What was the moving experience like for YOU? (appointed, apartment)

[Clinton167]

...Because I'm banging my head against a wall! Granted, I'm in the UK and there's only so much you can do to prepare from this many thousands of miles away. But I'm 8 weeks away from moving and getting anxious about finding an apartment within my budget. And anxious about getting some casual work when I get there. And anxious about feeling at home.

It will be my first apartment, the first time I'm living on my own and thus the first time I'll have all that responsibility. And I'm scared. Any words of advice? Stories to share? How old were you all when you decided to make the move? And what drove you to move to L.A.? What surprised you/disappointed you the most? I'd just be curious to know.

[shastadaisy]

You'll be just fine. Just remember that moving anywhere is a process and expect you'll have a few moments of "Oh my god, what did I do..." but know that this will pass and you'll find yourself feeling more and more at home. When I moved to LA three years ago, I often reminded myself that if I wanted everything to stay the same and be predictable, I would have stayed where I was. Be ready to roll with the punches and take good care of yourself the first few weeks and make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. Oh, and make sure you save enough money to go home if that is what you decide to do. Whether or not you decide to make LA your home for good, you'll be richer for having had the experience. Good luck!

[Tasksgirl]

Well when I first moved out here I was 17 and moved into my boyfriend's parent's house .. now we are married and we found our first apartment by walking down the streets nearby and calling the ones that looked nice.. we found one we liked alot and moved in.. we had almost nothing, no funiture except for a bed, a dresser, a TV and TV stand, a sofa, and a tiny little table that we never quite put together right.. we ended up having to move back in with family and try again about a year later.. back to that same little building.. and now today we have everything.. it is scarey at first and you will probably struggle but it makes for a funny story later on..