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?
