I know it’s been radio silent around here for about two months, but I’m officially moved in in Nashville. I’m still getting things settled in, which is why I haven’t done a full apartment tour yet, but once I get everything up I’ll post more pictures and maybe even a video. BUT! Let’s go back a few weeks; back to when I was still in the process of moving. I shared a few things that no one really discusses when they’re moving, but I also wanted to share a few tips with y’all to make an across-the-country relocation (or really any type of relocation) easier.
Ask for and accept help – I consider myself a strong, independent Black woman, but I knew that taking on this relocation by myself would be daunting. The logistics alone had me stressed so I was so happy when my parents volunteered to drive my stuff up for me. It gave me more face time with them and them being here those first few days helped me more than I thought it would. Not only were they able to help me unpack some items, get things hung up and put together, but just having them all to myself for a few days in a new city really helped.
Feel your feelings – Tears will come. Whether they’re from a mover canceling on you at the last minute and your original 3 hour moving day doubled because it was just you, a sibling and your father. Or if you break down because it’s the last night your parents are in town and you realize that after they hop on that flight you’ll be alone in a new city. Let those tears fall. Sob if you need to. I know I did. I cried so many times over the course of this move, and in fact writing this portion of this post brought tears back to my eyes.
Use a vacation day (or two) for your move – We loaded my stuff up in the U-Haul on Saturday, my parents hit the road and I flew in on Sunday, and we moved my stuff in on a Monday morning. The movers that I hired for Nashville were PHENOMENAL, so Monday’s move-in process went a lot smoother than Saturday’s move-out process. That being said, I’m happy I took all of Monday off to get things moved in and set up. I made the mistake of only taking a half-day off when moved into my previous apartment and felt rushed and overwhelmed for the week following. Take a day or two if you need it; I’m sure your co-workers will understand.
Hire movers – I booked movers for both ends, and the movers in Houston ended up canceling on me after not showing up for 3 hours (they got held up a previous booking). That made Saturday twice as long as it needed to be and I was beyond exhausted physically that night. Monday’s move-in went 151% times better than I thought it would. I hired A-Team Hauling Service and my movers had my stuff in my apartment in 45 MINUTES! It didn’t help that my elevator was down for repairs when I moved out of my Houston apartment, but things were running so smoothly in Nashville that we had things in my place in under an hour and I didn’t have to move too much myself. I highly recommend A-Team Hauling for any moving and hauling services you need.
Don’t feel rushed to have everything unpacked immediately – I’ve been here three weeks and I’m still getting things settled in. I hired a Task Rabbit to set up some furniture and hang curtains this past weekend, and it took me over two weeks to get all of my clothes unpacked. Take your time, especially if you’re moving in and immediately going back to work. You’ll likely be tired and though it might seem compelling to rush and get everything done your first weekend take your time.
I hope these tips help y’all and that you remember to give yourselves grace during this transitional time.