Today, we are officially 30 days away from getting on several planes and moving to our new home in Hilo (a few days after that, making two layovers on the way)!!! Tickets bought, dog carry-on reservations made, arranging for utilities.
I thank everyone so much for all of the advice given. I've read and re-read this thread. The advice I did NOT take was the "take a long vacation in HI before moving". There was no need to do that, he's got his job there, we're going regardless, he loves it, he found us a nice rental home, and so for me to go explore would have been very expensive, not to mention having to board the dogs. And not to mention that after being robbed twice here, I did not want to leave this home empty for a period of time. He was able to do the legwork for us and I totally trust his judgment. He feels that HI is just like where we live now, just ten times better. And actually quite a bit less expensive, especially food and electricity. Living expense (house, utilities) is a wash. The only thing more expensive on BI is gasoline, but we'll be going from a 10MPG vehicle to a 20MPG vehicle so we will even have a savings there.
We are so excited!!! Just yesterday, I express mailed my dogs' neighbor island release permit applications; we've hired a vet in Kona to meet the plane to process our precious pups.
I had the good fortune of being laid off from my job here that I was going to quit. I think it may take a little while to find a job in HI, so I'm really glad to get that cushion. I'm also bringing my health insurance with me until I'm in HI long enough to buy BC/BS on my own (six months' residency).
My partner is home from his HI job to sell, pack, and say farewell to his island home of 34 years. He totally fell in love with Hawai'i and can't wait for me to see it. He has a job as a captain where he works 30 and is off 30, and visits the four major islands. We chose Hilo as our initial home base for a wide variety of reasons. During our first year, we can re-assess that decision. Since we're not bringing much, a move will be easy. Of course, if we fall in love with it...that would be great!
I laugh when read that I said we would not be able to use USPS to move. In the end, it was actually our only option. Every other way was just too expensive. We have realized that the best thing to do is to get rid of nearly everything we own and just ship essentials, and then, only essentials that would pay their weight. I.E. a heavy juicer that will cost quite a bit to mail but would cost 8x as much to replace.
We also have the excellent fortune that a friend is letting us use their car on BI until we get settled; they are off island for a couple of years and we may even purchase it from them. Now to sell our big 4x4 truck where we live now...wish us luck. It's definitely an in-demand type of truck, but our island's economy is in the tank. Unfortunately, our other car, my Miata, was t-boned in an accident a month ago, the insurance company gave me some money for her, and I ended up selling her for salvage. :depressed: The accident was a loss for us in many ways. I'm still in a lot of pain but doc says no permanent damage. PT 3x/week helps.
I'll be looking for dive buddies soon!!!!!
