Oct. 3, 2009 - 5 "must haves" for Moving to Seattle
1) Fleece Jacket - I bought mine at REI over 5 years ago. It's an Oakley. I like the one I have because it is neutral 2-toned with dark side panels for a slimmer silhouette, Choose wisely, as they last practically forever, even if you wear it most everyday "as needed" in Seattle.
If I were choosing one today, it likely would be this one:
2) 100% Waterproof Hooded Outer-Jacket - I have a few of these, and I find it best to have one for each season. Contrary to popular belief, people in Seattle DO NOT run around with umbrellas very often. They are more likely to pull a hood over their head OR pretend it isn't raining at all on most days. I thought having a good rain hat would be best...but having lived here for some time now, I'd have to give that a big no, and say hooded jacket (with fleece jacket noted above, under it) is the norm.
This Eddie Bauer Hangfire Hoodie will do the trick...but it will scream "I just moved to Seattle and I'm afraid I might get wet!"
I like the yellow lightweight hooded Kenneth Cole from Amazon.com that you can keep in your car or backpack. We walk a lot in Seattle, so yellow rain gear helps you stand out on a grey day for extra safety when crossing streets. In Seattle you stand in the rain until you get the "walk" light, even if NO cars are anywhere in sight. So a good lightweight hooded jacket that is 100% waterproof, is a "must have".
3) Rain Boots - I have to admit that I don't wear mine very often, and these don't go very well with my yellow rain jacket for sure :) But a distinctive rain boot, that tells friends it can only be you coming down the street, are a "must have". So take your time finding a pair that are uniquely uncommon.
4) Recycle Guide - In fact you may want top take an advanced class in reclying, if you are going to live IN Seattle vs. The Eastside. General expectations of what is and isn't trash vs. yard waste vs recycle (yes, we have 3 different cans here) might serve you if you live in Redmond, Bellevue or Kirkland...but Seattle takes trash disposal to a whole new level. That pizza box is NOT recycle...it is "yard waste".
Seattle even provides you with a "test quiz" meant to enlighten and be fun at the same time, with the online game "Where Does It Go?"
In some (but not all) cases Seattle will give you a 10% "margin for error" before refusing to take away your inappropriately stashed "trash". So read the rules carefully.
5) Fake Sunshine - Depending on where you are moving from, you may want to rethink your decorating choices and bring some "fake sunshine" indoors. Yes, I know blue/grey and shades of beige/brown are popular design choices. But when it is grey out...you don't necessarily want it grey inside too.
If you do go with the neutral paint colors, like Pottery Barn Dillweed:
Be sure to add a healthy dose of the recommended "warm" companion color, Roasted Sesame
Or better yet, get a bit bolder with furniture and towel colors, or bring in some fake sunshine with your artwork:
For the complete scoop on Moving to Seattle, get yourself a copy of "The Newcomer's Handbook", my favorite "how to" for all people who are newly Seattle bound. I also recommend it for long term residents who want to know more about their fair city of Seattle.
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