Craigslist, I <3 You (most of the time)

I’ll admit, I’m mostly a Craigslist hater. It just always seemed so shady, and every experience whether it was selling furniture (like my bed which is probably one of the saddest stories you’ve ever heard so I’ll spare you the details) or looking for roommates, it was just always….well subpar.

When I moved to New York, I was absolutely overwhelmed with the idea of scoping out an apartment on foot, I could certainly get a sense of what neighborhoods that I thought would fit, but to find something in my price range, with roommates (believe it or not I actually want roommates), and with the amenities that I need would be hard without asking Craig what was up. So after responding to more than 50 postings (which is probably underestimating) and looking at 15 of those locations, Craigslist was making it’s way over to my own _____ list. So overwhelming, so unfun, and so discouraging. But I kept looking, hoping Craig would prove me wrong. I accepted the price tags, the size, the potential grocery store hassle. I tried to keep an open mind, which I think is required for Craigslisting.

Yesterday I schedule appointments with 4 apartments, and after the first viewing (of an apartment that looked like it came straight out of the scariest episode of CSI you’ve EVER seen) I wanted to cry. But, I heading to the second viewing in the East Village. And that’s where Craig threw me a curveball and I found it, perfection.

A gem in the East Village, with great facilities, incredible roommates who are working really cool jobs, and Susan (my cat) friendly! Total win. I move in Feb 1, and I’ll be compiling a housewarming list of items for you viewing/purchasing pleasure. Justttttt kidding.

Anyway, I’m sorry, Craig, for being such a cynic. I’ll keep you in mind, because it looks like I’m going to need new furniture.

What about you, good/bad Craigslist experiences? Is there another service you use to sell/buy your stuff online?