Preparing to move to another state? From packing your belongings to finding a cost-effective way to move, relocating to a new state is no easy task. Here are a few tips to make your move a little easier.
Research schools - Make researching schools in your new Seattle neighborhood a high priority. If you plan to send your child to public school, determine which neighborhoods are associated with your schools of interest.
Budget accordingly - To figure out your budget, start with how much you are willing and able to spend on the move. Then list out all necessary moving expenses. Remember to put a bit of extra money aside for unexpected expenses. Also, if moving for a job, be sure to check whether or not your employer plans to cover part or all of your moving expenses.
Research moving companies - If you do decide to hire a moving company to help with the move, make sure it’s a reliable and trustworthy one. It’s recommend to contact at least three to four moving companies to obtain a quote. Note: movers should perform either an in-person inspection or a video survey of your belongings before giving you a quote. If the mover gives you a quote over the internet without looking at your belongings or gives you a quote that seems too good to be true, sound the alarm. These are two major red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.
Cheaper Moving Alternatives - You can rent a portable moving container that will cost less in the long run. These moving containers also double as temporary storage containers when moving. Renting a portable moving container for an out of state move may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 per month, however, the cost depends on the rental duration and size of the container.
A second alternative is to rent a moving truck and drive your belongings to the new state yourself. Not only are truck rentals a big money saver when it comes to moving, but they’re also easy to come by. Several truck rental options to choose from include U-Haul, Budget, Enterprise and Penske.
Strategic packing plan - Before boxing up your things, come up with a timeline and plan for packing. Pack all non-essentials first. This includes anything you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move, including books, home decor items, and electronics. Pack essentials last. These should include kitchen items, dinnerware and toiletries. To make your packing easier, donate items you won’t need in the new home to a local Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill. Be sure to pack all important documents and records in a separate clearly-labeled box.
Schedule and Transfer Utilities - Before you move, be sure to contact your utility companies to let them know you are moving. Utilities include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite, and security system. If you already have an address in Washington, go ahead and schedule a transfer or installation date.
Forward your mail - Fortunately, forwarding your snail mail is easy and can be done well ahead of time. All you have to do is go to USPS.com and choose the date you wish to begin forwarding your mail.
Establish domicile in the new state - Once you move, you’ll need to establish legal domicile for tax purposes. After moving to Washington you will need to make it your main place of residence, you’ll need to establish legal domicile for tax purposes. You can check out the laws here, Department of Revenue.
Get a new driver’s license - You’ll need a new driver’s license from the Washington State DMV. In the state of Washington, you have 30 days to register your car. Keep in mind that while requirements for transferring a driver’s license vary from state to state, you’ll most likely need a driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of your social security number and an additional form of identification.
Purchase a pet license - In the city of Seattle it is required to register your pet. This is mainly to ensure that animals receive their necessary Rabies shots for public safety purposes. You can register your pet with Seattle.gov.
When using Scott Haveson as your Seattle Realtor he makes it his top priority to help you navigate buying a new home with exceptional service, with the highest level of integrity. Scott’s focus is on the individual needs of each client – to listen, to offer expertise and wisdom, and negotiate on your behalf. If you’re ready to buy a new home in the greater Seattle area, contact Scott Haveson today!
