Hey all. I’m moving from Ohio in a few weeks into a fourth-floor walk-up in Ridgewood. I keep looking at my mom’s basement pile: a full-size box spring, a mini fridge, a desk that’s probably too wide for the door, a big floor lamp, and like four milk crates of kitchen stuff. I don’t want to haul all this across the country if it’s just going to get stuck in the stairwell or sit in the apartment taking up space. What did you actually wish you had with you on night one, and what did you regret dragging here? Also, is a mini fridge worth it if the kitchen has a weird under-counter fridge situation? I’m clueless.

Hey, I’m two weeks into a fifth-floor walk-up in Washington Heights. Night one: I had my bed in a bag? Not really, but I brought my good lamp, a small toolkit, shower curtain, toilet paper, paper towels, phone charger, and a kettle. I didn't need a mini fridge—my under-counter fridge is tiny but works. I sort of wish I'd left my giant desk behind. It was a huge pain and now it blocks the only outlet near my window. Also if you're bringing any furniture, measure your stairwell turns. I’m dead serious.

Seconding the stairwell turns. Brokers love to say 'fits a queen' but the second landing doesn't care. Skip the box spring entirely unless it’s a split one. Most mattress places here sell or thrift a platform or just use slats. That mini fridge is dead weight unless your unit truly doesn't have a fridge. Even then, bodegas and grocery runs are easier than a second fridge in a walk-up. I moved with a toaster oven and still use it more than the real oven. Just bring small kitchen stuff you'll use daily: one pan, one pot, a decent knife, a cutting board. The rest you can get from Marketplace after you learn if your cabinets are deep or useless.

lol yes. I moved from Florida with a full couch and a glass TV stand. The couch made it, barely, but the glass stand took out a chunk of hallway paint and I wanted to die in front of the super. Leave anything heavy, glass, or wider than 30 inches. Get it after you're here from FB Marketplace or Buy Nothing. Half the stuff I thought I couldn't live without I sold for pennies three months later because it didn't fit the layout. Also bring a drill/impact driver and a level if you have them. You will hang shelves in the first weekend.

Counterpoint: don't buy a whole tool set if you're flying or paying by the box. A small ratcheting screwdriver with bits and a hammer will cover most prewar wall issues until you know if your walls are plaster or drywall. That’s the real NYC question—toggle bolts vs anchors. Also OP, if the kitchen has an under-counter fridge, don't bring a mini fridge. You won't have room for it, and nobody wants to carry it back down. If you want to keep drinks cold without crowding the little fridge, use a window or a cooler for a party. You're in Ridgewood—there are a million delis.

Late to this, but a few caveats as someone who’s moved into three different walk-ups in Astoria and one in Ridgewood. The first 24 hours are not the time to be organized about anything except: bed, shower curtain, small lamp or light, phone charger, toilet paper, a couple of trash bags, basic cleaning spray, and something to drink water out of. Keep a separate 'first night' duffel that doesn't get buried in the truck. If you can, have your mattress and a metal or wood platform frame delivered the day before or morning of; if not, a clean folded blanket on the floor works for one night, but don't let that become a week.

On the buy-before-vs-after question: I'd bring almost no large furniture. For a fourth-floor Ridgewood prewar, your stairway may have a landing turn around the second floor that a long couch can't physically make without standing it on end and hoping. The movers will get it up, but at a cost in time, drywall, and maybe your security deposit. A box spring is almost always a no unless it's split or low-profile because the door frames are older and tighter than you think. If you're buying a new mattress, get one that can bend or a platform bed with slats.

For small appliances, the one thing I'd not buy sight unseen is anything water-connected. Big one: don't buy a portable dishwasher or washer before you know if the lease allows it and whether your sink/outlet setup can even support it. There was a longer thread called Has anyone used a portable countertop washer as a backup when the basement laundry is down? here: Has anyone used a portable countertop washer as a backup when the basement laundry is down?. Short version: check your sink threading and GFCI outlet before you order anything, or you'll be stuck with a heavy box in the kitchen.

A mini fridge is dead weight if you already have an under-counter fridge. If it's one of those tiny dorm-style fridges, it cycles loudly and adds a lot of heat to a small room in summer. Better to keep a cheap cooler or just buy fewer perishables.

Thanks, this is super helpful. Okay, I'm leaving the box spring and mini fridge at my mom's. For the first night, I'll pack a duffel with the essentials. Question though: should I bring a small microwave? My dad keeps insisting I'll need one, but I have no idea if the kitchen has room. Also, do I need to bring my own shower curtain rod? Some friends said the rod was already there, others said no.

I just did this move from Michigan. Don't bring a microwave. I brought a small one and it still lives in the corner of my studio because the kitchen has exactly one outlet and the fridge uses it. My landlord saw it on a video call and asked if I had a breaker issue. I use the toaster oven more. Shower curtain rod—wait until you see. Some old places have one, some don't, and some have a weird curved rod that's bolted in. Buy the cheap tension rod after you check, but maybe bring a curtain and rings just in case.

OP, tell your dad the microwave is a trap. In a small NYC kitchen, counter space is prime real estate, and you'll probably find a bodega with a microwave if you really need one. Shower curtain rod: don't pack a heavy one. If the apartment doesn't have one, a cheap tension rod from the hardware store two blocks away beats lugging one from Ohio. Also, bring a door stop and some felt pads for furniture legs—your downstairs neighbor will appreciate it. And don't overthink the first night. You'll be eating pizza on an air mattress and it'll be fine.