There's a lot going on in your 20s. You have friends getting married, you adopt some animals, you might be in a serious relationship, you might be studying at a university, you might be changing from many part-time jobs to one full-time job, and, let's be real, probably a second part-time job on top of the full time. Time's are tough.
But the one thing that seems to universally suck for most of us in our 20s. Moving. Especially if it's every single year due to academics and leases and bad landlords. And here's 20 things about it.
1. Vehicles that can move your things in approximately 20 trips or so.
None of us have the perfect-sized car for moving. We all somehow have too much stuff. So here we are, with a tiny car, and using three tanks of gas to get everything done, and probably three pizzas to feed the friend with a pickup who moved your mattress for you.
2. Using literally any box you can find.
Sure, that AmazonPrime box is tiny, but you can use it. For like, forks.
3. Crying about outlets.
You learn real fast that power strips and extension cords are your friends.
4. SECURITY. DEPOSITS.
Will it be a month's rent on top of the first month's rent? Will it be $300? Will they ever give it back? Who knows? Tune in next year, when that lease is up.
5. 450-square-foot studio for $950 a month.
Good luck. This misfortune is probably gentrification, but that's its own article in itself. An IKEA trip might be in order for all that storage.
6. Pet policies!
Because you have no impulse control and need to love something that will actually love you back: you adopted a fur baby. But now you deal with pet rent (that they sure aren't paying!), pet fees, and just wishing this great ground floor 2 bedroom allows more than one cat.
7. Neighbors stepping in your way to introduce themselves
But they always do it while you're holding the book box. Like, yes, please let us exchange pleasantries so later I can talk crap about how you keep leaving your recycling on the porch. Want to carry the box for me as we do it? It's all my favorites and three copies of every single Dictionary.
8. Nobody willing to help you move.
Nevermind that you helped all your buddies with your nice big SUV, but man, suddenly you ask for help and "Oh, I'm busy for the rest of the month. Good luck!" And then they don't even bring a gift to the housewarming party. Ugh.
9. Landlords calling five days too early about keys.
Guys, I wasn't ready to move this early. Paint slower. Give me space.
10. "How early is too early to ask about availability?"
I started apartment hunting in January, and most of the time they either tell me "we have no availability then!" or "we won't know until a week before your move-in date!" Excuse me, I need to know where I will live, I don't want to be homeless because one lease ends a week before your availability opens up.
11. Internet providers being jerks.
No, Comcast, I am not that man. I'm a woman who is not named Darius and in the military. I'm sorry he didn't properly stop his service, can I just have some Wi-Fi?
12. Hearing the stress in the voice of your DTE Representative
They DEFINITELY don't get paid enough for all this grunt work.
13. Never wearing the right shoes to the viewing.
Look professional, but casual, but comfy, but not dirty, but light on the floor.
14. Getting lost on the way to the viewing.
"The leasing office is WHERE?"
15. Getting excited about that kitchen, but just know that in your actual unit it won't be the same.
It's too much to ask for a nice big sink and cabinets that are smooth wood and clean.
16. Renter's Insurance?
Does your landlord have one for you to go through for cheap? Do you have to find it? Can you bundle it with nothing because you can't afford anything else?
17. Moving trucks cost a million dollars.
"It's three minutes after 24 hours sooooooo...HERE'S AN ADDITIONAL $150 FEE."
18. Your mom "helps" with the decorating.
19. Nobody gives you the gift cards you wanted.
So now you have to eat air for dinner because nobody wants to make food after unpacking and unloading all day long.
20. You made yourself a home with the full knowledge that it is temporary.
And that's okay for now.
