How to Adjust to Relocation

Now that my husband and I are seriously thinking about relocating out of state; I ran across this article. I guess its normal to have bittersweet emotions. Just when I am totally excited about the possible move; the next minute I feel all sentimental about leaving friends/family behind. I can't image how frustrated my husband is. He was laid off from his company back in 2004 & has worked contract after contract ever since. He is ready for something permanent & so am I!

Its been over 32 years since I moved to WA. I originally moved to WA when I was 10 years old when my Mom remarried. Now that my 2nd oldest son (18) is leaving the nest soon, I am more than ready for new adventures/change of scenery. I love the fact that the state where we are considering, the housing market is awesome compared to the prices here in the Northwest. We could actually sell our 3.5 year old town house, pay off our refinance and own a home in Texas outright (Think 200K+ & under compared to the value of a 500+K here in WA)

Plus-- we already know of an awesome church to get planted in, so that is something wonderful to look forward to as well :) Ive heard it said that the Number "8" is the year of New Beginnings (link below) which is definately something to smile about!
(http://www.biblewheel.com/wheel/Spokes/Chet_Eight.asp)

How to Adjust to Relocation

by eHow Personal Finance Editor

Introduction
Relocation is stressful. Much of your identity connects to your home, where you live, your friends and what you do. When you move, none of that goes with you when you start over. The weather, the landscape, shops and restaurants and even dialects change. Coping with relocation means managing the change in almost everything that identifies you, and re-establishing yourself in a new city.
Instructions
Difficulty: Challenging
Steps
1
Step One
Talk to at least five people in your new community. Go beyond your real estate agent and seek out people who resemble you.
2
Step Two
Think temporary. Consider renting for at least six months before you commit to buy a home. This will give you time to get a feel for various neighborhoods so that you can choose one that is a good fit.
3
Step Three
Be patient. It takes about two years to make new friends. The people you meet within the first three months are likely to be out of your life by the end of the first year.
4
Step Four
Keep busy by focusing on yourself. Start an exercise program or a creative project. Explore the sights of your new city. Focus on growth and self-fulfillment.
5
Step Five
Invite family and friends to come visit. Share your new city with them.
6
Step Six
Consider the school year and move children as close to that time as possible. They'll be immersed in a new routine right away. Remember that younger children, the more flexible about a move.
Tips & Warnings
Don't spend a great deal of time complaining to friends and family how things are not the same. Their lives have gone on and eventually, so will yours.
Don't throw yourself into activities in order to "make friends." Allow that process to develop at its own pace.
Avoid long-term commitments for the first year. Take one course instead of a full load. Volunteer for one event or one committee instead of throwing yourself headlong into everything.
Resources
* Articles on relocation.