Top 5 Museums to Visit in Tacoma, WA

Want to see a slightly different, and definitely unique side of Tacoma, WA? Take a tour through these museums to get an up-close and personal look at art, historic cars, and more. You just might find out that Tacoma is far more fascinating than you thought. Here are the top 5 museums in Tacoma for you to visit.

1. Tacoma Art Museum

   Lovingly known as the TAM, this art museum has a special focus on artists and themes from the Northwestern United States. The Haub Family Collection of Western American Art gives a feel for expression through the years in many different mediums, an Early American Modernism collection offers a broader look at the nation’s evolving artists, and visitors can also peruse some classic European art and Japanese woodblock prints. Revolving exhibitions also keep the museum’s content fresh for returning visitors. If you’re hoping to find free museums in Tacoma, visit on the third Thursday of the month in the evening for no-cost admission.

2. LeMay – America’s Car Museum

   America has long been obsessed with cars, and the LeMay Car Museum pays homage to what those cars have to say about our history. With exhibits that explore early automobiles, the advent of NASCAR, and the history of Route 66 among other topics, car lovers will find themselves engrossed in both the stories and the cars themselves. The museum regularly hosts educational and entertaining events, and the Family Fun Zone will engage your little not-yet-drivers too.

3. Museum of Glass

   Here you’ll find exactly what the title suggests: glass. The museum is home to glass of many colors, forms, and artistic expressions. Here you can experience live glass blowing with the Artist in Residence program, a kids’ design glass collection, and visiting exhibits from artists around the world. Why not take a walk across the Chihuly Bridge, a pedestrian walkway and majestic piece of art connecting the Museum and downtown Tacoma with multiple installations of glass architecture and form? Interested artists can visit the Hot Shop! to see artists creating in real-time, or for those who want a more hands-on experience, sign up for a class in the education department. Schedules for the coolest glass museum in Tacoma are available on their website.

4. Children’s Museum of Tacoma

   It’s time to play! The Children’s Museum in Tacoma is a well-loved destination for kids and kids at heart. Parents love the “pay as you will” model that creates inclusivity for all families, and kids love the museum’s passion for promoting play. You might utilize the Museum’s Parents Night Out program and send the kids to play and have a pizza dinner at the CMT while the two of you have an evening out to yourselves. Each night is themed, and kids can typically play from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Engage your little ones in age-appropriate “playscapes” designed to encourage creativity and movement!

5. Job Carr Cabin Museum

   This tiny cabin located in Old Town Tacoma is a striking testament to Tacoma’s humble beginnings. On Christmas Day in 1864, Job Carr claimed 168 acres of land after making the long journey west. Visitors to the cabin can hear Job’s story, as well as tales of the others who came to live in the area as Tacoma slowly grew in the era of railroad expansion. Docents are available to answer questions, and in the warmer months of summer, they offer walking historic tours of downtown Tacoma, WA.

Wouldn’t ya like to frequent these museums? Moving here? Before you book movers, check out our post on the best Tacoma neighborhoods!

MOVING SALE TIPS & TRICKS

It’s approaching moving day, and after weeks and/or months of planning, you’re getting closer to the big moment. But not everything from your old house is going to make the trip with you to your new abode. Whether you’re downsizing, decorating a new space, or trying to minimize moving costs, moving house is a great excuse to get rid of accumulated clutter (and maybe make a few extra bucks!).

Here are some tips for hosting your own moving sale.

INVENTORY AND PRICE

After you choose the items you want to sell along with the date of your sale, make an inventory and price list. Take the time to research what your items should be worth and ask around to see what others would pay for them. On the day of the sale, clearly tag the items with the price, or group them together under a price sign.

PERMIT AND APPROVAL

Check in with your Homeowner's Association or local council to see if you need permission or a permit to host a yard sale. There may be restrictions on location, signs, hours, noise level, and what equipment you use to set up your sale (can you put those posts and tables on that grass lawn?).

RECRUIT SOME HELP

Put the call out to friends and family to help out on the day (manning the float, helping to sell goods). You don’t want to lose customers if they are left waiting for help, and it also pays to have extra sets of eyes to watch over all the items displayed.

Make sure to thank them for volunteering - like pizza for lunch, beverages, and a big hug!

MAKE IT LOOK GOOD

It’s no use going to the effort of putting together a yard sale if the items on sales are dirty, broken or don’t work.

Make sure to clean, fix and test anything that you will be selling. By having items in good condition you are upping the chance that someone will buy them and possibly even increasing the sale price.

Likewise, spend some time cleaning up your yard sale location (mow your lawn, pick up any junk, sweep, clean your garage). You don’t want people to keep driving by if they can’t find the sale items in all the mess (nor will they want to stop by).

GET THE WORD OUT THERE

It’s important to spread the word about your sale by advertising. There are plenty of ways to share information on a grassroots level: advertising in your local paper, online listings like Craigslist or Kijiji, event listings on community portals, or asking local businesses and community groups to display flyers.

If you are putting up flyers or posters make sure you are doing it where permitted. Trynearby Rec centers, community noticeboards, or local cafes.

It’s also useful to decorate (balloons are good!) and display signs on the day, so everyone can easily find your sale.

BE PREPARED

Expect the unexpected. Have bags available in case there are any requests. Collect some tarps to place over your tables if a storm suddenly rolls in, or have tents that you can put up. Make sure you have plenty of smaller bills and coins - not everyone is going to have exact change.

Most importantly, remember to have fun!

It’s approaching moving day, and after weeks and/or months of planning, you’re getting closer to the big moment. But not everything from your old house is going to make the trip with you to your new abode. Whether you’re downsizing, decorating a new space, or trying to minimize moving costs, moving house is a great excuse to get rid of accumulated clutter (and maybe make a few extra bucks!).

Here are some tips for hosting your own moving sale.

INVENTORY AND PRICE

After you choose the items you want to sell along with the date of your sale, make an inventory and price list. Take the time to research what your items should be worth and ask around to see what others would pay for them. On the day of the sale, clearly tag the items with the price, or group them together under a price sign.

PERMIT AND APPROVAL

Check in with your Homeowner's Association or local council to see if you need permission or a permit to host a yard sale. There may be restrictions on location, signs, hours, noise level, and what equipment you use to set up your sale (can you put those posts and tables on that grass lawn?).

RECRUIT SOME HELP

Put the call out to friends and family to help out on the day (manning the float, helping to sell goods). You don’t want to lose customers if they are left waiting for help, and it also pays to have extra sets of eyes to watch over all the items displayed.

Make sure to thank them for volunteering - like pizza for lunch, beverages, and a big hug!

MAKE IT LOOK GOOD

It’s no use going to the effort of putting together a yard sale if the items on sales are dirty, broken or don’t work.

Make sure to clean, fix and test anything that you will be selling. By having items in good condition you are upping the chance that someone will buy them and possibly even increasing the sale price.

Likewise, spend some time cleaning up your yard sale location (mow your lawn, pick up any junk, sweep, clean your garage). You don’t want people to keep driving by if they can’t find the sale items in all the mess (nor will they want to stop by).

GET THE WORD OUT THERE

It’s important to spread the word about your sale by advertising. There are plenty of ways to share information on a grassroots level: advertising in your local paper, online listings like Craigslist or Kijiji, event listings on community portals, or asking local businesses and community groups to display flyers.

If you are putting up flyers or posters make sure you are doing it where permitted. Trynearby Rec centers, community noticeboards, or local cafes.

It’s also useful to decorate (balloons are good!) and display signs on the day, so everyone can easily find your sale.

BE PREPARED

Expect the unexpected. Have bags available in case there are any requests. Collect some tarps to place over your tables if a storm suddenly rolls in, or have tents that you can put up. Make sure you have plenty of smaller bills and coins - not everyone is going to have exact change.

Most importantly, remember to have fun!

Things Not to Do When Hiring Movers to Move Your Home:

If you decided that you don't want to move yourself, finding and hiring good movers is the most important decision you’ll make when moving. And while an internet search offers listings of local and distance movers, getting the right one can be challenging. To help you hire good movers, check out these tips on what you should avoid doing when hiring moving companies.

Not Getting Quotes from at Least Three Movers

No matter where you’re moving from and moving to, you should always have at least three movers on your list of potential hires.

I usually try to get quotes from five moving companies, of which I gather estimates, compare costs and look at other people’s experiences with that company. Doing your research and background checks on each company will ensure you hire a reputable and trustworthy company and avoid a potentially nightmarish move.

Not Having Movers Visit Your Home Before Hiring

When asking for moving estimates from potential movers, you should always have a mover visit your home, to review everything you’re moving to provide a more accurate estimate. It’s also a way to ensure that the mover sees everything you’re moving so that at the end of the move, the inventory they quoted on will match what was moved. I also recommend creating a household inventory list before the movers quote an in-home estimate. Not only will an inventory provide the mover with everything that you’ll be moving, but will also remind you to ask the movers about items that require special handling.

Choosing a Mover Based Only on Price

The least expensive mover might be the best bet. However, you should always make sure you have thoroughly researched the company.

Just remember that if you’re comparing three to five movers, and you find that one mover’s quote is much lower than the others, this could be a sign that the low-cost mover should be avoided.

Rogue moving companies will often try to lure in customers with low costs, special deals and other enticements, such as free services. So before you choose a mover, make sure you also understand what a rogue mover is and how to avoid hiring one.

I also consider where I'm moving to when hiring a mover. If I'm doing a local move that will only take a day, I often go with a smaller local company with a good reputation. Often, they're less expensive than some of the larger moving companies. However, when moving a long distance that takes more than a day or two, I usually go with a larger company with a good reputation.

Know the type of move you're making and what type of mover you need to hire before you decide.

Not Asking the Right Questions

Hiring movers isn’t easy. There are so many details you need to remember to ensure that the movers are reliable and that your stuff will be in good hands. A good, reliable mover should provide you with all the information you need and anticipate questions before you ask. After all, they do this all the time and are the experts when it comes to moving house. But because your move is unique, there may be information the mover doesn't provide that you need to know.

So make sure review this list of questions to ask.

You can also use this list to determine how thorough and transparent the mover is being with you; rogue movers will avoid specific questions and be less clear about fees, insurance and other details you need to know.

Not Knowing if and when You Might be Charged Extra Fees

You should always ask movers about extra costs that might apply to your move. These may include costs such as charges for moving things up and down stairs, not having a close parking space for the moving truck and packing fees for items not properly packed. To save yourself extra fees, find out more about moving charges you might be responsible for.

Moving timeline: Interactive week by week moving checklist:

No matter how dire the circumstances, people find it easier to face the challenge when they have a clear plan to follow and a specific task to focus on. Having a strategy gives them reassurance and a sense of control, so that they don’t panic or get stressed. Doing things one step at a time helps them concentrate and progress faster and more effectively.

So, if you’re about to embark on a tough and overwhelming endeavor, such as a residential move, you need to make a good plan and break your final goal into achievable mini-goals you’ll be able to accomplish in a timely and organized manner. In the event of moving house, your best bet is a detailed moving timeline – a week-by-week moving checklist that will not only include all the tasks you need to take care of before moving day, but will also set a specific timeframe for their completion.

You won’t overlook anything important or forget to do a moving chore because all the relocation tasks (big and small alike) will be clearly stated in your comprehensive moving house checklist;
You’ll be able to organize your time in the best possible way, as your moving packing checklist will let you know exactly what needs to be done every single month, week, and day before moving day, so that you can get everything ready in time;
You’ll be able to keep track of your progress as every completed task will be crossed out in your moving checklist and you’ll know how much you have left to do.
In a word – a moving out checklist will help you bring order to the relocation chaos, speed up your moving preparations, and keep stress at bay. It will be even easier for you though, if you have an interactive moving checklist that will help you stay on top of things with just a few clicks of the mouse.

For your convenience, we have created an interactive week by week home moving checklist and planner that spans the 2-month period prior to Moving day and provides a practical and easy way to organize your relocation and keep track of your moving preparations.

Make sure you take advantage of our free printable moving checklist when getting ready for your relocation adventure!

Save List on Page Download PDF Print List Email This List
Moving checklist – Two months before Moving day
Ideally, your moving preparations should start about two months prior to the Big day. This way, you’ll have the time to complete every single task in the long list of things to do when moving.

Weeks 7 & 8 before the move

Get to know your new area (if you’re moving to a new city). Gather as much information as possible about the economic situation, cost of living, climate, housing options, crime rate, educational opportunities, cultural practices and other specifics of your future area;

Start searching for an appropriate new home for you and your family. If possible, visit your new area to choose your new property in person;

Start organizing your belongings and decluttering your home for moving. Sort your items in four categories – things to bring along, things to donate, things to sell, and things to throw away. Make a moving inventory of the items you’re going to take to your new home;

Research your moving options and decide if you’re going to move by yourself or hire professional movers to help you relocate. Make sure you fill out a moving quote to see what different moving companies have to offer, so that you can make an informed decision about your move;

If you’re going to use professional moving services, start looking for affordable and trustworthy moving professionals – ask for recommendations, read moving reviews, visit moving companies’ websites, etc.;

Get estimates – narrow down your choice to three or four moving companies that seem to best suit your needs and requirements and ask them for in-house estimates of the moving costs;

Choose the best movers for you. Provide the moving company representatives with all the relevant information (show them everything you want to relocate, discuss possible obstacles, special requirements, delivery windows, etc.) in order to get accurate moving cost estimates, compare the offers (prices, services, and conditions), and be careful to avoid moving scams when choosing your moving partners.
Weeks 6 & 5 before the move

Book your move and confirm all the details (pick-up and delivery times, payment method, insurance, etc.) with your chosen movers;

Make a moving binder and keep all moving-related documents in it. It may be a good idea to put all your documents in the same binder (in separate sleeves or pockets) as well;

Set up a moving budget to organize your finances and keep better track of your expenses;

Inform your current employer of your move and arrange your first day of work at your new company in your new area (or start looking for a new job);

If you’re moving out of a rented property, notify your landlord of your upcoming move and negotiate a move-out agreement;

Collect yours and your family’s medical records and your children’s school records. Start looking for a new family physician and a new school for your kids (if relevant);

Organize a garage sale or post online those of your unwanted items that you’d like to sell;

Request a list of the non-allowable items your movers won’t load on the moving truck because of their hazardous or perilous nature and decide what to do with them (discard them, give them away, relocate them yourself, or use them up before the move);

Get packing supplies. See if you can get any moving boxes and other packing materials for free and buy whatever else you need. Make sure you have high quality packing supplies for your more delicate and more valuable possessions.
Moving checklist – One month before Moving day
It’s time to set your moving preparations at full speed (just remember to frequently consult your checklist for moving into a new house to make sure you don’t miss a moving task).

Weeks 4 & 3 before the move

Donate your unwanted items that are still in good condition (things you don’t want to sell or couldn’t sell) to local charities. Don’t forget to get receipts showing the items’ approximate value for possible tax deductions;

Change your address with the USPS and inform your bank, insurance providers, lawyers, and other important people and institutions of your new address;

Transfer utilities (arrange to have electricity, gas and water running in your new home on move-in day) and cancel memberships and subscriptions;

Take your pets to the vet for a complete check-up and collect their immunization records and health certificates. Make travel arrangements for your animal friends;

Plan your trip to your new home. If you’re driving to your final destination, get your car serviced and plan for meals and lodgings on the way (if needed). If you’re flying to your new city, book your flight and find a trustworthy auto transport company to ship your vehicle;

Start packing. Pre-pack rarely used items, specialized equipment, out-of-season clothing and decorations, and everything else you’re not going to need before moving day;

Set aside the items that will be packed in your essentials box and the valuables you’re not going to entrust to the movers.
Two weeks before Moving day

Contact your moving company to make sure everything is going according to plan and discuss any last-minute details;

Pay up any bills or debts you may have. Return library books and anything you have borrowed from friends or neighbors. Collect any items you have left for cleaning or repair;

Say your goodbyes. Visit all your favorite places in town and organize a farewell party to get all your friends together one last time;

Pack the storage areas in your home, as well as most of your artwork, decorations, books, office supplies, and hobby materials;

Reserve a parking place for the moving truck close to the entrance of your home, as well as an elevator (if you live in an apartment building) for the time of your move;

Start using up your food supplies and get rid of any remaining items that are not going to your new home.
One week before Moving day

Get on with packing. Pack most of your clothes and shoes, kitchen items, jewelry, kid’s games and toys, and other bric-a-brac;

Make sure you have all the necessary documents and get a lockbox to keep them safe during the trip to your new home.
Two days before Moving day

Finish packing. Pack any remaining miscellaneous items and double-check your home to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything;

Pack your first-night box and all the items that are going to travel with you. Keep them separately from your other belongings to make sure they won’t be accidentally loaded on the moving truck;

Pack your electronics and prepare the furniture and appliances you’re going to take to your new place for moving.

Moving checklist – Moving day
You will need your focus more than ever when the Big day knocks on your door. Keep your moving checklist at hand to keep a cool head during this culmination period of your relocation adventure.


Get ready for the big day. Have a good night’s rest and get up early in the morning to have enough time for last-minute tasks;

Ensure moving day safety. Take measures to protect your old home from damage and to prevent accidents and injuries while your items are being taken out of the property and loaded on the moving truck. Keep kids and pets away from the moving chaos;

Meet the movers and give them all the necessary information, so that they can perform your move in a safe and efficient manner. Provide some snacks and drinks if it will take them more than 3-4 hours to finish the job. Do not forget to tip them if you’re happy with their services;

Give the truck driver the accurate destination address and your phone number, so that they can reach you if necessary;

Give your old house or apartment a final cleaning, take a last look around, lock the door, and start on your journey to your new home.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® enters the gaming world with “Mini Mover Mania”!

Attention all gamers! Grab your mobile device, head to the app store of your choice, and check out the “Mini Mover Mania” game from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®!

While we are known as the “Movers Who Care®” and spend most of our time helping people move all across the country, we like to provide a little fun for our customers – especially the kiddos. The IT department at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s Home Office in Lansing, Mich., partnered with IT Capstone Experience students at Michigan State University to work on and develop a game to keep kids occupied and entertained during the moving process.

Developed for children ages eight and up, Mini Mover Mania creates a virtual, fast-paced game setting centered around the moving process. This game is no walk in the park, either, and gamers will have to use focus and strategy to earn points and advance in the game.

“Kids love games and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK loves kids, so adding Mini Movers Mania to the list of ways in which kids can interact with our family-friendly brand is a win,” said Dawn Kroeger, the marketing and communication director at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. “And, based on my experience, parents may find the new game entertaining as well!”

Here’s a breakdown of what gamers can expect when they download Mini Movers Mania:

-The name of the game is maneuvering through each course, trying to reach the end of each course with as many boxes remaining on your truck as possible.

-Your truck is loaded with boxes at the beginning, and sudden movements or jumps cause the boxes to fall off.

-Each course is layered with stops and elevations to create a challenge.

-Points are based on the time it takes you to complete the course and the amount of boxes you have remaining. Better results, more points.

-There are three levels of difficulty to choose from, creating a fun and engaging experience for all.

This game isn’t just a time-waster for a few minutes here and there, either. The more points you collect completing the various levels, the more you earn that can be spent in the store to unlock new vehicles and other perks to be used in-game.

Mini Mover Mania is now available in the App Store for Apple-based devices, as well as the Google Play store for Android-based devices, so everyone is able to join in on the action!

To find out more about how to get involved with this fun game for kids and other exciting activities we have developed to make the moving process more enjoyable for the young ones, visit TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s Moving with Kids page.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

Deciding How to Move:

So you've made the decision to pack up and put down your roots in a new place. Maybe you've found a better apartment across town or a dream job across the country. Maybe you're buying your first home or retiring to a cozy cottage in the woods. Now it's time to decide how you're going to get there. Before you start filling boxes with your belongings, consider which moving options work best for you.

• Move consultant. If the mere sight of a cardboard box leaves you feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring someone to handle the nitty-gritty of your move. These consultants are the relocation industry's answer to wedding planners and travel agents -- they can arrange for movers, pack your stuff, switch over your utilities, and transfer school and medical records. If you can swing the price tag, or if your company is ponying up for relocation costs, a consultant can make your move relatively stress-free. 
  
• Moving company. A professional mover does the heavy lifting while you supervise. (For an extra fee, most companies will handle the packing, too.) Prices and reliability can vary widely between companies, so compare quotes from three local companies before hiring, and check their history with the Better Business Bureau or American Moving & Storage Association. If you're on a tight budget, you can usually get a lower rate by moving during the school year, especially mid-month. 
  
• Portable storage. Companies like PODS and 1-800-PACKRAT will deliver a storage unit to your door. (Make sure you have enough parking on your property to accommodate the unit.) Pack at your own pace; when you're ready to move, they'll pick it up and deliver it to your new digs. You do all the grunt work, but there are two key benefits: You can leave any excess belongings in the unit for long-term storage, and they'll hold onto the unit if there's a gap between your move-out and move-in days. 
  
• Rental trucks. Renting a box truck can be a cost-effective alternative to hiring a moving company -- as long as you plan ahead. A 10-foot moving truck will generally hold an apartment's worth of stuff; a 24-foot truck can accommodate a three-bedroom house. Always err on the larger side, unless the idea of playing Tetris with your dining room set appeals to you. Read the fine print about mileage allowances and fuel surcharges, and make sure your rental company has an outpost near your new home or you may be returning to your old neighborhood sooner than you think. 
  
• Friends and family. Free labor is fabulous, but don't plan on hauling all your furniture in your uncle's pickup. After the sixteenth trip back and forth, you may find yourself scratched off the holiday guest list. Enlist them for help with packing and loading instead, and expect to return the favor when it's their turn to move.