Today Ryan and I signed the papers to close on the sell of our houses. That’s right, we had not one but TWO houses to sell during the worst housing crisis in decades. What can I say? We love a challenge.
If you felt something strange around 1:30 p.m. mountain time, it was probably the breeze from the collective, exhausted sigh of relief exiting from our pair of weary lungs.
And after we sighed, we looked at each other and laughed. The relief was tangible. We reached out and hugged it, lifted it up into the air, spun it around, and kissed it on its brilliant forehead. Oh, Relief, if we didn’t adore you so much and enjoy your company we could be really ticked that you took so long to show up.
So, now let’s celebrate. Remember when I won Mindi’s fantastic giveaway? Ever since, I’ve felt the need to keep the good karma flowing with a giveaway of my own. Shall we, then? Let’s.
What am I giving away? I have no idea. But I can tell you this—it will be good. It will be worth your while to enter to win.
And how do you enter to win? Leave one comment with a piece of your advice for me, my family, and our impending move. I’m sure you have lots of great ideas for making the transition from here to there without personal injury, divorce, or a trip to the psych ward.
I will use a very scientific and fair method for selecting a winner, so load me up on advice and make bank. (I’d love to hear from some of you blurkers, too. Like you, Romina. And Brandon. And Trisha. And Rosco. And Oprah.)
Enter before midnight on August 8!
Find a good local butcher, florist and produce stand. You will learn more abouy the area than you can ever believe from those who own such places.
Yeah, a giveaway!!! Do I win for being the first comment? How about the fact that I already sent you an email full of useful/less cross-country move advice? Hmmm, maybe I should just tell you I think you are beautiful and fabulous and I can’t wait to get you in the same time zone (does that help my odds?). No? Fine. One more bit of advice:
Cut your nails before you start packing – otherwise you will inevitably break one during the packing/unpacking process and have no idea where your nail clippers or a file are located.
Seriously. This is huge.
Oh, and also when you get to the new house unpack as quickly as possible even if everything doesn’t end up in its permanent position because you will be stressed until the boxes are gone.
Please paint my bedroom, err, I mean the guest room a soothing neutral color so it will coordinate with the painting I bring you as a housewarming gift
Do I win now?
Sign me up! I’m so happy for you on your house sale(s). Huge relief. But a little sadness that you’ll no longer be making the U-T just a little bit more awesome.
my advice (which has helped me): pretend you are on vacation for the first little while–pretend you are tourists and seek out all the great things that are around you. i have loved doing this. plus, you familiarize yourself with your new area.
good luck! and when do you move?
you want to arrive in PA complete..without a divorce or the psych ward? travel separately!! good luck, we will miss you a TON!! rhonda
Oooh! What a perfect requirement since I was going to come up with advice for you anyway …. I have spent the summer in Delaware, after all! And, I have lived on the east coast (New England) since 2001! Let’s see … advice.
Find some way to rack up frequent flyer miles, be it a credit card or taking a part time job as a reservations agent for an airline (we do the credit card thing) to make it easier to go visit family.
Make a day out of finding “your favorite” of certain things, like malls, grocery stores, thrift stores, etc. (On separate days for each category, of course) I did this when we moved to Vermont and it was helpful because not only did I learn to drive around well, but I felt more like a native much sooner.
Before you do that last one though, BUY A MAP!!! They’re very necessary, even for natives. You just buy one at the gas station (they’re actually spiral bound books, not the annoying folded ones) and keep it under the seat in your car. That or start saving for a GPS. We just got a GPS about 2 months ago and we’re in heaven!
Also, plan lots of cool weekend adventures and research the public transportation. We took a train into Philly a couple weekends ago and our daughter was in heaven. There’s cool stuff like Amish country (remember to get cash — those Amish don’t use cc machines), Philly, lots of random amusement parks around, cool stuff like zoos and aquariums, the Jersey shore, and a rodeo called Cowtown Rodeo in southern Jersey that just may make you feel like you’re back at the Strawberry Days Rodeo in Utah! Sadly, though, as far as I can tell, there’s more cool stuff NEAR Delaware than there actually is IN Delaware, or at least Wilmington which is where I’ve been living. I know you’re closer to Newark so maybe it’s different.
One last piece of advice is remember to carry a little cash. There are more places on the east coast that don’t take credit cards than in Utah. Something which was a rude awakening for us and embarrassing when we had to borrow money from a co-worker about at a department event when we first moved to Vermont.
Oh, and if you aren’t asleep yet from my long winded advice, you have to get a burger from Five Guys and a Blendini from Rita’s (it’s custard mixed with flavored ice drink … hard to explain but very tasty).
Good luck! We actually leave back to our regular home in New England this weekend, otherwise it would have been fun to meet!
oooo, Lizzie’s advice is going to be hard to top!
My best advice is to try to not rush through it! try to slow down and enjoy the journey that will be the roots for the rest of the next phase of your lives!
Are you driving? stop and see bits of the country, that kind of stuff!
also, for the rest of us…please keep on blogging! It has been so fun getting to know you, we (my sisters and I) truely felt sad when you announced this move. So take us all along right here!
Sure Love you! and hope the next 6 months are exciting (and somehow relaxing!)
Um…..I’ve never moved across the country before. However, if I ever did I’d have lots of good chocolate on hand. I wish you all the best. Good things are coming your way.
Yay for you!
Here is my advice. I do this every time I move, whether it’s across the country or across the city.
Pack one box with the Most Important Stuff in it and pack it into your car last (or, the moving van) so it’s right ready when you get to the new place. Then unpack it first. It should contain: toilet paper, paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, hand soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, Advil, and important phone numbers (e.g. the moving company, the schools, the electric company etc).
Trust me. It is a LIFESAVER every time.
make yourself a t-shirt: “it’s in a box somewhere”
wear it for the next three months.
good luck! you’re going to do great. everyone you meet loves you instantly. that will make the move a breeze.
my advices:
don’t eat yellow snow.
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
i wuv tiffany.
Sheesh! Everyone has beat me to the punch in the advice department! Seriously some good advice there! My first suggestion is to just play tourist for the first month while you are adjusting. Take a day or two a week and hit the tourist spots to familiarize yourself with the history. You will be glad you did, trust me! Also, put on your favorite tunes while you are unpacking. My music always helps me get more done.
And last but not least, blog your adventures and complaints so that we can give you “cyber” support (Ouch, that sounds kind of like a really uncomfortable bra, but you know what I mean!).
GO TIFFANY!
My advice…live blogging! We will help you through with baby steps.
Long-time lurker here…
Yay! A giveaway!
Take a day in your new city and just get lost. Drive through your neighborhood and familiarize yourself with all the conveniences close by… hopefully you’ll find a lot of new places to visit!
The “important stuff” box IS muy importante for sure. Especially when you go across country. But my biggest piece of advice that I can give is to think of this move as a “new start”. I know when I meet you, you said that “putting yourself out there” and meeting new people is not your strong suit. I would have never have known that if you didn’t tell me. You are sweet, personable, and so funny. Seize the opportunity of building new friendships and cherish the new experiences (and please: blog them for us
I’ve moved cross-country twice. For me, the actual drive was a wonderful experience because we were able to drive through so many different states and see so many different things. If you are driving moving vans, you may want to pick just one place you really want to explore, and rent a car for a day there.
Other advice- put a roll of toilet paper in the van with you (you never know when you will need to go and the next exit isn’t for 20 miles). Set up all your bills to autopay, or schedule the payments online so you don’t have to worry about them getting paid while you’re in transition. =)
my advice to you is to just kill everyone with kindness as my mother has always taught me. Even if people are mean to you, you dont want to give them anything against you. Dont believe all the stereotypes about the east coast people being snoody…some of the nicest people I know were from Delaware!!
You have a lot of advice here! I doubt mine will compete, but here it goes. Actually, we talked about this once already. When my family moved here from Minnesota, we all suffered from at-home-it’s-like-this-itis. Everything, and I mean everything, from what people said and did to the climate to the lack of culverts in the streets was compared to Minnesota, and it never measured up. Home always seemed better.
Of course another state is going to be different. There’s nothing you can do about it. No one is going to change for you. And the constant comparison is just frustrating. So don’t do it. Embrace the differences, be a bit flexible, and adjust.
That’s my advice.
Good luck! I love you lots.
Carry two sacks with you at all times (one in each hand) for the first couple of months. That way, if somebody asks for some help, you can say “Sorry, got these sacks.”
p.s. I might have stolen this advice from Jack Handey, but believe me, it works.
All of my best moving advice involves how to load a moving truck. But alas, you don’t need any of that advice.
So I’ll have to branch out into areas less familiar to me.
1) Pull out your copy of “Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey” and be ready with interesting conversation starters like “If the Vikings were around today, I’ll bet they’d be impressed by all the glow-in-the-dark stuff we have.”
2) Look for signs of chicken ownership with each new neighbor that you meet. Signs can be subtle, so keep your eyes open.
3) Work on a fake Bostonian accent. People love fake accents. It’ll help you make lots of new friends.
4) If you can’t perfect the Bostonian “car park,” go ahead and break out the fake English accent. You can tell everyone you have English heritage.
5) When people find out you’re from Utah, they’re going to be curious about the whole polygamy thing. So just cut them off at the pass. Whenever you introduce yourselves to new people, make sure you say, “Hi, I’m Tiffany, Ryan’s ONLY wife.” Make sure you open your eyes really wide when you say ONLY, and then wink at them. They’ll totally get it.
6) You’re moving to the heart of American history, so you’d better brush up. I recommend watching National Treasure I and II every night until you leave.
Well, that’s the best I can come up with. I hope it’s helpful.
(And by the way, I didn’t notice that Jesse beat me to a Jack Handey reference until after I had written #1. Honest.)
Hi,
I have lived out of Utah for 13 years now. My advice is about church (I am assuming you are LDS if not, ignore)
Don’t compare your ward in your new state to Utah.. Alot of things that people in Utah do are only “traditions” and not necessesairly “doctrine”.. if that makes any sense. So things make not seem the same. My Sister in Law had a fit for 2 years that the bishop wasn’t in the right seat on the stand… drove me crazy, I don’t think he has an assigned seat.
Also- sometimes when people move here (Kentucky) from Utah they have a bit of a “here we come to save you non-Utahns” attitude. So just try to be sensitive to that. Also don’t call it “the mission field” that drives me crazy, the whole world is the mission field, not just the part outside Utah. There are very strong members in wards all over the world.
Like I said if you are not LDS, sorry- just delete..:-)
Melissa
Emily’s (tminusfreaout) sister
I, too, would like to address the issue of moving into a new ward and what it takes to become comfortable in your new area.
The first visit you have from a church member will most likely be from the Relief society Prez, Sister LaFayVeigh Doofus She and her husband and 11 children, ages 26 to 3 1/2 months are transplants for Spanish Fark, Ut. They were prompted by the spirit and by some outstanding warrants to relocate to the east. You will need to tell her that the boxes with all of your kitchen supplies were put on the wrong truck and somehow wound up in Toad Lake B.C., Canada and have been impounded by Canadian Customs because something in a can labeled baking powder, resembles anthrax. It will be several weeks before you will be able to cook. If the good sister is doing her job, you will have so many meals that you will think you have just brought home quints from the hospital.
When Ryan meets the Elder’s quorum Prez, Tyler Heber Young, Ryan needs to inform him the same fate befell his lawn mower and yard care equipment. The equipment will clear customs and arrive sometime next spring.
When attending your first Sacrament Meeting, arrive late and leave early.( I think you have expertise in this area). It is wise to take a seating chart with you to plan where you will be for the next 30 plus years. This is one of life’s big decisions.
Nearing the end of the meeting when Brother Parley LaDell Smith starts going on about Zion is just not in Utah, but it can be in Iraq, or even Pennsylvania or even in your heart, it’s time to leave. You can offer your own benediction in the parking lot.
If you don’t get out before being invited into the Bishop’s office for the obligatory getting to know you interview, you might be in trouble. There are several openings in the ward. They are not open because people really liked these callings. Before the Bishop is allowed talk, you might want to set the tone and direction of the interview by asking if he knows the quickest route to Atlantic City.
Hope all goes well.
I am SO impressed with all (okay, most) of this advice! Thank you, thank you!
And keep it coming! I’m taking notes!
My advice, hire a moving company and don’t let anyone (friends, family or EQ) move your things or otherwise puddy and paint touch ups are in your future.
I have no idea what to tell you. I’m still in denial. Call often. There. That’s my advice. My mind is totally supportive, my heart is playing catch-up.
everyone already said it all! enjoy it. even the hard times. those are the times we learn the most!
i had no idea anyonw besides my husband knew who jack handey was. he’ll be so elated!
have a fabulous time! i look forward to visiting!
My advice is first impressions are everything!
Make sure you look your best when meeting your neighbors. Pick out your cutest outfits. Do your hair everyday. Clean house. Good-mannered kids. Perfect yard.
j/k
the more frazzled you are the better.
i think you had the answer to your question already written in the post.
LAUGH! i really think that could possibly be the most simple cure for everything.
i think jim- oops i mean voice of reason has made some very strong points! you will do awesome. you seem like the kind of person that has it ‘all together’- even through the hard times. BEST of LUCK!
—Steadman
Dang! Everyone has great advice. I’ve been really slow on reading blogs lately so I’m sure this is the last comment, but please read and heed anyway. Hmmm, great advice. Let’s see….
Give lots of hugs.
Eat yummy food.
Brush your teeth.
Pray.
Have a good book with you.
Listen to music that makes you feel at home.
It’s ok to cry. Truly.
Breathe.
Don’t throw things at frustrating people.
If you see a penny, pick it up.
Keep chapstick in your pocket.
My advice…
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
They will fix everything.
I’m going to bring you some tomorrow so you can practice.
Hey, wait! I gave you some really good advice already! Dang it! I would have waited if I’d known there would be a give-away!
Seriously, though, I made a book for the kids (beforehand) that told the story of our move. We read it everyday for a week or two before the move, and everyday throughout the move, and for several days/weeks after the move. It helped them so much to know what to expect, and to understand what was happening. (I will bring it with me this weekend to show you what I’m talking about.)
Christian’s probably too old for this, but it may be helpful for Max. I technically made it for Brianna, but it helped Ben so much as well.
Love you! Congrats on closing on your houses! What a huge relief!
wash your hands. turn off the water with the towel you dried your hands with. Then open the door with the towel you washed your hands with.
Ice Cream doesn’t travel well, so before you start packing up your years supply, you might want to reconsider! I’ve got plenty of room in my freezer if you need someone to babysit it – though getting it to you in a disaster might pose another challenge.
We will miss you!
Tiffany,
First of all, congrats on selling BOTH homes, that’s gotta be a first in this market. Having moved from Utah to Atlanta 4 years ago, no matter where you move, it’s always a challenge.
1. Pack your essentials & keep it close (tp, hand sanitizer, valium)
2. Travel by plane, you’ll end up w/no kids and a divorce if you drive
3. Unpack your kitchen first, it’s the most used room in the house. Buy a bunch of paper plates & plastic ware to use while in transition.
4. Find the closest grocery store & Walmart once you get to your new place
5. Have a few of your kids favorite toys, etc. easliy accessible.
6. Make a list of all the good restaurants & local attractions & go visit them.
7. Get school stuff taken care of. You have to provide a ton of stuff..transcripsts, utility bill, mortgage statement, etc.
8. Call your auto insurance co. and get things switched over.
9. I could go on & on but this will be a fun adventure for you. Enjoy your new life!
Take care,
Kim
Have every box labeled for the future rooms that they will be going in. Don’t let anything that gets moved go into the wrong room. It will save you time later!
I am a recent blurker who usually does not post strange comments on blogs. However, I, too, am moving my family in the next two weeks, so I have really, really timely and pertinent advice. My advice, which I am constantly giving to myself, goes like this:
BREATHE! BREATHE! KEEP BREATHING!
I have never moved long distance before, and I don’t know if you are driving or going by plane…
We have taken some pretty long road trips and have found that good music is essential. You never know when you are going to drive through a canyon or a patch of land that you can’t depend on the radio. We finally bought satellite radio so no mater where we are we can have good music. So, load up your iPod…or burn some killer CD’s for the trip. Have something for each mood. Something to refresh you when you are tired, something to calm the nerves when you are ready to poke someone’s eye out, something for that really long stretch of road. And don’t forget your earphones that drown out all other sound.
Good luck with everything!!!
Shoot. I guess that’s what I get for going out of town and missing the deadline. Oh well, I’ll still give you some advice. Don’t let anyone help you pack. You’ll never find your stuff again. You may feel desperate for help, but don’t do it. Also, label each box with a letter or number, then use a pad of paper with corresponding letters/numbers to list what’s in each box. then if you need to find something while you’re unpacking, you can go, “Oh, here on my list it says band aids are in box K. Now I just have to dig out box K from under A-J!” BEST OF LUCK!