The Big Move - How to survive relocating
A Virginia girl, living in a Georgia world. Sure, I’d visited Atlanta several times, ventured throughout the city a bit however I never imagined Georgia becoming my home. I moved in August of 2014. And there’s not a moment that passes where I think it was the wrong decision. I often reminisce on the joy and excitement I had to live somewhere new, meet new people, and to establish myself in a new city. Yes, there were many risks involved as with anything that requires you to take a leap of faith. I’m just grateful to know God’s will is God’s bill. The guidance and provision of God along this journey made my move to Atlanta, GA much smoother. I am also grateful for the support of my family and close friends. There’s nothing like encouragement from the ones we love and trust. As you can imagine my life has changed so much in these past 7 years. I’ve had the pleasure of working with several non-profits who assist APS (Atlanta Public Schools) students and college-aged scholars to and through college. I found a supportive community by joining a church and becoming an active member. This is also where my husband and I met. We eventually got married, had a daughter and I made quite the career change. Wow, a lot really can happen under 10 years. The person I was when I first moved is no longer who I am today. I am grateful for the life changes, growth and experiences Atlanta has brought me. So, why did I make the decision to move? Well, the closer I came to graduating High School the more I knew staying in VA wasn’t an option for me. My family experienced great trauma from the passing on my mother in 2008. I knew I needed to get away from all that was familiar in order to focus and try to continue living through that pain. My first move was from VA to attend college in Charlotte, NC - Johnson C Smith University. Four years later, I completed my undergrad then decided to go back to VA for a year. During this time I was intentional to save, and plan for my next move. I knew my job at the time wasn’t not my end goal so I started looking for jobs in a various states. I spent a lot of time looking and applying to random jobs in Texas, some even in Indiana. My Godmother was very instrumental during this time. She consistently encouraged me to apply to jobs in Georgia. Despite my reasons why I didn’t want to move to Georgia, I finally gave in. I applied to two jobs in GA both in which I received job acceptances. One being an Americorps member with Hands on Atlanta and the other was a marketing role for the Atlanta Braves. I knew I wanted to work with children so I took the position with Hands on Atlanta. Next thing you know I moved 10 hours away and began my life here. Moving from your home state to another requires courage. It will have it’s risk. I decided to take a leap and I believe you can too. Moving isn’t always easy however when you have a plan and the proper support it makes your chances of succeeding that much higher. 
How to survive relocating
Pray!
This may seem cliche’ however praying provides guidance which leads to favor and protection. Have in your heart to go wherever God will send you. Rest assured knowing he knows the desires of your heart. Seeking Him regarding your move will connect you to His will. As you are praying, ask whether a specific location is according to His will. If yes, you will notice things lining up along the way that you didn’t even know what to ask for. This may look like having favor on a job where opportunities and promotions continuously knock at your door. Or maybe you find a home under your preferred budget. Nevertheless, God gives good gifts to His children. He will continue looking out for you even as you move in faith.Make a plan.
Think through questions like where will you go, where will you live, how will you earn a living, how much money do you need to move without using all your funds and when is the best time to move? Create a reasonable timeline and a list of to-do’s. You may not have all the details at once but keep planning. It’s so much easier to put one foot in front of the other when you have a plan. Also, be flexible with certain entities of your plan. It’ll keep you grounded even when unforeseen obstacles arise. Solidify a job.
The moment you consider relocation you should start looking for a job. Decide whether you’d like to stay in the same working field or change fields. Start early and be consistent until you land the job you want. Use your networking skills to see what jobs are available in various areas. Some may prefer to skip this step to find a job once they’ve already moved however that's too stressful in my opinion. Having a job before you move creates clearer steps. It’ll make looking for a place to stay easier because you know where you’ll need to travel most of the week. It’ll lay a financial foundation knowing much you’ll be making each week/month. Visit your desired location.
As you’re narrowing down where you’d like to live, be sure to visit the city. Take a tour around several communities in which you’d considered residing. Note the various neighborhoods. Can you envision your life there? If you have family living in an area close by, seek their help. They may be able to advise you on areas to look and areas to avoid. Also, consider how far your job is from your home and what that commute will look like. 
Pack up and move.
Go through your things. Decide what you will donate, throw out or take with you. Consider what you really need to take with you; clothes, furniture, appliances, toiletries, everything. That shirt you had since high school, you know the one you rarely wear, donate it. Those old photos of your ex, the one you don’t talk to at all anymore, throw them out. Anything broken, here’s the perfect time to get rid of it. Throwing out old things allows you to take only what you need or deems what is importance. As you’re packing up you’ll need to determine how you will move your items. Can everything fit in your vehicle? Will you need to hire a moving company?Find your tribe.
Once you’ve relocated and settled in find a community of like-minded people. This may be on your job, in your neighborhood, at a local church or a gym. Use discernment to determine if people are really growing to better themselves. I image if you are moving because of a personal goal you’ll want to surround yourself with people who are also chasing their dreams. There’s a reason individuals say “birds of a feather, flock together”. Before you officially move (particularly if you are moving out of the state or country) visit your family and friends. You don’t know the next time you’ll see them so spend some time together before you leave. Express how this isn’t goodbye, rather I’ll see you soon. Share highlights -only what needs to be shared- of your plan. This keeps them included in your life. Family support will always be of high importance regardless of your venture in life. Family will look out for you when you’re in a bind, cover you in prayer and cheer you on. If you don’t have the most supportive family, that’s okay. Connect with those you consider those who are instrumental in your life, those who may as well be your family. Having their support during this move will help you succeed. Questions to reflect on:
What’s the reason why you want to relocate? Are you running from something or to something? Is it for personal gain or simply to be closer to person?Where would you want to live? Have you visited this place already? Is there a place (state or country) you have at least one family member or family friend that you trust?Are you looking to change your career or advance in the field you’re currently in? Will this new role be a pay increase or pay cut?What are your financial commitments? How will moving impact these responsibilities?Does anyone in your support group know you’re considering moving? Does anyone have any objections? If so, why?What furniture will you need to function on a daily basis? Will you take furniture you currently have or handle this after you’ve move?
