with love caila
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My First Apartment in NYC | The Young. Broke. Uptown Girl

MY FIRST APARTMENT IN NYC

Date: March 2016

Age: 24

Monthly rent: $1700

Studio Apartment: 350 sqft

Location: Upper East Side, New York 

TOP 10 QUESTIONS WHEN MOVING TO NEW YORK

How MUCH TIME DID YOU TAKE TO LOOK FOR YOUR apartment?

48 hours. Sleeping on a girlfriend’s couch in the Lower East Side, I had one weekend to find a studio apartment before starting my new job on Monday. Lining up appointments and open houses before my visit really helped save time.

Tip: Best place to start looking for apartments in NYC is StreetEasy.

WHAT IS THE RENTERS MARKET LOOK LIKE IN NEW YORK?

It is fast paced people! If you see a place you like, you need to jump on it that day – before it’s gone.

Give yourself 2-3 weeks before you intend to move to find an apartment.

HAD YOU BEEN TO NEW YORK CITY BEFORE?

Boston was my home after college & I had made a few trips down to the City before. But honestly, I didn’t know where anything was ?! I wouldn’t be able to tell you the difference between TriBeCa & Times Square, Brooklyn & the Bronx… all jumbled up pieces only pieced together with the help of my iphone.

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO LIVE IN NEW YORK?

NO! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d end up here. Growing up in Ohio and moving to Boston for college, I felt at home in those two cities. New York City seemed like the big bad wolf that would gobble me whole. But after interviewing around, my dream job at the time was hiring in NYC and since that felt right for my career – I had to face my fear. But in my heart I gave myself a timeline, “Caila – you have to promise yourself, you’ll only stay for 2 years.” I’d give it a shot, then leave so I wouldn’t get attached… boy was I mistaken, because now I’m in love with NYC!😝

Now that you’ve decided to live in NYC, here are a few articles that will help your transition:

How do you afford an apartment in Manhattan?

Before I moved I had enough saved up for first month’s rent + 3 months of expenses. It totaled about $16,000. This gave me a comfortable enough cushion to figure out this whole City living thing. For those wondering where that $16K was from… it was a mix of college graduation gifts, selling my car, and my savings + last bonus after quitting my job of 2 years in Software Sales.

IT’s SO EASy TO SPEND MONEY IN NEW YORK, HOW DO YOU CREATE A BUDGET?

I am far from perfect, when it comes to creating and sticking to a budget. But here are three tips that friends have shared with me that work for them:

  1. Cash Only Method – Budget out how much you allow yourself to spend on food + clothing + travel for the week. On Sunday take that amount out in cash and once your wallet is empty, you’re done spending for the week.

  2. Work Week Rule – Create a rule that you need to follow Monday though Friday or Sunday through Thursday, since Friday nights definitely count as the weekend.

    Work Week Rule examples: cook dinner at home, no ubers until the weekend, join the free workout classes in the park. By sticking to your one rule, you won’t feel like you are cutting back in all areas, but also can be proud of the effort you’re making to spend less.

    Tip: Trader Joe’s is the best place to grocery shop for the week! I usually spend less than $100 on our Sunday TJ’s trip and feed Nick & myself for the whole work week.

  3. Track Daily Expenses – Create an excel spreadsheet that you fill in at the end of each day. Kind of like a game! This will make you more aware of what you spend and will make you feel proud on those days that you spend $0 – promise they do exist! Here’s a quick article too, if you want to find an app to help you track your expenses.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A STUDIO APARTMENT INSTEAD OF ROOMMATES?

This was a personal choice. I enjoy my freedom, being a Sagittarius and all. It was really important to me that I didn’t become dependent on another person to fill time that I could use to better myself.

I do see the benefits though… you get a bigger/nicer apartment, someone to talk to when you get home, and someone to make sure your stuff is ok when you travel!

Tip: In need of a roommate? Try the Roomi App.

WHAT AREAS OF NEW YORK ARE SAFE TO LIVE IN?

Here are a few of the articles I read to pick my neighborhood.

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE AREA TO LIVE IN MANHATTAN?

If you ask my personal opinion, the best places in Manhattan to live in are the Upper East & West Sides. They both border Central Park to give you your fix of the outdoors and each have a charming personality of their own. The Upper East Side is known to be family oriented and have the Gossip Girl living with quaint coffee shops & Museums on every corner. The Upper West side is known to be the neighborhood for the cultured… writers, Broadway actors, and the like, enjoy its trendy restaurants and night life. Both Upper neighborhoods are out of the bustle, but conveniently have multiple subway lines to get you wherever you need to go… and fast!

Favorite places to shop for furniture?

West Elm, Minted, CB2, Lulu & Georgia, Wayfair, Home Goods

Looking for studio apartment decor ideas? Start by checking out this blog post ✨

Hope you all enjoyed a little peak into my life when I first moved to New York. There are 8.5 million people making it work in this urban jungle. It might seem like a lot, but you will learn quickly once you make the move. Plus you’ll have the greatest stories to tell for the rest of your life! Before I go, the most important tip I could share with you when moving to New York is,

Don’t be afraid to tell people, “No.”

“No – I can’t make it, No – I’m not interested, No – that’s not me.”

There are going to be people inviting you to coffee, events, parties every night and you are going to feel obligated to go and not let people down.

This city will push you around if you let it, but the only way to survive is to have time to yourself… to rest & recharge.

p.s. It took me about a year and a half to fall in love with the city and call it my home.. so don’t feel pressure to love it right away.

 

 

 

 

Staying Organized in a Small Studio Apartment

Key: Make Items You Use Most Often Easily Accessible

How I organize my drawers in the images below:

  • Top Drawer: Camera Equipment

  • Bottom Drawer: Hair tools

 

 

Photographer: Clarence Chan Photography

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67 Comments

  1. Renee
    September 16, 2018 / 4:28 pm

    Caila, who is taking your photos? You have all that camera equipment but a professional seems to be taking your pictures. And dont say Nick because you had this blog and your instagram way before Nick came along and your photo quality is pretty consistent. What do you use your camera equipment for since you dont post videos or take your own photos.

    • Caila Quinn
      September 23, 2018 / 1:55 pm

      These ones are by Clarence Chan 🙂

      I usually them in my pictures or add their name at the end of blog posts. But I switch between taking them myself and having others take them <3

  2. F
    September 23, 2018 / 2:33 pm

    Caila did your parents pay for your college tuition? It seems as if you had 16k in savings but no debt…

  3. Jill
    September 23, 2018 / 3:00 pm

    Thanks for posting this!! I Just visited the city a few weeks ago and it’s a dream to live there.. but growing up in California makes NYC look unattainable and a huge move. You’ve inspired me!

  4. Ananya Panda
    September 23, 2018 / 3:07 pm

    Loved reading this! I liked how upfront you were about how much things cost. I’m definitely using those money-saving tricks: no more Ubers or eating out during the week!

  5. Cindi Wicks
    September 23, 2018 / 3:13 pm

    Loved reading this post! Would you consider doing a post about what kind of camera equipment you use? Or just reply to me a few sentences about the make and model you use? Thanks so much! Love following you 💕

  6. Jessica
    September 23, 2018 / 3:35 pm

    Thank you so much for this post! So you got the job before you were actually living in the city? I find it hard living in Ohio everyone wants you to already be a resident… tough for me to find a job there but it is my dream to live there while I’m young!

  7. Payal Trivedi
    September 23, 2018 / 3:51 pm

    Thank you so much for this article Caila! I so want to move to NYC. I am a teacher but I want to be out of the classroom now. Any tips on how to do job search in NY? I have no idea what I want to do.

  8. cheryl
    September 23, 2018 / 3:54 pm

    Amazed what you did with such a small place and giving us details if we decide to move to NY esp around Manhattan. Also, can’t wait to see the new place with the bf. Thanks for the new blog post.

  9. jana
    September 23, 2018 / 4:01 pm

    Nice and it’s true before any move to a big state like NYC or in general it’s always a must to have a plan but also save save money. Great tips and advice you shared.

  10. eliza
    September 23, 2018 / 4:08 pm

    Very helpful you shared this.

  11. Marlene
    September 23, 2018 / 4:17 pm

    I’d love to hear more about your Trader Joe’s meal planning!!

  12. Lindsay Woods
    September 23, 2018 / 4:35 pm

    You are the cutest! Thanks for sharing all of your tips and for letting us follow along with you!❤️

  13. dawn
    September 23, 2018 / 4:49 pm

    True it’s good to have a plan. Great reading on the new post. Everyone should be able to say No and also having a savings plan. I mean sure I do splurge hear and there at times as well but also I know how great is to have savings when I need it. Glad to hear how you saved before heading to NYC. Girl you are the cutest!

  14. wendy
    September 23, 2018 / 4:50 pm

    awesome blog

  15. janet
    September 23, 2018 / 5:02 pm

    Wonderful like you I lived on own my for a years back in a big city and it taught me just as much as what you shared and valuable experiences and lessons. A key was savings and also having close friends to keep you sane and humble. Also the big city I live in I got to meet the love of my life who I’m getting married in Nov . Lovely read and keep being inspiring and inspired. I also have no doubt you have met the soulmate for you. Hope you do more money series in the future. You have knack for it to help others out.

  16. yolanda
    September 23, 2018 / 5:08 pm

    Cutie with great things you shared. Do you ever read books on how to save money too?If so, I wish you would share them just as much. You always bring us quality content and it’s much appreciated.

  17. shay
    September 23, 2018 / 5:22 pm

    One of the greatest things one can do is set out goals and reach them. Nice new post.

  18. bethany
    September 23, 2018 / 5:34 pm

    Kudos to you for living on your own at first in NYC many never do that when they should try it first so they do discover who they are more and value one’s worth for later on and in the future. Of course no one is perfect so it’s great on the tips you did share and are working on as well to save more even today. That’s true that would be me living in NYC just for the broadway shows and Art shows but finding way to budge myself. Will you do a cooking blog soon in the near future? When will you do a new blog on the place you got with the cutie boyfriend? As always thanks for the quality.

  19. tori
    September 23, 2018 / 5:38 pm

    Thanks for sharing this!!!!

  20. gina
    September 23, 2018 / 5:42 pm

    First off you have amazing style and taste even looking at the way you styled your first place in NYC even with that limited space. Second great read all around and can very useful for anyone moving to a bigger city. You rock Caila 💖

  21. Jacqueline H
    September 23, 2018 / 6:02 pm

    I absolutely love the blog! I’ve lived in California most of my 26 years and love it but have always thought about going to New York! I’m not sure if I would permanently go but this helps me to not be so afraid to even visit for an extended period of time. It just seems so far and cold >.< Love your writing style too! Thank you!

  22. madeline
    September 23, 2018 / 6:38 pm

    Wonderful new blog for one interested in moving to New York. You also have a great eye for aesthetics and creativity. Love your fashions too so feminine and girly.

  23. tiffany
    September 23, 2018 / 7:29 pm

    Thank you and will take some of the things you shared to my own moving soon.

  24. lexi
    September 23, 2018 / 7:46 pm

    These are some of the topics I love to read on. You sure know how to engage with great topics. Very insightful information. Might I add you are beautiful and love how you decorated your 1st home in NYC and I hope you do a new blog on the new place in the future that you got with your boyfriend. I would love to see how it was to bring both styles together for a place to live together and more.

  25. zoey
    September 23, 2018 / 7:52 pm

    ☕ dig the new post

  26. caroline
    September 23, 2018 / 8:15 pm

    For a very small space you still made it look chic and spacious. Loved reading the whole new blog. You really did give good information.

  27. kelly
    September 23, 2018 / 8:45 pm

    Great recommendations and what we can do ourselves.

  28. vera
    September 23, 2018 / 9:11 pm

    Great and clever ways you shared. As always you are stunning and such cutie pie!

  29. hazel
    September 23, 2018 / 9:51 pm

    Grown up topics that are needed for us gals and thanks for sharing some information on things one can do when moving. Also for tiny space you did miracles bringing out the best of it. Congrats also showing that you could make it in New York if one is willing. Will also do another blog on the new place you got with the beau?

  30. emma
    September 23, 2018 / 10:18 pm

    So good Caila

  31. stephanie
    September 23, 2018 / 11:00 pm

    i love this! i’m looking to move to new york with my boyfriend (who will be my fiancée, or husband? by then) in about a year, and we genuinely want to get a studio in the city and just make things work and live our lives for a bit! with my parents worrying about that big move, i’ve been anxious about getting details like these beforehand. love this post!!

  32. victoria
    September 23, 2018 / 11:06 pm

    Lovely reading this and adorable how you decorated the first place you lived in New York darling.

  33. maria
    September 23, 2018 / 11:28 pm

    Reading the new blog. It took me back to the time I first graduated from college and decided to move to a big city and I lived on my own as well not in big place either. You are so right the tips yo shared. Saving comes very handy and also learning ways to make things work for the better in bigger cities. Then after I fell in love with my now husband he was at that time getting his medical degree. So during that time we got a new tiny place together while he got his degree and we both learned how to save before too but also have fun with our travel and date times together. Now we live in big home and rep the rewards happily married for 4 years tog with a dog and kid on the way but the times I lived in both tiny places I learned that you can value what you got and save but always make beautiful memories that you treasure for lifetime. Sure it’s great to save but also you can have fun buying and going on trips. It’s just knowing how to save and knowing ones limit. You can do anything and live anywhere you want but one must try ones best to attain what they want but not go overboard. Know Caila you sharing this inspires many.

  34. reese
    September 23, 2018 / 11:35 pm

    Fantastic advice and lovely how you designed the studio look for such a small place in NYC.

  35. stacey
    September 24, 2018 / 1:46 am

    Informative and you great how you did the place and you are stunning. The way you are you should try and go for certificate and become like a life coach maybe even buyer in fashion you have impeccable style and fashion.. Many life coaches can earn 15,000 to 200,000 a year.

  36. Aliona
    September 24, 2018 / 2:13 am

    Insightful especially how I want to move to NY in the future but around Soho area but also I want to be close to broadway shows. Def will read on more the links and apps you provided. You have knack for quality and very good details. Thanks for it.

  37. patty
    September 24, 2018 / 2:21 am

    shared ur blog to a friend who was is moving to NYC and she loved the information you shared. Know you touch people by sharing great topics like that one. So keep doing great topics and not like other bloggers who actually don’t care you actually do and put time and effort in it. Thank You. Have a beautiful week ahead and know you are fantastic being.

  38. Skylar Stetten
    September 26, 2018 / 3:20 am

    Great post!! I liked that little apartment. I’ll never forget the first time I visited and you pulled out that huge box of samples. You’re so generous! And you did such a great job utilizing a small space. Living alone is a luxury and I trust you enjoyed it while it lasted. Xxoo
    Skylar Stetten
    Pura Soul Photo

  39. Maika Le
    October 30, 2018 / 12:24 am

    Lovely post 😍

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  42. Apartment Renting
    April 23, 2019 / 8:28 pm

    Shoot, very nice photos… I wish to have a good photographer like that. Did you take them yourselves?

  43. Colin
    April 23, 2019 / 8:29 pm

    Here is my link: <a href="//www.homielandrealty.com">www.homielandrealty.com</a>

  44. Molly
    May 26, 2019 / 6:57 pm

    Could you tell me where this kitchen table is from? I am in a small studio in nyc (just moved here three months ago) and I am looking for a table.

  45. Narrie
    June 21, 2019 / 5:34 am

    I got my first apartment and this is truly amazing. I decorate all the rooms to my liking and rearrange all my favorite items. This is the first time I did it, moved to an apartment and started living independently. I like your article, thank you. biesterbosgroep.nl

    • Caila Quinn
      Author
      June 21, 2019 / 11:08 am

      Aww that makes me so happy! Congrats on the new place 😀

  46. Henry Norena
    July 28, 2019 / 4:42 pm

    Looking to move to New York for my 30 birthday on January 2020. I have many family members and friends all over the east coast. I don’t see the rent value being a challenge every does need a roof to sleep under. I asked my mom and sister they both told me no don’t do it lol. But ayyy no kids no girl no ties other then my current career and company in which I been seeded in

  47. Mike joseph
    September 23, 2019 / 11:12 pm

    You can try check out https://Apartmentfriends.nyc. I found my apartment using the site for free! You can also join their closed Facebook group to find a ton of apt listings in nyc.

  48. Abby
    October 16, 2019 / 8:36 pm

    Great post! By far one of the most helpful resources I’ve found preparing to move to NYC!

  49. Tatiana
    February 28, 2020 / 5:06 pm

    Could you please tell me where the shelf unit to the right of your fridge is from? I’ve been looking for something just like that!

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