How I did it: I'm putting that this took me 8 months because that's how long we've been seriously working towards this goal.  During that time we've really downsized our possessions, paid off some debt, and saved as much money as we reasonably could.

We left California on April 26 (I'm typing this 4 days later in a hotel in western Virginia).  We're not in our final destination of Maine, yet, but we're on the way.  We already have transferred our job positions to Maine, and have family to stay with until we get settled.  For moving from Los Angeles to Maine, everything is going incredibly smooth.

So happy to get out of the desert!

Lessons & tips: Decide where you want to move.  If there's specific things you dislike about CA, try picking a place that does not have those problems.  (Cost of living and the dry desert weather were two big issues for me).

Save up money proportionate to your move.  Moving across the country, like me?  Save more.  Moving to Arizona?  You can save less.

Pare down your possessions.  Moving is easier when you own less.

Be determined.  Don't let others discourage you from moving to the point that you're stagnating.  Do what you need to do to live the life you want to live. 

Remind family and friends that you may be leaving in California that the road goes both ways...you'll be able to go back to visit, and they can visit you in your exciting new state.  There's also skype, facebook, phone calls and good old snail mail.

Resources: U.S. Atlas, friends, family, and stubborn as a mule determination.

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Apr 30, 2011, 07:42PM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers