PREPARING TO MOVE
Moving is often regarded as one of life’s most stressful events. It can feel overwhelming to juggle the logistics of packing, coordinating movers, and addressing last-minute details while also leaving behind the familiarity of your current home. Unexpected challenges, like delays or misplaced items, can add to the strain. Beyond the physical effort, moving often stirs up emotional stress, whether it’s the sadness of leaving cherished spaces or the anxiety of starting fresh in a new place. With so much to manage, it’s important to stay organized, practice self-care, and ask for help when needed to make the process more manageable.
WE KNOW THERE’S A LOT TO DO!
Preparing for a move begins with careful planning and organization. Start by decluttering— decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss to simplify packing and reduce what you’ll need to transport. Create a timeline to tackle tasks in stages, such as packing, notifying utilities, and scheduling moving services. Begin packing non-essential items first, labeling boxes by room to make unpacking easier. If you’re using a moving company, book them early, especially during busy seasons.
As moving day nears, pack a “first night” box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, basic kitchen items, and coffee supplies. Update your address with banks, employers, and schools, and set up mail forwarding through the post office. These small steps help ensure a smoother transition to your new home.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR SUGGESTIONS...
SIX WEEKS BEFORE CREATE AN INVENTORY SHEET of items to move.
RESEARCH MOVING OPTIONS. You’ll need to decide if yours is a do-it-yourself move or if you’ll be using a moving company.
REQUEST MOVING QUOTES. Solicit moving quotes from as many moving companies and movers as possible. There can be a large difference between rates and services within moving companies.
DISCARD UNNECESSARY ITEMS. Moving is a great time for ridding yourself of unnecessary items. Have a yard sale or donate unnecessary items to charity.
PACKING MATERIALS. Gather moving boxes and packing materials for your move.
CONTACT INSURANCE COMPANIES. (Life, Health, Fire, Auto) You’ll need to contact your insurance agent to cancel/transfer your insurance policy. Do not cancel your insurance policy until you have and closed escrow on the sale.
SEEK EMPLOYER BENEFITS. If your move is workrelated, your employer may provide funding for moving expenses.
Changing Schools. If changing schools, contact new school for registration process.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE CONTACT UTILITY COMPANIES. Set utility turnoff date, seek refunds and deposits and notify them of your new address. See the utility instructions in this document.
OBTAIN YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS. Contact your doctors, physicians, dentists and other medical specialists who may currently be retaining any of your family’s medical records. Obtain these records or make plans for them to be delivered to your new medical facilities.
PROTECT JEWELRY AND VALUABLES. Transfer jewelry and valuables to safety deposit box so they can not be lost or stolen during your move.
BORROWED AND RENTED ITEMS. Return items which you may have borrowed or rented. Collect items borrowed to others.
START PACKING. Start the next chapter of your journey with ease by packing up your home in an organized, efficient manner to ensure a smooth move.
GETTING EVERYTHING ORGANIZED
ONE WEEK BEFORE
PLAN YOUR ITINERARY. Make plans to spend the entire day at the house or at least until the movers are on their way. Someone will need to be around to make decisions. Make plans for kids and pets to be at the sitters for the day.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Visit USPS for change of address form.
BANK ACCOUNTS. Notify bank of address change. Make sure to have a money order for paying the moving company if you are transferring or closing accounts.
CANCEL SERVICES. Notify any remaining service providers (newspapers, lawn services, etc) of your move.
KEEP PACKING. Make sure to label all boxes with the room that they should end up to make it easier when you start to unpack.
TRAVEL ITEMS. Set aside items you’ll need while traveling and those needed until your new home is established. Make sure these are not packed in the moving truck!
FIGURE OUT TRASH PICKUP DAYS. Trash and recycling pickup days differ from neighborhood to neighborhood. Seattle.gov/util/myservices/garbage/ lookupcollectionday/
GET A PARKING PERMIT. Ensure a hassle-free moving day by securing a parking permit in advance for easy access to your home during the move. https://bit.ly/no-parking-reservations
MOVING DAY
REVIEW THE HOUSE. Once the house is empty, check the entire house (closets, the attic, basement, etc) to ensure no items are left or no home issues exist.
DOUBLE CHECK WITH YOUR MOVER. Make sure your mover has the new address and your contact information should they have any questions during your move.
VACATE YOUR HOME. Make sure utilities are off, doors and windows are locked and notify your real estate agent you’ve left the property.
USPS FOR ADDRESS CHANGE moversguide.usps.com
DMV FOR ADDRESS CHANGE: www.dmv.org/wa-washington/change-address.php
WA VOTER REGISTRATION
Register, Update and Learn What’s on Your Ballot https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx
KING COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION
www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/how-to-vote/ register-to-vote/change-my-address.aspx
PIERCE COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION www.piercecountywa.gov/6572/Register-to-Vote
SNOHOMISH COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION https://snohomishcountywa.gov/1967/Voter-Registration
THURSTON COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION www.thurstoncountywa.gov/auditor/Pages/ elections-voter-reg.aspx
CREDIT CARD COMPANIES (including department store cards)
LENDERS (mortgage, home equity, auto,student loan)
INSURANCE COMPANIES (health, renters, auto, home, medical, dental, disability, life)
RETIREMENT (pension plans, 401K, retirement accounts, Social Security)
INVESTMENTS (investment agencies and brokers)
HEATING OILS (gas, oil, propane or other fuels)
WATER (water delivery and/or treatment)
SEWER
WASTE DISPOSAL & RECYCLING
INTERNET (land line, wi-fi and satellite)
TELEVISION (cable or satellite TV)
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
IRS
PASSPORT OFFICE
VETERAN AFFAIRS
UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE (if you are currently receiving unemployment)
HUMAN RESOURCES
UPDATE PERSONAL MARKETING & WEBSITES (business cards, websites)
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES (temp agencies and recruiters)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS (licensing and certification boards)
PAST EMPLOYERS (for W-2)
HEALTH PHYSICIANS (doctors, dentists, optometrists, etc.)
PHARMACIES
HEALTH INSURERS (HMOs, DMOs, agencies and brokers)
SERVICE PROVIDERS
CABLE COMPANY
PHONE COMPANY
HOUSECLEANING SERVICES
ADDRESS CHANGE CHECKLIST
DELIVERY SERVICES
ACCOUNTANTS
CHILDCARE (day-care center, baby sitters)
LAWN CARE SERVICE
VETERINARIAN (including pet groomer, pet sitters, and microchip service)
POOL SERVICES
LAWYERS
AUTOMOBILE
AUTO INSURERS (insurance agencies and brokers)
AUTO LENDERS
(car dealership, bank or loan place)
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES (changing your vehicle registration)
MEMBERSHIP CLUBS (AAA or similar)
PARKING PERMITS
WARRANTY (if a car warranty is still in place)
TOLL PASS (Fast Lane, EZ Pass)
HOUSE OF WORSHIP (churches, synagogues, mosques)
HEALTH CLUBS
COMMUNITY GROUPS (PTA, neighborhood associations)
CHILDREN’S EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (classes, lessons, sport clubs)
CHILDREN’S SCHOOLS
SOCIAL CLUBS, COMMUNITY CENTERS
NEWSPAPERS
MAGAZINES (The USPS will only forward magazine subscriptions for two months)
MOVIE SUBSCRIPTIONS (streaming services or other)
BOOK AND MUSIC CLUBS
AIR MILES REWARD PROGRAM
REGISTER TO VOTE!
PICKING A COMPANY FOR YOUR MOVE
HIRING MOVERS
Hiring a moving company can make the often stressful process of relocating much smoother and more efficient.
Professional movers bring expertise in packing, lifting, and transporting items safely, ensuring your belongings are handled with care. They also save you time and physical effort, freeing you to focus on other aspects of the move, like settling into your new home or managing paperwork.
Many moving companies offer additional services, such as furniture assembly and storage options, providing flexibility to meet your specific needs. Plus, with insurance coverage often included, you can have peace of mind knowing your valuables are protected during the journey. Remember to always check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) to check out ratings and reviews as well.
QUESTIONS TO ASK MOVERS:
Are they properly licensed?
Do they have experience with my specific type of move?
What kind of liability coverage do they offer?
Do they have references?
How can you communicate with the driver during the move?
Do they have a cancellation policy?
What forms of payment do they accept?
Do they have a deal if I pay cash?
MY CLIENTS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES:
BigFootMovingService.com
SeattleProfessionalMovers.com
BudgetMovingWA.com
SeattleMovers.com
Super-Friends-Moving.com
NOTE: Tipping movers is a nice gesture for a job well done, so it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
MAKE A PLAN
Before boxing up your things, figure out a timeline for the packing process. Pack all non-essentials first. These include items you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move, including books, home decor items and electronics. Pack essentials last. These include kitchen items, dinnerware, clothing, toiletries and any other items you’ll need in the days leading up to the move.
HOT TIP:
Pack a “first unpack” box with a few kitchen essentials (coffee maker), medication, sheets, towels, shower curtain. Some sellers take the shower rod by accident so make sure that is in place for your first night in the home.
DONATIONS
The less you have to move, the better – so start the pre-move purging process early. Begin by deciding which belongings you wish to donate. You can call your local Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill to schedule a pick-up for larger furnishings, free-of-charge. Also, a local charity that I support, Mary’s Place, takes many household items.
HOT TIP:
Don’t forget to save any and all donation receipts for tax season.
TALKIN’ TRASH
After moving into a new home, it’s important to figure out the trash and recycling pickup schedule for your neighborhood. Pickup days can vary widely depending on location, so check with your local waste management provider or ask neighbors to find out when your collection days are.
HOT TIP:
You can ask a neighbor or scan the QR code below to find out when your trash day is, or sign up for trash pickup.
HOT TIP:
You can check out an internet hotspot from the Seattle Public Library so you can have internet when you move before the cable company comes to set up your system. You can reserve in advance of your move:
SPL.org/using-the-library/ reservations-and-requests/ reserve-a-computer/computersand-equipment/spl-hotspot
UP AND MOVING
DON’T PACK
Avoid packing hazardous items like bleach, aerosols, or propane tanks on a moving truck due to safety risks. Keep perishables, valuables, and important documents with you, and avoid transporting plants, as they may not survive the journey. Check your moving company’s restrictions to ensure a smooth move.
LOCK IT UP
Many people like to change the locks on their new home. The former owners may have given keys to neighbors, contractors or family. It is usually between $150-$300 per door depending on what kind of locks you have. If changing all the locks sounds like too much for you, try installing an additional deadbolt instead.
SAFETY FIRST
When moving into a new home, ensure your safety by checking that all carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms are properly installed and functioning. Test each device, replace old batteries, and confirm they meet current safety standards. Regular maintenance of these alarms can provide peace of mind and protect your household from potential hazards.
HOT TIP:
Make sure to separate the following from your packing boxes: aerosols, charcoal, cleansers containing bleach or ammonia, fertilizer, lighter fluid, nail polish remover, oil or gas of any sort, paint cans, pesticides and poisons.
HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
12550 Stone Avenue North | Seattle
8105 Fifth Avenue South | Seattle
HOT TIP:
Here are some locksmith companies I use often and highly recommend: WatsonSecurity.com SeattleLocksmithSecurity.com
HOT TIP:
Make sure that you have fresh batteries on hand as you move in to make the process easier.
LINKS & INFORMATION
I’M HERE TO HELP
You can set up your accounts in advance, but you will need to call them and let them know your closing date. I suggest putting aside a business day one or two days after closing and setting up all your accounts. Most utilities have mobile meters and the final utility bill will be issued through escrow to the seller. If you don’t have mobile meter reading, let me know and we will walk you through reading your meters. The only company that will shut off your utilities within ten days of not registering a new account is gas with Puget Sound Energy. And, as always, please let me know if you have any questions.
KING COUNTY
ELECTRIC- SEATTLE CITY LIGHT
http://www.seattle.gov/utilities/services/my-account/ moving---open/close
WATER- DISTRICT 20
https://kcwd20.epayub.com/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F
SEWER- VALLEY VIEW
https://www.valleyviewsewer.org/
GARBAGE- WASTE MANAGEMENT
https://www.wm.com/us/en/user/register
GAS- PUGET SOUND ENERGY
https://www.pse.com/start-stop-move/start-stop-move
ONLINE MAIL CHANGE
https://moversguide.usps.com
SEATTLE/BURIEN
SEATTLE PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SEATTLE CITY LIGHT
Water, Sewer, Garbage & Electric
https://myutilities.seattle.gov/eportal/#/
GAS- PUGET SOUND ENERGY
https://www.pse.com/start-stop-move/start-stop-move
ONLINE MAIL CHANGE
https://moversguide.usps.com
SHORELINE
SEATTLE PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SEATTLE CITY LIGHT
Water, Sewer, Garbage & Electric
http://www.seattle.gov/utilities/services/my-account/ moving---open/close
SEWER
https://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/ public-works/wastewater-utility
GARBAGE
https://www.recology.com/recology-king-county/shoreline/
GAS- PUGET SOUND ENERGY
https://www.pse.com/start-stop-move/start-stop-move
ONLINE MAIL CHANGE
https://moversguide.usps.com
NEIGHBORHOOD INFO
DISCOVER YOUR NEIGHBORHOODPARKS AND ACTIVITIES
https://www.seattle.gov/parks/
NEIGHBOR GUIDE- VISIT SEATTLE
https://visitseattle.org/things-to-do/neighborhoods/
P-PATCH COMMUNITY GARDEN PROGRAM
https://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/p-patch-gardening
BLOCK PARTIES - MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS
https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/permits-andservices/permits/play-streets-and-block-parties
BLOCK WATCH - COMMUNITY-BASED CRIME PREVENTION
https://www.seattle.gov/police/crime-prevention/blockwatch
SEATTLE MAGAZINE - NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES
https://seattlemag.com/best-neighborhoods/
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
TOOL LIBRARIES - BORROW YOUR TOOLS!
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/waste-services/ garbage-recycling-compost/solid-waste-programs/ ecoconsumer/tool-libraries
FREE TREE PROGRAM - CITY OF SEATTLE
https://www.seattle.gov/trees/trees-for-neighborhoods
SEATTLE WEATHERIZATION AND REPAIR PROGRAMS
https://www.seattle.gov/housing/homeowners/ weatherization
KING COUNTY RAIN WISE PROGRAM
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/waste-services/ wastewater-treatment/programs/rainwise
FREE GARDEN WORKSHOPS AT SEATTLE
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
https://www.spl.org/programs-and-services/learning/ garden-hotline
ARTS & CULTURE
TOUR PUBLIC ART
https://seattle.gov/arts/programs/public-art/public-art-artist-roster
TEEN TIX - GIVING TEENS ACCESS TO 100+ ARTS ORGANIZATIONS WITH $5 TICKETS
https://www.teentix.org/
DIVE INTO CULTURE - ARTS FUND GRANT WINNERS
https://www.artsfund.org/about-arts-fund/arts-groups-we-support/
EXPLORE SEATTLE’S NEW WATERFRONT
https://waterfrontseattle.org/waterfront-projects/alaskan-way
GET TO KNOW YOUR
NEIGHBORHOOD
SARAH’S HELPFUL TIPS
MOVING INTO A NEW HOME IS A MILESTONE filled with a mix of emotions—excitement for a fresh start, nostalgia for the place you left behind, and anticipation for what lies ahead. It’s an opportunity to create a space that reflects your personality and meets your needs, turning an empty house into a warm, welcoming home. While unpacking and organizing can feel overwhelming, it’s also a chance to declutter and arrange things in a way that sparks joy and efficiency. Take time to familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood, meet the neighbors, and explore local amenities. Embrace this transition as a time for new beginnings and endless possibilities.
RESIST THE URGE... ...TO START UNPACKING IMMEDIATELY
TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Instead of diving straight into unpacking, take some time to unwind and acclimate to your new surroundings. Give yourself a chance to explore your space, breathe, and settle in mentally. Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep to recharge your energy. With a fresh perspective and renewed stamina, tackling the boxes the next day will feel far more manageable and even enjoyable. Remember, pacing yourself is key to creating a smooth and stress-free transition.
PACK A FEW FIRST DAY ESSENTIALS...
BASIC CLEANING SUPPLIES , including paper towels, sponges, and allpurpose cleaner
TOOLS like a hammer, wrench, screwdriver, and nails to make small adjustments or repairs
A COUPLE ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS and over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen
ADHESIVE BANDAGES
DISPOSABLE DINNERWARE AND TRASH BAGS to make meal clean-up a breeze
COFFEE MAKER OR TEA MAKING SUPPLIES
HELPING YOU FIND HOME
Sarah Rudinoff LEAD BROKER
AWARDS and DESIGNATIONS
Member of Agents of ChangeA guild of real estate professionals committed to making a sustained difference supporting unsheltered communities at Mary’s Place in Seattle. (marysagentsofchange.com)
8 Year Winner - Seattle Magazine’s Best in Client Satisfaction, awarded to 7% of King County Realtors®, nominated and awarded by recent buyers and sellers.
2020 - Top 5% in sales for office, Best in Client Satisfaction feature in Seattle Magazine, raised $37,500 for Mary’s Place
2019 - Top 5% in sales for office, Best in Client Satisfaction feature in Seattle Magazine, raised $15k for Mary’s Place, hosted benefits for over 5 organizations, hired a licensed assistant
2018 - #1 agent in the office in sales, featured nationally in Top Agent Magazine, raised money for Mary’s Place and Windermere Foundation
2017 - Moved to Windermere Mount Baker - Top 5% of agents in sales, two Mary’s Place benefits
2014-2016 - President’s Elite Award - Top 5% in sales in the company
2007-2013 - President’s Gold Award - Top 10% in sales
2009 - President’s Elite Award - Top 5% in sales - #1 agent in office
v2005 - Distinguished Rookie of the Year – Madison Park Office
ABR - Accredited Buyer’s Representative
ASP - Accredited Staging Professional
Growing up on the island of Kauai in a family of real estate brokers, I knew one day I might join the ranks of the family business. Becoming a broker in 2005, I now have one of the most unique and varied client bases in the city- from tech workers to artists to retirees. Real estate evolves and changes every week but what remains the same is that everyone wants to be heard and my business is built on a foundation of rock-solid communication with every client.
Having a soft spot for first time buyers, I have worked with hundreds of people to align their desires and budgets to win in a competitive market as well as negotiate for the best deal in a buyer’s market. On the listing side, I maximize proceeds for my sellers by intelligently preparing homes to show them at their best. Marketing is knowing your audience and telling them a compelling story, I create a custom plan and narrative for each home.
I also believe the real estate journey can be fun and I have been nominated by clients for Seattle Magazine’s Best in Client Satisfaction award each year since 2009 and have won eight times.
I have had a long-time commitment to donating 10% of my net income to organizations that bring more equity to Seattle including Mary’s Place, the Duwamish Tribe, BLM King County, Treehouse, the Boys & Girls Club among others. We are also making new commitments to craft a world of shared power by creatively re-shaping unjust systems within housing and creating more opportunities for BIPOC buyers in the region. I also am an artist and am very active in the arts community as a performer and patron- I have hosted benefits for the Henry Art Gallery, Seattle Art Museum, Velocity Dance Center and On the Boards.
I own a home and garden in West Seattle and am an agent at the Windermere Mount Baker office where I have an excellent team of colleagues and executive support.
WELCOME HOME
Now that the home is yours, there’s a lot to do. Here are Sarah’s top suggestions for your first week in your new home:
SAFETY FIRST: Upon purchasing a house, your initial priority should be to replace the locks, update garage codes, and secure all entry points. It’s crucial to prevent the previous homeowners from having access to your home.
CONNECT THE UTILITIES: Ensure that you contact all essential utility companies such as water, gas, and electricity before your move-in date. This proactive step will facilitate a seamless transition and guarantee access to vital amenities as you settle into your new home.
TO-DO LIST: Review your inspection report (if applicable) meticulously and identify any required repairs that the previous owner wasn’t obligated to address. Subsequently, prioritize these projects based on their significance. Address critical safety and functionality repairs as a priority, followed by cosmetic fixes.
GET COMFORTABLE: Familiarize yourself with your new home by taking the time to learn the layout and functionality of its various components. Identify essential features such as circuit breaker switches and the water shut-off valve. Additionally, ensure you know how to access areas like the attic or crawl space. Acquiring this knowledge early on will contribute to your comfort and confidence in navigating your new living space.
CELEBRATE: Buying a new home is a significant accomplishment worthy of celebration. Whether you choose to host a grand housewarming gathering with friends and family or prefer a more intimate dinner in your new dining room, be sure to commemorate this major milestone in a way that feels meaningful to you.
