I can’t even think about my bed experience without getting some form of PTSD. I found someone on Gypsy Furniture about .8 miles away and figured oh, cool, we can just carry it. So I got there, and it was this muscular guy who asked “alright, ready to go?” and I COULD NOT PICK UP THAT ENORMOUS MATTRESS. Like if you offered me five thousand dollars to carry that mattress more than two blocks I would not have been able to do it for the life of me. I was dying and sweating and this guy was getting so clearly frustrated with me. And we still had the bed frame to do afterwards! It was so embarrassing. I ended up calling an UberX and we fit it in there. I gave the guy extra money for his trouble and thank God I never saw him again. I had to sit down in the shower for like twenty minutes afterwards because I was covered in sweat and couldn’t move my legs.
If I had to do it again, I would use Walmart. You can get a frame for around $80 and a mattress for around $100. I believe shipping is free, too. It’s not a lifelong solution but it’s good enough for an apartment for a few years.
Thanks for all the helpful input. Unfortunately the previous occupant of the room is taking everything with her, so D will need a bed, dresser and nightstand, at least.
@rebeccar, your tale is why every young woman needs a muscular boyfriend who lives nearby and has a sweet nature–to say nothing of the ability to wield a screwdriver with panache.
We went to a suburban Ikea about an hour from home this evening, just for a look-see in an environment a lot less insane than what I imagine the Brooklyn Ikea must be like on a Saturday. It was my first Ikea experience, and I’m physically pooped from all the walking around and mentally exhausted by the massive sensory input. Lots of interesting merchandise, and D picked out some stuff she’s contemplating, but you couldn’t get me back there for love or money. My new idea of hell is a massive store that sells everything one could possibly need for the home in an infinite variety of sizes and styles spread out over 5 or 10 acres. I guess Ikea is just one of the ever increasing number of things I’m too old for.
Okay, my worry is over. My son moved into the studio in Hamilton Heights. I saw pictures, and it really looks like a nice place, kind of a guys dream crashad (ie big television). Thanks to @momof3sons, I feel good about him being there. He ended up only having to provide first and half of last month’s rent. The subletter had no contract for him to sign, but I went ballistic and my son printed one up. I was very paranoid, but my son said he did due diligence and everything is fine. What a stressful process!
One thing to keep in mind about Ikea furniture is that many movers in NYC will not move them because they are breakable and so hard to put together. Not sure how long your D is staying at her new apartment.
I have posted in another forum but will state some recent experiences here:
many people just have a Casper mattress delivered and put it on the floor
excellent experience with Sleepys in NY - order online, select delivery date and time window - mattress !!
recent experience with Brooklyn Ikea - order everything you want at a kiosk there, they will help you set a date for delivery or delivery/installation. Highly recommend paying for assembly if bed frame involved. I’m relatively experienced with Ikea Assembly but the pieces/screws in the bed frame were impressive. Flat fee for any number of items to be assembled. As stated above, you can also yelp furniture assembly and there are 3 or 4 companies that have excellent reviews - that is another way to go and they will purchase and transport the boxes for you.
If it all possible - do your ordering at IKEA on a weekday. It will save you hours. If D works in Manhattan now, there is a ferry that goes to Red Hook store - free on the weekends, too.
My S disassembled his Ikea sofa, bookshelves, desk, and table to move out of his apt in NYC. He moved the dresser and nightstands assembled. I don’t think the sofa would have fit out the door and down 3 flights of stairs if it was in one piece. (I am so thrilled to have him out of New York. It was not the right environment for him. He will be much happier in Seattle.)