Moving to Washington State was both exciting and a bit scary. We looked forward to new adventures, but the idea of relocating without any help was challenging. We quickly saw the need for a solid plan to make things easier. With this move, I learned some valuable tips for simplifying the process, and I’m excited to share our discoveries with other families. I created a handy checklist that will guide you through every step—from organizing your current home to settling into your new one—ensuring that your move is as stress-free as possible. Let’s dive in and make your family’s transition smooth and enjoyable. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
Post Highlights
- Efficient Moving: The Significance of Decluttering
- Key Considerations for Locating Your New Home
- Essential Tasks to Complete Before Leaving Your Current Home
- Crucial To-Do List Following Your Move
- Adjusting to Life in Your New Neighborhood
Efficient Moving: The Importance of Decluttering
When we decided to move to another state, I wish we had allocated more time for decluttering and tackling each room weekly. It was exhausting, especially as the movers' pickup date approached. I would recommend spending at least a week in each room decluttering and packing. Alternatively, you could spend two weeks decluttering before starting to pack.
Where to Donate: When in California
After decluttering, we donated our items to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in California. It was convenient since they offer free pickup, which meant fewer things to worry about.
Finding Your New Home
Moving to another state is a significant life decision that requires careful planning and preparation. It’s important to allocate sufficient time, ideally at least a month, to search for a suitable place to live. When looking for an apartment or a home, consider the following factors:
- Grocery Stores: Ensure there are convenient shopping options nearby for your daily needs.
- Proximity to Workplace: Look for a location that offers a reasonable commute to reduce travel time and stress.
- Recreational Activities: Consider the availability of parks, gyms, or entertainment venues to support a balanced lifestyle.
- Neighborhood Safety: Research crime rates and safety records to ensure a secure environment.
- Public Transportation: If applicable, check the accessibility and reliability of public transit options.
If you have children, additional considerations include:
- Schools: Research the quality and reputation of local schools to ensure a good education for your children.
- Pharmacies: Ensure there are pharmacies nearby for easy access to medications and health supplies.
- Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Proximity to medical care is crucial for emergencies and routine health needs.
- Childcare Options: Research the availability of daycares or after-school programs if needed.
- Community and Social Opportunities: Look into community centers or clubs where your kids can engage in extracurricular activities.
When you find the new home you desire, consider requesting a virtual tour. If you have a friend in the area, ask them to check out the unit and drive around to explore the neighborhood and nearby stores.
Questions to ask during virtual apartment tours
Due to time constraints, we were unable to visit our location in person. We had to rely on a virtual tour and a healthy dose of hope that everything would be fine when we finally arrived.
- Natural Light
- Carpet
- Parking
This is an important aspect for us. Be sure to inquire about parking options, including any additional charges and how they operate for visitors.
- Additional Fees
- Avoid Extra Fees
Ask about setting up automatic payments for your new home. Check your payment options since using a debit or credit card might have fees, but paying from a bank account won't cost anything. This will help you save some money over time.
Essentials After Finding Your New Home
Once you move forward with the application, allocate time to address the following essentials:
Must-Do Tasks Before Moving from Your Current Home
Before You Depart:
These tasks are optional, but we completed them before we departed from California.
Once you move forward with the application, allocate time to address the following essentials:
- Renters Insurance: We opted for Allstate and bundled it with our car insurance. This choice proved to be more economical compared to what the leasing office offered.
- Electricity: After moving to Washington, we signed up with Puget Sound Energy. Don’t hesitate to ask your leasing agent for recommendations on providers.
- Wi-Fi: Inquire with the office about their recommended internet service providers.
- Move-in Funds: Ensure you pay this amount and verify its accuracy. Our leasing office mistakenly listed the wrong date, which could have led us to pay for two weeks when we weren't even ready to move in yet.
- Sign Contract: Take the time to thoroughly read your contract and clarify how you will pick up your keys, especially if your arrival time is after office hours.
Must-Do Tasks Before Moving from Your Current Home
Before You Depart:
- Disconnect power
- Cancel water service
- Terminate Wi-Fi
- Decide whether to maintain your mobile service or switch to a new plan upon arrival
- Schedule a dental appointment: Ensure you utilize your health insurance benefits before leaving
- Complete your annual health visit: Confirm that this is only done once a year, as coverage typically applies to one visit per year
- Visit the car mechanic for maintenance
- Enjoy a final meal at your favorite restaurant
- Spend quality time with family and friends
Don't forget this:
- Set up and apply for power service at your new residence: This is essential to ensure that there is electricity upon your arrival. It was quite simple for us, as we completed our setup online before relocating to Washington.
Relocating to Washington State: "The Greatest Family Adventure!"
While waiting for the movers and our car transport, we rented a car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to get around our new area. Enterprise is convenient because there’s usually a location near airports in the U.S., so you can take a Lyft or walk to pick up your car. They also offer kids' car seats, which we always request to avoid the trouble of bringing one on our trips, both in the U.S. and abroad.
If you're moving to Seattle, Washington, there's a free shuttle outside the airport to the rental car services. It's great because we don't have to worry about taking a cab to the rental office, especially since we didn't bring our kids’ car seats. This made our move to Washington State even better.
Important To-Do List After Moving
After relocating to Washington, there was an overwhelming number of tasks to tackle. Having a checklist was incredibly helpful to keep me focused, particularly while unpacking, managing two kids, and preparing meals. There's always a risk of overlooking important tasks when relocating to a new state.
Key Tasks to Complete in Your First Month
Application Checklist:
Address Change Checklist:
For Your Driver's License
For Your Vehicles
- Apply for utilities: Power and Water
- Set up new home internet service
- Apply for new phone service
- Obtain new car insurance: Please note that requirements vary by state. We selected Allstate Insurance and bundled it with our renters insurance, as they provided an excellent and affordable deal.
Address Change Checklist:
For Your Driver's License
- Update your address for your driver's license.
- Register for a new driver's license in your new state
- Change the address for your cars.
- Register your vehicles and obtain new plates.
For Your Mail and Finances
- Update your mail forwarding with USPS.
- Change your address with your bank.
Settling into Your New Neighborhood:
- Explore the neighborhood by driving around
- Purchase essential home items
- Familiarize yourself with key landmarks, such as grocery stores and hospitals
Healthcare Providers:
- Look for a new dentist
- Locate a new doctor
- If you have children, find a new pediatrician
If you have a business: Application for a New Business License
- Begin by registering at https://secure.dor.wa.gov.
- Once you receive your license, proceed to cancel your business in California.
- Don't forget to inform the IRS by mailing the necessary form.
Our move to Washington State was indeed the greatest family adventure, filled with challenges and triumphs. We hope our experiences and tips provide you with the guidance needed to make your transition as seamless as possible. I wish I had access to such a resource during my own move, but I'm thrilled to offer it now to families embarking on their exciting new journey out of state. Here's to new beginnings, exciting discoveries, and the warmest welcome to your new home.
May your move be as rewarding as ours!
This post might also help you: Step-by-Step Guide to Packing for a Stress-Free Move: Room by Room Tips and Strategies
Have fun and be safe ^__^
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