Dear B. Scott,

I'm a long time subscriber considering a move from East to West.  I remember when you were struggling to make a similar decision. I'm at a place in my life where I can move and I'm not sure if I will have this space in my life again. Do you have any advice for me?  What did you wish you knew before you packed up your life and relocated?

Dear love muffin on the move,

Moving from east to west can be challenging, I know because I did it eight years ago. Not only are you packing up your life and shipping it thousands of miles away, but you’re also embarking on a new journey in an unfamiliar place — which can be stressful both physically and mentally. Here are 5 things I wish someone would have told me before I, as they say back home in North Carolina, ‘moseyed over here yonder’.

1. Step Out On Faith – If you’re waiting for the ‘perfect time’ to move, you’ll be waiting forever. There’s never going to be a perfect time. If something in your spirit is telling you to make the move, then do it.

2. Prepare for the Time Difference – It doesn’t seem like a huge change, but the Pacific/Eastern three hour time gap is significant…especially when trying to stay in contact with family and friends. Catching up with loved ones will require extra effort and consideration.

3. Anticipate the Loneliness – Making a move outside of your comfort zone is difficult, especially if you’re doing it alone. Make sure you give yourself some time to meet new people and make new solid friendships.

4. Save More Money – It’s always good to have a cushion in case you fall flat on your butt. A little financial cushion also saves you from feeling the pressure of jumping into less-than-stellar opportunities in order to make ends meet.

5. Don’t Get Sidetracked – So many people move to follow their aspirations and make their dreams come true, but get sidetracked and end up putting themselves in the same types of situations they were in before they left.

 

I hope this helps, good luck on the move!

 

Love,

B. Scott

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