Tips and Tricks: Moving

As you know from the previous post, I recently moved which makes me an ~expert~ on the topic! *kidding, but I did learn some do's and don'ts through trial and error!* Moving in New York City is difficult since you sometimes can't legally park in front of buildings. Because of this, you have to be prepared to load and unload very quickly. This takes several people, we had 4 people total and I don't think we could have done it without everyone.  Since you're in the city and moving on busy streets and sidewalks, it's handy to have someone watch your stuff as you take each load inside the building.

Packing 

Ziploc plastic storage bags totally saved my life. They are heavier than trash bags (which I found would rip under the weight of some of my things.) It was raining on the day we moved but I wasn't worried since the bags seal shut! I used them for clothes, bedding, pillows, and towels. The extra large bags will fit a foam mattress topper and are also perfect for pillows! 

Furniture 

My roommates and I have been scouring the city for cheap, cute furniture to outfit our apartment.  We found a great kitchen table at Housing Works Thrift Store.  Our coffee table and sofa were found through a Facebook "Free and For Sale" page for our college. Social media is a great way to find cheap furniture, especially when you're in school! If you're moving in the spring, chances are there are a lot of seniors leaving that are looking to get rid of furniture any way they can. We got some great items that retail for much more than we paid, they are in good condition and look so nice in the rooms. 

Transportation 

If you don't have a car and you're in an area like New York City where it's hard to get one, is 100% worth it to hire a service.  We were just going to take a few Uber cars but after packing and seeing how much we had we decided to pay for a service to drive us back and forth for a few hours. Since we didn't have furniture or a ton of heavy lifting, we didn't need movers, just a car to get us from Point A to Point B. It was so helpful to have the car and we were able to get most of our things over in just a few hours which was great - and encouraging for the rest of the move! 

Moving is stressful but also very exciting. Ask some friends to help and treat them to brunch afterwards as a thank you! Make sure you have your things in order and packed up the night before so you aren't rushing to throw clothes in bags before the movers get there.  Most importantly, remember that moving marks the exciting beginning of a new chapter! As hectic as it is, take time to celebrate that you're embarking on a new adventure! Plus you get a chance to decorate a new place which, if you're like me and love interiors, is reason enough to move! 

♥ Caro

MOVING!

Over the weekend I moved out of my dorm and into an apartment!! I am so excited to be staying in the city this summer and living with 3 of my amazing friends. We were able to find an apartment in the city fairly easily and jumped on the opportunity.  We are lucky it's in a great location relative to where we work. There is a good amount of storage and the living room is HUGE which will be perfect for having friends over this summer!! This is my first "big girl" apartment and my first time living outside of the dorms in NYC.  This past weekend and the last few days have been insane - I had no idea how much stuff I had.  Moving was hard work and we didn't even have furniture yet! The last time my family moved I was very young so I didn't remember how much went into moving into a new place.  Since coming to college I have had many "adult" moments but moving definitely tops the list. Being so far from home, I did everything myself. This was both empowering and stressful.  In the end, I am glad I was forced to figure things out for myself because the next time I move I will know exactly what needs to be done.  

I am writing this as the cable guy installs my tv and internet [#adulthood] I was so used to wifi I didn't realize how crippling it is to be without it!  The apartment is definitely a work in progress, everything is here but everything is also EVERYWHERE. Boxes and trash bags full of clothes and shoes are taking over the entire apartment and we are all anxious to have the furniture arrive so we can start organizing.  It's a work in progress but I am really excited to see everything come together! I was lucky enough to find some great deals on furniture online and at thrift stores in the area.    I can't wait for things to be in place, I will be writing a post about how we decorate once we can get everything put away! Thanks for being patient throughout this semester, it has been a roller coster and I am excited to have some free time this summer to write posts more frequently and continue to improve Handbags & Heartbeats! :) 

♥ Caro

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Last week I had the opportunity to go see Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway.  I was excited about the last minute plan and couldn't wait to see the show after hearing wonderful things about it.  I love Carole King's music and knew that it would be a fun show if nothing else.  I was blown away by the performance.  Not only was it entertaining and funny, it was also so much fun and a great way to relax after a hectic day.  

The show reminded me a lot of Jersey Boys, following Carole King's journey as a singer/songwriter.  You get to see her big break and go through her career, hearing about songs she wrote you would have never guessed (like "The Locamotion" among others!) The play chronicles, not only her career, but also her personal life and relationships.  Detailing her early marriage to Gerry Goffin and her friendships with Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, Carole is portrayed as a compelling and fascinating woman. Someone so normal and down to earth, I immediately wanted to be her friend. I left the theater with an enormous amount of adoration and respect for her.  Chilina Kennedy is currently playing Carole on Broadway and her performance was incredible.  She looked so much like Carole King and was a phenomenal singer and actress.  

Beautiful is an excellent option if you're in the market for a fun, feel-good Broadway show! It has heart, it has humor, and most importantly, great music! At the end I was out of my seat and clapping along as the cast belted out "I Feel the Earth Move." The show is great for all ages, I can't wait to take my mom when she comes to visit soon! 

♥ Caro