Studio Tenants
Keep boxes from piling up by registering at stores with flexible holding policies: Both Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman will keep items indefinitely; ABC Carpet & Home uses a gift-certificate system. Be sure to open boxes upon arrival. Says Moss registry consultant Nicole Breedlove, “If you don’t open a gift for months and it’s broken, you’ll have a tough time returning it.”
Hammer-Happy Nesters
To revamp your closets, bring measurements and shelving needs to any Container Store’s Elfa department; within an hour, a designer will create a system for you (the service is also available online). Lack DIY skills? Hire an Elfa professional to install the equipment. FYI: If you’re renting, this isn’t wasted money—installation is portable (from $300).
Sentimental Pack Rats
You may call your cluttered apartment cozy, but an influx of new products means the tchotchkes must go. Call on the National Association of Professional Organizers—New York chapter president, Janine Sarna-Jones, makes house calls (from $350; organizeme.info). Or ask Ilene Drexler to help you and your spouse work through individual issues (from $95 per hour; organizingwiz.com).
Walk-In-Closet Makeover Artists
Even enviably spacious apartments can have storage problems. Melanie Charlton, Clos-ette creative director, offers permanent solutions: organizational services, styling advice, and custom cabinetry, such as her china cabinets with shallow shelves and rubber bottoms to prevent slippage (consultations from $250; clos-ette.com).
Minimal Space, Maximal Registry
How often will you really churn gelato? Bake bread? Still, if you can’t resist industrial-size kitchenware, you may need off-site storage. Manhattan Mini Storage’s Newlywed Special waives first month and move-in costs for a twelve-month-minimum rental; a concierge will visit your home to assess what unit size you’ll need and arrange for a moving van. Four locations are open 24/7, should a midnight hankering for homemade gelato strike (manhattanministorage.com).