Every week I talk to people relocating to Washington from California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and all over the country. Some are moving for work. Some want a lifestyle change. Some are moving closer to family. Others are simply ready for something different.

And while I spend a lot of time helping people figure out where they want to live in the Greater Seattle area, I’ve learned that the actual logistics of moving can feel just as overwhelming as buying or selling the home itself.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and have lived in the Seattle area for more than 40 years. I’ve personally moved multiple times and helped countless clients relocate to communities like Bothell, Edmonds, Kirkland, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Seattle, Bellevue, and beyond.

And here’s what I can tell you: moving out of state has a way of exposing every little organizational weakness you didn’t know you had.

The good news? It does not have to be chaotic.

Here are seven smart tips that can save you money, stress, and a lot of unnecessary frustration.

1. Create a “Parts Box” You Can Access Immediately

This is one of the most overlooked moving tips.

Your parts box should be the last thing loaded onto the truck and the first thing unloaded.

This box should include:

• Screwdrivers
• Allen wrenches
• Furniture screws
• Hardware bags labeled by furniture item
• Box cutters
• Tape
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Chargers
• Flashlights
• Medications
• Pet Food
• Anything you need your first night

If your movers unload your bed frame and you cannot find the screws to reassemble it, you’ll understand why this box matters.

Trust me, sleeping on a mattress on the floor after a long move gets old fast.

2. Plan Your Move Earlier Than You Think You Need To

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to book movers.

During peak moving seasons, trucks and moving companies book quickly.

This is especially true if you’re relocating:

• During summer
• Around school transitions
• At month-end
• During corporate relocation periods

The earlier you reserve your moving company, storage containers, or rental trucks, the more options you’ll have and the better pricing you’ll typically secure.

I tell clients to begin planning their move as soon as they know relocation is likely.

Even if your timeline shifts slightly, it’s better than scrambling at the last minute.

3. Consider Temporary Storage Options

Sometimes your move-out date and move-in date do not line up perfectly.

This happens more often than people realize.

You may sell your home in one state before your new home closes in Washington.

You may need temporary housing while searching for the right home.

You may be building a new construction home that is not finished yet.

Portable storage containers can be incredibly helpful during these transitions.

Companies like PODS and U-Haul offer flexible options that allow you to store your belongings temporarily without creating unnecessary stress.

Having a backup storage plan gives you breathing room.

And breathing room matters during a move.

4. Set Up Utilities Before You Arrive

This sounds obvious until it gets forgotten.

And yes it happens more often than you’d think.

Imagine arriving after a long drive only to discover:

No electricity
No water
No internet
No trash service
No heat

Not ideal.

Before moving, ask your Realtor, landlord, builder, or property manager for a complete list of utility providers.

In the Seattle area, utility providers vary significantly depending on the city.

For example:

Seattle utilities look very different from utilities in Bothell, Edmonds, or Woodinville.

Make sure everything is scheduled before your arrival date.

5. Create a Smart Box Labeling System

This is the step people underestimate until they’re standing in a garage surrounded by 60 identical boxes.

Here’s the system I recommend to clients:

Label the Side of every box

This helps while you’re packing.

Label the End of every box

This is just as important.

Why?

Because once movers stack boxes, you want to be able to see the labels.

If only the top is labeled, you’ll spend hours opening random boxes trying to figure out what’s inside.

Include BOTH:

Room Name
Example:
Kitchen
Primary Bedroom
Living Room
Office

AND

Contents
Example:
Kitchen Plates
Bathroom Towels
Living Room Books
Office Cables

This helps movers place boxes in the correct room and makes unpacking dramatically easier.

Your future self will thank you.

6. Be Extremely Careful Choosing a Moving Company

This one can become very expensive if you choose poorly.

I’ve seen people choose the cheapest quote only to regret it later.

Low quotes can sometimes mean:

Delayed delivery
Hidden fees
Shared trucks
Damaged belongings
Poor communication

Read reviews carefully.

Check the Better Business Bureau.

Ask detailed questions:

• Is this a dedicated truck?
• What happens if delivery is delayed?
• Are there additional fees?
• Are your belongings transferred to another truck?
• What insurance coverage exists?

Saving a few hundred dollars upfront can cost thousands later.

7. Declutter Before You Move

This is one of the biggest money-saving tips.

Do not pay movers to transport things you no longer want.

Before packing:

Sell furniture
Donate unused items
Host a garage sale
Discard broken items
Evaluate oversized furniture

That massive dining table, old treadmill, piano, or bulky furniture piece may not make sense in your next home.

The less you move, the less you spend.

And the easier your unpacking process becomes.

Bonus Tip: Build Flexibility Into Your Closing Timeline

If you’re selling a home in one state and buying in another, avoid trying to schedule both closings on the exact same day.

Delays happen.

Lenders get backed up.
Wire transfers get delayed.
Paperwork issues arise.
Travel takes longer than expected.

Give yourself a small buffer.

A hotel for two nights is far less stressful than becoming temporarily homeless.

What People Moving to Washington Ask Me Most

Many of my relocation clients ask:

What neighborhoods fit my lifestyle?
How bad is traffic really?
Which suburbs have the best schools?
Should I rent before buying?
What’s changing with light rail expansion?
What areas offer better long-term value?

These are smart questions and often have very different answers depending on whether you're considering Kirkland, Bothell, Mill Creek, Edmonds, Seattle, or Bellevue.

That’s where having a local expert matters.

I help people not just buy homes—I help them make smart lifestyle moves. 

FAQs About Moving Out of State

How much does it cost to move out of state?

Costs vary based on distance, home size, and whether you hire full-service movers. Cross-country moves often cost several thousand dollars.

How early should I book movers?

Ideally 6 to 8 weeks in advance, and even earlier during summer.

Should I rent before buying in a new state?

Sometimes yes, especially if you want time to explore neighborhoods before committing.

What should I pack separately?

Medications, important documents, chargers, valuables, and daily essentials.

Is moving to Seattle worth it?

For many people, yes. The lifestyle, outdoor access, career opportunities, and strong long-term housing demand continue attracting buyers.

Thinking About Moving to Washington?

Whether you’re relocating from across the country or simply moving across town, having the right strategy makes the transition much smoother.

I help buyers, sellers, downsizers, and relocating families move with clarity—not chaos.

Cheryl Dillon Real Estate
Greater Seattle Real Estate Advisor
Serving Bothell, Edmonds, Kirkland, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding communities

📞 425.954.5622
📧 Cheryl@CherylDillonRealEstate.com
🌐 CherylDillonRealEstate.com

Experience matters. Advocacy matters more. And real estate should feel a lot less stressful than most people make it.