Advice requested: Moving long distance

[Apelila]

I'm looking for some information about moving halfway across the country (US). It wont be the first time, I'm moving back somewhere. I will be a first in the sense of all the financial responsibilities and stuff I didn't have before. Also that I want to have a job lined up before I do this. So my questions are


How do you go about looking for work in an area far from where you are? This is what I'm most concerned about, because I can't do this until I have something secured.
I can afford maybe 2 trips by plane for an interview. The drive is 20 hours, effectively making it not an option for doing interviews unless I'm damn sure about it. I have a place to stay once all is said and done, but what should I expect telling people I'm 3 states away? Is it normal in that situation for people to be understanding, and willing to wait a few weeks in order for someone to move? Physical and piss test are not a worry; I want to give my current work place 2 weeks at least because they've not only been really good to me but if I just suddenly quit the team I'm on will get shafted. I don't want to be an asshole.

Second, I have significantly more now than the half a car full I moved with. What am I looking at for getting a midsized Uhaul across 1200 miles price wise? Is there anything cheaper (For trucks I mean).
How much time for the move should I be looking at? I mean, from the end of the current job to the new one? Obviously I know this is coming, I'm starting to pack up stuff so that finishing will only take a day at most. Then the drive will take 2 days, unloading is a few hours. But it will be exhausting, and I can't imagine anything less than a week being appropriate.

Thanks for any advice, this is kind of daunting.

[Linliel]

It all depends on how much money you have. If you can, it's much easier to move and then find a job. But you need $$ for that, since you won't have a job for a while, depending on your field.

If you don't have the money, I don't recommend moving until you definitely have a job. I moved from Sydney to Canberra (3hrs away) and then from Sydney to Belgium, which was a long way away. I had jobs to go to both times (did phone/skype interviews).

The way I got my jobs was to basically apply, explain my situation, and then find some compromise on how to go about interviews etc. If you're a strong candidate in your field, you'll find that companies will try to accommodate you as much as they can (even offering to fly you out). But if you're in a competitive area, it's a lot harder. I'd actually recommend in that case, get a bunch of interviews lined up (if you can get them) and head over for a week or so and try to get them all done in one go. Tell the companies right up that you'll need to move, but tell them that you'll pay for the move. Companies will be used to people having to give notice. So don't worry so much about that. By the time they offer you the job, they should know how long it'll take you to start (which you should discuss with them).

As for a move itself, expect it to take a week or more. You'll need at least 3 or so days to pack all your stuff up (if you're taking furniture etc. for a couple of rooms house, and if you have help -- if you're doing this all yourself it'll take a lot longer), then travel time, then a day or two to unpack (you can progressively unpack). I have no idea about cost for the US.

If you're just taking a couple of suitcases it'll be a lot less ;D But take it from me - packing your life into 30kg is very hard.

Good luck!

[Warudo Ecksu]

I've moved across the US like 3 times, and I always just found a job within two weeks of moving there. Never bothered to look beforehand.

As for Uhauls, it depends entirely on which size you need. You can check their website for rates. There probably isn't anything cheaper. I typed in random settings with a couple of different zip codes 2k miles apart, and got anywhere from $300-750 depending on the type of truck/trailer/size.

[Mizango]

I have moved and lived in 4 different states, so I know exactly what you are considering, especially with the Uhaul thing. There really is no magic answer as far that that goes, its just a matter of having a few hundred bucks for gas which shouldn't be too bad since it is just a one way trip. The last time I moved via Uhaul we had a 1,357 mile trip planned and gas wasn't as bad as I thought it was. Just keep a safe amount to the side for food, drinks here and there and you will be fine and pleasantly surprised when its over.

As far as the job thing goes exhaust all of your resources. Visit the city's local newspaper online and find the tab for jobs or the classifieds, that is a great way to begin. If you are technically inclined and/or have a degree or working towards one you can use sites like Careerbuilder.com, Monster, Jobhunter.com or Jobseeker.net. Another thing you may want to check out is again, get online and look for staffing agencies in area because many times they will give you an aptitude test and know whether should even bother with a particular job.

But seriously, as someone that travels across the US alot (Lin also travels nonstop for work too, so shes great to listen to if my shit is whack) try looking before hand and explain your situation. A lot of companies or employers are seeking new blood and see many transplants as someone that would work hard because failing for them is not an option since you cant fall back on home life or just up and leave because you're lazy. I have LOTS of experience in this aspect of moving, and trust me it works.

Another thing to consider also is the fact that there are lots of companies out there that will pay for or partially assist you in your move if you are indeed relocating. I have had apts paid for 6 months as well as utilities paid for 10 months in another. I cant stress this enough; EXHAUST ALL RESOURCES! There is no such thing as "this is stupid" or "All they'll say is no". Give it a shot because employers too like to look for new talent and a fresh start when hiring.

I commend anyone for not being an anchor and having the balls to move and experience different regions. There are too few people like you in the world man, good luck out there and I hope everything works out for you. If you have any questions, suggestions anything do not hesitate to pm me. Good luck!

[Lbelle]

I don't have much advice, but I am doing the same thing in about a week. Moving from FL to CA, and it is just such a daunting experience and stressing me out to my core right now.

I would like to say though, that Skype interviews are not as dumb as they sound and people use them more and more these days. Ask your potential employer for a phone/skype interview before you fork over 200 bucks on a plane ticket that later could be used for gas!

[Takedown3]

beef jerky and lime gatorade

[Linliel]

- stuff -

Yep, Miz is right on the money. And I forgot to mention that yeah, some companies will offer to relocate you! Just let them know you're prepared to pay yourself if they can't

[Angelsin]

I've done this for the job I have right now. I secured my job before I moved and when I did I informed my old employer and planned the move.

For me it was easy. Everything was done over the phone and the initial application was done online. I had 2 30min interviews - one with an HR manager and the other with one of the partners of the firm. They gave me a little more than 2 weeks too to get everything prepared for the move. Honestly if they said we want you here tomorrow I would've left that night but they were really cool and understanding about me being far away.

Uhauls are fucking gas hogs! Think alcoholic at an open bar. If you can get one of those little things that you can pull behind you do that. Otherwise I'd recommend using Greyhound to transport some of your stuff. Their prices are actually good when compared to a uhaul. Comparing distance to a 2008 Civic (same distance, speed etc - my friend drove the uhaul):
Civic - Gas usage = 1/4 of a tank; $ to fill = $15-20
Uhaul - Gas usage = 3/4 of a tank; $ to fill = $75-120

Moving for me took 2 days by car. First day was leaving and packing etc, second day was arriving and unpacking. I was ready to start work on the 3rd day but I didn't have to since I leave early and arrived in my new town on the weekend. It was an 18 1/2hr drive for me.

[Brill Weave]

Whoa....Mizango is black. And he has a job?!!!?!?!?!

[Mizango]

I miss you Weave

[wop]

Miz help me get a green card to move to USA...

[Mizango]

Miz help me get a green card to move to USA...

You know I got you.

[Linliel]

Miz help me get a green card to move to USA...

What, you mean there are some things money CAN'T buy?!

[Mizango]

What, you mean there are some things money CAN'T buy?!

Nah, some things you just need an American to buy :3 We teamed up on relics, so why not team up on immigration? That's the way playas play.

[Linliel]

Nah, some things you just need an American to buy :3 We teamed up on relics, so why not team up on immigration? That's the way playas play.

lol good times

sounds like all the offers of marriage I keep getting because I come from a country where the government subsidises education ;D Just, well, not very interested in US visas ;P

[Shiroikage]

Wow, I was just about to ask the Canadian version of this.

[Mizango]

I got you Shiro.

[Shiroikage]

I got you Shiro.

Any advice for the opposite situation? I'm quite set for work, but I need a place.

[Mizango]

Any advice for the opposite situation? I'm quite set for work, but I need a place.

I got you Shiro.

.

[Linliel]

Shiro, either stay with some friends for a bit (that's what my bf is doing in the UK); or pop over there for a couple of days (like I did when I moved to Canberra) and line up some house interviews, or get someone from the university accommodation to set you up with something (temp or permanent) (like I did when I moved to Belgium)