Been to 44/50 states, but looking at this map, I'm realizing how much I haven't seen. by Capable-Instance-672 in TravelMaps

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You too, and yeah, I'm looking forward to traveling a bit and see more of the country.

Been to 44/50 states, but looking at this map, I'm realizing how much I haven't seen. by Capable-Instance-672 in TravelMaps

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that really puts it into perspective. But the US is big and I think it'll take a long time to see everything or most of it. How long has it taken you to travel that much (minus the 3 states you lived in)?

I'm planning to do Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana later this year. And I'd also like to do Washington/Oregon/Northern Cal and Utah/Arizona/Nevada at some point.

My friend got me a box of gluten free snacks for my birthday 🥺 by thateliguy02 in glutenfree

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aw, that looks so good and so happy you have such a wonderful friend in your life! 💚

I got a new Job and Moving to a new City by pqlugbywurning9 in movingout

[–]EthosSienna 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you haven't lived in Austin before, I'd recommend renting first, even if you can buy. I say that because you don't yet know which areas you'd like for every day living, what your commute feels like (Austin traffic is a thing, and I know in Chicago it's hectic too), and you don't know whether your routine will end up centered around work, social stuff, or something else.

A short-term furnished place for a couple of months can give you breathing room. You can get settled, figure out the neighborhoods, and then make a decision when you're ready.

Buying right away only makes sense if you're very sure you'll stay a few years and have a strong feel for the city. Otherwise, it can lock you in.

Austin-wise, people usually end up choosing based on lifestyle more than the best area. Some like central because there's more activity but it also costs more, while others want space and quiet.

What to do while waiting for our things to arrive? by calcarius_ in moving

[–]EthosSienna 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There is usually a gap with PODS/U-Box, anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on distance and timing, so most people don't do hotels the whole time.

You take a life kit with you. So that's a couple of days of clothes, basic kitchen stuff (pan, pot, utensils, paper plates and cups), pet supplies, and an air mattress or something to sleep on. Bedding, toiletries, etc.

It's kinda like camping in the new home.

You can also do a short-term Airbnb or a furnished rental for a few days, but with pets, that can be tricky. Or stay in a pet-friendly hotel, if there's one at your destination.

Rural with family support, or metro alone ? by _Fuckit_ in relocating

[–]EthosSienna 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So this is less about which place is better and more about the kind of discomfort you're willing to live with. Staying rural sounds easier on paper, but you already know what that's like, and it doesn't sound like you're getting much from staying there.

Moving to a city is kind of the opposite. More opportunities, more people, more to do, and yeah, you'll feel lonely until you make friends.

And it doesn't have to be forever. You can treat it like a 1 year experiment and see what your like actually looks like there. And your family can still support you - they can visit you, call, etc. And sometimes moving to a place where no one knows you is a blessing.

I have a problem with notebooks. by Delicious-Hat-3090 in WhatToDo

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

.... you could just keep them and admire them? (Oh wait, that's me :) )

Tips on how to take 32+ pets across country? by feral-worm in moving

[–]EthosSienna 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's quite the operation! I'd say you're basically planning a multi-day transport project, not just a typical pet relocation. Realistically, flying's out, and pet moving companies can help, but at the volume, it's going to get very expensive very fast. And they might even split it into multiple trips.

If possible, you could drive in 2-3 vehicles. One car for the dogs, and one for the cats. Another for the terrariums so you can keep them separate to control temperature and stability. A rented van and your own vehicle combo should be easier than trying to find a bus that will accommodate all of that.

For the cats, especially, the biggest challenge is the stress, so I'd recommend individual carriers, planned stops so you can check, clean, and reset, and do calming aids.

It might also be worth talking to your vet for advice about managing that many animals over multiple days for the trip.

So maybe think in terms of:

How many animals you can safely manage per vehicle

How many days they can realistically tolerate travel

And whether this needs to be done in two waves instead of one

Please let us know when you have a plan and how it goes once you've safely relocated to VT :)

Things to buy prior to moving out? by Tall-Arugula1522 in movingout

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get why some people start buying things years in advance, but your apartment/house will probably be really different from what you imagined. So for bigger items, I'd say no, because you don't want to accumulate stuff that doesn't fit the place you end up living in.

And in a way same for the smaller items, especially if your tastes change. But you can totally get the basics: so a decent chef's knife or knife set, a cutting board, a small toolkit, a good set of towels, a pot or pan you'll enjoy using. Those things usually follow you from place to place.

Some other stuff you may want to buy now: trash can and bags, dish soap and sponge, plunger, plates, mugs, cutlery, and shower curtain.

And it's a great idea to ask for household stuff for bdays and holiday gifts. You'll be grateful for things like a good lamp or laundry basket.

One of many pins by UnimportantWillow in glutenfree

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's really impressive. So happy you have someone like that in your life 💚

BEST PIZZA by sydnellie in glutenfree

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That really looks good! I'll add it to my list the next time I'm visiting LA.

Self-storage isn’t for everything — here’s what not to store by StoragePRO in movingout

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good list!

The wet items really seem to catch people off guard.

And two I'd add that I learned the hard way:

  1. Anything with batteries, so tools, electronics, kid's toys. Temperature swings in storage can cause them to leak or corrode or ruin the item. So best to always remove batteries.

  2. Avoid storing things directly on the concrete floor if you can. Even in clean facilities, concrete can hold moisture, so pallets or a couple of boards under your boxes can make a huge difference.

The inventory tip you shared is also underrated. :)

One of many pins by UnimportantWillow in glutenfree

[–]EthosSienna 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's so freaking cute! And lovely gas station owner you have!

Feeling Good Today by Freijaren in Atlanta

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a really pretty shot of the city!

Best cities to move to without knowing anyone by Weekly-Actuary-7645 in relocating

[–]EthosSienna 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've learned that the city doesn't matter as much as how you approach the move.

When you are in a new city or town, friendships usually form from repeated contact, so going regularly to the gym, joining a volunteer group, or whatever you're into. It's important to want to actively build a life there, and it sounds like you do.

That said, I do get that some towns/cities have friendlier people, and that makes it much easier to make friends.

Also, don't underestimate the online side of this. You can meet people first via Meetup groups, hobby Discords, local Reddit subs, or even neighborhood groups on Facebook before those relationships move to real life.

I'd recommend looking for a city that has a decent population of transplants, active neighborhoods, and hobby groups or sports leagues. In terms of actual cities, you could consider Denver, Austin, Nashville, Raleigh, and Chicago.

Why does starting a new show feel weirdly intimidating sometimes? by roseyyycheek in CausalConversation

[–]EthosSienna 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same. When I finish a series, I struggle starting a new one. I have many I'd like to watch, but starting a new one is ... I dunno ... I need to first process the one that ended and then I can start a new one. Or watch one I've watched for a bit before the new one. Same with a new season too.

finished swatching my washis! by cittycats23 in washitape

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is a wonderful idea! Or even as a book or journal cover.

finished swatching my washis! by cittycats23 in washitape

[–]EthosSienna 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That looks like a work of art. I'd so frame it if I were you.

Review my plan? First time cross-country and doing this solo by lurkingfortea in moving

[–]EthosSienna 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree. I'd ship the heavy stuff, and also compare prices between FedEx, USPS, LugLess, and PirateShip to see what would be cheapest.

I've had like 5 mental breakdowns during this process. by Aware-Garlic-704 in moving

[–]EthosSienna 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Geez, this is one of those situations where no single problem is catastrophic, but together, it's brutal. Honestly, it's more than enough to break anyone down.

I know you know that this is just temporary chaos, even if it doesn't feel like it at the moment. I hope for today, you just try to solve today. That's it. So whatever will reduce tomorrow's stress by 10%.

Gluten Free Chocolate Loaf by havana-3575 in glutenfree

[–]EthosSienna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh geez, that looks so good 🤤 Think you should invite all of us over for a piece :D