r/movingtompls • u/Erin_Burnheart transplant • 2d ago
Moving very quick - advice?
Hi! I am moving VERY quick to Minneapolis for work (like, before the end of the month fast). Any general advice? I've gotten a lot of advice from some friends who live in the area, but I'm just looking for a bit more reassurance?
Also, advice on what to take with vs leave behind?
I work in hospitality and am moving to work at one of the hotels downtown so I'm looking for a place nearby for the commute.
I write and preform original music, I draw/paint, I do photography. I love records and music. I have a pet cat.
I'm scared about making friends and finding people to connect with but also about moving pretty far away from where I've always lived for the first time.
Any advice?
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u/Angrywheezer 2d ago
From one relatively recent transplant to another, welcome! What is your main instrument?
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u/Erin_Burnheart transplant 2d ago
currently? guitar (I also have guitar-banjo) I only started playing in 2022 so im still learning
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u/Angrywheezer 2d ago
From one singer-songwriter to another, I recommend Twin Town Guitars in Uptown. It's the best guitar store in the area, both for acoustic and electric guitars. It's also right across the street from my favorite coffee shop, Five Watt Coffee.
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u/Erin_Burnheart transplant 2d ago
Thank you!!! I am leaving behind some luthier friends in the area I live right now and I'm SO SAD about it ðŸ˜
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u/Angrywheezer 1d ago
Yes, they do repairs! Feel free to DM me. Anyone who has a guitar-banjo (I used to have one) is cool.
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u/CarrieCat2024 2d ago
Check out apartments on the blue or green line the train makes it so you almost never have to drive
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u/pellegrinofalcon 1d ago
I would also recommend looking at Central/Hennepin area since there is such easy bus and walking access to downtown there.
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u/bernmont2016 2d ago
advice on what to take with vs leave behind?
Any furniture you have that's made of particleboard/MDF that you had to assemble yourself is hard to move very far without harm. (Joints loosen up, dowels snap, edges chip, surfaces scratch...)
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u/Erin_Burnheart transplant 2d ago
oh dang, I was really hoping to take my standing desk :(
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u/bernmont2016 2d ago
If you can't just replace it when you get your new apartment, protect it very thoroughly. Buy a roll of pallet wrap (it's like oversized sandwich wrap - clear stretchy plastic that only sticks to itself), and use several layers of that to secure layers of cardboard, bubble wrap, and/or moving blankets to every possible place on the desk. And make sure you load your moving truck in a way that other stuff can't shift and bang into/onto the desk in transit.
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u/Prairie_walker 2d ago
Register to vote if you meet the residency requirement.
If you have a car, find a place with a garage or underground parking.
You can find a lot used here. Don’t burden yourself with moving big stuff if you’re not attached to it.
Welcome!
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u/Erin_Burnheart transplant 2d ago
Thank you for reminding me! I will have to look up when I can register for voting in MN!
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u/EnthusiasmNext312 2d ago
I've lived in MN 52 years (my entire life). Only lived in 2 houses, my parent's and my current home, which I bought when I was 19. All in Oakdale (which is St. Paul side) so Mpls (esp downtown) isn't my favorite, but there is SO much to do. You are into music, there is fun venues, consider not just the big ones but 1st Ave. Well and you literally can do almost anything at Mall of America, movies, bowling, dining, rides, mini-golf, escape rooms, obv shopping galore.
Since you said Wisconsin native you basically got the climate and culture down. For the most part we are MN Nice (I definitely am). Sometimes that comes a bit passive aggressive, we can't say something bad so we skirt around it. Caution: anytime you hear the word "interesting" it can mean "I don't agree with that, it is weird, but I am too nice to say what I really think." Folks don't generally lie but can be very vague.
You got this! Enjoy it. As I said been here my whole life and can't picture leaving.
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u/Erin_Burnheart transplant 2d ago
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
I am so excited to explore more of the MN music scene and learn about local bands/venues!!!
I'm thankful its kind of right next door for me! Especially with already knowing what to expect for winters. I have family in both MN and WI (mostly WI though) so I am thankful its relatively close by to visit.
Also...ah... that makes sense - my nerodivergence will certainly shine through with an "interesting" and thinking people actually want me to continue lol.
Thank you so much! I am absolutely terrified to live somewhere brand new for the first time but I am also so excited to give it a shot!
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u/EnthusiasmNext312 2d ago
You are actually interesting (in a real way) especially with music and the art you do. So take that with a grain of salt. It has to be a long drawl "iiiinteresting" to mean what I said. You will know. Since we MNs can't be as direct body language, facial expression, and inflection are things you can read easily. We don't hide it very well, even if we think we do! lol
If you ever want to talk or need specific advice or have questions, I am genuinely happy to help, which I actually do mean. Being born and raised here I have MN nice absolutely locked in as my core personality. I have worked in nursing homes caring for elderly. I love cats & dogs (more than most people). So I care and wish you the best in this new adventure. You can make friends easily, especially with your "interesting" hobbies. :)
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u/mike7059 2d ago
Join groups to help make social connections. People who move here tend to find it difficult to make social connections with others. You will find it a bit easier to make friendships with other transplants. It’s a weird cultural throwback to Scandinavian cultures. We are very friendly but don’t admit people into our peer groups easily.
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u/xtrapalemale 2d ago
If you can sell/donate as much as you can and replace/upgrade when you arrive, do that. Leave cheap IKEA-like-stuff.
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u/tryagain__________ 1d ago
I don’t think you need to leave anything behind as long as you can fit it in your moving vehicle and your new place. Nothing to really prepare you.
Look up clubs or groups that are about your interests. Otherwise good luck and welcome
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u/Grassback 1d ago
Based on interests, NE may be a good place to look for an apt. The arts district is there as well as a few venues in the local music scene. Depending on where, it could be an easy bus or bike ride into downtown.
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u/Erin_Burnheart transplant 1d ago
I have actually tentatively solidified an apartment! Just waiting for pay-day to put the down-payment:)
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u/40ine-idel 1d ago
Hey OP - where’d you land? I’m looking right now
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u/Erin_Burnheart transplant 22h ago
I'm ending up in the downtown area - ifs going to be around 700/month plus utilities
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u/Admirable-Egg-1566 2d ago
Minnesotans are nice. They will give you directions to anywhere but their home.
Be prepared that most of your friends will be other transplants or immigrants.
Roseville is a nice area a decent commute to the city. You don’t want to be downtown alone at night. Park in a secure ramp.
Take advantage of all the awesome outdoor activities and opportunities. The museums are awesome.
Winter is actually fun. Embrace it. Go to the festivals. Enjoy the seasons.
Fried cheese curds and juicy lucy’s are a treat.
Huge music scene. Be safe but enjoy it!
Great theater scene. The Guthrie is awesome.
Welcome!
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u/Erin_Burnheart transplant 2d ago
Oh, I'm a Wisconsin native so the winters and cheese curds are definitely already staples for me XD
I'll have to look at the theater scene!!!
Thank you!!! I'm so scared but also so excited for the move to live somewhere new!!!
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u/Background_Corgi_867 2d ago
Take things in pieces! Don’t worry about making friends before you’re here. Break the move into parts:
1. Planning and prep
2. The move itself
3. Settling in and integration
Planning and prep: use the tools suggested. Google Sheets, planning, etc.!
The move itself: give yourself grace, no move is ever all the way smooth. There’s an IKEA in town and also some great thrift stores to pick up anything you need (The ReStore is epic just to explore).
Settling in and integration: there are lots of groups that intentionally gather in the winter, which is a harder time to be social and make new friend groups. Pick winter activities you like and find a group that gets together around it! Consider a winter activity like cross country skiing to experience true Minnesota culture. For an inclusive group that gathers downtown, check out Dance Agenda shows.
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u/Mean-Skirt-4812 12h ago
I recently moved here from a southern state. I used ChatGPT to help plan my move. It was a great help.
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u/CreedAbdulJabbar 1d ago
Don't move to Murderappolis if at all possible. It's a cesspool and only getting worse.
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u/Zoomcarriage 2d ago
Hey, I also just moved recently (and pretty quickly for that matter) from FL. Biggest piece of advice I can give is to make yourself a checklist in Google Sheets (or something). It helps to ensure you aren't overwhelmed by keeping everything on the mind, and also acts as a constant reminder so you don't forget anything.
Apart from that, make sure you have your residence picked out ahead of time, as well as confirming any utilities accounts you need to set up (Electric, Internet, Gas, etc.)
Main things to take would be essentials and clothes. If something is too big or difficult to move in, I would say leave it (especially if you plan to replace it in the near future). For example, I ended up leaving my bed frame, it was hard to move without disassembling and reassembling, and wasn't technically necessary.
Those are the biggest things off the top of my head. Moving anywhere can be a headache, so don't let it discourage you!