable steps and ensure you don’t miss anything. Customize it to fit your specific needs and timeline to allow you to stay on track and increase productivity.
Moving to a new state is not cheap, and setting a budget is essential; otherwise, you may lose track of your expenses and overspend.
Setting a budget can also help you prioritize your spending and allocate funds to other aspects of your move, such as hiring a reputable moving company, packing materials, and travel expenses. Plus, it can give you a sense of control and peace of mind during a time that can be very chaotic.
Imagine arriving at your new home, exhausted from the long drive, only to find that you have no electricity or water. Not exactly the best way to start in your new place.
Notifying your utility company beforehand can avoid this frustrating scenario and ensure you have all the necessary utilities up and running when you arrive. Inform them to cut off the utilities after you move to save energy or water at your previous home.
One of the last things to consider is updating your address. It ensures you’ll receive all your important mail and packages like bills, bank statements, or subscription charges at your new address.
This way, you can prevent the hassle of tracking missing packages or important documents. It can also protect you from identity theft and reduce the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.
It’s almost inevitable to deal with some surprises during a long-distance move. However, creating a comprehensive plan can help minimize those issues and help you tackle any unexpected ones relatively effectively.