Hawaii offers a relaxed, healthy, and natural lifestyle most people spend their lives searching for. Although moving here involves some difficult decisions and adjustments, it's worth the transition! Island living is wonderful. To help you make a smooth mainland to Hawaii move, we've put together four simple tips for you to think over.
1. Plan Ahead
Hawaii may be laid back, but don't give in to spontaneity just yet. It requires foresight and planning to make a smooth mainland to Hawaii move. Before you pack up and book your plane ticket, do your research and ponder your answers to these questions:
- Which island is right for me and my family?
- What city would be best?
- Where do I want my children to go to school?
- What are my chances of finding a job in Hawaii?
- Does it make more sense for me to sell my car before I come and buy a new one here, ship it, or just use the public transportation?
- Am I going to buy a home or rent?
- How much money do I have saved up, and is it enough in case of an emergency?
There are a lot of factors to consider before making the move. To make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible, make sure you have most of the big details sorted out, instead of leaving it up to chance.
2. Embrace Minimalism
It might be hard to abandon the materialistic mainland mindset, but happiness in Hawaii is rooted in culture, lifestyle, nature and relationships, not just money. Minimalism will help make your move easier. Do you really need all those old knickknacks and boxes of "stuff"? Really ask yourself what you can't live without. In Hawaii, most places are furnished, so bring the minimum. The cost of living is higher here, but the salaries aren't, and even basic things like toothpaste and toilet paper are imported, which ranks up the price. As you unburden yourself of things, you'll also unburden your mind.
3. Adapt to the Islands' Pace
You might be tempted to divide your world into a black and white list of good and bad based on your experience on the mainland. Although you'll love the sunsets and fresh ocean air, flying cockroaches will freak you out and the slow pace of life might frustrate your schedule oriented and deadline driven upbringing. In the end, you have to remind yourself that things won't be the same, and they shouldn't be. Comparing everything to the mainland means a part of you is still stuck there. Put comparisons aside, focus on the present, and adapt.
4. Make a Video Chat Schedule with Mainland Friends
Although you might be surrounded by beauty, islands are isolating and you may feel lonely and homesick after the initial excitement wears off. Flying back to the states every time you want to get a coffee with your best friend or chat with your parents isn't realistic, and it takes time to make new friends. Given the time differences and the distance, make an active effort to keep in touch with friends and family.
Hopefully these tips will help transform your mindset, and make your mainland to Hawaii move as smooth as possible. Let us know if you have any other questions!