Last week, we helped our daughter settle into her very first apartment in Brooklyn, NY. After the bittersweet moment of letting go (and drying a few happy tears), I pulled together the 7 most helpful things we did to make her transition smoother — and more stylish.
1. Ship Smart with Vacuum-Sealed Bags
To cut down on box bulk and protect her clothes, my daughter used vacuum-sealed storage bags — a game changer. Not only did they help fit more into fewer boxes, but they also kept everything clean and compact. Bonus: the bags are reusable and easy to store. She even packed a small handheld vacuum for the job. I’ll link a few favorites we used below.
2. Buy the Essentials First
After a long travel day, the very first thing we reached for was… toilet paper. And it wasn’t there. Lesson learned: stock up on must-haves early — paper towels, cleaning spray, gloves, a toilet brush, mop, and yes, TP. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
3. Check What’s Working (And What’s Not)
Within an hour of arrival, we realized there was a plumbing issue. Appliances, outlets, water pressure — check it all. Then, compile one comprehensive list for the landlord instead of sending multiple updates. It saves everyone time and avoids confusion.
4. Order Big Items Online
Navigating the NYC subway with furniture in tow? Not ideal. She ordered larger items online instead, often finding better deals and more options. Delivery to her doorstep made setup far less stressful — and more cost-effective.
5. Get to Know the Neighborhood
Walk the block, grab coffee, ride the subway — explore like a local. We scoped out grocery stores, dry cleaners, and yes, even took a “coincidental” walk past her new office so she’d feel confident commuting. (We may have claimed we were just headed to breakfast…)
6. Set a No-Shoe Zone
City streets and apartment floors don’t mix. She added a bench, shoe rack, and disinfectant spray by the door — instantly creating a cleaner, more intentional entryway. It took us a few tries to remember (especially with sneakers already on), but now it’s second nature.
7. Shop Local When It Makes Sense
Need a hammer? Sure, you could Uber to a big box store — or walk across the street and pay a little more. We chose local. Factoring in time, effort, and the energy of navigating a new city, proximity won. Sometimes convenience is worth the extra dollar.
This move marked the start of something beautiful — for her and for us. Here’s to new beginnings, one curated corner at a time.
🖼️ My daughter and her dad, smiling in her first apartment — a moment I’ll never forget.
