MEET THE HARGISS FAMILY
Names: Kristi, Blade, Hazel, and Tucker
From: Kristi is from Utah. Blade is from Arkansas.
How did you meet your spouse? We met while serving church service missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But we didn’t connect until 14 months later.
Where are you in the medical journey? We are just finishing year one of at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.
Medical School Timeline:
- Accepted February 2018
- Moved to live with parents May 2018
- Moved to Minnesota June 2018
- Started school in July 2018
How did you make the move?
Move one. After my husband graduated in the beginning of May 2018, we decided to save money and move in with my parents for about two months before moving to Minnesota. So, we stored all of our belongings in a U-haul storage facility and took one bag to live out of while we waited til end of June. We got a deal through U-haul on the moving truck because we used their storage facility.
Move two. With a LONG drive ahead of us, we decided it would be better for me to fly with Hazel. So, I flew out two days after my husband and his father left to drive to Minnesota. It was worth it to us to spend a little extra on a plane ticket than to drive all that way with a 5-month-old.
Blade drove the U-haul and towed our Jeep. His dad drove our Subaru with our dog. The drive took 25 hours including stops. They stopped to sleep and had to stop for gas more often for the U-haul than expected so it cost more then we planned.
How much did you budget for the move?
We budgeted about $2000, but it ended up being closer to $3,500. Gas for the U-haul was the biggest contributing factor, but we decided to get the insurance to cover anything if the U-haul broke down or the trailer was damaged. We also had zero food when we arrived so we had to stock up on all the basics to fill our fridge and cupboards. There was also the little things like paying for one time fees of internet and gas being set up. It all just added up over time.
How did you find housing?
We searched Zillow and Truila. When we came out to Minnesota for a second look weekend at Mayo in April of 2018, we had scheduled about seven house tours. We busted them all out in one day and made the decision the same night. The next morning we made the deposit on the house we would be renting.
Because we wouldn’t be moving to Minnesota until end of June, we worked it out with the landlord to do a prorated rent. So, we paid for half of the June rent, but all of our deposit at the same time. We lost out a bit on the money since we arrived June 30, but it was worth it to us because we loved the house.
What would you have changed?
My mom was originally going to fly out with me to help with the move, but some family things came up and she wasn’t able to. That would have been helpful to have her there with our daughter on the flight, move, and transition.
What are you glad you did?
I am so so glad that I flew with our daughter. I can’t even imagine trying to drive all that way with her since she hated the car seat. The longest drive we did before this with her was only four hours. A 25-hour trip would have been exhausting!
Also, my husband thought ahead enough to set up our garbage, internet, water, and electricity so it would be on by the time we arrived.
Last thing, I am actually really glad we lived with my parents before we moved. It saved money, but we were also able to make some precious memories with them. Plus, Hazel and Tucker got a lot of Grandma and Grandpa time before we made the move across the country.
Best moving tip for med school?
Sell what you can before the move. Less things to pack = less stress. Packing always takes longer than you think, so plan extra time for it all. Take pictures. I’m so glad I took pictures of this big move for us! It’s the start of your medical adventure, enjoy it!
