Getting the new place wired

My apartment complex sent me a handy list of all the things I had to do before moving in. These included:

turning on the electricity
setting up internet and installation appointment
updating my renters insurance
contacting a cable service provider

by setting all this up by the time I moved in, I was wired and ready to go within 12 hours of move in!

Finding a place to live

Ok. Here's where I made some mistakes. I tried.

I was living abroad when I had to find an apartment in Chicago. I had one campus visit and a tour of the surrounding neighborhoods, but other than that, no knowledge of the area.

So, I researched. And I asked other faculty members and friends who live in the area for advice.

I checked out neighborhoods via youtube, google maps, and crime statistics. I figured out the commute routes, tolls, and monthly train and subway fares. I compiled a list of my "must haves" and my "wants." I did my best to see what my monthly paycheck would be.

I tried to find agents to help me, but they kept funneling me to the same properties I had already decided against (a studio with one wall is NOT a one bedroom, and what is the point of walls if they don't go to the ceiling?). So I ended up looking at all the named apartment complexes online and working directly with their leasing agents. This ended up getting me a better deal, as my application fee was put towards my first month's rent.

I really love my apartment and my building, but there is one flaw that is pretty major (I wouldn't have picked this apartment had I known): the proximity to the raised subway. I can hear every train go by. It's not awful. But it's not great either. There will be a future post on how to block outside noise...

Before the move: packing a survival bag

Chances are you will arrive in your new city before your belongings. Long distance moves can mean more than 14 business days without your bed. Therefore, it's essential that you pack a few things to allow you to live in your new digs while waiting for your furniture.

Below is a list that I packed in my car, driving from Maryland to Chicago:

futon
pillows
bedding
fan
laptop and chargers
important papers
printer/scanner
clothes for two weeks
folding chairs
houseplant
utensils
screw drivers
measuring tape
plastic bags (trash and storage)
1 pan
kettle
french press
2 plates
1 bowl
4 glasses
2 mugs
coffee
2 sets of towels
toiletries
laundry and dish detergent
toilet paper

What I didn't pack that I will include next time:
fancy candle
toilet brush and plunger
printer paper

Before the move: the big purge

I've recently embarked on that period in life bouncing around from one visiting assistant professorship to the next, hoping for a tenure track position. While I have no advice on landing the dream job, I do have some experience in moving.

I just moved from Maryland and found a number of resources that can help you purge your belongings before the move. I found the following helpful (to varying degrees):

Craigslist: to sell unwanted items

Maryland Book Bank: will pick up large donations of books, you can drop off books any time at the loading dock

Habitat for Humanity: will pick up entire households

Goodwill: accepts donations of all kinds (drop off only)

City/county bulk trash: reserve early, and the government will whisk away your items (including electronics) for free. there is usually a limit to the number of items you can put out for collection.

1-800-Got Junk: expensive way to get rid of damaged furniture. The price includes moving the items from any location in your home. They also take paint.