You may have noticed that I’ve done a lot of moving over the past year. I can thankfully say that I’m finally where I’m supposed to be - complete with that very-necessary sense of home.
(couch, dinner, and TV? Check, check and check. I’m a simple girl, really.)
While moving isn’t exactly my pass time of choice, I’ve definitely learned a thing or two about how to go through the process without being entirely miserable. So here’s a post that I wrote for Lisa at I’m An Okie last month that might be of some help to my fellow nomads.
10 ways to make moving a little easier.
Moving isn’t easy. I mean, how many people do you know actually move away from their home and family just for the heck of it? Usually people move for reasons like college, relationships, or most often – job opportunities.
And then there are people like me, who just needed to get out of the darn state I’ve lived in for my entire life. So in December of 2010 I packed my bags and said goodbye Pennsylvania, hello New York.
Sure, I may have only moved one state a way (whoop-de-doo), but that doesn’t mean the process didn’t have its fair share of not-so-pleasant experiences. So, in no particular order, here are my 10 ways to make moving a little easier – things I learned (many the hard way) that might make life less daunting for you if you ever decide to take a similar leap.
1. downsize.
Moving is the perfect time to get rid of all of the crap you know you’ve been holding on to but will never use; clothes, shoes, that hideous plaid trucker hat you’ve been keeping because you swear it will come in handy one day…not that I ever owned one or anything. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find a sentimental reason to keep just about everything. But in order to move on with your new life, you’re eventually going to have to clean out some of the old.
2. prepare yourself that the first few weeks might actually suck.
…because when you have low expectations, things can only get better! Okay, so I know that that sounds incredibly pessimistic. But the thing about moving is that it’s all about change, and not everyone adjusts to that big of a change as well as they might think. I didn’t. I did, though, know that fact ahead of time, so when I felt scared and nervous and regretful about essentially leaving the only home I ever knew, I was able to fight through it with the mindset of “this too shall pass.” The great things in life are usually ones that need to be fought for, and a new life in a new location could very likely be that great thing…if you give it the chance to be.
3. find ways to get involved in your new community.
Making new friends or even acquaintences as an adult can be weird. Really weird. But, do you think people are just going to come knocking on your door asking you to hang out? You know the answer to that. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to put yourself out there. Some options are to join a new gym, connect with people at work, or even to reach out to bloggers in the area. I personally found the most success by visiting and rooting myself in a new church, which resulted in what I’m sure are lifelong friendships.
4. accept that it might temporary.
There’s nothing more annoying than when a person goes on and on about how great their new life/experience is going to be and then they don’t follow through. Don’t get me wrong – it’s totally fine to realize that something isn’t for you and making changes accordingly. But, please don’t be that “all talk” sort of person. It’s silly to 100% commit to something you haven’t experienced yet anyway, so give yourself the option that this move might only last for a few years. Maybe less. There are some decisions/commitments in life that can and should be final, but moving isn’t one of them.
5. check with neighbors/other tenants.
If I could do it all over again – with every moving experience I’ve ever had – I’d straight up interrogate the neighbors at the new place. Brokers and/or current tenants are rarely going to give you the honest truth about the new home you’re considering. But if there’s something particularly negative going on, the neighbors will probably be dying to warn you. So if you want to avoid bugs, noiseiness, and certifiably crazy next-door neighbors (ahem), that’s probably your best shot.
6. make a log of new contacts.
We tend to take for granted knowing where every supermarket, post office, and gas station is where we currently live. Instead of going on a wild goose chase every time you need stamps or your favorite flavor of Ben & Jerry’s (it happens), keep a folder with all the important numbers, addresses, and menus you might need down the line. And, of course, Google can be your best friend in this situation too.
7. don’t over-spend on furniture.
Please – I beg it of you – don’t spend upwards of $500 on furniture; especially not on a bed. I couldn’t believe some of the prices I saw beds and other furniture going for when it came time to move. Bed-wise, I actually I got an amazing imitation memory foam bed from SamsClub.com for just about $300, and I pretty much sleep like a newborn every night because of it. Furniture prices in general have gotten ridiculous lately, and I suggest you at least check out cheaper options (Walmart.com is another good one) before spending a months’ salary on the first comfortable sofa you see.
8. bins are your friend.
I have half a dozen huge bins that I’ve carried with me to and from about five different moves. They’re great because not only do they replace the need for boxes (which your going to have to track down and then throw out anyway), but they make for the best form of storage. Under the bed, in the closet, etc. – you can almost omit the need for a dresser if you have the right collection of bins.
9. don’t tell people they can visit right away.
This is a common mistake – one that I definitely made when I moved. Obviously I love having my friends visit and always want them to feel welcome at my new place, but the first few weeks after moving in isn’t the time for that to happen. Let yourself get settled in before you promise to entertain others – simple as that.
10. establish new comforts/traditions asap.
One of the things that helped me through the first few (scary) weeks of moving to New York was that I established new creature comforts. It was as simple as cozying up on the couch with a nice dinner, my laptop, and my favorite TV shows, but it made me feel like….well, like me! Try to remember that what makes home “home” isn’t the location itself – it’s the comforts, traditions, and overall sense of love there. Cheesy maybe, but very much the truth.
Like I said – moving might not be easy – but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be a great experience. So get realistic, grab some bins, and take the leap! You’re new home and new life awaits 
xoxo G
Do you like moving? Favorite/least favorite part?
Great tips, Gracie! I especially agree with holding off on the visitors! When we mOved into our condo last summer, we did A LOT of remodeling and everyone kept wanting to come over and see the new place. We were stressed and tryi g to finish up so no one actually saw the place for almost two months!
Brittany says
Hello, I’ve been reading your blogs as of recent and I just can’t get enough! I think it’s awesome that you moved to NY! I moved from Long Island to GA a few years ago and am about to move into a house with my boyfriend and I can completely relate and agree to the tips you posted. Especially the neighbors and inviting people over too soon
I look forward to reading your blogs in the morning!
Hey Brittany, thanks so much for the kind words!! You’re a doll!
Great Advice - I am trying so hard to not spend a lot of money on furniture! It takes a lot of searching but I know our apartment wont be the same next year so it is for the better!
I hate moving. Hate hate HATE it! Maybe because the last move I made is to a place where I don’t really feel the click (but I’m kind of locked in for a while), and maybe because it’s just so dang much work…but at any rate, moving stinks!
Great post! My favorite advice is number 2. I went to college expecting I would love it, wrong! The school I picked just was not me, plus I glorified the experience the entire summer before.
When I transferred, I knew that college wasn’t all fun and parties (I know, it isn’t?). Because I went in with no expectations I loved my new school.
Plus, I am a complete sucker for advice number 3. I joined every group and club until I found my niche. Even in DC (where I moved post college) I promptly joined meetup.com and found my niche.
Great tips, Gracie! Downsizing is defo my least and most favorite part about moving- it’s really difficult for me to get rid of things but I always feel so much lighter afterwards!
I absolutely hate moving. My beau’s getting ready to move, and he’s struggling to figure out all the packing and traveling logistics… Though I’ll miss him, I’m super pumped that, for once, I’m not the one moving!
These are great tips! I hope to move to New York one day, so I’ll have to remember these when the time comes.
Great post! I’m moving into my first apartment this weekend so I especially liked this one! Love the part about creating your own sense of home. I am a bit nervous with being on my own but these are great tips!
That’s such a good idea to check with your neighbours/previous tenants before moving so that you can find out about all stuff that the landlord doesn’t tell you. I wish I had done that back in sophomore year when we found out AFTER moving in that the house was basically a dump.
This is such a great post and couldn’t come at a better time! I’m currently contemplating my own move and your tips were so helpful. Sometimes when you are ‘in it’ it’s hard to remember some of these things so it’s great that you have drawn attn to them. I’m not a fan of moving in general but am excited about the new possibilities!
These are some great tips! I feel like I’m always moving.. probably because I am. Being in college I am on the move constantly. I’m a huge fan of large bins and throwing away old junk. I swear the salvation army needs a section of just my stuff that I can contribute to every few months.
Hannah says
The truth is that I kind of like moving. That will probably change when moving involves more then just moving my books and clothes. (And once I have to find a place of my own and have to pay for rent!)
For me there is something therapeutic about putting everything in boxes.
Vanessa says
I’ve moved by myself across the country a few times since college and definitely agree with your tips. Oh yeah, and I always just move to experience a new place too, never had a job lined up or family there! Another good tip if you’re moving without your family is to stay in your new city/state as long as possible before you go back home to visit. I know this helped me to feel at home in my new location more quickly.
Vanessa - I DEFINITELY agree with that tip! I almost had to force myself to begin to like my new home when I first moved to Long Island, but I’m so glad I did!
This came at the perfect time, I’m planning on moving soon! I last moved from California to Hawaii, then from Hawaii back to California. That was a crazy move because everything was being shipped (literally shipped, on a boat) and it took over a month to get all of my stuff back. There were a couple weeks where UPS thought my stuff was lost. I was not happy!
These are easily applicable to everything — even moving to college
Shanks girl!
Bins are your friends!! I like storing my seasonal clothes in bins and it’s super easy to access! I also like tip #9. We recently moved and we had friends stay over the 2nd day we were moved in. Moving can be stressful and sometimes takes away from you being fully you those first couple weeks. Waiting is good! Great tips!
I absolutely despise moving. I’ve never moved moved in the sense of completely moving away from home for realzies and for good, but man, just moving back and forth from college has been more than enough for me. Packing is near the very very bottom of my list of things I enjoy doing at all, so moving is just the worst. Actually, scratch that. Moving is second worst-unpacking is the worst worst. I get SO overwhelmed with all my stuff that I flail around mindlessly for like two hours before getting anything mildly productive accomplished. MAN do I hate moving.
Great tips Gracie! I’m actually moving in two weeks and these really help. I’ve downsized on a lot of things and now I’m focusing on packing things and getting rid of what I really don’t need in the process. It’s a lot of packing and organizing, but I’m really excited about the move.
awesome tips!
i’m moving for college in 2 weeks and i really needed this.
Can we be friends? I just moved to NYC (Brooklyn) too
Yeah girl!! What are you doing in the cit-ay?
Bethany says
Moving seems to be my life norm. I think we are in the middle of our seventh family move right now?
Personally, I like it. Not the friends left behind or the packing per se, but definitely the unknown aspect. Different city, different landscape to explore in! I love finding new places.
Plus, letters are so delightful. The distance gives me a perfect reason to surprise others with some pretty little number in their mailbox!
This post is awesome…I feel like I’m gonna be moving around A LOT soon..it’s always exciting but kind of nerve wracking!
omg great advice. I definitely downsized when moving…as in I gave away 3 trash bags of clothes, and threw away 2 trash bags of crap I was “attached” to. Being lighter of stuff is a nice feeling…I think I was also motivated because Hoarders was on tv and that may have freaked me out. Another piece of advice I would give is that enjoy the move and the newness of everything…being less stressed is muy importante.
xoxo
Lo
This is a great post! I HATE moving. Like really HATE it. When I move into a new place I allow myself to get SO stressed out thinking I need to do everything right away. When we moved into our first house my husband had to give me several pep talks and encouraged me to tackle one box at a time. One box a day was my goal (after work) not an entire room. This REALLY helped me tackle unpacking more realistically and with a much better attitude! I was able to go to bed each night satisfied that I had met my goal and not freaking out of what all still needed to be done.
Love these tips — as I find moving SO stressful! I have moved back and forth from Los Angeles. During my time in LA, I moved twice. When I went to FIT here in the city, I moved three times! Now, I am looking to move BACK into the city. Nuts, I tell you.
Daaaang girl!
Thanks so much for posting this! I moved on Monday and this perfect! I think my favorite tip was to tell people they can’t visit right away - I’m definitely taking my time unpacking everything!
I’m a student so I have to move at the end of every year, so I’m getting good at packing up my life. Downsizing is the best part about moving.I always end up with at least a box or two to donate. And I also really love packing, as strange as that sounds.
Sarah says
Good advice, Gracie! I too have moved SO many times in my life. Not only did I grow up a missionary kid, moving all around Europe for years, but since college I think I have moved about a dozen times within the same county! My favorite part is that it has made me a total minimalist. I love getting rid of stuff and simplifying my life. It’s freeing!
oh i love this list it is so necessary!! all of the tips…for real!! most of all finding friends inthe area! its hard to find girlfriends in places…I was just having a chat about this…its not like you go up to a girl in a bar and say “hey you look like you would be a cool chick to hang with lets go shopping!” definately joining a club or team or meeting people through work! just be open to all and everything!!
I’ve been working in Manhattan for a year. I was commuting from NJ up until a month ago. Sooo nice to be on my own and in the city finally! Anyway love your blog and I can totally relate to you!
smp says
Great post! Thanks so much for your tips! I am looking to make a big move to DC from Oklahoma here in the next few months and these are very helpful!
Briana says
Love this post. I’m a recent college grad and right after graduating I was offered a job in Daytona Beach. I had to leave all of my friends and comforts in Charlotte but I knew it was the best opportunity for me. I think one of the most important things about moving to a new city is to try to see the positive and unique about where you are at that moment. It’s really helped me during my new move.
love your blog!
This is a great post! I’m a relatively new reader to your blog but I love it already. My brother is moving to the city for grad school at NYU in the fall, so i’ll be sure to pass the tips along
Great tips, Gracie! Transition is definitely not always easy, and I’ll keep all these in mind when I make the move to NYC. I moved from my home in North Carolina to Boston four years ago for pretty much the same reason as you, I was sick of NC and wanted to meet new people, see different things, etc. It was definitely one the best decisions I made! As silly as it sounds, the thing I’m most concerned about is making new friends, but I will of course try your suggestion of becoming part of some sort of community.
Thanks for all your amazing advice, lady!
You’re so welcome! when ya moving to New York? so exciting!!
Either early September or end of August, just as soon as my lease is up!
I’m actually going to be checking out potential neighborhoods/apartments in May! So excited! It’s so crazy, though, I feel like I’ve been dreaming of moving to New York for ages, but now time is flying by so fast, it’s actually time to start *really* thinking about things like, you know, living situations, haha.
Ah, how exciting!! Best of luck, lady
Keep me posted! xo