Royal Alaskan Movers
Helpful Articles - Living in Alaska

Yes, Santa Claus does have a zip code. It’s 99705—North Pole, Alaska. And it’s a place where more than 400,000 pieces of mail arrive each year addressed simply to “Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska.” (Community volunteers work overtime to respond to each and every letter!) If you’ve misplaced your Christmas spirit—or you’re the kind of person who can never get enough of it—North Pole is your destination. As the town’s slogan says, North Pole is “where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round.” If you’re planning a visit or a move—or if you’re just curious about this whimsically named place—we’ll give you a full run-down on...

What better way to spend a long, dark Alaska winter night than by telling stories? Storytelling is woven into the culture of Alaska, thanks in large part to the rich traditions created by Alaska’s Native peoples. For many generations, Alaska Natives have passed stories down through generations. Some tell origin stories about how certain aspects of the world came to be. Others act as lessons that reinforce a tribe’s cultural values. All have contributed to a considerable pantheon of mythical creatures that you might encounter in Alaska. Whether you’re wandering the shoreline, paddling a lake, walking down a dock, strolling in the woods—all those classic...

What’s piqued your interest about living off-grid in Alaska? Is it the feeling of freedom—the knowledge that you’re completely independent? Is it the fact that you can choose to live absolutely anywhere, even in the middle of the wilderness? Is it that sense of pride that comes from self-sufficiency? Whatever first attracted you to the idea of living off the grid in Alaska, there comes a time to stop dreaming and start planning. In other words, let’s talk about exactly what you need to live off the grid in Alaska. We’ll cover five basic necessities—and the not-so-basic versions of each that can make your life...

You made it! You’ve successfully moved to Alaska, and you’re getting yourself settled into your home in the Last Frontier. Now it’s time to stock up so you’re prepared for anything Alaska might throw at you. Below, you’ll find our list of the 13 things every Alaska resident should own. Whether you buy these items before you move—or make your purchases after you arrive—having these items on hand will ensure you’re ready for every kind of Alaskan adventure. Item #1: Bear Spray You’ll find bears almost everywhere in Alaska—especially brown bears, also known as grizzly bears. (Side note: If you’ve never lived in an area...

You may know Alaska as the 49th state, as the Last Frontier, as a place of unspoiled wilderness, abundant wildlife, brutal winters, and incredible natural beauty. However, we suspect there are still a few things you probably don’t know about Alaska. Check out this list of lesser-known facts about the Land of the Midnight Sun—and see how much you really know about Alaska. #1: The U.S. Wrote a Check to Purchase Alaska (And We Still Have a Copy of It!) In 1867, the U.S. ratified an agreement with Russia to purchase Alaska for the price of $7.2 million. Using the average inflation rate of the...

Salmon fishing is one of those quintessential Alaska activities. In fact, a yearly average of 120,000 sport anglers catch close to a million salmon in Southeast Alaska each year. Considering the fact that you can find five different species of Pacific salmon in the state, Alaska is practically the perfect destination for any angler. Whether you want to enjoy the sport or the spoils, check out our guide to the five types of Pacific salmon you’ll find in Alaska. We’ll include some fun stats to get your competitive blood boiling, as well as cooking notes so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. (Or...