No matter how many times you move, it's always a very difficult process. I've moved almost 20 times in the last five years. Five Cross Country Moves (Two to the north east and then of course to California and Back). I've even moved out of the country. I am not much better at moving now than I was when I first started. However, I am much better at packing and identifying junk vs necessities. (This isn't to say that I always throw the junk away, but over time I've eliminated more and more junk before each move).
Anyway, on this last move I packed the Fit, which my brother lovingly calls the Pocket Rocket, to the brim. Every inch of my car was filled to the brim with stuff. Here are the stats from my move:
Miles traveled - 1,047
Friends visited along the way -5
Amount spent in Gas - $80(ish)
Amount spent in Tolls - $29.70
Amount spent for road food - $127 (ish) - I should've stuck to the fifteen dollar a day budget for food.
Amount spent moving into a new apartment - $488(deposit)+$525(first month)
Amount spent on new furniture - 1,200+ (My mom picked up that tab thankfully, happy birthday and Merry Christmas to me).
Here are some tips that I came up with while I drove all that way by myself.
Before you move:
Make sure you have enough money for housing, changing your plates, id and insurance.
Also for gas and food duh.
Get rid of stuff you don't need, Sell it also sell anything that you can buy cheap or close to cheap because it will save you space to bring the more irreplaceable things.
Plan your trip (try and see friends and such)
Investigate your new city on the internet figure out where the places to go are, find volunteer groups, etc.
It helps to join Meetup.com for your new city before you go so you can have things to do when
you get there.
Network the heck out of your area, talk to your friends, tell everyone you know where you'removing (unless you're trying to get away from them of course). They probably know someone who knows someone or visited there once or can give you some kind of tip. You'll be surprised
by some of the connections you have, especially with all of the social networking.
If you're looking to moving up to the Northeast check out the EZpass system for your new state, it's sometimes better to order it before you go. It will save you time especially on the New Jersey Turnpike and traveling through NYC.
Make a good RoadTrip Playlist, or get books on tape especially if you drive by yourself. Otherwise you may end up talking to yourself for 12 hours.
Obviously, make sure your vehicle is safe for travel (enough air pressure, oil changed, good brakes, etc).
During your trip:
Make sure whatever you need for travel is easily accessible, pack snacks before you go (steal them from your parents if you're able, you'll save time and money).
Stay Hydrated and try to eat as healthy as you can (road food is so bad for you).
Lock your vehicle.
Stay with friends (this is a double bonus, you get to see friends and you don't have to pay for hotels).
Plan your stops, it will save you time, and it may help to avoid traffic.
DO NOT TRAVEL THROUGH NYC if you can help it. I've made this mistake several times it's taken me as long as an hour and a half to get from one side of the city to the other (on the interstate). The George Washington Bridge is awful. My friend told me later I should've taken the Tapenzee Bridge. Avoid the GW Bridge at all costs.
Also Virgina is a suck state. I hate it, this is a personal dislike but avoid Virginia too, if you can help it. Have some really good music planned for Virginia. You're whole trip, but VA especially.
Once you arrive:
Community Map - AmeriCorps taught me this, basically it's just figuring out hot spots learning where things are, finding events, just try and explore your new city sooner rather than later, it will make you feel at home.
If you use CraigsList for anything - Always get the person's first and last name and google search them. Don't fall for scams. Don't send money in exchange for an item. The person needs to meet you in person, also don't accept checks from people who want you to cash it for more than the amount of the item and then send them a portion of the money. You're just going to get screwed.
Socialize early on, it will help you make friends quickly. Force yourself to talk to people if you don't normally do it. It is much easier to acclimate if you feel like you know people. Talk to your neighbors, the check out guy/girl at the grocery store, your new roommates, people at work, be friendly. They will also be able to give you advice for where to go and what to do, and neighborhood tips and tricks.
Bottom line is research is your best friend. Learn as much about your new city before you move it will help you in the long run. Keep a map in your car even if you have a gps. (Don't be afraid to ask for directions).
Also be safe, duh! Don't do anything that your kindergarten teacher told you not to, she/he's a usually a good source of information.
