Moving from the Bay Area to Brooklyn: how can I do it effectively?

If you're foolish and young, why are you bothering to plan? =)

I'd recommend putting as much of your goods in storage somewhere, and travelling as lightly as possible so you can just crash where need be.

Just make sure to bring a wad of cash, your check book and your family trust funds. You can find furniture and carpets on the curb and clothes at the fancy thrift stores on Third Ave. Have mail forwarded, register to vote, try to get job before you move, and call in all your chips w. NYC friends.

Gail's right. Day to day living in Brooklyn is no longer cheap. When I moved from Texas (albeit 13 years ago) I brought seasonal clothes and as much daily necessities as I could in suitcases on the plane. The rest (except for furniture) came in 28 UPS boxes (up 5 flights- those guys hated me for years). But UPS insures and they paid for all breakage. As for furniture, Gail is right. Theres tons to be has on the cheap.

I’m jealous—I just moved from Brooklyn to the Bay Area, and I miss it so much. Wish I could go back. Check out Fort Greene—that was my old neighborhood. Diverse neighbors, great restaurants, historic brownstones and big trees.

One thing people have told me that is great is PODS (Portable On Demand Storage: http://www.pods.com). You pack it up and then a moving truck comes and puts it in storage for you. A lot cheaper than hiring a moving company, and easier than driving a UHaul yourself.