A great comment about moving to New York

I found this comment on another post I often reference: How to move to New York Sane and Not Broke. I think that kimdog adds some valuable thoughts, especially about living the lifestyle. Each time I have gone to New York I have found more free things to do and it just gets better every time.

From kimdog: "I moved to NYC in 2001 after spending most of my life in TN. I was scared shitless, but knew it was something I needed to do in order to begin my career in non-profit management.

I planned for about 6 months before the move, including working a second job to sock away cash, and then I sold my car two weeks before the move, so I had some savings to get started. The scariest part was just making the decision to move. Once I did that, I was too consumed by all the details to get too freaked out. Oh, and I only knew one person in NYC when I arrived

Following on Ben's tidy commentary-

Housing: It's very difficult to find a good living situation remotely. I got a short term sublet so that I could spend time figuring out my best option. I eventually found a great deal with a roommate, and less than a year later got my own apartment. Upper Manhattan is still the undiscovered country. Inwood and Washington Heights have some great deals and certain areas are rapidly gentrifying. If you are willing to walk the streets, talk to people, and make phone calls you an avoid the scam that are NYC brokers and save a ton of cash.

Cost of living- yes it's higher in some respects, but there are trade-offs. I was spending about $300 a month on car insurance, gas and maintenance (and I didn't have a car note). Now my transportation cost $76 a month for an unlimited MetroCard (and my employer pays for $40 of that). Also, incomes generally are higher, but depending on your experience don't expect to make big bucks to start. Like Ben said, get good at what you do. I started out in an entry level position making $32k, and doubled my salary in three years. I used my savings to subsidize my first year in NYC until my salary caught up.

Analyze your expectations- I know many people who spend lots of money to maintain a "lifestyle"- clubs, restaurants, designer clothes, taxis. Many of those people make less than me and are up to their eyeballs in debt. But there are plenty of other paths to take. I've made wonderful friends here, and most of them are native New Yorkers who are just living a life. The city has abundant riches to offer that don't break the bank. Hell, my favorite things are usually free."

Getting Rid of Stuff

One piece of advice that I keep coming across : get rid of your stuff! Moving half way across the country is no easy task. The more stuff you take, the harder and perhaps, more expensive it is. Plus, once you get to New York, space is at a premium. I have heard stories of people that have moved with absolutely nothing and started an apartment with cardboard drawer sets and an air matress. If you haven't heard of him yet, Check out this guy that built his furniture from Fed-Ex boxes.

The point is you really have to think about what you want/need to take with you and what you need to simply get rid of. I like to think that this will not be that difficult for me since I have moved several times in the last few years. However, I have been living in the same place for 3 years now, a lifetime by my standards, and have accumulated a lot of "stuff." I began the ugly process of sorting and packing some of my stuff last night by cleaning my desk. I decided while cleaning files and drawers that it might be easiest if I begin placing things in 3 categories.

1. Stuff going to New York

2. Stuff going to storage ( hopefully the smallest category!) ( I promise I will do my best Mom.)

3. Stuff to get rid of. (Throw it away, give it away, whatever, just get rid of it!)

Guess it might be time to pass on my extensive collection of coozys. If I come across any items that I have difficutly parting with I will write a little about it. Until later I march forward with trash can and moving boxes by my side.