Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats . Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer.
Moving interstate is a lot of work, but in the end can be a wonderful experience. It is hard to leave friends and family behind, of course, but living in a new area may bring opportunities that weren't available to you in your hometown, like better job offers, new restaurants to visit and more. Remember, you can talk on the phone with family members whenever you like; they are still there, just a little harder to visit, that's all. It just takes planning, research and somewhat of an adventurous spirit.
After a nasty relationship breakup, it was time to start completely over and move far from home, to rid myself of my crazy ex. Not having a large budget to work with, I sold my bulkiest items, and put the rest of my belongings in storage right before leaving. A few weeks prior, I'd spent time researching places that would be better suited to my needs. The city I was living in was industrial and fairly rural, offering me little job opportunities. I'd moved from my hometown to be with my ex, who turned out to be totally wrong for me on all levels. So, it was time to hit the highway.
After choosing my new state of Florida, I packed my little car carefully, making sure to leave room for my two cats and myself. My little Cutlass Ciera was filled to the brim with my valuables as we drove the 1200 mile trip. By leaving everything else in storage, I could come back as needed to take the furniture and other more bulky things. With me in the car were food and water for my cats, an overnight bag for myself and a lot of plants that I refused to leave behind. It was quite a sight to be seen, two cat heads peering out the windows, meowing most of the way there (until their little lungs wore out), and plants sticking out of every window. But, we got there in one piece, in a little under two days.
First to do in my new state was to find a weekly-rate hotel, something safe and clean. I found a lovely, large hotel that had only suites, giving me a kitchen and a comfortable living environment as I got to work looking for better living options. The place I'd thought I would live at, prior to moving there, had been unacceptable, so I had to find a better place, soon. By reading different newspapers and visiting all interesting apartment ads, I found one that would be allright for the time being. It needed a little renovation but was in a desirable area. We moved there for a few weeks, until I found employment and could afford better.
After getting a job in sales, it was time to move up to a better place. My furniture hadn't been brought down from the north yet, so moving was easy. This time, the move was ideal, a lovely apartment, in a safe and beautiful area, on a lake and close to everything. Finally, paradise had been found. My furniture was then brought down to Florida from storage and, with my new items I'd bought locally, the apartment is finally, "home." If I hadn't taken the risk, this never would've happened, and it would be depressing living the former city, which was cold, dreary and not to my liking.
It takes guts to jump in your car, and just go like this. Be prepared to hire movers at a premium price when moving furniture interstate. If you don't value your furniture, then sell it before leaving, and buy new ones once you're moved. Try to rent a temporary place first, to get a feel for the area, and find out what areas are most safe, and pleasant to live in. Educate yourself so that you can make informed decisions on where to go. When you finally find the place you love, begin to acclimate yourself - find a doctor, vet (if you have pets,) and a good car repair place you can rely on. Normally, reading phone books is boring, but in a new city, they are a better read than any novel. Just flip through the Yellow Pages and see what businesses are out there for you. Drive around, find shortcut routes, and parks. In short, make the area familiar and your adjustment to this new place will be more comfortable. Allow yourself to see the world if you desire, this way you will not have regrets later. Remember to have safety in mind, and choose your new neighborhood carefullly. Once moved, enjoy your new home. It will be worth all the effort in the end.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Invest Well With Atlanta Real Estate Homes and Houses
- Hire the Right Inspector before Sealing the Deal on a Real Estate Home for Sale
- 5 Tips To Ensure That Your Offer To Buy A Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Home Or Condo Is Accepted
- Temecula Murrieta Real Estate Homes
- Indianapolis Real Estate Home Inspections
- Staging Your Home To Sell Fast! – Real Estate/Home Staging
- Hawaii Real Estate-homes in Honolulu
- Phoenix, Arizona Coldwell Banker Real Estate Home Buying




How To Fix Your Marriage Without Professional Help
By: Tanay Kumar Das | 12/11/2009However, not everyone has the resources or the time to seek professional help. The good news is that you can fix your relationship without a therapist, though you might need a therapist in the future.
Divorce Lawyer NYC Settles Your Law Case Considerately
By: Damyel Flower | 12/11/2009Divorce lawyer NYC is your best legal guide when you have made up your mind to part ways from your spouse. Besides, he also renders you with ten courage and moral support required in such a traumatizing time of your life.
Ode To A Honeybee: destruction happens
By: Joni James | 12/11/2009Sometimes even our very best intentions and our very best efforts are not enough to stop the destruction of a home. Read this compassionate article to remind yourself that you did the best you could.
Finding Inner Peace After Divorce
By: Joni James | 12/11/2009Did divorce leave you feeling to frazzled to get back to meditation or prayer to help center yourself again? Then don't. There is another way to finding stillness and peace right outside your window!
Editing Digital Photos Helps Make More Stock Photo Sales Online
By: Dan Feildman | 11/11/2009Why not get Dan Feildman's free report that reveals how easy it is to start up a Stock Photography Business, and how to make money by selling stock photos online
Why Lovers Divorce
By: Ras Reed | 11/11/2009In these days, divorce is the most well liked choice out of marital trouble for majority of people. This is the option that majority of human beings often choose regardless of their status.
Save Marriage Before It Is Too Late – Notice The Sign of Trouble That May Lead To The Break Up
By: Natalie J. Jones | 10/11/2009It need not take your time till you actually get the divorce papers in your hand, to realize that your marriage is in trouble. There are always various subtle and not so subtle signs that tell you that your marriage is on the rocks. The sooner you read these signs and act upon them, the better it will be to save marriage. Let us look at some of these signs here.
Public Divorce Records Through Online Divorce Records
By: Ben Dave | 10/11/2009Through mail, telephone, fax, or walk-in, you will be able to perform a Divorce Records Search. It can also be downloaded online since this is now the latest in the society.
Moving Far From Home While on a Budget Isn't for Sissies - But Can be Rewarding in the End
By: Carolyn McFann | 10/05/2007 | DivorceYou want to move but are on a budget, is it worth leaving friends and family for the great unknown? Here are thoughts on moving interstate by someone who took the plunge, and is very glad that she did.
Having a Midlife Crisis is Both Fun and Therapeutic
By: Carolyn McFann | 10/05/2007 | HealthEnjoy your life to the fullest, at whatever age. Go ahead and enjoy being middle aged. We know ourselves and life better, and can now live our lives more effectively given that knowledge.
Tens Machines are Helpful for Pain, and Can Help Produce Endorphins Too
By: Carolyn McFann | 01/05/2007 | Alternative MedicineA commonly used machine for pain reduction, TENS units are also capable of stimulating your body to produce endorphins, or chemicals that help to improve your mood. These little machines are a little but mighty addition to pain sufferers' lives.
Being Forty is not the End of the World - Don't Let a Number Get you Down
By: Carolyn McFann | 01/05/2007 | Women's IssuesAs we get older, our values and interests evolve. What we liked as younger women may not interest us anymore when we're 40. That's ok, and being older is no big deal. Don't let the big "40" get you down.
So, you Found a Stray Kitty Cat - Now, What Do you Do?
By: Carolyn McFann | 01/05/2007 | PetsWhen you find a stray and want to help it, what is the best route to take? Here are some ideas on either keeping the cat or finding it another good home.
What it is Like to be a Home Agent - No Commute, Independence and No Loud Coworkers
By: Carolyn McFann | 08/04/2007 | SalesWorking as a home agent for a company is wonderful, as long as you have the right conditions. Here are some tips on what it is like to work remotely, as an independent office worker.
Concerned About What's in your Commercial Pet Food? Try These Homemade Cat Food and Treats
By: Carolyn McFann | 08/04/2007 | PetsWatching the news has become distressing, with all the pet food recalls. Many people, afraid of accidentally poisoning their pets with the wrong food, are trying home made pet food recipes to temporarily feed their animals until the problem is resolved. Here are a few recipes I use for my cats.
Looking for Love? Write an Intriguing Singles Ad to Have Potential Mates Wanting to Know More
By: Carolyn McFann | 08/04/2007 | DatingWhen writing a singles ad to post online, you must describe yourself as clearly as you can in only a few typed words. Here is how to write one with appeal and flair, to attract responses and hopefully find the right person for you.