Anyone ever move across the country?

thats exacly how i feel. I've been once, 3 years ago, we drove from SF to SD (stopping by Carmel on the way and it just happened to be a special date in August.... ) Now i feel like i "belong" there, i know everywhere there even though i was never in 1 place for more than 3 days (Huntington Beach) and now i just want to go back. Its such an awesome place, i want to go to college there, it would be a long way to visit family though.

 

Thank you

 

My moves have all been v long distance ->

London-HK
HK-London (after 3 years)
London-Basel (CH)
Basel-London (after 1 year)
London-Tokyo
Tokyo-London (after 3 years)
London-Boston (2 1/2 years ago)

The last time I moved and did it myself was a move within London and it was a major league aggrivation. All I can say is IMHO its worth paying someone to pack and move your stuff - I'd at least get a few quotes (ex-unpacking), you might be surpised since you don't have a houseful of stuff. I'd guess you'd get by for less than 1K (vs 5-10K for a trans-continental move).

However as a veteran of several moves, I'm sure my F-chat brothers will be pleased to know that there are at least 200 car magazines that have made the entire set of above journey's with me - including my personal fave the 1984 Car with the 288GTO drive

 

Just do the u-haul trip. It will be an adventure with tall tails for years to come, you will be responsible for your own breakage, you wont have last minute addtional charges,and it will be less costly. I have done it twice and loved every minute. Buy microsoft streets and trips and plan with it, then buy a road atlas and have a ball. you dont need to coordinate stops for your truck, every major intersection is surounded by motels with lots of parking. See the grand canyon. DO IT.

 

I was talking to my tax advisor this morning and I happened to mention your quandary. I explained your situation as best as I understood it.

It was recommended that keep all your receipts because when taxes come due next year you can write off all of your expenses. (lodging, meals, packing supplies, rental fees, everything)

Just to be on the safe side double check with who ever does your taxes.

 

Not a problem! That is what we are here for, brother.

 

#1 throw away all your junk before you move. not when you get where you are going.

#2 if you drive, take it easy. a trucker once told me how many rentals wind up in big accidents. novices with too little sleep, pushing it too far.

#3 try and get off the interstate, if only for a little bit. it is a great county out there, and you wont be back anytime soon. most of it is hidden beyond interstate rest stops, stuckey's and mcdonalds...

#4 (related to #1) try not to use one of those monthly storage units - throw the stuff out or find willing family - the rental really ads up!