Relocation- Adventure & Opportunity

Whether it may be across the state or across the country, your next career opportunity is quite likely nowhere nearby. At one time or another, most everyone faces the task and burden of packing up apartment or household and transporting it all to parts unknown. To help you consider and plan a career relocation, below is a step-by-step guide of tips and suggestions:

1. Talk with friends and family. Gather any advice, insights, farewells and have a last hurrah before your move. Parting with dear friends and loved ones, however temporarily, is never an easy experience to overcome.
   
2. Familiarize yourself with the area you are moving to. Consult maps, tourist guides, and your soon-to-be supervisor. Visit the websites of nearby cities and towns. Search out what amenities and recreational opportunities there are to discover and thereby ease your transition into an exploration of a new area.
   
3. Find a place to live. If housing is not provided, search for housing opportunities on Craigslist and post on the "Housing Wanted" section to find potential future roommates or landlords. Future supervisors and co-workers area a great resource- they have local familiarity with the area and can visit in person any places you may be interested in. The "Streetview" feature of Google Maps is a great tool to check out neighborhoods you may be considering.
   
4. Select a departure date, route, and put together a trip itinerary. Consider distances, travel time, potential weather and traffic. Try to avoid holidays, weekends, or the vicinity of any metropolitan areas during rush-hour periods. Consider airline, rail, or bus services if you don't drive, aren't bring many things, don't have a reliable vehicle, or are only moving for a short time. Most future supervisors or co-workers are willing to drive a short distance to meet you at the nearby airport, rail or bus station.
   
5. Begin packing early. To save packing space, first pack only what cannot be inexpensively replaced. Any extra space can be devoted to odds and ends. Thrift stores abound and specialize in selling inexpensive furniture, household and kitchen wares to outfit your new abode. If set on bringing your own furniture, rent a cargo van from your preferred car rental service. They are usually much more affordable, better maintained, and easier to drive than a "U-Haul" truck, van, or trailer.
   
6. Print directions using your preferred online map service such as MapQuest, Google Maps, Yahoo Maps. Read them over before you go and make sure you understand the directions. Trace out the route on a US road atlas to build your mental map. Be sure to bring that same atlas along as well as road maps of the states you will be passing through. These can be requested online for free and mailed to your address before you travel.
   
7. Bring drinks and snacks for the road. Avoid sugary or salty snacks as these will inevitably lead you to drink more and stop more frequently for restroom visits.
   
8. Prepare and bring along your favorite favorite music, podcasts, books on tape, or other entertainment for the trip. Familiar and interesting entertainment will greatly improve the travel experience.
9. Take it slow. If driving, observe posted speed limits and stay alert. Be aware of level of weariness and be sure to stop and rest if feeling drowsy. If flying, get to the airport early. Avoid flights that have connections with quick turnarounds that may send you scrambling with luggage across an unfamiliar airport. The same holds true for buses and rail.
   
10. Last of all, have fun. You are on an adventure to explore, make new acquaintances, gain new career experience and develop additional skills. Be sure to partake in all that an area offers while you have the opportunity. If moving somewhere temporarily, you may not have the chance to return there again before quite some time passes.