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?