Things To Know About Moving From the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest

by oregonpdxin Cross Country MovingLeave a Comment on Things To Know About Moving From the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest

No move will ever be perfect. It doesn’t matter if you’re relocating to a famous city or a humble town in the countryside. One thing remains certain: you’re going to have to make trade-offs on aspects like quality of life, budget, the environment, weather, culture, or the people around you. And if you’re moving from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest, there’s a ton of changes you’ll have to expect. But fear not, for you’ve come to the right place. Imperial Moving, one of the best moving companies in NYC, shares everything you need to know about your upcoming relocation.

The Weather’s Different

Of course, it is! No surprise since you’re used to the climate from the other side of America. But how exactly different is the weather in the PNW? Well, Seattle’s gray skies can’t be denied, for sure. Even if rainfall isn’t heavy enough to pose a danger, it’s consistent enough to cause inconvenience.

However, the Emerald City isn’t the only one struggling with rainy weather. Generally, the Pacific Northwest is one of the wettest regions in the country. That area includes the entire Washington State, Oregon, and Idaho. Precipitation levels in some areas average 7 feet — just 2 feet less than the Amazon rainforest!

If you’re a sun-worshipper, living here will be challenging. You’ll have to add vitamin D supplements to your expenses since many days, the sun barely peeks through the clouds. But if you’re an indoor person who loves snuggling up in bed, this place might feel like paradise!

You Get to Enjoy a Beautiful Environment 

Persistent showers aren’t that bad. You see, centuries of wet climate have molded the landscape and given birth to plenty of natural attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Hike along Mt. Rainer National Park’s diverse trails that provide views of massive waterfalls, ancient groves, and campgrounds. Not to be outdone, Mount St. Helens offers paths where you can explore the ruins of the last eruption on May 18, 1980. Not a fan of trekking? You can enjoy vast greenspaces of thick forests in North Cascades National Park. If you’re a water-lover, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with Puget Sound’s striking waterfront, relaxing shores, and memorable ferry rides. Honestly, all the parks and attractions on the East Coast don’t hold a candle to the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.

Expect a Dip in the Cost of Living

There’s no denying that the East Coast is home to some of the country’s most expensive cities, such as Washington, D.C, NYC, and Boston. With the insane prices in those areas, almost anywhere else will provide a breather for your budget. Pair that with the fact that most of the cities in PNW feature living costs that are 10-20% lower than the national average. However, don’t expect everywhere to be cheaper. According to bestplaces.net, Seattle is only 8.6% cheaper than NYC. On the other hand, Portland is 20% more affordable than Seattle but still 30% higher than the national average.

Not as Diverse as East Coast

When it comes to ethnic diversity, New York City is the king, which is no surprise given its history as an immigrant city. Big Apple’s influence attracts people from all over the globe. Some people are even willing to settle in nearby areas as long as they have quick access to the Capital City of the World. This makes the majority of the East Coast diverse.

So, when you move to PNW, the lack of diversity might come as a culture shock. You’re going to miss bars filled with people from different cultures, talking to strangers, and meeting other races. Almost 60% of the Washington State population is non-Hispanic white, while it’s nearly 75% in Oregon.

Your Fears Will Change

You constantly live in fear of lightning storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes on the East Coast, right? Good news! You won’t have to deal with such hazards anymore in the Pacific Northwest. The bad news? You’ll now have to watch out for earthquakes and wildfires. Yes, you’ve read it right. Thanks to climate change, even the wettest areas of the country are now vulnerable to wildfires.

Additionally, Washington’s Mount St. Helens is still an active volcano. Oh, and did you know? Mt. Rainer is also a volcano, as well as Mt. Hood near Portland. All in all, there are about 14 volcanoes in the region. Although most of them have been inactive for over a century, the threat of an eruption is still very much real.

Excellent Dining & Drinking Experiences

Fantastic food scene? Check! With vibrant flora, good precipitation, and abundant seafood, restaurants in the region have easy access to fresh organic ingredients. There’s no reason they can’t make amazing dishes with that!

Love drinks? Check! Thanks to the gloomy weather, coffee is the perfect pick-me-up anywhere in PNW. In fact, you’ll find almost 278 coffee shops in Seattle and 248 in Portland. Plus, craft breweries are everywhere, supplying the region with quality beer. SmartAsset even ranks Portland as the Best City for Beer Drinkers! Not to mention, the PNW is known for its wine scene; Washington State is the 2nd biggest wine producer in the country.

There are Plenty of Amazing Places to Live 

Moving is no small undertaking. One of the biggest considerations you have to make is the place you’re moving into. It’ll affect your quality of life, from expenses to job opportunities and amenities. Luckily, the Pacific Northwest has no shortage of amazing cities, but that’s what makes the decision tricky. Which one is the best for you? Well, here are some of the most popular areas you should look into:

  • Westlake: Westlake started as a small community with less than 400 people when Boeing first arrived. Now, it’s a large suburban area in the greater Seattle area that continues to grow steadily. Located just 9 minutes north of Downtown, the place offers easy access to all of the big-city amenities and opportunities while providing breathtaking scenery of Lake Union.
  • Bellevue: Looking for a high quality of life, clean surroundings, and plenty of activities for your kids? Then this city is meant for you. Some of the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Bellevue, WA, features low-crime rates, excellent school districts, and lush parks everyone can enjoy. Every year the city hosts many festivals that give your children a chance to interact with their peers while having a fun-filled day.
  • Seattle: Who could forget the ever-famous Emerald City? Located off the coast of Puget Sound, Seattle is the largest city in PNW, with over 700,000 residents. This metro is primarily known for its economic prowess, being on par with the likes of NYC, San Francisco, and Austin. On top of that, enjoy the enchanting coffee culture, a beautiful backdrop of water, mountains, and forests, and a rich history waiting to be discovered.
  • Arlington: With most of the cities above in Washington, Arlington offers a refreshing change of scenery. The city rests in the northwest corner of Oregon, offering breathtaking views of the Cascade mountains, a fresh country atmosphere, and a fantastic music scene. If you want a peaceful way of life away from the city noise, this is definitely a place worth checking out.
  • Steward Gulch: Stewart Gulch isn’t a place you hear mentioned often, but if you want to live in a natural paradise, this is where you should go. With a lower crime rate than that of the U.S average, you can live freely knowing your family is in good hands. Couple this with the affordable housing market, dozens of wonderful attractions, and friendly people. You won’t be disappointed moving there.

Arlington, Oregon

Ready to move? Not yet? Yes, you are! Don’t leave room for doubt. Trust your movers and the process. Jumping from east to west might seem like a daunting task but it’s not impossible. If others have done it, so can you! Plus, there’s plenty to enjoy about living here once you arrive!

Moving to Oregon from Michigan: Expected Cost, Logistics, and More

by oregonpdxin Cross Country MovingLeave a Comment on Moving to Oregon from Michigan: Expected Cost, Logistics, and More

If you are moving halfway across the country, then it is probably safe to assume you have quite a lot of questions. So let’s get started answering them.

Moving Company Or Move Myself?

This is the most critical question you can ask yourself. If you decide to move yourself, you must rent a truck, pack all of your belongings, protect your furniture, hire friends or workers to load and unload the truck, drive it 2400 miles yourself or hire someone to drive it for you. All of this work will be on top of; selling your house, maintaining hours at your job, the responsibilities of your kids, parties with friends to say goodbye and whatever other demands on your time. If you decide to move yourself, you will want to be aware of any road construction, closures, weather issues, and other occurrences like tolls that may affect your route. Pay close attention to the U.S. Department Of Transportation (USDOT).

If you decide to hire a moving company, you can have them handle as much or as little as you like. They will even come in a day or two early and pack up your entire house for you. Though the decision is up to you, it is highly recommended that you hire a reputable moving company if you have anything larger than a two- or three-bedroom house.

While a Google search for the “best moving companies” will yield many answers, but do not be deceived. Google’s rankings can be purchased, and many moving companies do just that. At all costs, try to avoid van lines, they often hire out third parties to do their work if they are overbooked, and are usually of lower quality than smaller private companies.

Moving Costs

The more you are willing to spend, the better the experience you are going to have. Rule of thumb, according to cheapmoversdetroit.com, is to collect at least three quotes from different moving companies. This will give you a good idea of the range you can expect to spend. Of course, your costs will be directly dependent on how much stuff you have for them to move. Translation, the longer it takes, the more money it will cost. Most legitimate moving companies will also offer what is known as transit valuation. This is essentially insurance on your belongings while they are in transit. It is entirely optional, but an excellent idea. Many renters’ and homeowner’s insurance policies cover accidents involved with moving as well, check those policies first.

Most moving companies have a dedicated interstate team. This allows them to pass on savings to you by grouping your shipment into a trailer with many other shipments if space allows. Generally speaking, a three-bedroom house will fill a 26-foot straight truck, the kind you can rent yourself from Penske or Ryder. This, of course, assumes that you have professional movers load the truck. A five-bedroom house, along with all the accruement, basement, garage, shed, patio, etc., is usually enough to fill most of a 53-foot trailer.

The Day Of

The day of your move can be either the most important and most stressful day of the move or the least important and least stressful day of your move. If you were diligent in packing and left nothing loose, you will be in good shape. If you procrastinated, you are going to hate yourself. Most moving companies will sell you boxes and tape and packing supplies. They will even suggest the types of boxes and how many of each you need based on the contents of your home. Often, they do not require you to move with them to purchase packing materials from them. Do not rely on your judgment. Believe it or not, there is a lot of science to moving, and the guys who have done it for a while are truly professional. They know what they are doing, and they take pride in their work.

Costs

It is hard to discuss distinct costs, that is why we suggest you get multiple quotes. It is crucial to keep in mind that local moving costs can differ largely from interstate moving costs. This is because local moves are generally charged on an hourly rate, whereas interstate moves are more regularly charged with a binding estimate. On average, two men could load a three-bedroom house in eight to ten hours.

In the end, moving is all about preparation. Be diligent in the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move, and you will thank yourself thoroughly.

6 Top Tips to Help You Move Safely During the Summer Season

by oregonpdxin Safe Summer MoveLeave a Comment on 6 Top Tips to Help You Move Safely During the Summer Season

Summer is the most popular time of year for individuals and families to move from one home to another. There are a number of reasons for this: The kids are out of school, the weather is nice, and home purchases are the highest of the year.

Despite the advantages of summer home-buying, you will need a few strategies to assure a safe and successful move.

1. Start Prep early

The best time to begin prepping for a planned move is now. The sooner you begin preparations, the more likely you will be completely ready when its time to move.

Early planning and preparations will also decrease stress and provide you with the opportunity to screen the moving services you have to choose from.

2. Pack Well

Packing is a major task on your moving checklist. This will also be the most time-consuming part of the move so do not underestimate how much time you will need to complete the packing process. Start early and work consistently at this goal.

The packing material you need should be purchased early. These materials will be in high demand during the summer months.

3. Be Mindful Of The Heat

The added heat of the summer is a real concern when executing a move during the summer months. However, the following tips are available to you to offset the risk posed from the sun:

  • Work in the early morning – This is especially true if you live in an extremely hot climate. You should begin your work in the A.M. hours before the sun is too hot. Avoid working from 11:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. This is when the heat from the sun will be most intense.
  • Drink Water – You will require more water when performing labor in the heat of the summer. Make sure you drink enough water to replace the fluids you lose.
  • Wear appropriate clothing – Lightweight clothing that is loose-fitting and made of fabric that breathes is suggested.

4. Move Electronic Products In Your Vehicle

In most cases, the back of the moving truck used to transport your goods will not be air-conditioned. Portland moving companies remind customers that the temperature inside these trucks can rise to levels that are dangerous for electronics and other sensitive devices. Some items you would be better off transporting in your personal vehicle would be electronic devices, CDs and DVDs, perishable food products, plants, and any product that could melt in extreme heat.

5. Handle Medications With Care

Many medications may also be damaged and rendered ineffective after an extended period of time in the back of a moving truck. These medicines should remain in your possession. Carry them in the front of the moving truck if driving it yourself. If not, your medications should be transported in your personal vehicle.

Another benefit of keeping your medicines with you is you will not have to worry about tracking them down when it is time to unpack.

6. Ask Friends In Advance

You will probably need a little help from friends and family members. This is especially true if you are planning a complete do it yourself move. Be sure to speak with the people you need well in advance to make sure they are available to you.

The summer months are a great time to move your family to a new home. However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to make sure your move is both safe and effective.

10 Items That Should Not be Loaded Into The Moving Truck

by oregonpdxin Non-Allowable ItemsLeave a Comment on 10 Items That Should Not be Loaded Into The Moving Truck

Millions of people use moving trucks to help them transport their belongings to a new home. While able to hold more than a traditional truck or car, these aren’t designed to take everything you own. It’s important to take into consideration items that shouldn’t be taken onto these trucks before you start loading. This can […]

5 Creative Ways to Save Money For Your Cross-Country Move

by oregonpdxin Creative Money SavingLeave a Comment on 5 Creative Ways to Save Money For Your Cross-Country Move

Planning a cross-country move can be exciting for everyone involved, but it can also bring its share of financial stress as well. To save up some extra money and keep concerns about your budget to a minimum while planning for the big move, take a look at these 5 creative ways to build up your cross-country moving fund.

1. Showcase the old change jar

While this approach might seem dated at first, you’ll soon find that unearthing your old change jar and displaying it in a central location in your home dramatically improves your motivation. Each time you see the change that waits in the jar on your kitchen counter or coffee table, you’ll be encouraged by how far you’ve come and inspired to take it a step further.

To save even more, avoid limiting yourself to just change and set aside single dollars each time you break a larger bill. Above all, make sure your savings are in a place where they’ll regularly inspire you to keep your eyes on your goals.

2. Sell items you don’t need

You can kill two birds with one stone by selling off items that you’re no longer as attached to. Not only will you make a bit of added cash that can go straight into your moving fund, but you’ll be making the moving load lighter as well. Any item that you sell pays for itself twice by earning you some cash and reducing the amount of hauling space you’ll need.

3. Stick to sales and promos

Make a promise to yourself that you’ll only buy extra items if you can take advantage of a sale or promotion. Challenge yourself to only eat out if you can find a coupon and only buy clothing items that are on sale. Treat it like a treasure hunt, and browse weekly ads to plan your meals and purchases around the best possible deals. Afterwards, see how much money you saved and add that amount to your moving fund.

4. Save materials along with money

Don’t just prepare for your cross-country move by saving cash–take things to the next level by saving packing materials as well! Let your friends and family know that you’ll accept any old boxes they’re looking to get rid of and save up boxes for when it comes time to pack. Keep an eye out for boxes that naturally free themselves up when you use up your usual products, too, because each box you save now is one you won’t have to buy later.

5. Start a swear jar

Any habit will do, such as biting your nails or succumbing to the temptations of junk food–but whatever it is, drop a dollar into the jar each time you slip up. You may find yourself getting more mindful of your questionable habits if it costs you a dollar each time you slouch or start biting your nails. Additionally, you’ll build up a nice little moving fund in no time on top of having worked on improving yourself.

To Recap:

Planning for a big cross-country move can certainly be daunting, and many people struggle to come up with good ways to save up for a moving fund. However, these 5 creative methods can help you have fun saving money for your goals and making sure you’re prepared for the big day.