Change

As it gets colder, I am packing my things to fly south for the Winter. Change can be good, even if it is uncomfortable. They always say "Embrace change". First of all, whoever 'they' are, 'they' never had to move 700kms away from their hearts.. But! I stand by it being able to be good. Eventually..

Now, I have moved states before. I wont claim I'm an expert on this sort of thing. But I do know my way around this sticky situation. You need a couple of ingredients. The MOST important one is a good support network of friends who are willing to put themselves out there for you and help you out. Between hauling furniture and packing beloved items and hoping they survive the car journey, it can get pretty emotionally tiring, not to mention physically too. Especially within a small time frame! Not to mention when you have numerous other stressful situations going on in your life. Friends are great, family too. During this period of time, don't be scared to ask for help where you need it. Cause it will end up costing you.

The second most important thing is capital. Yes ladies, dollars and cents. Unless you are being thrust into this moving situation by work or otherwise, make sure you are significantly ready before you encroach on such an expedition. And I don't mean for moving costs and paying the repair man after your arm chair goes through the back window. If you are moving to a new city, where you don't know anyone, you will need money. You will need it to buy lunch with your new colleagues at work, or drinks at that club you heard so much about. You'll need it to get around and to make your house feel like a home. You will need it to get out and have a social life. Same goes if you're moving with friends too. You will need to buy good for a house warming party, or holding a block party to meet the neighbors. And while you wait for you Internet and foxtel etc to be set up, you'll need it for movies and net cafes. Save save save!

Thirdly, I would say make sure you have everything set up for one you arrive. Whether internationally or interstate, you need to know you have somewhere to live, a job and a sound knowledge of the public transport/car route you will need to get to said job. You don't want to be late on the first day because you didn't wake up to your alarm in the backpackers hostel and got lost on the way to work.. Not very professional. And if you have a house set up for you. Make sure it has running hot water, electricity and phone lines. There will be many a worried call from Mum and Dad to see how their little girl is doing. Also your new friends need somewhere to call that wont cost a million euro/dollars/yen etc etc.

Make sure you have your bed. A bed. Not someone else's bed. You need to have a bed of your own that YOU can sleep in ALONE. (Unless you are bringing a partner mind you) Just make sure you have a place to escape to and sleep. This procedure is exhausting and you will need lots of uninterrupted sleep. Next step is setting up the rest of your bedroom. But bed is definitely at the TOP of the list as far as getting your house set up is concerned.

Before starting a new job in a new city, allow yourself at least a week to become familiar with the surroundings of your new home. You'll be here a while. You might as well locate all the best places to get coffee and shop. Find out about weather patterns, the fashion, customs, road rules, anything that will help you settle into your new city better before the stress of working comes into the equation.

Finally, when all is said and done, remember to thank the people that helped you move. Your friends, family, new employer, everyone. Its a great opportunity to move to a new and exciting city! So make sure you let everyone know how much you appreciate their help and patience.

Good luck girls!

xo-xo