I began the Great Declutter project months ago, tired of all the crap I’ve managed to accumulate over the past nearly 10 years here in DC. When I first moved here, I came with me, my ancient computer and whatever I could fit into my 1998 Nissan Sentra. Wasn’t much. Books, of course, and some software. Clothes. But I had to buy new stuff–well, new to me. I spent a lot of time on Craigslist and DC Web Women, trolling for a bed, a desk/table, stuff I could use while figuring out how to live in a 20 x 12 foot studio apartment, with a kitchen more suited to never cooking than actually providing a decent meal.
After 9 years, 2 months and 2 weeks…I’ve decluttered nearly everything that’s redundant, useless or forgotten. Replaced all the crap furniture I’d amassed and have things that *match*. I thought I was done. Then last Friday, while playing around with a new iPhone app (Padmapper), something clicked. An apartment complex near work, on the edge of Del Ray, a very cool, eclectic neighborhood and still in the city of Alexandria had studios for not much more than I pay now. What’s the catch, I wondered. After discussing with a co-worker that was sort of familiar with the place, I went over with her on Monday (yes, yesterday) to take a look. It’s one high-rise that sits on a hill, with a gated entrance (a plus for security), a security door (another plus) and very friendly staff (contrary to the complaint posts on apartmentratings.com.
Sarah, a lovely cheerful leasing agent showed us a studio on the 11th floor, located at the end of the hallway. Wall-to-wall carpet that looked nearly brand new, amazing view (NO HIGHWAY!), energy-efficient brand new windows (NO NOISE), a regular sized kitchen with FULL SIZED APPLIANCES. The piece de resistance? A pantry. Shelves behind a door where I can store canned goods, and paper towels and STUFF so I can find it again!
Amongst the other fabulous things: a really good sized walk-through closet and a sink with a cabinet (instead of a pedestal sink).
The building is the same age as the place I currently live in, but it’s been kept up and renovated over the years. There’s a full fitness center, a huge lending library with wall-to-wall wooden shelves filled with books, leather chairs, small workspaces, etc. There’s also a TV lounge, with a giant flat-screen TV, black leather barcaloungers with cupholders. Dudes: it’s all FREE to tenants! There’s even a convenience store in the building with an ATM.
I didn’t waste any time. The place met ALL of my "must have" list and most of my "would like to haves" - they even allow cats!! (don’t have a cat now, but I want to get one soon).
The upshot? I’m moving on April 2. Yes, in 30 days. I filled out the application yesterday. Confirmed that my credit check was okay this afternoon (not that I doubted it); the only thing left is the employment verification and since I know I have the right data, it’s all good.
ACK!! I’ve got to pack!!! I’ve already contacted movers (Gulliver’s Movers – they specialize in apartments) and they’re available on the 2nd. I’ve not moved in nearly 10 years.
This is going to be stressful but FUN!!
Of course, during these next weeks I have to:
Revise an essay (due 3/8)
Finish the short story (due 4/15)
Pack
Do the change of address thing
Figure out where stuff goes
Move
Unpack
Get settled
I can do this, right?
Comment
Mazel tov! You can do it. You may be a rutabaga for a few days after, but you can do it.
(I managed to write a book, GoH a convention, and close-and-move on my apartment in a 30 day period. Oh, and get bronchitis. I really, really advise against the latter.)
Comment
Ha! Yes, I think I’ll skip the bronchitis portion of the program, thanks.
Have a great trip, btw!!
Comment
I think this feeling is called envy.
Congrats and happy moving. Wow.
Comment
Thanks, hon!! This is all just falling together so brilliantly, I’m so happy!
Comment
Of course you can do it! It’s a finite event. Take it from an expert.
Get boxes, cram them full of stuff, label them, watch the movers move them. At the other end, open one at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. Voila! New gorgeous apartment with lots of room. Have fun nesting!! – Beth (I guess I should sign up for an account, huh?)
Comment
Yes, you can do this! And if you need to, don’t be afraid to ask your friends for help. I know they can’t help with the writing, but maybe the packing and unpacking. Congrats on the new apartment.
Comment
Friends, yes! My buddy that went with me is really good at figuring out what can go where, so she’s definitely coming over.
Thanks!
Comment
Congrats and woohoo! (and, yes, you can do it
)
Comment
Thanks!! Yeah, I’m all a;ldkajdfa!! But I will do it, maybe will collapse afterwards, but what the heck?
Comment
Wow! This is fabulous! Yes, you can do it. And it will be worth it.
Comment
Thanks!! I’m so happy and psyched about this place. Honestly, the *only* thing it didn’t have was washer/dryer in the apartment. I can live with that.
Comment
That sounds AWESOME!! Woohoo! Congrats!
now get busy!
Comment
Thanks!
Busy? Oh yes, if busy = insomnia b/c omg so many details!! I’m totally a Virgo when it comes to things like this. I make lists. and more lists. and more lists. and then I freak out b/c there’s not time to follow the lists…
Comment
Woot! Sounds great! And no bad parquet flooring, I assume?
Comment
No crappy flooring!! Practically new wall-to-wall carpet.
Oh, got the birth announcement – gorgeous pics!!
Comment
Congrats on finding a new (and awesomer) apartment! And yes, I highly recommend kitties as roommates
Comment
Thanks!! I can’t wait until I can go kitty-shopping at SPCA/Humane Society. Will have to wait until after ComicCon, though. Will I see you there?
Comment
Possibly – if you’re near/in Ballroom 20, that’s where I will probably be since I’ve switched over to working for the SDCC Programming Department. That being said, whether my mind is actually present or whether you will simply see a glassy-eyed fixed-in-plastic-smile replica – that’s anyone’s guess. The upside is that they do have some fantastic panels in that room – Joss Whedon and True Blood and Stargate in the past.
I’d like to see you, though… maybe breakfast or after the floor closes?
Comment
I will keep your location in mind!! I have no idea where we’re going to be/go/do, since this is my first time at SDCC. Definitely want to make the effort to come by and say Hi!
Comment
Wow, that’s AWESOME! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Comment
Thanks!! I’m so psyched–even to pack.
Found out yesterday that my sis can fly out for that weekend to help me arrange this. She’s a tech services librarian with all the anal that comes with. I’m the creative one–with all the scatterbrainedness. Hee.
Comment
SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Comment
FTW!! I’m even looking forward to packing, if you can imagine that!