Top 5 Tips for Moving to Portland

 
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Take the stress out of your move with these top 5 tips for moving to Portland.

When you think about moving, what comes to mind? For me, it is anxiety, heavy lifting and the mystery of a duffle bag that disappeared somewhere between Beaverton and Gladstone.

In the past 12 years, I’ve moved around the Portland area five times. Now that I’m older, and a bit wiser, my next move will be made easier with the help of these tried-and-true tips.

Here are 5 tips to make moving to Portland easier. 

Top 5 Tips for Moving to Portland

1. Understand the Neighborhoods

Before making the move to the Rose City, consider what neighborhood you want to live in. As you start planning your move, list out your priorities and look for a Portland neighborhood that meets your needs.

Whether you’ve lived in or near Portland or you’re new to the area, chances are you haven’t fully explored all 90+ neighborhoods. Each one has its own unique amenities and community vibes.

There isn’t a right or wrong neighborhood to live in, but considering the special needs of you and your family can make for an easier transition.

Portland neighborhoods have lots of access to parks, local shops and restaurants. Whether you want amenities walkable or drivable may be an important factor in choosing where you call home. If possible, spend a day exploring neighborhoods or use Google Maps to scope out the best places within a neighborhood.

If you plan on using public transit, consider locations near a bus stop or MAX Light Rail station. This will make your carless commute much easier, especially on rainy days.

If you have kids, research school districts and kid-friendly activities, such as indoor and outdoor playgrounds, museums, libraries, and childcare. If you have dogs, look for locations close to dog-friendly parks or doggie day cares. Portland is very dog-friendly and many restaurants have outdoor patio spaces where dogs are welcome.

No matter what you’re interested in, chances are you can find it in our awesome city. Best of all, you may be able to live near it in Portland!

2. Plan for the Weather

I remember a friend telling me she got rid of all her coats before moving to Portland because the weather is so mild. Well, the truth is the weather is typically mild, but there are times when you’re going to want layers.

Summers in Portland are dreamy. The sun is shining and there’s tons of outdoor activities. Plants are in bloom and trees are at peak foliage bringing beauty to every street. Head to any vantage point and you’ll spot Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens standing as awe-inspiring backdrops to our beautiful city. Spring brings incredible blooms and fall bursts into cozy colors. Yet any Portlander will tell you, the winters take some getting used to. 

While we don’t get feet of snow or below zero temperatures, we have rain. Lots of rain. And with rain comes gray skies and a deep yearning for sunlight. On the bright side of the dreary days, temperatures are relatively mild. We’re also a short drive from Mount Hood for fun in the snow and the beach, which can make for a surprisingly cozy, scenic winter escape.

My advice: Stock up on vitamin D and make a list of all your favorite indoor activities around the city. It’s a great time to explore museums, find new brunch spots and go to movies at cheap theaters across town.

Once spring hits, you can brag to your family and friends in other parts of the country about green grass growing and plants blooming in late March.

3. Inform Important People and Groups About Your Move

Chances are every service you use has your address on file. Make sure you submit a change of address with the United States Post Office. This ensures your mail will be forwarded to your new address while giving you time to update information with individual companies.

Another step you’ll want to take is canceling or transferring any services in your current home or apartment. This includes home internet and cable services, meal kit delivery, dog walking, housekeeping, etc.

If you have kids, notify school officials of your move. You’ll also want to begin the enrollment process with the new school, which includes transferring records from their old school.

If you have a pet, talk with your veterinarian about making an easy move to a new home as well as recommended vets they may know closer to your new home. They’ll be able to offer tips for a successful transition, and medication for pets who get overly stressed by change.

When moving my grandmother’s cat–who hadn’t been in a carrier since being spayed many years before–her vet suggested a calming spray for her kennel. It helped her relax and even helped her to nap for part of the journey. Plus, it brought my grandma and me peace of mind knowing we were making the trip a little easier on her feline friend.

It goes without saying you’ll want time with nearby friends and family before you leave, even if you’re only moving an hour away. Plan for quality time with the people you love. You may be able to make it a packing party!

4. Pack Smart

Decluttering is a crucial step to moving. Purge unnecessary items to lighten your load, reduce moving costs and optimize space in your new location.

Next up is packing. Whether you’re planning to pack up yourself or letting professional Portland movers take on the tedious task for you, it is essential to have proper packing supplies to protect your items.

Ideal packing supplies include properly sized boxes, padding and wrapping, and labels. Instead of buying all these items, ask your neighborhood Nextdoor or Facebook group for supplies. You’d be surprised how many people have a surplus of sturdy boxes and packing materials in their garages.

Storage bins are another great option. Costco has reasonable prices on bins along with Fred Meyer and other big box stores. Around back-to-school and the New Year, these stores usually offer discounts on bins. This is another good item to ask for in community groups. Keep in mind, you won’t want to pack bins so full that you can’t easily move them.

While the do-it-yourself approach to packing may seem like the path of least resistance when moving to Portland, but it is physically demanding and emotionally stressful. Consider hiring a company to help, or finding friends and family willing and able to help.

5. Find The Right Moving Company

Who you hire to help can make or break the moving experience. Redefyne Moving & Storage is here to make your transition as smooth as possible with exceptional customer service. For the past 10 years, this Portland company has served the local and long-distance community with unmatched customer service.

Redefyne Moving specializes in affordable moving, packing, unpacking, and relocation services for residential and commercial customers. Their staff has undergone extensive training and brings knowledge and experience to handle and care for your household items.

The local small business has crafted innovative and carefully planned strategies to keep your items protected during every step of your move. They use the best moving trucks, supplies and equipment along with a streamlined inventory process for you to avoid losing your things in the process.

Best of all, Redefyne Moving believes in cost-effective services. This honest moving company offers the most affordable moving packages you’ll find in and around Portland. You can request add-ons and extra services at reasonable prices.

Redefyne Moving invites you to sit back and let them do the heavy lifting for you.

Planning a big move is never easy, but being prepared for moving to Portland with these tried-and-true tips can help you through every step of the process.

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