a verb.

August 17, 2009
nestin
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.

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22 Comments

  • Reply Thao August 17, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    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!

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  • Reply Julia August 17, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    Oh, how I've been there šŸ™‚ You are going to make this new spot a charming and delectable home, even if you can't paint the walls!

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  • Reply Linda Zimmerman August 17, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    Welcome and welcomehome to New England! xo

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  • Reply denise August 17, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    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.

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  • Reply Rebecca August 17, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    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.

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  • Reply Amy@OldSweetSong August 17, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    Keep it up, friend! It will be home before you know it.

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  • Reply our little love nest August 17, 2009 at 2:55 pm

    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.

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  • Reply Emily August 17, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    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!

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  • Reply Julia (Color Me Green) August 17, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    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.

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  • Reply D&D August 17, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    best of luck! providence is so lovely!

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  • Reply Amanda Nicole August 17, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    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 šŸ™‚

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  • Reply Carissa August 17, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    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!

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  • Reply cindy August 17, 2009 at 9:40 pm

    it's going to be a delight … nothing's better than a completely clean home. pace yourselves ;)!

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  • Reply Schaufensterbabe August 17, 2009 at 9:40 pm

    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…

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  • Reply The Lil Bee August 17, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    I can't wait to see some before-and-afters!

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  • Reply knack August 18, 2009 at 1:22 am

    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

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  • Reply vintage simple August 18, 2009 at 2:48 am

    …but circa 1975 track lighting is so COOL..! šŸ˜‰
    I sounds like with all of the improvements the place is 100 times better than when you found it…
    -maria

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  • Reply Stacey August 18, 2009 at 4:09 am

    lovely lessons, that place is going to be a warm cozy nest in no time (I feel funny using non eco cleaners, too, sometimes) šŸ™‚

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  • Reply Rachell Taylor August 18, 2009 at 6:58 am

    These are some of the best times when moving to a new place. Making a home your own. Before and Afters.

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  • Reply blue moss August 18, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    What a great list ….can't wait to see it all.

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  • Reply orange sugar home August 19, 2009 at 12:33 am

    such a clever post. love your little list of nesting necessities.

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  • Reply paula August 19, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    I do hope you are having fun dear:)

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