6 Tips to Move Across the Country

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6 Tips to Move Across the Country

Immediately upon graduating from college on May of 2014, I packed my car and drove towards Wyoming. I graduated on a Saturday, left North Carolina on Sunday, and arrived in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday afternoon. I’ve compiled this list of tips to help, and maybe inspire someone to move west themselves!

Pack Lightly

Everything I brought with me fit inside my little 4-door Subaru. Most of my “stuff” was clothing, food, fishing and camera gear, and camping equipment. Anything I didn’t really need stayed packed away at home. Since then, after living in the same place for a year, I’ve acquired a lot more “stuff.”

Have a Travel Plan

For several days in advance of leaving, I planned places to stop to rest and get gas, as well as sleep for the two nights. I decided against camping, so I stayed in a motel in both Columbia, Missouri and Casper, Wyoming. I didn’t run in to any delays on my trip, but they were narrowly avoided with a late season snow storm closing parts of I-80 in Wyoming.

Have a Job Ready

My original plan was to live with a friend for a few weeks in Montana to find a job. Most employers want you there in person before hiring you, so it made sense. However, before I left, I was able to secure a job with Grand Teton Lodge Company, working at Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The lifestyle of dorm living wasn’t for me, so I moved on from there after a couple of months. I now live on my own in West Yellowstone, Montana. Being out here and ready to work helped me get my latest job.

Here are a few resources to find jobs in National Parks, or similar cool places to work!

Coolworks.com

National Park Service

Yellowstone National Park Lodges

Delaware North

Xanterra

Be Prepared

If you have a set date to start working, and you’re planning an extending driving trip, you NEED to plan plenty of extra time for travel. Many things can delay you, including construction, detours, weather, or car troubles.

IMG_0388

Stop along the Way

When you plan extra travel time, you’re giving yourself time to see things along your route. If you’re delayed, you won’t be able to see as much, but it’s worth the time to slow down and make the trip a memorable experience. Before arriving in Grand Teton, I was able to see things like the Gateway Arch in Missouri, the emptiness of Nebraska, and Yellowstone in Wyoming.

Bring a Camera

There’s a lot to be seen outside your home state, and you’re going to want to keep pictures of your travels! The more you stop and rest, the more you get to see. There are a countless number of scenic views in every single state.

 

If you’re truly interested in moving out west, shoot me an email and feel free to pick my brain!

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