5 Things You Don't Want to Tell Your Annoying Family and Friends About Your New Place

Mom, dad, siblings, nieces, nephews, family friends, and more all heard about that great place you have and you even went so far to post pictures on your social media pages, uh oh!  Well if you haven't or don't plan to next move, good for you!  However, all-too-often new residents boast much about their fabulous apartment communities, but regret having said anything later.  If you don't want your trouble-making relatives and annoying friends around, be careful what information you share with loved ones.  You don't want to be kicked out of your new place because of them!

1) Insect or rodent problem

The gossips will tell everyone including your favorite people and guess what?  The people you want to come over won't and the annoying ones will give you every solution in the book on how to combat your issue even when it is under control.  "You still got that roach problem, Nephew.  Well I can come over...I got some good stuff that will kill those rascals.  By the way, is the game on tonight?"

2) Spacious

The holiday seasons can be tough to get people to volunteer to host a festivity.  People burn out with large gatherings--the setup, clean up, cost, and future planning (sigh).  So there you are boasting about your spacious place, relatives just might guilt you into giving up your spot next holiday season. Shhhh.  "You got a party room, right?  Just pay for that.  Niece we could just go there if you don't want us in your place.  We promise we will keep quiet, but I don't know about your loud mouth Uncle--lol!"

3)  Extra room

Go ahead and tell your relatives, who often have financial trouble and tend to move much or get kicked out of their locations, "I have a spare room..." and they will surely keep you in mind.  Your place to crash will be their future home!  "Thank you Brother!  I love you.  I will be there on the 1st.  I can't tell you how long I'll be at your spot.  I don't have much money.  My girl, well you know how she is.  We're breaking up.  Yeah, thanks again!"

4)  Plenty of nearby shopping

Go ahead brag about that mall nearby, popular grocery store, the movies, the kids entertainment spot, etc. suddenly your kinfolk happened to be in the neighborhood with the kids/grandkids and decided to stop by your place last minute or unannounced.  "I know you're in there!  Let us in.  We were in the neighborhood.  We brought you some groceries!"

5)  Lots of amenities

So you have a pool, a spa, a gym, a barber on site---wtf!  Oh yea, they will certainly be over and so will management too when your visitors get rowdy!  "If you don't mind we will be over to use your pool.  Grandma would love some spa treatment.  Hey your sister said she hasn't worked out in about a minute.  While were there, Dad needs his hair trimmed.  See you soon!"

It is better to keep some things to yourself, wouldn't you agree?

Nicholl McGuire is the author of Tell Me Mother You're Sorry and Say Goodbye to Dad.

$1,500 Rent: New York Vs. Houston

Check Your Lease: Domestic Violence is One Way Out of Your Agreement

You didn't anticipate that your partner was going to act like a fool!  He or she acted threatening and then before you knew it you were struck by this person who once claimed they loved you so much.  OMG!  Yeah, so what are you going to do?  Well here's what you don't want to do that will mess up your credit and possibly cause additional problems that you simply can't afford.

1) Pack up and move without saying one word to your landlord.

2)  Fail to report damages in the apartment.

3)  Lie to cover up your part in the dispute to authorities and to get out of your lease.

4)  Kick your roommate or partner out without letting the leasing staff know what occurred.  Now you are short rent.

5)  Forget that your abusive partner has a right to his or her belongings in the apartment as long as he or she remains on the contract.

There are more and more leasing contracts being drafted to make it easier for domestic violence victims to get out of their agreements.  However, there is also an influx of liars.  Therefore, if there is no police report, court hearings, and other information to validate a legitimate reason to get out of the contract, you will still be bound to your lease.  You don't have to live there, but without proof of abuse, you are still obligated.

Nicholl McGuire is the author of Too Much, Too Soon Internet Dating Blues and other books.

Helpful List of What You Don't Need the Next Time You Plan to Move

What you don't need is another headache, backache, and a pending heart attack when you look at all the stuff you have to move and that moving quote--ouch!  So if you don't have a good vibe or a good reason for all that stuff, say goodbye to it!

Let's begin with future apartment features that you have now that you really don't need in the future:

1.  A swimming pool, let's be honest how many times did you use the pool this past summer?  I rest my case.

2.  A pet park.  If you didn't get Fido or Puss in Boots by now, you aren't anytime soon.

3.  Near public transportation.  When did you get on the bus to go to work?  You know you are too good for the bus, stop kidding yourself!  "Well just in case my car breaks down..."  You were the first to get to the mechanic to get it fixed even if you didn't eat that week.  Who you foolin'?  You can't be seen riding the bus.

4.  Near a public park.  When is the last time you sat and chilled at the park?  Remember you were too tired to get out your bed on most weekends much less walk to the park.

5.  Nearby entertainment.  You barely watch television so do you really need an ice skating rink, bowling, theater, and other cool stuff close by.  Boring people and workaholics don't use that stuff.

Okay, now here's that list of "I was meaning to use it but..." Yep, those things you can do without before the movers show up and take an extra long time moving your stuff just because...I can see them now talking, "Hey Jim, if he can afford all this stuff, he can afford to pay us extra plus a tip--jackpot!" says one money-hungry mover to another.  "Yeah, I love these pack rats!" his co-worker responds.

1.  Bar stools, really?  Did you use the bar for eating or drinking or better yet, you used it to store junk mail and odds and ends from around the apt.

2.  Coffee table.  How much entertaining did you do?

3.  A bookshelf that you never put enough stuff on it to make a difference.  Do you even read books?  Wait a minute, you do have books, well are you reading them?

4.  The large thing in the corner that is supposed to be for...?

5.  Paper, lots and lots of paper.  It's not important bills, income tax returns, or supporting documents to claim your inheritance.  It's just junk, stuff you said you would read, buy, do, or share and you never did.  A tree was sacrificed in vain because of you.

6.  Clothes that you know full well are too small, too ugly, too uncomfortable...just too whatever!  You even look in the mirror and you say, "Oh yes, this is too....what was I thinking?"  Your belly and butt will thank you, "I can breathe...thank God, I can breathe!"

7.  Shoes that you rarely ever wear.  So what are you waiting for, you plan to mess them up horribly then give them away?  Wow, you are so kind (no, not really) even the homeless guy wouldn't bother with your giveaways.  "What the...who gave this up? Rot in hell!"

8.  Collectibles that haven't had value since your mother's mother was born.  Keep dreaming!  I know, I know your grandmother's grandmother gave it to her and it was all made in China.  That's why it was her good China, get it?

Photo by Anna Sullivan on Unsplash

9.  The artwork that never got hung up and the décor that collects dust.  Yes, your inner self wasn't feeling it and neither was your environment.  The artwork was so bad that even the energy coming from it said, "Don't hang me!"  The dust bunnies made a nest on that useless thing, what is it anyway?

10.  What's that in the drawer, in the closet, under the bed...stop lying to yourself, you don't need it.  Now if those items appear to move and smell like...well, you got a problem now don't you!  No one appreciates what was once the living or deceased quarters (i.e. roaches and rats).  Throw your infested stuff away!

Here's a bonus tip:  What you don't need to bring with you on your next move is anyone who doesn't enhance the environment or inspire you to be your best--next!!

Hope this list inspires you to be prepared for your next move!  Happy moving!

Nicholl McGuire here once again making your life a little more easier and more organized, see my home organization blog here.  Yes, it's time to purge before the next move (sigh).

New Year, New Location: The Apartment Shopping Plan

Whether you are comfortable for now where you live, but hope to move later in the year or you are ready like yesterday to move, but just can't at this time.  Either way, a comprehensive, yet simple plan for apartment shopping can be most helpful.

1) Consider what your interests might be.  People change.  What may have been most important when you were looking for a place about a year or so ago may not be now.  Re-evaluate what your apartment preferences are and write them down.

2) Check out the location you desire to live.  Will it be close to work or further away?  What does the area offer that would be beneficial to you and your family?

3)  If you are thinking about moving out of town, make plans to visit first.  Sometimes people do apply online for an apartment without seeing it first and all works out, but other times it doesn't.  If you are picky, sensitive to noise and smells, it is best to see the place in-person.  Plan those personal or vacation days so you can check the apartment community and the nearby city out.

Photo by Hans Eiskonen on Unsplash

4)  Don't seek out the cheapest, rather seek out quality.  Don't seek out a place with all the bells and whistles if you know you won't be utilizing everything.  You know what you can afford, but you don't have to settle for less and you also don't want to be at a costly apartment with little money left-over for groceries.

5)  If you haven't wrote out all your current expenses, you might want to do that before you sit down with a leasing professional.  It is embarrassing and a waste of time and money (application fees) when you view and apply for an apartment that is clearly out of your price range.  Although the professionals can be most helpful, they are also salesmen and women and their jobs are to get those vacant suites occupied.  

6)  Lastly, what is your timeline?  So many people don't have a clue when they are moving yet.  This can be a problem because the apartment you really like will not be held for you, the prices change often and you most likely won't get the best deal, and leasing professionals as well as prospects don't like to chase one another down for a response.  Know when you plan to move-in!

7)  Once you know your expenses, what you can afford, where you want to live and most of all your move-in date, schedule your appointments, stick to them and make a decision.  List which apartments you like best to least.  If you should be late or can't make it to a showing, communicate this to the staff.  First impressions can be lasting ones!  So be courteous and professional from the start!

Happy apartment shopping this year!

Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet and the owner of this blog.