Leaving Washington State: Tips for a smooth transition to a new country

Leaving Washington State is a big decision for any local living in the area, and while moving to another country is an exciting event it is also stress-inducing for a lot of people. There are so many thoughts running through your head about all the tasks you need to accomplish before, during, and after your move. And while hiring one of the trusted international shipping companies Seattle residents recommend can make your job easier, a lot of these tasks still fall on you. To help you achieve a smooth transition to a new country, here is an overview of all the vital steps to take during cross-country relocation.

Before leaving Washington state

Before hiring international movers Seattle has, and leaving Washington it would be highly useful to either thoroughly research or better yet, visit the state you are moving to. This will help smoothen the transition since you won’t be completely unfamiliar with your surroundings once you arrive.

Research and try to visit your new state

If you don’t have enough time or money to visit the state in person, luckily there are numerous online sources that can help you out. You can use Google Maps to see the exact location of neighborhoods and workspaces you’re considering. Secondly, you should read about experiences from locals about living in the area. Using different websites can help you learn about livability scores, crime rates, demographics, amenities, or living costs.

Decide on a moving budget

Moving is a big financial burden, especially if you’re relocating to another state. Before leaving Washington State you should set a moving budget you’re able or willing to spend on relocation. Whether you plan on executing a DIY move or hiring professional movers, it can be really costly. The best way to form a budget is to go through the individual costs of each moving necessity and get an approximate price of the relocation. And, if you decide to hire professional movers and packers Seattle offers, you can get a free moving quote and see if it fits your budget.

Consider living cost differences

Another step to take while budgeting is to consider any changes in living costs. You should calculate housing expenses, car insurance, mortgage, health expenses, groceries, and other necessities you will need to save for before you move. Using online calculators can be a great option for budgeting. Additionally, unless you’re moving to a state without income taxes, you will need to pay taxes for both states. It may be a good idea to hire an accountant for the first year to help you deal with taxes, especially if you’re moving your business.

Find a job

Unless you’re working remotely, finding a job before moving to a new state would make the transition a lot more secure. You should research job opportunities and average salaries so you know what to expect. It is great to start applying for jobs as early as possible to have enough time to get ready. On the other hand, if you’re leaving Washington State for a job, you’re employer may be willing to cover some of your moving expenses.

Find housing

One of the most obvious tasks to get done before moving is to find housing. You have multiple options to choose from, whichever state you’re relocating to. First and foremost, you should research the real estate market in that city, how competitive it is, and what are the average prices of homes and rentals. If you’re looking to buy a home, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a long process that could take quite some time.

Renting an apartment in the meantime can be a good solution. Overall, as soon you start looking for housing the better. Additionally, hiring a real estate agent can help you find the best housing for your needs.

Find a school for your children

If your kids are going to school, finding schools in your new neighborhood is important to before moving out of state. Especially if you have to relocate during the school year. If you’re flexible while choosing neighborhoods, you might want to prioritize finding a good school and choose a neighborhood according to the proximity to the school.

Orgizining a move to a new country

Hire reputable cross-country movers

Moving to a different state requires a lot of time and energy, as well as detailed planning. However, professional movers can handle all the necessary moving tasks so that you don’t have to lift a finger. On the other hand, not every moving company is the right choice. If you do hire movers you need to make sure they specialize in long-distance and cross-country relocation.

Luckily, Washington has an abundance of quality and reliable moving companies that you can choose from. Making sure the company is licensed and insured will ensure the safety of your belongings during the process. Keep in mind that moving services Seattle has cost an average of $4,980 for a distance of 1000 miles.

Hire a shipping company

A moving company may not be the best option for your needs. If that’s the case, you will need a shipping company that will safely transport you’re belongings to another state. There are different shipping companies that offer numerous services to choose from. You should get quotes from multiple forwarders and find the one that fits your needs the best. The price depends on the size and the weight of your shipment as well as the distance.

Obtain moving supplies

Before you start packing everything you will take with you after you leave Washington State you need to obtain quality moving supplies. Here are some of the most practical ways to find good materials that will help you safely ship your belongings:

• Purchase from a moving supply store: You can visit a moving supply store in your area and purchase the necessary supplies such as moving boxes Seattle movers use, packing tape, bubble wrap, etc.
• Online shopping: You can also purchase moving supplies online from websites such as Amazon, U-Haul, and Home Depot.
• You can find free packing supplies in recycling centers: Many recycling centers offer free boxes and packing materials for reuse. This option not only saves money but is also environmentally friendly.
• Local stores: You can also check with your local grocery store, liquor store, or furniture store to see if they have any boxes available for free. These boxes may not be specifically designed for moving, but they can still be useful.
• Ask friends and family: Lastly, you can also ask friends and family if they have any moving supplies they can lend or give you. They may have recently moved and have leftover supplies they no longer need.

Pack carefully

Start packing as early as possible, ideally a few weeks before your move. This will give you enough time to sort through your belongings, declutter anything you don’t need, and pack everything carefully. You will have to sell, throw away, or donate items after decluttering. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking easier and faster. There are great online tutorials for packing everything from appliances to glassware to use if you don’t have any previous experience. Last but not least, consider hiring professional packers if you don’t feel comfortable enough to do this yourself.

Clean out your storage

If you’re moving out of state for good, it is time to clean out your storage unit. A lot of storage facilities will give you guidelines on how to do so. Additionally, in some Seattle storage units, you need to leave them in the exact condition they were in once you rented them. Thus, contacting the company is a required measure. Also, you need to let them know once you empty the storage unit. Afterward, it is your job to decide whether you’ll declutter these belongings or pack them for shipping.

Tips for adjusting after relocation

One of the first things on your to-do list during the first week of living in a new city should be to take a walk around the neighborhood. Getting familiar with your surroundings is what’s going to ease the transition after leaving Washington State.

Explore your neighborhood

Use this time to explore the city, but focus on your neighborhood. Find local grocery stores, farmer’s markets, pharmacies, and other useful amenities in the area. Ideally, now is the time to figure out the best commute to your workplace and your child’s school. If you have a pet, taking him out for a walk will help you find all the parks where locals spend their time, thus making you more comfortable with the area.

Find a new family doctor

Unfortunately, health is an unpredictable thing, and while finding a trusted healthcare provider for your family may not be the first thought that crosses your mind after leaving Washinton State, it should be. You should use online reviews and resources, as well as in-person recommendations for reliable and knowledgeable doctors in your city. Finding a primary care physician for the whole family should be a priority, but if someone has an illness they battle with you will also need a specialized doctor as soon as you arrive.

Get a driver’s license and register your car

In order to transfer your license your car needs to be registered. Different states have different deadlines, but they range from a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 30. Registering your car needs to be done in person at your local DMV office once you arrive. However, keep in mind that you need to have insurance in the state you want to register your car in, therefore purchasing insurance should be a priority upon arrival.

Additionally, your vehicle may need an extra inspection in order to get registered. Checking your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle regulations will help you find the exact rules for the state you’re in. After your car is registered and insured you can easily transfer your driver’s license.

Register to vote

Once you change your address you also need to transfer your voting registration since you can’t be voting from two places. You can do this in three ways. By going to an office in person, via mail, or by filling out an online form. Unless you’re moving to North Dakota since you don’t have to register to vote in this state. In all the other U.S. states you need to register two to four weeks prior to the elections after leaving Washington state.

Secure your home

Securing your home is an important aspect of ensuring the safety of you and your family. Start by installing a security system. This includes alarms, cameras, and monitoring services from a reputable provider. Next, make sure all doors and windows have sturdy locks and use them consistently. Think about installing deadbolts or security bars for additional security. Consider using smart home technology such as smart locks, doorbells with cameras, and remote monitoring to increase your home’s security. Aside from securing your home from the outside world, if you have a baby consider baby-proofing your home as soon as possible.

Have a safe move!

While leaving Washington State and moving to a new country requires a lot of time and effort, it is worth the excitement of starting a new chapter of your life. If you focus on completing the crucial moving tasks you don’t have anything to worry about. Just make sure to try and stay calm, and take enough time to plan and achieve everything you wish before leaving. That is the best way to have a successful relocation!

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.