Settle Into Yelm: The Perfect Moving Prep Guide
When you decide to move to Yelm, it can be a bit stressful trying to figure out all the logistics of planning your move and finding ways to settle into Yelm before you arrive. Whether you’re moving to a different state, downsizing, or relocating for a job, a well-thought-out plan can help your move go smoothly!
Our blog from Daffodil Storage will provide essential tips for preparing for your move, including packing advice, moving day tips, information about Yelm, and tips on how self storage can help make your move a breeze.
Moving to Washington State
Where is Yelm, Washington?
Yelm, WA, is a small, close-knit community with a vibrant history in Thurston County. Incorporated in 1924, nearly 50 years after the arrival of settlers, Yelm is located just half an hour south of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and half an hour southeast of Olympia, WA. This family-friendly city features parks, outdoor activities, and beautiful nature to appreciate daily.
Just an hour south of Seattle, Yelm offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and serenity between Capitol State Forest and Mount Rainier National Park. Whether you want to hike, camp, or fish, this area presents a delightful array of activities for everyone. Embrace the chance to relax, soak in breathtaking natural beauty, and find your perfect moment of tranquility.
The Weather in Yelm, Washington
In its temperate climate, Yelm, WA, experiences mild summers and cool, wet winters. High temperatures can reach 80° F, while lows can drop to 30° F. As is typical in the Pacific Northwest, Yelm receives an average of 48 inches of rainfall annually, with about 168 days experiencing precipitation.
Depending on the time of year—whether it’s a chilly winter or a warm summer move—you’ll need to prepare for the weather on moving day. You don’t want to be caught unprepared in the rain while moving your boxes! Bring umbrellas, wear rain gear, dress in summer clothes or light jackets, and don’t forget sturdy, comfortable shoes.
How To Find the Best Neighborhoods in Yelm
Finding the best Yelm neighborhood shouldn’t be difficult. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our top five neighborhoods worth checking out for your future home. Each option is fantastic for students, families, singles, and retirees, so there’s something for everyone. Here’s what we recommend:
- Downtown Yelm. This neighborhood is located in the heart of Yelm, providing unbeatable access to shops, restaurants, parks, and essential services. Enjoy a delightful blend of historic apartment buildings and contemporary family homes.
- North Yelm. Just north of downtown, you can experience a country vibe surrounded by natural beauty while still having convenient access to nearby community services, shops, and eateries.
- Clearwood. Do you want to live in a private, gated community? Clearwood, located just south of Yelm’s city center, is brimming with lush greenery and offers convenient access to nature trails and beautiful lakes.
- The Valley. Enjoy privacy and closeness to nature in The Valley neighborhood of southeastern Yelm. This area offers larger plots of land with homes and ample open spaces.
- Vail. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers a downtown feel while still providing easy access to nature, the Vail neighborhood is ideal. It’s a peaceful suburban environment close to schools, services, parks, and restaurants.
How To Pack for a Move to Yelm, WA
Before you start packing, it’s wise to go through your items and declutter. Moving becomes challenging when you have an endless stream of boxes. Assessing your belongings to determine what to keep, store, donate, sell, or dispose of can help create more space in your boxes and prevent moving items to your new Yelm home that you’ll eventually get rid of anyway.
Create a Comprehensive Pre-Move Checklist
The first step in preparing for your move is to create a detailed checklist. Outline a timeline for the move and a list of tasks you need to complete before the day arrives. Don’t forget to include updating your address with the post office and setting up utilities in advance, such as electricity, gas, water, WiFi, and trash and recycling pickup.
There are many logistics to handle during this time, so allow yourself plenty of time to make arrangements and prepare. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute! If you plan to hire a moving company, research local options, find the right one for you, and book it early.
Pack Non-Essential Items First
At the beginning of your planned timeline, go through each room and list the non-essential items you won’t need until after your move. These items can include seasonal decorations from a recent holiday or offseason clothing, lawn care equipment, and recreational gear.
Assemble an essentials box with items you absolutely need during the first few days in your new home. Include toiletries, medication, a phone charger, and some extra clothing that’s easy to grab. This way, you’ll keep everything within reach and avoid rummaging through boxes, making your move a bit smoother.
How To Pack Fragile Belongings
Fragile items, such as dishes, ceramic or glass decorations, artwork, and electronics, should be packed and handled with care to preserve their condition during your move from point A to point B. Wrap these belongings in Bubble Wrap or packing paper, and place them in sturdy boxes filled with packing peanuts or an additional layer of Bubble Wrap along the sides and bottom.
Place foam sheeting between flat items like plates, even if you’ve wrapped them in Bubble Wrap. It’s best to avoid overpacking the boxes—make sure to put heavier and bulkier items at the bottom, with lighter ones on top. Don’t forget to fill any open spaces with extra packing paper or peanuts! And remember to clearly label the box as fragile to help prevent any mishaps along the way.
Packing Strategy for Efficient Unpacking
There are several packing strategies you can use for a smooth transition into your Yelm home. Our first recommendation is tried and true. Label the boxes by room, including the specific room they belong in and a brief list of the contents. You could also create a numbering system to avoid writing too much on your boxes. For instance, label kitchen items as one, bathroom items as two, bedroom items as three, and so on.
Unpacking is just as challenging as packing, as you try to find a place for everything in your new space while navigating the clutter of organizing your belongings. Using a strategy at the beginning of your packing process can encourage efficient unpacking.
Handling Bulky and Seasonal Items
It can feel overwhelming to determine what to do with your bulky offseason items during a move. How should you manage your kayak, canoe, or golf cart until you can organize the garage in your new home? Where will you keep your bulky winter gear while sorting through your clothing for this season?
A personal self storage unit can be an invaluable resource for keeping your new home organized until you have sufficient space for your other items. Even if you don’t end up making that necessary space, self storage units are known for being immensely flexible, with month-to-month lease terms and competitive rates.
Utilize Daffodil Storage When Settling Into Yelm, WA
Plan ahead with our essential tips to make your move to Yelm, WA, easier. Before your arrival, familiarize yourself with Yelm, create a moving checklist to stay organized, and store non-essential items—like seasonal decorations, offseason clothes, and recreational equipment—in a Daffodil storage unit. This way, you can keep your new Yelm home organized.
Explore our variety of Pacific Northwest storage facilities to find your perfect self storage unit to hold your extra offseason items. If this is your first time renting self storage, explore our first-time renter’s guide or storage tips for more helpful information.