In a bittersweet turn of events, Bashel Lubarsky received news that would shatter her sense of stability and force her to find a new home in just over 100 days. She and her fiancé, Daniel Berk, have been residing in a charming Brooklyn apartment for three years—one that became synonymous with cherished memories and hopeful plans for the future.
The couple had been enjoying their abode, which they managed to secure without an exhaustive search after Bashel’s brother and sister-in-law vacated the unit. They were drawn to its unique features, such as ample natural light, a backyard, and the rare convenience of in-unit laundry, all for a monthly rent of £3,400. However, on July 20, a sudden phone call dashed their hopes for a prolonged stay when they were told to vacate by November 1.
“I received the call just after I had learned we were losing our home. As you can imagine, I was quite emotional,” recounts Lubarsky, aged 27, reflecting on the now-viral video she recorded shortly after receiving the distressing news. In a moment of vulnerability, she turned to Berk, 29, and proposed making a walkthrough of their beloved apartment—a decision that resulted in a poignant Instagram video showcasing their shared life.
As she navigated through their apartment, Lubarsky highlighted features that had become cornerstones of their daily lives, including a seldom-used elevator, a reliable dishwasher, and her makeshift office space. The video served as a tribute to all the memories they had forged there, even as she faced the prospect of losing it all.
The couple’s path to this apartment was fortuitous. Lubarsky’s brother and sister-in-law, who had relocated from San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially inhabited the space and later decided to move on to accommodate their growing family. This opened the door for Lubarsky and Berk to take over the lease at a favourable rate, something they have come to greatly value.
Today, as they ponder their future, Lubarsky fears that any similar apartment on the market would cost at least £4,000 per month—a sharp increase compared to their current rent. The impetus for their sudden move results not from any conflict with their landlords, but rather due to the owners’ recent life changes. The landlords, who moved to Mexico City six months ago, require the unit again for personal reasons, as they plan to relocate back to New York.
“They’ve always treated us with kindness and respect, even offering to assist us in looking for a new place,” Lubarsky says, emphasising the positive relationship they have maintained with their landlords since they moved in. This gesture stands in stark contrast to the distressing nature of the situation they now face.
The emotional toll of leaving this space is compounded by the wealth of memories it holds, anchored by furniture that has its own stories—like the six green velvet dining chairs she procured for a mere £10 each. Despite their uncomfortable nature and wear over time, these chairs have witnessed countless gatherings filled with laughter and connection. “They became part of our lives in ways we didn’t expect, making it all the more challenging to think of starting anew,” Lubarsky reflects.
As they embark on the daunting task of searching for a new home, the couple is keen on finding a two-bedroom apartment that retains desirable amenities such as a dishwasher and laundry facilities. However, replicating the authenticity and warmth of their current backyard may prove difficult. Lubarsky remains resolute, urging herself not to settle too quickly as they navigate this transitional phase.
Interestingly, the urgency of their impending move has prompted Lubarsky to reconsider her items of sentimental value, deciding against prematurely discarding any furniture. “Nothing is ‘on the chopping block’ until we figure out where we’re going next,” she asserts, highlighting her desire to hold onto the memories encapsulated within their belongings.
Ultimately, Lubarsky’s reflections reveal a deeper significance to their current living situation. “This apartment was always going to be our first home together, a place to share with our future children someday,” she muses. While grappling with the unexpected upheaval, the couple continues to dream of a new beginning that allows them to recreate the warmth and community that had come to define their lives in Brooklyn.