quietlikesnow's Profile

I just moved from the U.S. to Japan, and had to smile at this. For me a shower curtain was really nice, as it's summer here and I wanted to shower after moving all of my stuff from the hotel to the apartment.

Also- printed out (or saved on e-device) directions to places you'll initially have appointments with. I had no internet for a while after arriving here, and couldn't map anything out as there's essentially no free public wifi in Tokyo. I needed those print outs.

I brought both night time tea bags and instant coffee for my hotel room, as I knew there'd be a hot water kettle but only 1-2 token tea bags, and I'd be there for a week. I hate instant coffee, but in a pinch...

Pre-download (since you might not have 'net connection), a translation app/dictionary/something suited to your language skill level.

I also appreciated having: reusable shopping bags, my travel mug and water bottle, a street atlas (no net connection=no GPS), power strip (not many plugs in my hotel/new apartment). Most of what I needed I quickly acquired here though.

If you're going to a country where things are a lot more expensive it doesn't hurt to bring bed linens and your favorite toiletries.

I also grabbed a public transit map right away here.

I also brought peanut butter. Because I love it, and it's so expensive in Japan.

I too am an anti-hoarder, almost to the point of compulsion. But I think in my case I've gone a bit too far, and getting rid of stuff has become an obsession.

Tangentially, I just moved to Tokyo and was only able to bring 2 suitcases (+ 2 mailed boxes, 1 carry-on, and a yoga mat) worth of stuff. THAT was difficult. I'd been purging even more than usual for the entire previous year in anticipation. I got rid of so many toiletries, makeup, weird nutritional supplements- I went through everything and looked for expiration dates, and brought carloads to Goodwill. I put sticky notes on all of the pairs of shoes that I owned, and if I didn't wear them in 1 year, they had to go. All clothing was turned hanger-backwards, to the same end.

Of course, I don't recommend the "moving across the world to declutter" method because it means I'm going to have to re-buy a bunch of things that just weren't cost-effective to bring with me, but were perfectly good. They're waiting for me back in the US, as my move isn't permanent.

Okay, as a fellow dog owner my question is- how the hell do you keep the dog bowl areas from damaging the floors? I had to move mine onto the stone tile areas and they've still managed to get the floor a lil funky. My dogs like to splash and leave standing water everywhere.

Also, you totally hid all the dog toys for the home tour, didn't ya? ;)

LOVE the house. Do you need two more (lil) dogs and a pleasant grad student couple as housemates?

Also... Ima Hogg, snort. Makes me giggle every time.

Huh, I have never gotten an amenities bag, and I fly to Japan regularly from the U.S. Is it 'cause I'm in the cheap seats or does my airliner just suck (I don't get to choose)?

As a fellow graduate student, I had to click on this one! I am lucky enough to have a house, but I'm about to leave my house for a year to live in about a 215 square foot place abroad. Since it's only for a year, I don't want to invest too much in the decor (my "real" house is full of stuff already)- so I am thinking the fabric would be a nice way to go :)

I live in Houston and I took my in-laws to see this when they visited us. They were kind of enchanted. I actually love the stuff he did outside the house with marbles the best. And the stepladder to heaven.

Sabrina, now I want to post my (not small) space and have you redecorate mine!

I love that couch. Anyone know where it came from? Great arrangement overall.