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I’m currently house hunting, and hope to move sometime this summer. However it’s never too early for a freelance writer to start planning the logistics of a move. It is not like you can just move things over a long weekend, because writers never have one! There is always something to be done, written, or researched.
Your family can become a help or hindrance during a writer’s move. They can give you extra time and space before the move to tie up loose ends, and remember to mark all of the boxes with your computer and writing supplies! Unless you let them know what you need, they won’t be able to support you, and your trip will become a large headache!
Plan, Plan, Plan!
As soon as you know that a move is imminent, begin planning as much as possible. Even for an across-town move, you will be spending a lot of time and money. You’ll need to increase your income considerably during the months preceding your move, to pay for deposits, moving trucks, and general spending during the course of your move.
Even if money won’t be a problem, you will be very short on time. You will be packing up all your belongings, cleaning up your old house, moving into a new house, cleaning the new house, and unpacking. Whew! I recommend getting ahead of all your current projects by at least two to three weeks for a local move, and even more ahead for a long distance move. Let your writing clients know what’s going on, and what is the best way to contact you during the time your computer is packed away.
Have a Family Meeting
Once you have a moving and writing plan in mind, go over the details with your family. Let them know that you are going to be working extra hard to make the move a success, and enlist their help. Tell them exactly what they can do to make the upcoming months smooth sailing. If you need a few extra hours of quiet working time, let them know! Ask if they can pick up a few of your household chores, so you have more time to deal with moving issues. Whatever you need, your family can be there to support you.
Seek their input as well. In your planning, you may have forgotten about upcoming family events, such as reunions, graduations, or even your child’s weekly soccer practice. They may be able to tell you about upcoming expenses that you hadn’t considered as well. Also, don’t forget that moving can be very stressful, especially for your children. Allow them to voice their concerns about meeting new friends, adjusting to a new school, and keeping in contact with their old friends.
During the Move
When it is finally time to pack all of your books, computers, and writing paraphernalia, send a final email to your clients reminding them of the move and when you expect to be back online. Mark all of your belongings carefully, and pack them near the door of the moving truck, so you can easily access them right away at your new home.
Keep a notebook, laptop, Â or phone with internet capabilities with you during your move. You’ll want a way to jot down writing ideas, and to check your email or voice mail as often as possible for any client emergencies. You may not be able to address them all right away, but you can reassure your clients that you will be available soon.
Above all, have fun on your move! A new home is the start of a new chapter of your family’s life, and can be a thrilling adventure! Enjoy the one on one time you will have with your loved ones on the road, and filling a new home with your special touches.
What other advice would you give for a freelance writer on the move? Have you experienced a move as a writer? Share your stories with us!
Photo Credit: Moving Truck by Phil_g
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Hi! I’m Rebecca Laffar-Smith and I still suffer that ugly, evil writer’s block whenever I feel the pressure to talk(write) about myself. Of course, I have to get over that, writers shouldn’t be afraid to boast of a little ego (at least in public) it’s good for our image.
I’m a freelance copy writer/editor, published poet, and aspiring fantasy novelist. The novel writing is what I’d really love to do full time but for the moment I’m pumping out (read: sluggishly and with multiple pit stops) my first novel. Meanwhile, I try to make ends meet by taking on copy editing/writing commissions, writing non-fiction articles, and occasionally writing and submitting poetry.
While all this is in the works I also dedicate a lot of time to Writer’s Round-About and eProducts Publishing as well as taking on client Web design projects and Web technology training and private tutoring.
I live with my dog – “Puppy”, cat – “Phantom”, four goldfish – “Gabriel”, “Jobe”, “Vincent”, and “Kadaa”, seven-year-old daughter and three-year-old son in the outer suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. We love our Aussie home and the easy-going lifestyle found in Perth. It’s a mixture of country, suburban, and city living that melds in a pleasant harmony.
While I really love my home, I’d also love the opportunity to travel and ‘see the world’. I would particularly like to travel to Ireland and the USA. I love making new friends around the world and I enjoy the chance to learn about other cultures, locations and languages. Our world is an interesting place.
Well, there you go, more than two cents about me and I’m only blushing a little. It’s nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better so I hope you’ll send me an email.
