Short update.

[talonkarrde]

Hey guys; I've never really used this as anything but a writing journal, and really, my life is not that interesting, but I was going to throw this out there because it is big and momentous. I've been so busy lately with everything that I haven't gotten a chance to write on the most excellent topics lately, or post the exhaustive (and seriously, I mean like 1200 word) meta post that I've been looking at/corresponding about.

Mostly, ah, because I'm moving to California. San Francisco, to be exact, to start working at a little startup that does some cloud storage. In three weeks, roughly. Which is a bit of a thing, and as such I am asking you guys for any advice whatsoever you may have on, well, moving long distances, things to bring, things to keep, things to think about.

I am thinking of doing a ten-day cross country road trip before then; there are a few people I'd like to see and a few places I'd like to visit. I intend to do this in an 1998 Honda Accord that is solid as a rock, and I think everything I'm bringing is going to fit in there, which, at this point, is clothes, my computer, and a desk. Everything else, I'll be buying in SF, where I'm looking at a few spots that are comfortably in my budget and stuff.

 

So um. I'm not sure what I'm really asking for, but anything you guys think would be helpful would...be helpful.
 

Comments

[michikatinski.livejournal.com]

There are lots of LJ Idol folk in the SF area--let us know if you need anything when you get here!!!

[talon.livejournal.com]

What's the best place to eat? ;)

[michikatinski.livejournal.com]

If you're a fan of clam chowder, Fisherman's Wharf has the best breadbowls anywhere. It's a tourist trap, but the food is amazing. _It's a Grind_ is a chain coffee shop at Washington and Polk, but there are lots of chairs, the coffee's good, the food's good, and it's really a place for local San Franciscans. You won't find tourists there. There are also some great Dim Sum places in Chinatown, but those you'll want to explore on your own. :)

I can make lots more recommendations of places to go in the East Bay, if you want to take the trouble of BARTing over. Berkeley alone is loaded with great spots. :)

[talon.livejournal.com]

I am, actually, living in Berkeley...XD

[michikatinski.livejournal.com]

DUDE!

Well, in THAT case,

I'd highly recommend Blake's (on Blake and...Telegraph?--south of Cal campus), and any of the restaurants on Euclid just north of North Gate (also Cal campus). There are a bunch of yummy places on Shattuck (just north and west of Cal campus, between Hearst and Rose). There's also Fat Apples on MLK and Rose that's got super-yummirific and carborific comfort food. If you're in a sushi mood, I no of no better place in the whole East Bay than Yammy Sushi--it's a block from my house (highly dangerous) and just a couple blocks from the El Cerrito Plaza BART station. Definitely worth a trip.

[michikatinski.livejournal.com]

Almost forgot: my hubby and I love this Chinese place called Max's Wok in El Cerrito on San Pablo. It's a bit of a hike from either of the El Cerrito BART stations, but it's really inexpensive and super-delicious.

[michikatinski.livejournal.com]

AND I'll leave you alone after this, but the Starry Plough (on Shattuck and Prince, toward the Berkeley/Oakland border) has great burgers and also has numerous beers on tap. It's also two blocks from where I work, so if you're looking for a dinner buddy some evening after 5:00, lemme know!

[talon.livejournal.com]

I will quite possibly take you up on that one of these days :P But thank you, thank you, thank you for all of these excellent suggestions :D

[takenoko.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you wouldn't leave this behind, but bring your camera :P

Make a list of all the chargers/power cords you might be using up until the last minute and need to pack the day of.

Ummm what else... bring a sleeping bag. And shower curtains if you're not sure if the apartment you're getting is furnished?

Talk to me online if you need help... or whatever :P

[fourzoas.livejournal.com]

Wow! Congrats on the new job--I love Dropbox and think it's cool that you'll be working for them!

As for moving, while I've never done cross country, I've done many moves, and my number one piece of advice is to sell what you aren't attached to and can easily replace, pack only stuff that you actively use, and sod the rest. I'm still carrying around boxes I haven't opened in 10 years--that's, like, three moves--over three states! Pare down, convert belongings to cash--travel light.

Clearly I have Issues with Things.

[pixiebelle.livejournal.com]

Wow on the big move!

I did this myself not that long ago. Well, maybe not as far...but still. I moved from MO to Southern Cali in my 2004 Ford Focus and a little trailer attached to the back (and with no air conditioning in the middle of August). It was an experience of a lifetime, that's for sure.

So what kind of advice are you looking for? I know I left a lot behind. I thought I might regret it, but I don't. I even left most of my furniture. I just bought a cheap Ikea foam mattress thingie and slept on the floor for a long time. The rest of my furniture was given to me, otherwise, I'd probably still be sitting on the floor to type this. I wouldn't have a changed a thing though...Simplicity is key.

Things to think about? Well give yourself more time than you think you will need. It will take longer than you think, guaranteed. Research hotels ahead of time (if you're going that route). Bring snacks. Bring good music. A good road trip companion to help drive and whatnot is always good if possible (they can always fly back).

And whatever you do, just take what you can and leave what you can't. Things are just things. You can buy that again later.

I chose my apartment with never viewing it. I got lucky with flexible lease terms, but be wary of that if you're not going to see it first. Do you have places in mind? My company owns properties up there and I have done lots of research into the apartment market up there too.

Good luck!

[thespian.livejournal.com]

I have moved...

from Toronto to DC

from DC to Boston

from Boston to Raleigh

from Raleigh to Atlanta

from Atlanta to Toronto

from Toronto to Boston.

if you have any *specific* questions, I'm totally down with answers.

Though frankly, since you're not moving sofas and cats, I'm betting you're totally fine.

[crimsonplum.livejournal.com]

Of course I'm going to start with CONGRATULATIONS again, love. Kind of a huge thing, and it's pretty bad-ass that you're doing it.

Having moved house more than 30 times in my life (no kidding), I will definitely back up the idea of sticking to essentials. I've generally done a poor job of this, so I know whereof I speak. ;) It sounds like you're pretty well already there; I'd even suggest considering leaving the desk behind, and making that one of the things you pick up when you get there.

I know a few people in/from Cali (other than the ones you know here!) who may be able to provide their two cents on locations, if you need some. Let me know if you come up short on recommendations.

Should you need some places to bunk along your way, I know quite a few people coast to coast who'd be willing to spare space for a nice young traveler. And they might even let *you* stay, too. ;P

[belgatherial.livejournal.com]

Oooh, one of my favourite people in the world (chuckatwood) currently resides in SF, if you're wanting contacts.

I've moved continents. Not sure about advice though. Hmmm. If you think "I wonder if I'll need this", you probably won't. Unless you decide not to take it. ;P

[kittenboo.livejournal.com]

General moving advice, label your boxes. And keep in mind what you will be needing for your last couple days and during your travels (like phone chargers and the like). Keep that stuff somewhere you can easily find it!

If you are selling your stuff, great, if not, don't throw it away, donate it somewhere. Salvation Army, Goodwill, even a shelter (when people move out of a shelter they often will need stuff to outfit a new place). Old books to a library.

Also keep in mind what you might be needing when you first get to your new place. Of course you can go out and buy stuff, but you may not want to do that right away, depending on what time it is and how tired you are of driving. So things like a pillow, a roll of toilet paper, soap.

[i-smell-apples.livejournal.com]

Congrats!!! Ahh so exciting :D

I don't think I have any more useful advice about moving though XD

[supremegoddess1.livejournal.com]

congrats on the move!

[connie]

I don't have any advice for you, but congratulations on the job! It sounds like an awesome new adventure!