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5 Things to Know Before Moving to Seattle

A view of the Seattle skylineThe city of Seattle, Washington has an incredible draw for people looking for a fresh start. In recent years Seattle has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. It's not hard to see why with the surrounding beauty and great career opportunities! Before making a move to Seattle, find out more about this great city and learn how portable storage containers can simplify your move.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Seattle

> Beautiful Surroundings - It is called the Emerald City for good reasons! Not only is Seattle the gem of the Pacific Northwest, but the city and surrounding areas are filled with greenery all year round. The light mist and daily drizzles Seattle is known for encouraging lush green space growth, even in the winter, due to all the evergreen trees in the area. Seattleites love spending time outdoors in nature, especially during the mild summers. Striking views of the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound to the east and the towering Cascade Mountains to the west are the highlight of any day spent outdoors. Even better than spending the day soaking up nature is spending the day outside with your dog. Seattle is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the nation. It’s not unusual to see dogs at restaurants, cafes, and even a handful of workplaces. There are tons of dog parks, dog-friendly establishments, and dog meetup groups to seek out. Nature loves Seattle back as being environmentally sustainable is a huge part of the lifestyle for residents. Reusable bags are encouraged, hydroelectric energy use is widespread, plastic utensils and straws are banned, and recycling/composting is mandatory within the city limits.

> Food and Drink Scene - Who doesn’t love delicious food and specialty drinks? You will find the best of both in Seattle! This area is a food lover’s dream offering diverse dining options taking pride in farm-to-table dining and fresh seafood. When you prefer to cook at home, local farmer’s markets and health food stores can be found in abundance making access to healthy foods more convenient than ever. Being known as the “coffee capital of the country,” each of Seattle’s neighborhoods has its own specialty coffee shops. If you are heading out after work for a drink, numerous taprooms and breweries are scattered throughout the city that offer creative craft beers. In addition to the great beer scene, Seattle is close to two areas of Washington that are known for their vineyards and top-notch wine production. Some of this enthusiasm for wine spills over into the fine selection of wine bars in the area.

> Career Development - The job market has been booming in Seattle. Many Fortune 500 companies have made their headquarters in Seattle, especially in the technology, engineering, aerospace, medical, and travel industries. New businesses are constantly being born in the area as it’s a great place for start-ups. The greater Seattle area is home to the headquarters of companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, Microsoft, Nordstrom, and Alaska Airlines.

> Educational Opportunities -The public schools and higher learning opportunities in Seattle reflect the passion for learning in the area. Three of the most prominent universities in Seattle are the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, and Washington State University.

> Cost of Living - It’s helpful to compare living costs in Seattle with your current location before moving. Cost of living refers to how much you’ll pay for essentials such as rent and groceries and extras such as dining out and entertainment. If you are relocating to a more expensive area, your salary won't go as far. There are many online cost of living calculators to help you figure out what your salary needs to be in the Seattle area.

Ready to Move to Seattle?

Most people don't realize exactly how much stuff they own until it's time to move. Every situation is unique, meaning a one-bedroom apartment could have as much stuff to store or move as a five-bedroom house! 1-800-PACK-RAT offers a space calculator to help you estimate the number of portable storage containers you might need to move or store your belongings. Simply choose the quantity and type of furniture you wish to move or store, and this tool will help to visually show you how much space it will take up in the container. The more accurately you fill out the space calculating tool, the more accurate the recommendation. 1-800-PACK-RAT’s portable storage and moving containers offer ultimate flexibility at a predictable cost for local and long-distance relocations as well as for temporary or long-term storage. All on-site storage containers feature barn-style doors and ground-level design, making them easy to load. And we know how precious your belongings are, which is why our portable storage containers are all-steel and weatherproof.

1-800-PACK-RAT is here to take the stress out of your move allowing you to focus on your new life during this exciting time! Whatever your moving and storage needs may be, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes it simple.