After doing some research on the internet, I was surprised to find there are hardly any places to go for newbies.  There are resources here and there for certain things but a quick start guide is mostly limited to the local government sites.  They will send you a nice publication that comes with a series of emails from people marketing to new comers.  It is definitely a nice resource, but there is just something real and personal about hearing directly from a locals mouth or someone experiencing things first hand.

So… I am starting citynewbie.com to be a resource for those new to Houston and Texas.  I would like it to eventually expand out to other cities and have other writers share their experiences with moving to a new city.  Depending on time, I will probably share resources for San Diego too.

-Love, fun and happiness

Susan

Gila Cliff Dwellings, the Silver City RV Resort and Dripping Springs (hill country around Austin) topped our list of the most rewarding and fun days.

The change is welcome.  I know that I will be back to visit friends and family that I have grown up with over the years.  I have been hearing that the people are really friendly where we are headed and that it should be easy to get acquainted with the area.  There has definitely been no shortage of comments about the move.  Many are still in disbelief.

On another note, we received our first order through one of our new website today.  That was really exciting.  It wasn’t like I never received an order from one of my sites before…the first order is always the most exciting and to know it came so quickly after putting it up the site.  The web is so amazing. More plans are down the pipes for new products and services for small businesses.  The drive time will give us time to reflect and get all the ideas flowing.  Everything is definitely coming together.

I am excited about the move to Texas.  The family wants to get down and enjoy some rain for once.  I am not sure how I feel about the rain and thunder storms but it should be interesting.   It has been about 10 years since I really experienced a good rain storm other than my shower. 

Still so much to do for logistics.  At least the physical moving part has been mostly a breeze so far.  Craigslist has definitely been a blessing in getting rid of unneeded items and so has the local donation bin.   Only about 2 more weeks until our container arrives.  Sorting is going into high gear this week. 

Have a wonderful week full of love and graditute!

Smiley Susan

The best thing is not rushing to try and fill the truck.  You can take your time and plan how you are going to cram in all your worldly possessions into this 16 foot box.  I liked not having a ramp to roll up into the truck.  Having to worry about navigating around a staircase is enough.  I am glad we were going down because I don’t know how we would have done it.

Having the right tools also came in handy.   Remember to buy some ratching straps….not just bungies, since they could possibly snap and stretch unlike the straps.  Also…because we are moving two homes and will be unloading into two homes, we felt an investment of $120 in an appliance dolly was key.  And did it earn its keep on the first day of moving.   If you have to move large or heavy items…and maybe are still going to move a few more times in your life or have friends you help to move, make the investment.   You would be surprised how many times you could use a dolly.  Or, you can always rent one for about half the price…   If you are doing this “pod” style moving though, remember you will have to rent one here and at your new destination. 

Again, I am really happy with my choice to go “pod” moving.  The customer service has been great and everyone has been very friendly.  Our container arrived later than expected, but they did call to let us know about the delay due to a run on containers the previous day.  So we received a newly built container and they were gracious enough to throw in some moving blankets per my request. 

All we have to do some final cleaning around the place and we are good to go.   Our next container comes in two weeks.  I can’t believe we are within a month of moving.  Time is flying by.

Fortunately, with all the tools available on the internet you can get a good idea of what neighborhoods are like.  Google maps allows you to pretty much walk the streets.  Reading people’s blogs help too…but you have to filter it all out since you really don’t know where people are coming from…as far as their opinions are concerned.

For the first time… I actually found a local Realtor board site that was helpful and allowed you to search easily, HAR.com.  By far this has been my best resource for getting an idea of housing and rental prices.  It was easy to sort and search…unlike many of the other local sites.  Being a licensed agent and a member of my local board in San Diego, I wish more sites were like this… but I guess we rely on the national site, Realtor.com for that.

I can’t wait to get moving.  Packing is still a chore.   The garbage and recycling bins are at least filled weekly with things I don’t need to haul across country.  Craigslist is coming in quite handy to post things I don’t want to pack but get a few bucks for.  The only thing I don’t like is the scamming.  That has already occurred and is not cool.  You have to learn sometime I guess.

I have definitely gotten a process down on how I am going to get rid of most of our precious belongings.  In the end,  Freecycle and donations to my local favorite spots will probably end up getting the most of it.  I feel good that I am  being proactive about things and not waiting until the last minute.

This weekend our motor home, Lucy, got a good scrubbing.   This will be our initial home when we get down to Houston.   I am actually excited about this idea.  It will give us time to figure out the lay of the land instead of just making a quick trip to find the first house.  Plus, it is something that we are familiar with…and I found a great RV park right near the bay.  It will be fun.  – Susan

Because I have a soft spot for print materials, even though I love web and digital media.  I thought I would handle it a little differently and have a little fun.

Check out some of my print…the leftovers.

The first most noticeable is my portfolio blog.  What do you think?  Something nice for the Fall that explores my earthy side.  It also sports the newest addition to our family, Sonya.  She is a bundle of joy and helps keep Winston, our Pembroke Welsh Corgi, busy.

Another big change not as noticeable is a move to Texas this Fall.  Born and raised in California, I don’t know what to expect.  Living my whole life in a state like CA…is like living in a different country.  I guess Texas is just as big…but I think it will be different on so many levels.  I definitely am going to welcome the change and adventure.

After 30 plus years, it will be good to learn something new and break from my California comfort zone.  So many things that you just know or take for granted will have to be relearned.  I think the major adjustments will be weather, especially the humidity, and bugs.  Weather is something we don’t really have in San Diego unless you count sunshine.    As for bugs, termites and ants are it.  Humidity is probably going to be the main thing for me to get acclimated to since I have never lived with it.  I plan to make friends with the air conditioner.

As the clock ticks closer I am excited and a little anxious at the same time.  Fortunately I won’t be going alone.  Packing has not been a joyous task but a must.  I realize if I do it right, unpacking on the other side will be that much better.  This time, instead of doing the traditional truck moving I am trying one of those Pod type services. I am hoping it will make things less stressful when the time for loading approaches.  I will keep you posted.

Fortunately I was able to find several free and really inexpensive boxes with packing material on Craigslist. I recommend this option for finding boxes, bubble wrap and paper.  All boxes aren’t equal.  If you are lucky, you can find the thick professional moving boxes, which are really expensive…even if you get them from a recycled place.  Start looking a couple months in advance so you don’t need to rush.  This can save you hundreds of dollars.

At least I don’t have to worry about phone service.  Did I tell you how much I love our phone service?  Well, if I haven’t let me tell you again.  I love our Ring Central service.  You will just have to check out my post on these bestest phone service.

I think I could go on and on about moving being a major thing for me but I will spare the details and conclude here for now.  – Susan

Feel free to drop me a comment.  I love to hear from people and see what they have to say.

If you have a project that you need help with, I do pick up freelance projects big or small. Depending on your project, I do entertain volunteer work or possible bartering.

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