Moving In: Setting For Success

By Lev Novak

As you first move in, you’re going to set the tone for your whole year. Sound dramatic? It’s just a fact- everything will slowly emerge from how you treat your first move-in date- when and if you get decorations, when and if you get furniture, and more. Move in day doesn’t have to be back-breaking, but it has to be done correctly.

Fortunately, we’re here to help.

1. Have a Plan

You don’t have to move everything in on your first day. Finding furniture- from a curb or Craigslist- can take a minute, and, hey: procrastinating is awesome.

There’s only one thing you really have to handle on your first week of moving, and that’s coming up with a plan.

Think about it- if you don’t, you’re going to be living hand-to-mouth. Cardboard boxes are fine for the first few days, even fine for the first week or so. But what are you going to tell a guest in October? That you’ll “figure out” a mattress one of these days? You won’t- people grow content with what they have, no question. It’s hard to get ambition and fight against the (metaphorical) bed you’ve made. So, the most important thing you can do is have a more ambitious plan. Write it down. Come up with the posters you want. Make a note– you want a T.V. and an Xbox. That’s a good idea, and if you like it, you should do it. Otherwise, it’s just a good idea, a dream floating in air like smoke.

Don’t live like that. Have a plan.

2. Have a List

This sounds like “having a plan” but it’s actually quite different. A plan is a general idea. A plan is a vision- you’re planning what kind of house you’re going to have and what kind of year you’re going to be living. Are you a party house, or a cooking place? Will you be hosting? Will you be needing a quiet place to work? Do you hate the cold or love winter? All these things will affect your plan, both for decorating and for living.

What comes next is the list.

See, ideas are good, but sometimes materialism needs to come into play. It’s time to do some research and write things down. What physical objects will further your plan?

If you’re a cooking house, write down all the pans you’ll need. Get a wok- stir fry is easy, healthy, and delicious. Get cool spices. Get a spice rack. And if you can’t get them now, write them down. Get them later- just don’t get them never.

Are you a party-house? You might want a kegorator, as in a fridge for kegs. I had one with friends last year, and it was tricky, but it was sort of worth it. Is it worth it to you? That’s a question only your plan can answer.

Do you like to stay in but are fun and interesting? Maybe something like a home-brewing kit could be fun. Only you know if you’re the sort of person who likes staying in, but things like this should be on your list: items that make your house both cozy and provide cool activities you can do from there.

Similarly, if you’re a cozy-themed person, get some board games. Right? Get Apples to Apples and Monopoly. If you use either, even once, you’ll feel like a genius. Same with a poker set, but everyone should have a poker set.

See what I mean? First, have a plan for yourself and your house. Then brainstorm, seriously and cleverly, for items to help. Write them down. Get them. Ta da! A successful apartment will come together. It’s like magic.

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