Behind the Scenes of a Moving Day in Seattle

As another busy day in the moving industry begins, teams across Seattle are gearing up. A moving day in Seattle can be as unpredictable as the city’s weather, but with the right preparation, it can also be surprisingly smooth. With its steep hills, busy streets, and a mix of vintage homes and new developments, the Emerald City poses unique considerations for movers. So, let’s strip away the mystery! Get ready for some practical advice and real-world tips from the best movers Seattle has and who know its streets and quirks better than anyone. Regardless of whether you’re relocating to a high-rise downtown or a cozy house in Ballard, we’ll show you what to expect and how to prepare for a successful move in the city.

Pre-Moving Planning (7-6 Weeks Before Moving)

In the weeks leading up to your Seattle move, it’s crucial to lay a strong foundation. This stage involves meticulous planning and organization to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Gathering Moving Supplies

Gather your moving supplies seven weeks before your move. This is the ideal time to contact at least three professional moving companies for estimates. Each moving company Washington has should conduct an in-person inspection or a video survey of your belongings to provide an accurate quote. Understand the type of estimate provided—whether it’s non-binding, binding, or a binding not-to-exceed estimate.

If you’re inclined towards a DIY move, this is also the perfect moment to ask friends and family for help. Securing a truck rental early is advisable to ensure availability. And just in case you plan to drive to your new home, especially for long-distance moves, have your vehicle serviced. This includes checking tires, brakes, and fluids.

Storage Solutions and Packing Strategy

For those requiring storage solutions, this is the right time to explore and reserve a self storage Seattle unit. Choose a unit that aligns with your needs – whether for short-term holding while you settle in or for long-term storage of items you don’t immediately need in your new space.

Next, start strategizing your packing process. This involves deciding what you’ll pack first and what you’ll need up until the move. Begin with non-essential items – things you won’t need in the weeks leading up to your move, such as seasonal clothing, books, and seldom-used kitchenware.

Declutter and Downsize

Decluttering can significantly reduce the stress and cost of moving. Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Consider hosting a garage sale or donating to local Seattle charities. Selling items through online marketplaces can also be an effective way to downsize. This not only makes packing easier but also helps you start fresh in your new home.

Organize Important Documents and Manage Notifications

During this period, you will need to organize essential documents, such as medical, dental, and school records. Ensure they are easily accessible during the move. One of the often overlooked moving day tips is to start keeping track of potential tax-deductible moving expenses if you are moving for work.

Also, don’t forget to contact your healthcare providers and insurance agents to discuss any changes due to your move. If you’re moving to a new city or state, this might mean transferring providers or updating policies. If you have children, inform their current school about the move and start the process of transferring school records. Research schools in your new area to ensure a smooth transition for your children.

Choosing a Moving Approach

When it comes to professional moving services in Seattle, you’re paying for the convenience of a stress-free experience. Expert moving pros take care of everything, from packing to unloading. This is especially beneficial in a city like Seattle, where the weather and traffic can be unpredictable. But this all-inclusive service may come at a premium price.

For a balance between cost and convenience, consider moving containers. You pack at your own pace, and the company handles the transportation. It’s a cost-effective solution that still offers some degree of professional assistance, particularly suitable for those who prefer a bit of control over their moving process.

If you’re looking to cut costs, renting a moving truck might be your best bet. It’s the most labor-intensive option, requiring you to pack, load, drive, and unload. However, this choice offers maximum flexibility and can be significantly cheaper, which is ideal for those comfortable with a hands-on approach.

Booking a Moving Company and Making Pet Arrangements (6 Weeks Before Moving)

As your moving day in Seattle draws nearer, selecting the right moving company becomes a pivotal decision in your relocation process. Note that this decision affects the efficiency and stress level of your move. It also impacts other critical aspects, such as the safe relocation of your pets. At the six-week mark, it’s important to focus on these key areas to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Selecting the Right Mover

Now is the time to finalize your choice of local movers in Seattle. Look for a mover with a reputable standing and specific experience in handling moves in Seattle. It’s important to thoroughly understand their terms of service, including insurance coverage, to prevent any unforeseen issues. These steps are crucial for a seamless move, particularly in a city like Seattle. Here, both logistical challenges and the well-being of your entire family need to be considered equally.

Planning for Pets

For those with pets, this phase also involves making sure that your furry family members are well taken care of during the move. This includes updating their medical records and arranging for their safe and comfortable transport. Making special arrangements for your pets is essential. It ensures their well-being and also helps you reduce the stress associated with moving for both you and your pets.

Packing Strategies (5-4 Weeks Before Moving)

With five to four weeks before your Seattle move, the focus shifts to packing strategies, ensuring a smooth transition while avoiding any last-minute chaos. Begin packing items you use less frequently. This includes seasonal decorations, extra bedding, and books.

As you pack, use a detailed labeling system on each box, indicating its contents and the room it belongs to. This approach not only simplifies unpacking but also makes it easier to find things if you need them before the move is complete.

Essentials Box

Preparing an “open-first” essentials box is critical. This box should contain items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Include basic cleaning supplies like all-purpose cleaners, sponges, dish soap, and paper towels. Don’t forget a small toolkit for reassembling any furniture, and a flashlight could come in handy, too.

Your moving day essentials box should also contain items for basic meals, such as non-perishable snacks, bottled water, a coffee maker with coffee, and perhaps some simple cooking utensils. It should also include a first aid kit and toiletries like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and toilet paper. Personal moving day essentials for each family member, like prescription medications, a change of clothes, and personal hygiene items, are important, too.

Special Considerations for Pets and Kids

If you have children or pets, tailor additional boxes for their specific needs. For kids, pack some favorite toys, books, snacks, and extra clothing. For pets, include food, bowls, a leash, treats, and any favorite toys.

Remember, the essentials box should be the last thing loaded onto the moving vehicle or kept with you during the move to ensure easy access. With these strategies, you’ll alleviate the stress of searching for necessities upon arrival, making your first night after a moving day in Seattle as comfortable as possible.

Last-Minute Preparations (3 Weeks Before Moving)

As you enter the three-week countdown to your Seattle move, your attention shifts to finalizing and refining your moving plans:

• Advance Packing: By now, the majority of your belongings should be packed in moving boxes Seattle offers, and your living spaces may start to look sparse. Focus on the details, ensuring each box is clearly labeled with its contents and destination room. This attention to detail will simplify unpacking in your new Seattle home.
• Meal Planning to Reduce Waste: With moving day approaching, it’s important to start using up perishable food items. Plan your meals around what’s left in your pantry and refrigerator. This not only reduces waste but also lightens your load, making the move a bit easier.
• Address Updates: Begin the process of changing your address. Inform the USPS to redirect your mail to your new address. Additionally, reach out to service providers, banks, insurance companies, and any subscriptions you have. Ensure these changes take effect on or just after your move-in day so you don’t miss any crucial bills or updates.
• Confirm Services and Utilities: Start setting up utilities and services at your new address in Seattle. This includes water, gas, electricity, internet, and cable. Arranging these in advance means you’ll have essential services from the day you move in.
• Inventory Check: Reassess your inventory, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. This is also a good time to set aside items you will need immediate access to upon arrival at your new home, such as cleaning supplies, basic tools, and personal care items.

These steps, essential for a smooth transition, help minimize last-minute surprises and ensure that your arrival in Seattle is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Final Week Preparations

As your moving week arrives, it’s time for the last push to ensure everything is set for your departure:

• Complete Packing: All packing should be finished by this week. Double-check every room to ensure nothing is missed. It’s helpful to have a ‘final sweep’ day dedicated to scanning each room for overlooked items.
• Essentials Accessible: Make sure your essentials box is updated and readily accessible. This box will be crucial during the first night in your new home and should contain items for immediate needs like basic toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, and snacks.
• Confirm Details with Moving Company: Verify the exact time and date of their arrival and provide them with any last-minute updates about your items or location.
• Travel Arrangements: If you’re moving long distances, confirm your travel arrangements. This includes flight bookings, hotel reservations, or any other transportation plans. Ensure that all family members are aware of the travel schedule.

Finally, prepare for your movers. Designate a clear path for movers to work efficiently. Make sure to remove any obstacles that could hinder your moving day in Seattle process.

Moving Day

Moving day is here, and it’s time to execute your well-laid plans following this moving day checklist:

• Loading Supervision: Oversee the loading of your belongings. Ensure that fragile items are handled carefully and that the movers are aware of any items that need special attention.
• Essential Documents and Valuables: Keep essential documents, valuables, and your essentials box with you. This includes passports, legal documents, expensive electronics, and jewelry.
• Final Walkthrough: Before leaving, do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and storage area. This is your last chance to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Leave Your Home Clean: If possible, clean your home or apartment quickly once it’s empty. This is especially important if you’re leaving a rental property and want to secure your deposit.
• Keys Handover: If you’re moving out of a rental, hand over the keys to your landlord or property manager. If you owned the home, ensure all keys are available for the new owners or real estate agent.

Following these detailed steps will help ensure a smooth and stress-free moving day, setting you up for a positive start in your new Seattle home.

Arrival, Unpacking, and Settling into Your New Seattle Home

As soon as you arrive, check each item against your inventory list to ensure nothing is damaged or missing. Following that, tackle the essential post-moving tasks: set up any necessary storage solutions and ensure utilities, internet, and security systems are operational in your new home. Address any pending paperwork, such as transferring deposits or updating insurance policies.

Settling in involves more than just unpacking boxes. Start by arranging your essential items, making your living space functional and comfortable. Gradually unpack and organize the rest, allowing your new place to feel like home. Familiarize yourself with your new Seattle neighborhood and local amenities, exploring what the city has to offer.

Lastly, give special attention to handling high-value items like jewelry and antiques. Carefully manage important documents related to your move, such as the Bill of Lading and inventory lists, ensuring all your belongings are accounted for and properly documented. This holistic approach will help you complete your moving day in Seattle successfully and transition smoothly into your new life.

Why Choose Us

History

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism

We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.