From early human migration to the domestication of plants and animals about 10,000 years ago, people's methods of living and creating a home changed based on what they needed at the time and the resources they had access to. And now with great cities we can access through trains, planes, and cars, it just makes sense that we move at the drop of a hat. We go where the resources go.
In my near 21 years of living, I've lived in 14 residences, 9 towns, 2 states, and 2 countries. While there are more experienced movers out there, I'd say I have to skills to pick up and leave at the drop of a hat.Personally, I was moving because my family split up and we needed places to stay that we could afford and were near extended family. Then came college, studying abroad and cheap living in the summer. Modern moving habits have to be pragmatic (if not pessimistic) for those of us dealing with a budget, family, jobs and all those things that make life what it is. So here are some tips I'm passing onto the other nomads out there about picking up and leaving at the drop of a hat.
1. Make sure you can afford it.
While we would all flock to Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles or wherever our dream home is, rent is expensive. If you're like me *cough cough poor* then you think about where your money is going constantly. For a regular mover, I have to think about travel costs, rent averages, food prices and other things when immediately arriving in a new place. I've been lucky since my parents help out my young self, but not everyone is that lucky. Do your research. While nomads stereotypically throw caution to the wind, that's irresponsible in today's economic climate (cue "The rent is too damn high"). There are companies today like Zillow for rent prices, Grocery Pal for food prices and Craigslist for everything in between when moving to a new place. Save some cash and treat yo'self when you get there.
2. But don't move to a place you hate just because it's cheap.
I hated it when I first moved to New York. Hated it. Granted, I didn't have much say in the matter since I was 14. But since then, I've been picking places I want to live that I can afford. You can have that decent apartment in a place you like. You just need to be crafty about it. Move just outside the place you like where the rent is cheaper. Utilize public transportation and avoid car stress and direct city living. Get a roommate. Get roommates. Nomadic millennials can know everything and everyone before they get there in order to live the dream. And in order to
3. Pack strategically.
What you bring is important, but the craft of packing isn't always straightforward. Think about the who's, what's, where's, when's, and why's and how's of packing.
Who is moving with you/with your stuff? Is it just you or a whole team? Pack what your movers can physically carry. Potentially use smaller boxes. Make room in the front seat. Provide snacks or beer. Make the move fun and easy.
What are you bringing? Do you really need all that crap? I managed to survive in Glasgow with a suitcase and a backpack (in a furnished apartment). Buy some stuff there. Have a garage sale. Hell, go to Ikea. The lighter the move, the easier. Bring essentials and minimal nostalgic items.
Where are you moving? Do you have the right clothes? Will your beat-up sedan make it up that rocky road with all of your crap in it? Prepare a bit beforehand and make sure you can survive when you first get there.
When are you moving? Again, think about the right clothes for that area you're moving to. Weather is a thing. Also think about moving your crap in the middle of the afternoon versus the dead of night. Will neighbors complain about noise? Keep your timing in mind and be respectful about your moving schedule.
Why are you moving? Is it for a job? For fun? To be with a friend? Again, pack some prepared things on the way. Have your first-day-of-work items picked out so even in the shamble of moving in, you can dress and get out the door easily. Bring presents for whoever you're moving in with if they're letting you crash there. Think about where you are going and why you are there. Do you have what you need?
How are you moving? Is it your whole house or just one room? While most people go for the big boxes, I can't emphasize enough that small boxes and carriers are key. It does mean more trips, but they're lighter and easier to carry. While suitcases are usually used for clothes, I find it easier to stuff clothes in garbage bags and carry my books in rolling suitcases. Because while it may feel good to be packing things into a big box or a nice suitcase, it won't feel so good when moving everything in.
4. Make sure you have a friend.
I recently got an interview for a job in Chicago. It went great until they told me they needed someone within the next week. While I could have picked up and moved in that time, I really didn't feel like picking up my life and moving to a place where I didn't know anyone. Not everyone needs to know someone when they get to a new place, but it helps. Think about where you're going and how you'll feel being all alone. Now compare that to moving with a friend, into a friend's place or near where a friend is. It feels better knowing someone when you get to a new place. It makes the burden of total life transformations that much lighter. Move however you want, but you can get by with a little help from your friends.
5. Find things you love about the place you live.
Whether it's somewhere totally new or a place you're returning to, there are ways to make the place you live that much more interesting. Tourist a bit. Look up attractions. Eat at new places. Drink in new bars. You might meet new people and find a new beat. Establish memories about the place. While this place may not be a big part of your identity, it's you as a person who makes that place what it is. While we think of nomads as totally unattached to the places they frequent, it's still time and space that we take up in the place that we are in now. Love where you live. Expand your idea about the place. Make it worth the move. Or else, like me, you may find yourself itching to move somewhere else.
