moving

Welcome to NY!

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I have been living at my cousin’s house in Mamaroneck, NY for the past 12 days. It has been quite a ride since May 8th when I left San Antonio behind me to come back to my home state. Much sleep has been lost, tears cried and happiness gained. However that is neither here nor there (it is I’m sure, but I like saying that). As I try to write about user experience, interaction design and the like, one thing has been rearing it’s ugly head. Finding an apartment in New York City. That’s right finding a place to live right in Manhattan.

Apartment searching is never fun nor easy but finding a place in NYC; that brings the experience to a whole other level. Mind you I’ve been warned so my expectations were somewhat set but NO warning or words of advice can prepare you for the chaos that is this apartment search.

So here’s the long and short of it so far. I’ve dealt with fee and no fee apartments. Working with a broker is great! They can actually answer my questions about how much rent is, if there is laundry in the building, help you negotiate… the whole deal. However if the apartment is renter pays the fee then your lump sum is 15% of your yearly rent…. a pretty penny indeed and something to try and avoid if on a budget. HOWEVER if the apartment is no fee, there is usually someone showing the apartment that is not associated with the property management. Some of them are really good and can give you all the info you need and others are really just there to open the door, let you in for 10 mins, and show you out. What I’ve learned is that someone is always paying the fee and if it’s not you there is a reason.

Tomorrow extends my adventure through this maze of rentals. Nine viewings from 11am to about 4pm and I’m hoping there are some leads somewhere. Wish me luck and God’s speed!

 

 

Moving continued….

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I’m trying my hardest to think of posts and it’s really not coming to me! My entire life is being consumed with moving, which I’m sure is normal, but Exhausting. There are some interesting things about moving to NYC that I’ve noted and that make it both extra exciting as well as extra stressful.

Firstly everything in NY moves fast. Really fast. You want a job… don’t look until 2 weeks before. You want an apartment… well first you need a job then you don’t need to contact me until 2 weeks before!!! Ok so this is encouraging in one sense. There are IA jobs up there, or so I’m told anyway… I’m trying to trust, and because of the demand there are plenty of opportunities. However, I’M UNEMPLOYED IN TWO WEEKS HERE PEOPLE!!!!

So no job and no apartment aside I think I’m doing well. I’ve got the mover booked, the furniture sold (thanks Christina!), the dog looked after, all and all things are looking up!!

I think I can actually do this!!!!!

NYC Here I Come!

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On Thursday I let my management know that I would be leaving San Antonio to move to NYC in May. What a Relief! However, it’s finally hitting me that I’m really doing it. I’m really picking up my life and moving across the country… again. On an interaction design note, I’m getting to deal with all walks of life right now and critiquing all of the processes and procedures and of course customer service. Everything from finding a moving company to switching my auto and renters insurance. It’s already an adventure and I haven’t even started moving yet. BTW one moving quote estimator actually brought his own wireless device and printer and gave me a quote within the hour… nicely done!

So here I go again. It’s official. Back to the hustle and bustle of the Northeast. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of more run ins along the way and don’t worry I’ll bring you right along with me!