Move In Essentials

By Lev Novak

1. Know Your Timing

If you’re moving in at night, understand: you’re not cooking that night, and you’re going to want food. You’re also not going to want to unpack heavily that day, so keep that in mind when you set your ambitions ready. Don’t set anything up the next morning, unless it’s a mattress: you’re not going to get a good sleep without a mattress, and don’t assume the left-over couch is any good.

If you’re moving in the morning (which I recommend) you might want to pack a little food with you, like a sandwich ready to go. Cooking or even going out for food might ruin your unpacking flow, so go for the easy, energy-heavy long-haul snacks like peanut butter, bananas etc.

2. Know Your Order

If you’re the first one in the apartment, know what that means: a totally unfurnished apartment, but at the same time, total unimpeded freedom. You have the ability to set the tone and (probably) pick the rooms. It’s great power, but it comes with responsibility. All the little things- toilet paper, shower curtains, etc- are more likely than not a responsibility in your domain. Just keep the receipts and get reimbursed.

If you come in last, you have the least work, but also the least choice. You don’t have to worry about paper towels, but you don’t get to choose the brand, you know? You might not be able to pick your room, but the other secret benefit is that they have to help you unpack. Again, pros and cons of each situation.

3. Real Essentials

You have the paperwork done? The checks in? The keys in hand? A contract signed? Okay. Back to the philosophical stuff.

4. Have a Moving Plan

You’re going to want a car to transport all your stuff: the bus is only so good, especially when you have to schlep an enormous bag around to the actual apartment that you leased. Especially if you live farther away, getting everything there in one trip. If you do have limited space, think: this might be a great excuse to buy. If shipping your stuff is going to cost as much as replacing it, you might as well get some replacements, right? You can slowly transport the rest of your stuff naturally over the coming months anyway- shipping a dresser you like is just silly.

5. A Good Attitude

Moving in isn’t fun- there’s boxes, unpacking, cleaning, and setting up your place. You’ve forgotten something, probably multiple things, and you’re either out money for movers or stress from doing it yourself. That’s why it’s important to keep a good attitude. There’s a million great things about having your own apartment, and a day or two of transition isn’t going to change the fact that you have an awesome place. So have a good attitude while you unpack, and if possible, pack yourself a little treat to help encourage the right mindset. A bottle of champagne might be annoying to pack, but unboxing it is pretty sweet.

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