Pop Out: The Why and The How of Moving in your 20’s

Dare to dream my Darlings! Hello, again!

Picture this, you’re 23 years old. It’s a bright and sunny day. You’re sitting legs curled on your cloud-like couch. You scroll through a number of social media sites and each one has the same content: another old friend from high school, another co-worker, or another family member is leaving. They’re moving and you are left standing arms-wide with a puzzled look on your face. Sound familiar?

It isn’t just your timeline. It’s happening everywhere. All over, ambitious twenty-somethings are moving on (not just from one place) and seeking new opportunities, adventures, and a chance to “live their best life”.

Why?

Well according to the National Center for Education Statistics (2018), students are graduating college at higher rates, with over 80% of students earning their bachelors degree within 6 years. More educated people create more people that are looking for gainful employment and in many places, these jobs simply don’t exist. Young adults, are annoyed with the current job climate and are looking to expand their search outside of their college towns.

I think it’s awesome! Several of my friends have either left Illinois within the last two years or are planning to leave within the next two. Some married, engaged, and single. Although it is a bittersweet milestone it is yet a milestone to be acknowledged. The opportunity to begin a fresh start is beneficial, whether your reason is as complex as beginning a new family, or a budding career, or just simply wanting better weather.

How does a 20-something start life over that they are just now beginning?

Easy. Well, not so easy. Moving out of state takes a lot of time, energy, and we cannot forget… MONEY!! There are moving costs, the cost of an apartment/home, finding a job, the anxiety of adapting to a new place, the fear of leaving family and friends, etc. Add a sprinkle of the student loan officers blowing up your cell phone and it’s a wonder why most people stay where they are! Many decide it’s just not worth the drama.

There is a quote that was made famous in the fictitious works of Lemony Snicket that goes, “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives”. I’ve never heard anything truer. By the time you’ve psyched yourself out with all of the doubts and fears, you’d be much far along in life with greater complications.

So how does our generation make this happen?

The same way we’ve done most things up until this point. We get creative.

First thing, SECURE THE BAG!

Decide where and when you’ll want to move. Start applying for jobs as soon as you’ve chosen the location  (especially if it is within a couple of months.) The sooner you apply, the better.

PACK, PACKIN’ IT UP!

Moving is stressful enough. Give yourself time to pack. Decide what you’re willing to take with you. If it hasn’t been used or worn in a year, donate it! It makes a nice tax write off too! See if your new job will offer to cover moving costs, which you can also put on your taxes. (You’re welcome). Create a list of your boxes and things you’re bringing with you so that you won’t overpack or forget anything. Anything that can be stored (in moms house or in storage) store it! -additional costs may be included.

CASH SH*T!

There’s no denying moving can be expensive. Do all you can to save up before your journey. Consider the cost of a new place (deposit, first-month rent, application fee, utilities, pet fee), the cost to move and store your stuff, the cost of gas or flight tickets to get to your new location. These are the most important. I’ve found that a lot of my friends who’ve moved recently have also been creative in finding cheap furniture and decor items via The GoodWill, family and friend donations, and various dollar store branches.

HIGH HOPES

Whether you decide to move on your own, travel with a buddy, or bring along your significant other, think positive. Moving is challenging and should be given adequate thought. However, once you’ve hashed out the details,  the experience will help grow and mold you to, hopefully, become more experienced YOU. A braver YOU.

Moving? Already Moved? Leave advice or comments below. Follow me on Twitter/Instagram @Lamodaviva for more updates and pretty cool content!