but really…i’m a nomad.

Let’s just cut to the chase.

I’m moving again.

That’s right – I’m relocating this little life I’ve met for the third time in just about six months. But this time it’s “for real.” Promise!

So here’s the story.

Way before I even had a job or plans to move to New York, it was the dream of mine and Erica to do the whole shebang together. But, since it isn’t exactly easy to coordinate timing when it comes to doing that sort of thing, we ended up missing each other by just a couple of months (aka Erica got her new job after I had already moved into the city). This was quite the bummer because not only would we both save a ton of money, but we’d obviously just love to live together!

Also in the equation was the fact that my living situation in the Bungalow has been…well, it’s been less-than ideal. I hate to say that I’ve been “roughing it,” but that’s sort of what it feels like. Not only is the B-low the size of a large closet, but the building itself is pretty tired. Add a roach sighting and some issues with neighbors to the mix and I just knew I had to see if there were other options.

Thankfully, my management company/a particular agent turned out to be my absolute lifesaver. Not only did they agree to place me in another one of their units without having to go through a full application again, but they made the entire process so…seamless. I barely had to do a thing!

The best part of all? Erica and my new digs are…out. stand. ing. While the location isn’t as great, I’ve 100% came to the realization that with the crazy fast-paced life of NYC, I need some darn good amenities to come home to.

So no more dinners like this…

…no more cramming my entire life into a space like this…

…and no more worrying that if I make one wrong move or sound I’ll end up with a note (or 3) left under my door. Ahem.

So kids, the moral of the story is:
a) if approached with kindness and humility, management companies/landlords may be more willing to work with you than you think.
b) think long and hard about location versus amenities.
c) I am not and WILL not move for at least another year. Can you hold me to that? :)

As you’d probably think, it’s been/is going to continue being a crazy week (I should probably stop saying that though, since it always seems to be a crazy week these days…), but I can’t wait to get settled into the new place! I’ll keep you posted with updates and photos, okay? But for now – back to work. xoxo G

Would you rather live alone or with a roommate?

p.s. check out my guest post on I’m An Okie: 10 Ways to Make Moving a Little Easier (appropriate, isn’t it? :))

Comments

  1. says

    Very cool! :) I can’t imagine living in the city… it would be very exciting in so many ways, but I wouldn’t be able to deal with the tiny apartments and high rent! So it’s very cool that you’re able to move in with a friend and save some money.

    To answer your question, I had a lot of roommates through college and grad school. And then I lived by myself for a year. I have to say, I preferred living by myself. But now I’m married, so I guess that won’t be an option for the rest of my life haha! 😉

  2. says

    Oh my, I love moving! Aside from the whole packing business involved. And I don’t think I could live alone, actually, unless I had a stellar social life so I wasn’t bored all the time. As it is, when my boyfriend is gone for a few days I find myself bored out of my mind after the initial “YAY ME TIME!” activities and excitement passes. Anyways, yay for moving!!! Exciting!

  3. Emily says

    HAH this is such something I would do! I’m glad it’s worked out for you. I’m in the process of deciding where I want to live/finding a place and it’s really nerve wracking. Part of me wants to live alone, but that’s the ole-grannie-stay-at-home-and-do-nothing part. The 20 something inside of me is screaming not to listen. I’m used to living with three other girls, so I think one roommate would be a good compromise, no? Is finding a roomie on Craigslist sketchy?? No really. Hah…

  4. Jessie says

    Good luck with the move! I was all excited to live with a roommate and save money but now I really regret the situation because my roommate is INSANE!! I’m sure you won’t have the same problem since you know your new roomie - I met mine through my boyfriend who works with her… I should have known something was up when she said she couldn’t find anyone that wanted to live with her!! haha :)

  5. says

    Ooooo that’s a super tough question. I’ve had a history of awful roommates, so I’m tempted to say I’d rather live alone. I’m not the best at meeting people, though, so I think if I did live completely by myself I would be so painfully lonely I wouldn’t be able to stand it. My best shared living situation ever happened when I shared an apartment in Chicago with three other girls and each of us had our own room. That way I had plenty of social interaction, but I also had space to myself. I guess that’s the ideal situation for me. All bets are off, though, if any roommate is a believer in the Magical Dishwashing Fairy who will clean up your mess in the kitchen for you.

  6. says

    That’s so exciting!! I actually think I’d prefer to live alone because I reeeeally like my space. And I could always have people visit me. But then again there are definitely plenty of people I would love to live with! I don’t know, tough question!

  7. says

    Living alone in NYC is a luxury! I was just looking for decent studios and was shocked at the prices. So now I’m moving in with a roommate and getting a bigger space than I would on my own and good company :)

  8. says

    I like living alone, to be honest. I don’t have to fight for space in the kitchen or time with the television. While I do sort of miss the companionship, I prefer living alone. I can always grab meals with people, after all!

  9. says

    You must be so excited! Moving is a royal pain in the butt, but it’s worth it to live with a friend! You guys are going to have a blast. :)

    I’ve always lived with roommates, but I think I would enjoy living alone as long as I make sure to spend plenty of time with other people! Otherwise I think I would go crazy from cabin fever.

  10. says

    fun! you’ll love it. I live alone in the big city on the other side (San Francisco) and I just couldn’t WAIT to have my own place-and while there are things I just love about it, it’s also gotten lonely! I really miss having friends to come home to. It’s nice to have my own space, you just have to work a lot harder to be social and it can be tiring.

  11. says

    Oh gosh I think I would rather live with a roommate but it would have to be a good one! I would choose living alone over a bad roommate any day. Congrats on your new digs!!

  12. says

    I just moved out for the first time and while the location is in a busy city, it feels like home already. I moved in with someone I work with, but we’re both so independent so I dont think it will be an issue.

  13. says

    gosh, that’s a toughie. I live alone now after living with some HORRIBLE roommates I was constantly cleaning up after. I was constantly in trouble for stepping on their toes, so moving out was a breath of fresh air… but now I’m lonely! :)

  14. says

    This sounds like a fantastic opportunity for you! I’m a fan of living on my own, but in the same complex as my friends! I can do what I want, and it’s still easy to hang out with people.

  15. says

    Oh congrats on the new place! That’s so exciting and so fun that you and your bestie get to live together!! In apartments the amenities are really important, they just make the experience so much nicer! And I go back and forth but I think I’d rather live with someone at this point in my life but probably in a few years I’d like to live alone.

  16. says

    I started out living in the Bronx (where my grad school is) for my first 2 years in NYC, which actually was surprisingly good and cheap. Then for the last 2 years, I have lived with my boyfriend in the Upper East Side which is absolute HEAVEN. I have to say, I have lived in the dumps of the Bronx and the magnificence of the Upper East Side, and both have been equally good! It’s really what you make of it…you just need to remind yourself that you are in the BEST city in the world, and that is all that matters :-)

  17. says

    The title of your post made me laugh because I was telling my friend about how much travel I was doing for work and she said “You’re a ninja! Oh wait, I mean nomad!” and now I am the Nomadic Ninja!

    I’m at the point in my life where I’m glad to be roommate free. Been there, done that, for 10 years of my life. Now my place is mine and will remain that way until I become a Mrs or get a puppy!

  18. says

    so siked for you Gracie! If anything I wish I was a little more of a nomad. I need to get outta this town!

    I love love love and adore my roommates but I tend to be a “loner” at time and crave my own space, so I’m excited to get my own place in a few years (or with Gingie… *fingers crossed*)

  19. says

    Kitchenette, hmm? Next summer I might be living somewhere that has one of those. I assumed I would like on ramen and microwavable meals from trader joes.
    But in reality I am just jealous that you get to live on you own. This is (hopefully) my last summer at home. I am just itching to get out… (well except for the fact that I will have to be responsible and pay for everything.)

  20. says

    Ahh, gracie girl you are certainly a nomad of the NYC area…. but at least you’re handling it like a champ!!

    I’m about to move into my first place completely alone at the end of August. I’m nervous, but also incredibly excited!! A real chance to make my apartment a true home.

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