Follow Jennifer's 3-part blog series as she describes her cross country moving experience with U-Pack!

Four months ago I did something kind of crazy: I quit my full-time job to pursue a lucrative career as a freelance writer. Why did I quit my full-time job with benefits in a beach-front office at a promising tech startup? Because I fell out of love with Los Angeles.

Two years (and one month) ago, I left my home in Chicago and accepted a full-time job with a company in LA. It was hard to leave, but the opportunity simply was too good to pass up. And who couldn't use an excuse to escape the brutal Chicago winter? But as time went on, I started missing my family, my friends, and even the seasons (Christmas lights wrapped around a palm tree just isn't the same).

When I left the company I came out here for, I hoped to build enough of a life for myself that I might feel at home here. I know that many would challenge me and say that you can't feel at home after only two years, but I'd argue that. In those two years I've known many people who have come to visit and experience a "this is where I'm meant to be" moment. I've been all over this city and I haven't come close.

The challenge is that this is my 23rd move in 27 years. I don't really know what it's like to be settled and it's hard to discover that feeling when there's broken down boxes stored in every closet. Despite my moving expertise, this is only my third cross-country move. Regardless of how often you do it, moving is still sure to shake even the most confident mover.

But once you get past apartment hunting and your overwhelming to-do list, driving across the country can actually be pretty fun. As a postcard collector, I'm really looking forward to the journey. (Especially knowing that my belongings are in good hands.) I worked with U-Pack when I first moved to Los Angeles and I'm excited to reconnect for my move back!

Moving day is only a few days away and I'm determined to set out with a fresh and open mind. With my mom by my side, who knows what adventures we'll get into along the way...