Moving is stressful so…if you’re moving to Seattle, here are 5 things you must know before arriving:

5. Weather

It’s notoriously cloudy and drizzly, and don’t say that “R” word which rhymes with and reminds you to–refrain. Seattle sees more cloudy days annually than sunny days on average. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hold the title for the cloudiest city in the country, the undisputed champ is Pittsburgh, PA. Best advice is to develop a positive relationship with the weather upon arrival because you will have to walk and exercise in the drizzle. That’s why its important you maintain that it’s a–drizzle–and not the “R” word for the sake of your sanity and everyone around you who trying to keep a perfect positive precipitation relationship.

The amazing thing is you will appreciate and never take the sun for granted. On sunny days, Seattleites are always in swarms at the magnificent city parks or at the numerous national parks in the surrounding area. The greatest dog park in the world is located at Magnuson Park. It’s a massive off leash park with trails that lead to an off leash beach, and it’s because Seattle is a city that will spoil our furry family members with open access to dog friendly breweries and open patio spaces. The amount of awesome people you will meet and amazing things you can do in the city outweigh a little drizzle.

4. Break-ins A.K.A Car Prowls

“Out of sight, out of mind”, it’s your new motto every time you leave your car. Meaning keep your shit with you and don’t leave it in plain sight for a person to steal it. Within the first week, my beloved significant other moved to the U-District near the University of Washington campus, and the right passenger window was shattered along with her joyful spirit of living in a new city as all her belongings in her car were gone. This crime accounts for half of all property theft that occurs within the city Seattle. Gene Balk from the Seattle Times can give you the detailed facts on why “Nearly half of Seattle property crime involves vehicles; see the risk level near you” which explains everything. Make sure your car is locked and keep it out of sight!

3. Tolls

Tolls are trolls and trolls are tolls. Life in the fast lane sounds exciting, and it empties your wallet. There are no toll booths here, but don’t panic if you pass a toll, you will receive the bill by mail to the registered address for your vehicle. Get Good to Go! , it’s Seattle’s Fast Pass that automates your toll fees. If you are not “Good to Go!” then you are paying double the fees, and if you didn’t change your address when you move with the post office, expect late fees. Get the Good to Go! pass and save money. You can purchase them from Fred Meyer and QFC for your vehicle. Special vehicles such as special windshields and motorcycles can obtain their passes online.

2. Parking

Parking in Seattle is cumbersome task. If you plan to drive somewhere and use street parking, plan ahead. Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before you need to be anywhere using street parking. Seattleites are amongst the top in the nation in devoting time to finding that coveted parking spot. Jessica Lee from the Seattle Times can give you a glimpse of the facts from her article: “Study: Here’s how many hours Seattle drivers spend looking for parking” Revere your available parking spot like a real estate baron eyeing golden real estate. From my experience, expect to spend anywhere between $10-$25 on the high-end of street parking or private garages throughout the busier parts of the city. The paybyphone app is a life saver in time and money. If your meter runs out, you can add more time from anywhere through the app. The app will send you a text before your meter runs out, a a convenient reminder to add more time, which could save you from one of those expensive parking tickets.

1. Traffic

Seattle traffic sucks. Before the pandemic, it was common for people to request to go a couple hours early to work in order to avoid the morning and after-work traffic. Currently, there still is rush hour traffic, but now with more people teleworking it becomes a slight annoyance that will add no more than a few minutes to your daily commute. Whenever the pandemic ends, the Seattle traffic will make its grand return, while most will be stuck in their cars dreaming of the good ole’ days of telework wondering, “Why can’t we still work from home?!”