Moving From Memphis, TN to Alexandria, VA! (relocation, packing, mover)

[brit3218]

Ok So I will be graduating college in 2010 and I will be moving from my hometown of Memphis, TN to Alexandria, VA where I will be on my own without my parents standing on my own two feet. I think I'm more concerned with the actual moving process (packing, finding the right apartment, getting to Alexandria, etc) then actually being away from home. Also, any tips on the moving process will be helpful as well. I plan to work as a Human Resources Assistant for the DEA or in another area of government. The salary ranges from 33,269 to 48,207 if that is any help. Any tips on how to make the adjustment will be wonderful! I know I won't be graduating until May 2010 but I want to start planning ahead now. I plan to move somewhere between late May and July of 2010. How do I get started with the planning process?

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by brit3218

Ok So I will be graduating college in 2010 and I will be moving from my hometown of Memphis, TN to Alexandria, VA where I will be on my own without my parents standing on my own two feet. I think I'm more concerned with the actual moving process (packing, finding the right apartment, getting to Alexandria, etc) then actually being away from home. Also, any tips on the moving process will be helpful as well. I plan to work as a Human Resources Assistant for the DEA or in another area of government. The salary ranges from 33,269 to 48,207 if that is any help. Any tips on how to make the adjustment will be wonderful! I know I won't be graduating until May 2010 but I want to start planning ahead now. I plan to move somewhere between late May and July of 2010. How do I get started with the planning process?

Well, I would take a chill pill before heading out in Northern Virginia traffic. I'm not sure you'll get used to it. Things will be more expensive, too.

[brit3218]

Originally Posted by LauraC

Well, I would take a chill pill before heading out in Northern Virginia traffic. I'm not sure you'll get used to it. Things will be more expensive, too.

Thanks! I've heard about the traffic in Northern Virginia dn I'm trying to decide whether it would be better for me to just commute by train or walk or something like that rather than getting a car. Yeah I know things will be more expensive but I'm not worried about that A whole lot because I know I will be fine.

[tondalea]

Brit. I used to work on the HR side of Relocation. Basically moving comes down to getting 3 estimates for relocation of your goods. As for your moving expenses you may be entitled to a stipend to move yourself to VA. New hires typically get a flat amount that may or may not be grossed up to cover your taxes. You may wish to find out from your employer. The government may have a contract with a particular mover they use to bill your move directly to. Other than that I am actually in Los Angeles now, but lived in Fairfax/Fairoaks for a year in 2000. It's probably grown a lot since then, but it's a great area and the people are really friendly. I recommend anything along the I-66 corridor from DC out to Centreville if you want to live outside the city. The metro is really close and you can take it right downtown to government centers.

If I may be of any help, feel free to message me. I've moved across country 3 times in 15 years.