monday’s lesson in nesting:
1. mop wood floors immediately upon arrival. unpleasant smells, stains, and stickiness will be drastically improved.
2. paint baseboard heating registers a crisp white. anything called taupe, natural, or cream should be avoided at all costs.
3. remove circa 1975 track lighting. spend as little time as possible pondering why your landlord had not already made this choice. there’s no telling.
4. admit that maybe, just maybe, seventh generation eco-friendly cleaning products are not tough enough to remove rust stains. abandon them temporarily, revel in the results, and continue your planet loving life.
5. make lists in your head of all the awesome things you would do to an apartment if you were the landlord. ok, maybe this seems counterproductive, but it’s helping me along.
xo. be back soon enough.
22 Comments
Those are good lessons to learn, Erin! We've gotten to the point where we're just unpacked. No decorations or anything. So I'm impressed that you've already gotten to painting! Happy nesting–I'm excited to see the new place!
Oh, how I've been there š You are going to make this new spot a charming and delectable home, even if you can't paint the walls!
Welcome and welcomehome to New England! xo
Where was the rust and what did you use to remove it? I have these little specs of rust that show on the face of my refrigerator. I worked hard to remove them a few years ago, experimenting with a variety of things, and now, sadly, they are returning. I might have used a baking soda paste, but I'm not sure…
You'll make your new space your own, your nest, soon, I'm sure of it.
we are still nesting in a year later…i think it takes time to get to know a space. i'm sure your space will be charming and cozy in no time.
Keep it up, friend! It will be home before you know it.
You are adorable…I love this list!
So with you on number 4. I love earth-friendly cleaners but sometimes they just don't have the power. You are going to make that place wonderful…I think it just takes time for it to become a part of you and vise versa.
Erin, I think those same thoughts every time I enter my apartment! We're not allowed to paint and I feel like a fresh coat would seriously enhance the overall tone of the place. I wish you all best in your new space! I'm sure you'll make it a lovely home!
i'm with you on strange smells i just can't seem to isolate or get rid of. and i'm starting to get really sick of the lack of control we have as renters. my landlord has a whole list of repairs that a. he's probably going to do a half-assed job with, b. prob won't get around to doing all of them and c. still don't cover all the things i'd do to restore our brownstone apartment to a non-shabby condition.
best of luck! providence is so lovely!
You're one tough cookie! There's something about cleaning away the residue of old tenants (as best you can) that dramatically helps the transition process. Cheers to new beginnings š
great list! luckily, I haven't had to deal with sticky, smelly floors, track lighting, rust stains or anything of the like in any of the apartments I have been in. but I feel for you! but no worries… I'm sure enough your nest will be lovely! can't wait to see photos!
it's going to be a delight … nothing's better than a completely clean home. pace yourselves ;)!
Good luck with building your new home. If you ever feel like moving, you could come over to Berlin. Here you can do anything you like to an apartment you are renting: Paint, add new walls, a brand new kitchen, whatever you like…
I can't wait to see some before-and-afters!
awesome list….I couldn't help but chuckle!
It is going to look awesome when you are done and I can't wait to see it……… xo
…but circa 1975 track lighting is so COOL..! š
I sounds like with all of the improvements the place is 100 times better than when you found it…
-maria
lovely lessons, that place is going to be a warm cozy nest in no time (I feel funny using non eco cleaners, too, sometimes) š
These are some of the best times when moving to a new place. Making a home your own. Before and Afters.
What a great list ….can't wait to see it all.
such a clever post. love your little list of nesting necessities.
I do hope you are having fun dear:)
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