For your big move-in day, research the services of a professional mover if you don't know any strong, able-bodied friends or relatives who could help you.

Ask people you know for a recommendation.  I was lucky my father had a truck and three guys he paid to help me move.

Three years ago, my mother walked to the corner of my old building, and suggested to a guy hanging out that she would pay him $50 for four hours to help us move furniture.  He claimed he didn't understand English, yet he understood perfectly well: "I'll pay you $50 dollars."

Treat everyone who helps you move to lunch.  Buy cold cuts and make sandwiches for the movers like my mother did when I moved into this apartment.

Be okay with it if the furniture arrives with a few nicks and scratches.  You can use products you find in a hardware store to make the scratches less visible.  Even some versions of brown or wood-toned crayon can adequately cover up the nicks.

I chose to live with the imperfections in the furniture.

Up next, I'll talk in the last SharePost in this series about how to buy a home if that is a possible option for you.