Laura Bostrom is the founder of New Jersey-based organizing business, Everyday Order. Over the years, she has lived in various New York suburbs and now calls Montclair, NJ home. Here is Everyday Order, Laura Bostrom’s Move to Montclair, NJ.
Tell me about your journey to the suburbs?
I’m originally from California, and because of my husband’s job, we moved several times within the New York tri-state area. We first moved to Bayshore on Long Island, then to Larchmont, NY and then finally to Montclair, NJ. We now live in Upper Montclair, which is a section of Montclair that is walkable, great for families and still offers great restaurants and activities.
We chose Upper Montclair because it’s great for families- you see kids learning to ride their bikes in Anderson park and walk into school in the morning.
What has your experience been living in Montclair, NJ versus the other NY suburbs?
It’s hard to compare towns because when we lived in Larchmont I didn’t have kids. I think because of that, it was hard to meet people and make friends so I didn’t feel as connected to the town. My favorite part of Larchmont? The 30 minute commute to midtown!
How old are your kids? What do you like to do with your kids in the area?
I have a 2 year old boy and a 4 month old girl. We love going to the Farmers market on Saturday mornings, near Montclair’s Walnut Street train station. We like to grab treats there and window shop on our way to brunch. We occasionally take classes at Montclair B.A.B.Y., we also like to go to Edgemont Park, they have a great kids playground.
What are you favorite restaurants in the area?
The Little Daisy Bakeshop is a tree-nut and peanut-free bakery. It smells so good every time we walk by. I love taking the kids there for cookies and cupcakes.
The Corner. We love going there for breakfast, they have fresh pastries and espresso. It’s conveniently near the Farmers Market.
Uptown 598 has a great brunch menu and is perfect for families or a BYO brunch or dinner.
Sandwich Theory. It’s a step up from your typical deli- they serve breakfast, sandwiches and salads.
De Novo in Upper Montclair is great for date nights. Most restaurants in Montclair don’t have a liquor license, De Novo is one of the few places with a full bar and they make a great cocktail.
Naunas Bella Casa is our go-to for pizza night.
Bagels Abroad has the best bagels.
Dai Kichi has great sushi.
Le Salbuen serves up excellent food with a french twist.
What are your go-to places in the area?
I like to workout at D*Fit.
For clothing, I like Anthropology and it’s always fun to browse at The Stitch Boutique.
The Village in Montclair sells items from local artists, it is a great place to buy baby gifts or pick out something for yourself!
You won’t leave Table Leg Home empty handed! You will go in for a hostess gift, and come out with earrings for yourself and a unique cutting board for your best friend.
What are some things you don’t like about Montclair, NJ?
I wish the train was faster!
How would you describe Montclair residents?
Montclair has a lot of creative people, artists and authors. I’ve heard people describe Montclair as the “Brooklyn of New Jersey”. There are a lot of people moving from Brooklyn to Montclair and gentrification is happening all over town.
How did you meet people when you moved to Montclair, NJ?
My son was born in Montclair. I met a lot of new moms through the Meetup app- “Montclair Playgroup”. We do weekly music classes, we meet at coffee shops or go for walks. Even now, these moms are still my closest friends. I’ve also met a lot of people from my professional home organizing business, Everyday Order.
Tell me about schools in your area?
My kids are young, we are just starting to look into preschool. I have heard wonderful things about Union Congregational Nursery School and St. James Preschool. The school system here is a magnet school system. You apply to elementary schools which have a different focus- some are more science oriented, arts oriented etc.
Do you or your spouse take the train into New York City? What has your experience been with the commute?
I live within walking distance to the Upper Montclair train station and bus stop. There is parking, but most people walk. When I take the bus, it takes me an hour to get into the city and half an hour back. If I take the train it takes an hour to get in and an hour to get back home.
Any tips/advice you wished someone had told you when you were looking to move to the suburbs?
Drive around each town you’re considering. Go to the local shops and restaurants. Get a feel for the neighborhood. You can usually tell if it’s going to be a fit for you.
About Laura Bostrom
Laura Bostrom is the owner and founder of Everyday Order. Laura is Northern New Jersey’s only professional organizer who merges function with style to create magazine-worthy, organized spaces. She has brought beauty and order to kitchens, closets, playrooms, storage rooms and home offices in and around Montclair, Maplewood and other area communities. Laura handles every aspect of organizing: from making sense of forgotten storage areas, to unpacking and home set-up, to maintenance programs. Laura is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and sits on the executive board of her local chapter. She received her bachelor of science degree from the University of the Pacific. She lives with her husband and two children in Upper Montclair, NJ.
Follow Laura
@everyday_order on instagram
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