How I did it: I've wanted to move out of here for a while - between the hurricanes and the oil spill there really wasn't much left for me to do and enjoy on the Gulf Coast, so after my husband's lifelong friend suggested we moved to his neck of the woods we hesitated only for a moment and made the decision about moving across United States practically overnight...
We've found a cute home for rent online, had our friend check it out in person and signed the lease - quit our jobs, got rid of loads of unneeded stuff (well, sadly, some of needed stuff too... ), packed the rest in a huge Uhaul and left sunny Florida for northern Michigan.
In December.
Did I mention a dog and two cats?
Or that our truck could only go 55mph because of the heavy load? ALL of those 12000 miles?
Or that none of us has ever been to Michigan? :P
We've been here for almost three weeks and so far it's been great. Sure it's stressful, moving always is, and the cold doesn't help at all, but we are in a new place, ready to start a new life in a much friendlier environment and I can't help but notice that life undoubtfully gained a bit of flavor...

Lessons & tips:

• Research the area you plan on moving to, so you know what to expect when you get there - obviously it would be the best to scout it before making the big move, but in our case we decided not to waste any extra money for trips, and just used it toward moving expenses.
• Budget everything and have at least double that in case of emergency - you never know what may happen.
• Have fun and don't expect everything to turn out perfect. Great is often just enough :P

Resources:

• internet
• friends
• open mind

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Dec 21, 2010, 04:01PM PST | 2 comments | 3 cheers