This weekend, I will receive keys for our new apartment! We'll be measuring, planning and making a list of what we'll need to do before we make our big move later next week. This rental is in amazing condition for NYC and we can't wait to call it home.
Conveniently, this new apartment is only a few blocks away from our current digs. Though we've hired movers for the big stuff, the proximity should make it fairly painless.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE BIG MOVE
• bring over basic cleaning supplies (baking soda, glass cleaner, dish soap, paper towels, rags)
• measure the space and record all measurements (if we're feeling especially geeky, we may even transfer this information to an Illustrator document and combine it with the floorplan)
• assess what needs to be painted and priortize painting projects
• begin to make change of address notifications
Some of our favorite and most useful furniture pieces will have to find a new place — and in some cases, a new purpose. In our current apartment, we don't have much storage, and we've supplemented the space with lots of storage furniture. But as you can see, the new kitchen is AMAZING for Manhattan and is filled with storage, so a lot of shelves and cabinets may find themselves on the Apartment Therapy classifieds in the coming weeks. I can't wait to unpack and set up a new kitchen — it's my favorite part of moving!
How would you use this space?
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Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes
That layout sucks.
Congratulations.
That place is amazing for New York! The balconey makes me swoon.
Also, please tell us how you like your washer/dryer combo. Its such a great option for a small space, but I've heard mixed reviews.
* Make a list of what you want fixed/cleaned by the property owner! Even though it seems you're moving into recent construction/renovation, some previous tenants just don't take care of things. Or clean.
* Pack early! If you're not going to need it for the next week or so, pack and label now! It's less agonizing when it's all spread out.
* If possible, start moving small items prior to "the big day". Some silverware, dishes, towels, clothes. Things that can be moved in your car (or someone else's) that makes the big day easier since you can take a break to shower or eat without having to dig it all out of a box.
* Prune! A box you haven't opened since your last move? It might just not contain anything useful. Old books you don't need? Sell, give away or toss -- they're heavy!
* Retrieve your spare keys from who you gave them to.
* Order new checks.
i was about to say the opposite.. that layout is awesome! congratulations!
For some real fun, put your floorplan and furniture measurements into Google Sketch-up (a free program from Google) and create a 3D model of your new place.
I'm moving in a month and have the whole thing already laid out and know in advance which furniture will fit/look good and which will not.
Hey Aaron, congrats! Let me know if there is anything I can do!
I love google sketchup. I made my apartment and you can download a lot of 3d models of the actual furniture you have.
how do you get at the books in the bedroom if they're so high up? (yes, I know, that's really besides the point but it perplexes me)
Nice place and wonderful natural light congrats! Long room and always a challenge to keep everything off the wall.
I don't know what the adjoining room is but taking off the french doors might give you more space, even though they are nice I had to do this in my last place.
"begin to make change of address notifications"
Nowadays, you can most of this online.
Your Bank, Brokerage and Credit Card companies, your Cellphone and Cable providers, your Frequent-Flier mileage programs as well as your Employer's HR and Employer-sponsored healthcare plans and most online/mail-order retailers will all let you change your address online.
Sorry, this post is not very helpful at all. MrFoof and bepsf gave more info in their comments than the author did.
All that light... <3
How timely. I will receive the keys of my new apartment this Friday!...
one more items to bring along with cleaning supplies - a roll of toilet paper.
nothing worse than making do without or holding it until you can find the box with the TP in it!
maybe this says something about my priorities in life... but i always make sure the internet is going to be hooked up/turned on the day i arrive! don't want to be stuck in a new place without the infinite knowledgebase of the Internet!
good luck, Aaron!
bring a "welcome" box (pack it in your car- not the moving van) containing TP, soap, a few towels, a couple glasses and some granola bars. At very least you have you 1st morning all set to go without a big trip to the store.
Where is that red chair from? What is it?
the red chair is the current tenant's and i believe it is from CB2 (now discontinued) - The Hippie Chair?
I agree. More useful info was found in the comments.
I found it odd the author's first thing to do was 'bring over cleaning supplies'--is his current apartment next door?
Hey, outsidethebox--
"Conveniently, this new apartment is only a few blocks away from our current digs." So, yes.
bepsf--
re: "begin to make change of address notifications"
Aaron didn't say to do it old school, like you imply.
I'm moving this weekend too! I receive the keys to my new apartment friday afternoon. I am currently surrounded by boxes and bags in my old apartment ...
holy moly those french doors are gorgeous. congrats on the new place! wowzers
khatam = BUZZKILL
Looked at that apartment online but never went. Thought it looked like a rendering. Found a place with a big patio on C. Anyway I'm dreading the move in 2 weeks.
Year old Room and Board couch isn't going to get through the door, if I can't get it up onto the patio from the side street it's for sale.
I would add to this a "punch list." I want my land lord to know of any scratches in the hardwoods, nicks in the wall, etc that were already present when I moved in. You'd be surprised at how many land lords are completely unaware of such things. Most of the time the land lord will want any repairs made asap because it's an investment for them. A punch list is also great because it helps me to prioritize any minor changes I would like to make (like you said - paint).
And definitely embrace your geekiness. Illustrator - if you're adept at it - is a terrific tool for helping to plan spaces (convert to pdf and spend your days in the office emailing your significant other back and forth until you get it right). A pencil, a straight edge, some graph paper, and some measuring tape will also do the trick.
wow, people- leave the negative at home. It's friday, for godssakes. Move it along.
Congrats Aaron! A new apartment is always fun.
Remember to take pictures of the apartment completely empty so the landlord doesn't try to get you to pay for things that were already damaged/spotty when you moved in. Save yourself some deposit money.
Congrats on your new move! I would include in my welcoming box rubber gloves, a new toilet seat (using an old toilet seat is gross) and a shower curtain liner, in case I'm too tired to unpack the bathroom stuff right away.
christyyjoy: I always make sure the internet is hooked up too! it is probably the single most important aspect of moving for me.
How will i know how to find the nearest decent restaurant or 24 hr store to buy the toilet paper I forgot about without web access?