What Consulate are you under right now?
If it is one with long appointment waits then a year traveling should not be a problem.
When you apply the consulate will ask for your US Passport, State Driver license and some enforce the rule seeing a bank statement, ulitity bill to establish residency to prove you fall within the area they serve.
Moving to a new area should not presenta a problem as you will have to change your drivers license, you will or should have ulitity bills and in most cases a bank account.
Most states require a change in drivers license as soon as you take a permanent residence. Renting an apartment with a lease makes you a permanent resident in most states.
To be honest I would make the appointment and then plan any travel around it.