If you have come to the conclusion that you have to move, there are certain things to consider to make the process easier. Moving in Seattle does not have to be a stressful process if you have properly prepared. You should know what to expect so there are minimal surprises.
The first thing to consider when moving in Seattle is home prices in the area. Whether you plan to buy or rent, you should know the average price of a home. This will help you determine whether you can afford to buy or if it a better financial decision to rent. Every area has a different housing market that is always changing, so you need to do the necessary research to make sure you do not overpay for a home.
You should also consider any added expenses you might have when moving in Seattle. If you are moving from a warmer climate to a cooler more rainy climate, you will need different clothing. Also, your heating and cooling costs could differ and might cost more overall, so you need to budget for that. Taxes and insurance might also be more expensive and looking into them before you move is a smart decision so you do not have sticker shock upon moving.
When it comes to taxes, income tax or sales tax could greatly differ in the area you will be moving to. Some states do not have these taxes while others have a relatively high rate. This should be a consideration because it will cost you more money while living there.
Another thing to consider is the crime rate and education. You should look into the crime rate for the area and try to get into a part of town that has the lowest crime rate that your budget allows. If you have children that will be educated in the public school system, you should look at test scores and ratings of the schools in that area. This might be a deciding factor on what location you choose.
It can take a lot of out of pocket expenses to move. It costs money to hire a truck to move or to have someone to move your belongings. And then there are small costs like turning on utilities. You should prepare and budget for all of these added expenses to make sure you do not break your bank.
