Moving with very little - setting up apartment in new city

[shadowmoss]

Just typed a long answer as I just did this. Tried to change a detail and lost the entire thing. So, for the even longer answer: http://shadowmoss.blogspot.com/
I've spent the time since February 15, when I came back from Honduras, doing the moving thing with what fit in my Jeep. My wrinkle is that my primary stuff, such as cooking items and dishes, were still in transit when I left Missouri to move to Phoenix. I'm hoping to be able to go back and get my 2 10'x20' storage units of stuff in September and bring it here. Then I pare down to what fits.

[Tradd]

Thanks for all the ideas!

[befree]

I, too, would spend money for good mattress. For other furniture, folding bookcases sound perfect for easy moving and mobility. You could even put bins or baskets on the shelves to use one in the bedroom as a dresser. And, yes, a breakfast bar with a stool would take the place of a table and chairs, but if I needed to buy one I'd look at a gateleg table with the folding chairs stored inside, that can be used as an end table when all folded up (to hold your cup of tea while you read). For living room seating, the all-weather wicker resin patio furniture sold at the big box stores look prettier, lighter, and are much cheaper than regular living room furniture. 2 matching outdoor armchairs from the garden section, resting your feet on a wicker outdoor storage chest/ottoman, sounds good to me. Plus you could fit these lightweight items into your car (although it might take more than 1 trip!) Somebody else suggested renting a place short-term, like 6 months. I think that's a great idea in a new place. All the online research in the world can't tell you what neighborhood you'll really feel at home in until you actually experience it.

[ToomuchStuff]

After having some friends, blindly move to a different state, I can't help but think that if you already had a job there, you either know some people there, or have gone to visit. Either way, I would be looking at places to live at the same time as doing the job stuff.
If I knew some people there, I might be looking at the free or for low cost big items that I would need when I moved (a table could be broken up and set against a wall, a bed frame, the same.
I do know both Walmart and Amazon ship compressed mattresses. This video was posted on one of those deal of the day sites, when someone had a special (I still laugh at the music):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLwKgMIs34M

The problem with mattresses this way, IMHO, is you can't comfort test them. (but it may be inexpensive enough for a short term, thing, YMMV)

And if you have a place to live, I would think you could somewhat time a package delivery, so some items you need, could be arriving about the same time as you. (less to find there)

[shadowmoss]

What I found here in Phoenix is that I should have stayed in the Extended Stay instead of getting an apartment. I would have been cheaper by a fair amount once all the hidden fees were added into the rent (for the apartment). The Extended Stay had all the furniture and kitchen items I needed, and utilities were included in the price. I even had a desk, and fairly good wireless internet. They get more reasonable if you stay more than a month. I didn't hear my neighbors nearly as much as I did in the apartment, either. Just some food for thought.

[jennipurrr]

I think everyone above me has the minimalist part down pat!

I'm totally down with it until the part about sleeping on the air mattress. So, I will play the devil's advocate ...in the hypothetical job negotiation can you get a fixed amount thrown in for moving expenses? I would still definitely go for your plan detailed above, but then you may be able to spring for a real matress and bed (if you want that) or other pieces of furniture/appliances that must be delivered. The first thing that came to mind is that a lot of apartments here don't have refrigerators included. The extra money may give you a little breathing room to find some pieces you like or quality stuff and not the absolutely cheapest thing ikea has to offer.

[Tradd]

Jennipurr, in my industry, moving expenses are not covered unless one is a branch manager, and usually only then if your company is moving you from one city to another.

The apartments I've all seen online have all appliances included. I'm considering all sorts of options for the bed issue.

[catherine]

For living room seating, the all-weather wicker resin patio furniture sold at the big box stores look prettier, lighter, and are much cheaper than regular living room furniture. 2 matching outdoor armchairs from the garden section, resting your feet on a wicker outdoor storage chest/ottoman, sounds good to me. Plus you could fit these lightweight items into your car (although it might take more than 1 trip!)

Great idea! When we allowed our kids to live in a house that was being updated and prepped for MIL's arrival, I bought a couple of outdoor chairs from Home Depot for $33 each. They were brown resin woven, just as befree described, and very comfortable. They didn't look THAT outdoorsy and a seat cushion would even make them more comfy.

[iris lilies]

Jennipurr, in my industry, moving expenses are not covered unless one is a branch manager, and usually only then if your company is moving you from one city to another.

The apartments I've all seen online have all appliances included. I'm considering all sorts of options for the bed issue.

It was addressed above I think, but to me, the bed the one thing you spend money on. That's what you've got savings for. I completely understand all of hte other stuff--what fits into your car and can be shipped by friends is what you've got.

Another option: twin mattress on the floor, directly on the floor.Can that fit into you car? When you move to the new town and have your apartment, buy a twin mattress (do you have a hatchback?)

[SteveinMN]

When you move to the new town and have your apartment, buy a twin mattress (do you have a hatchback?)

There's always the time-honored method of lashing a (twin) mattress -- carefully -- to the top of the car