Long-Time Renters Who Plan to Move Next Year

If you've been a long-time resident in apartments for years, it's a familiar cycle. Neighbors move in and out while the rent keeps increasing. You might have grown accustomed to the quirks of your living space – be it the squeaky floors or the draft coming in through the windows. I can understand that feeling of both anticipation and nervousness that comes with knowing a move is looming ahead now after settling into a routine for a long time. Moving always brings that sense of starting over even if you've been through it once or many times before. Here are some tips to help you ease into the transition and possibly even make it enjoyable. 

 

Give your property manager the required move-out notice. 

 

Your current space no longer fits your needs as before. Be sure that your landlord knows you aren’t planning to renew. The sooner you notify in writing, the better to avoid incurring fees. 

 

Perhaps you're looking for a better neighborhood, a peaceful location, or better amenities. It’s normal to feel sentimental, overwhelmed, or even angry about it depending on the reason why you must move. Remember that change often leads to something better ahead. 

 

Make things easier and tidier before moving.

 

When you've been in one spot for a while; chances are you've gathered quite a bit of stuff by now! Why not use this opportunity to tidy up? Give away those clothes you haven't used in ages. Go through drawers, boxes, and bins to find things you don’t mind selling or giving away. Consider selling furniture that won't work in your new place, or you simply don’t like anymore. Moving with old possessions is a hassle! There’s something liberating about letting go of the old to make room for something new and exciting!

 

Understand your new apartment requirements.

 

After spending years in apartments, you probably have an idea of what suits your needs by now. Are you craving sunlight or an additional bedroom perhaps a quieter environment is a priority for you this time around. Maybe you're in the market for conveniences like a fitness center or in-unit laundry facilities. Make a checklist of must-haves for your new home and things that you could do without. This will make it easier for you and your leasing consultant to narrow down your search. 

 

Relocating comes with a price tag. From deposits to hiring movers, you might overlook the full extent of the expenses involved in moving to a new place. Be sure to budget extra for costs such as buying furniture or stocking up on cleaning supplies. Those little essentials that only become apparent when you're knee-deep in unpacking can add up. 

 

Research locations.

 

When thinking about relocating to an area or neighborhood and feeling a bit uncertain, it's important to spend some time getting to know the surroundings by strolling around and checking out the nearby cafes to soak up the vibe of the community. Check community forums and interview current residents in person to find out the pros and cons of each location. You can learn a lot from the people who already live there. 

 

Make sure to prepare in advance.

 

Start packing early or procrastinating until the deadline approaches. Begin by packing items that are not essential and gradually move on to necessities. Organize boxes based on the room they belong to and have a box, for use during the move containing essentials such, as toiletries chargers, and basic kitchen supplies. 

 

Put your touch on it.

 

Once the dust settles from all the moving commotion it's important to add your touch to make your new place feel like home again. Prepare your mind before moving in and envision yourself hanging up some pictures, arranging items around the place, and creating an atmosphere for yourself. This makes transitioning into your space much smoother and more comfortable. 

 

Making a change could be challenging when you've been residing in the apartment for years; however, every relocation brings chances for development and new experiences– from getting to know different neighbors to discovering a new neighborhood or simply sprucing up your daily habits. There's much excitement ahead. 

 

Relocating might feel like a lot to handle at first glance; however, it also presents an opportunity for a fresh start. Approach it gradually. Always keep in mind that each move brings you closer to building the life and home of your dreams.

Nicholl McGuire is the blog owner and also contributes to this fun blog for bored people, see here.

Moving In or Moving Out? On Prorating Rent

Your move in or move out date will be here before you know it.  What might you expect to pay?  This is a question that renters often ask so that they can budget their expenses accordingly.  

When you are moving in or moving out on a day that is not the first or the last day of the month, you will need to pay a prorated amount.  That amount is not the full amount but a portion of the rent calculated based on your move in or move out day.  If your landlord or leasing agent hasn't told you, no worries, there are plenty of online tools to help you prorate rent.

When determining a prorated rent amount when moving in, "Take your monthly rent and divide it by the number of days in a month. You multiply this amount by the number of days (you) will occupy the unit,"according to My Smart Move.  "You multiply this amount by the number of days the (you) will occupy the unit. For instance, say (you) are moving in on the 25th of September and the full rent is $1,200. Calculating by the number of days in a month would look like this: 1200 (rent amount)/30 (days of the month) x 5 (days you will be living in the unit) = 200 (prorated rent). Therefore, $200 would be the prorated rent."

If you are planning to move out and you definitely don't want to pay a full month's rent, use the above equation to determine your prorated rent to move out.  However, keep in mind some landlords might expect the full amount of rent paid at move out whether you stay there the full month or not.  Be sure to check with your landlord first.

The prorated rent calculator on Turbo Tent is useful.  Others include:  Apartment Guide.  You can learn more about prorated rent at RentCafe.  A trusted source for many professionals in the property management industry.

Nicholl McGuire is the owner and contributor of this blog.

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).

Family Fights Moving Company for Belongings

7 Tips To a Cheap, Easy, & Efficient Apartment Move

Professional Organizer, Vicki Norris provides Moving Tips

New Year, New Place to Stay - Apartment Move

Some of you are contemplating a new place to stay during the new year.  There are so many choices but oftentimes, depending on the time of year, not enough availability.  Timing is everything when it comes to the real estate industry and if it means having to change a lease expiration date, do so.


Take some time to meet with your roommates or partner to come up with a plan on when you hope to move.  One of you might have to exit the residence first and live at the new one until the old lease expires. 


Do make time to sit and talk with your community manager or leasing consultant so that you are exiting properly.  You will need to give a move-out date, arrange for movers to come, apartment clean up, and a walk through prior to departing.


Start noting some of the issues now.  Get on the phone with maintenance and get some repairs done prior to moving out.  This is also a good time to start giving items away, selling what you can, and telling others about your departure plans that could help you during your relocation process.


Nicholl McGuire

Are You Planning to Move to Los Angeles County?

If you have been toying with the idea of moving to Los Angeles County or are already in the planning stages, I, Nicholl, the creator of this blog can help.  My family recently returned to California after living in Georgia for three years.  Of course, we love it! 

We carefully planned our move and lucky for us we had relatives who lived in the state so they were able to check out apartments, make arrangements, help with the move-in inspection, etc.  I would like to offer this service to you as well! 

Presently, there is a great landlord at a wonderful multi-dwelling apartment complex near the 605 freeway.  The complex currently has available suites.   If you want to learn more, feel free to respond to this posting or subscribe to this blog for updates.
 

Make it Easy for Leasing Staff, Movers...Have Items Ready for Move

Sometimes a leasing consultant or manager may have to conduct a move out inspection while a move is taking place.  It can be difficult to walk through a home or apartment with clutter everywhere.  Then there are the movers who are challenged by the lack of order of boxes, bins and furniture.  Sometimes people will let many small items hang loosely which end up all over the carpeting and floors during a move.  The debris can cause stains and other unsightly markings on flooring.

To make things easier for all parties, arrange items so that visitors are not tripping over your items.  Set up items so that movers can take inventory, if need be.  Below is a good example of a neat walking space in a livingroom of a rental home so that all individuals can walk through. 

Note: the carpet was well taken care of even after the items were moved and no damages were found.  Items were removed from wall areas and there were no issues.

 

Calling a Variety of Moving Companies Will Save You Money and Time

When planning your move, seek out at least three businesses that could help you with your move.  You may notice in your comparison of the moving companies the following:  there is a price difference, ratings are better or worse, and the time at which the movers can get the job done might be good or bad.  The more contacts you have the better. 

Also, check for discounted offers, coupons, and other places that you could save money on your moving expenses.  Do you have a membership with a company that helps save you money on things like moving materials, companies, shipments, etc.?  Ask the company if they accept any partner discounts. 

Keep in mind, a deposit will be expected to hold the date of your move.  Be prepared to list all that you have to move.  Anything that fits in a box or bin will need to be in it. Fragile items should be secured.  Do take the time to shrink wrap and bubble wrap your keepsakes. 

Pricing will flutuate depending on weight and location.  Get as much information upfront before signing anything.  Be sure you have read all the fine print before handing over your debit or credit card information.

Check the Better Business Bureau and other places online for consumer feedback about a moving company.

Take into consideration these things while planning your move. 

Nicholl McGuire

You Can Move if You Have a Hefty Savings Account

Some people assume they can't move anywhere without a job, but people do it all the time!  Money talks and so when you have enough saved up to cover many months of rent, most private owners and corporations just might work something out. 

Individuals and businesses know that not everyone is going to have a job, but still need a place to stay.  Others are no longer working for one reason or another ie.) retirement.  But not having a job now, or ever, will not hinder you from renting from someone, somewhere.

Some things you might want to have readily available include:

Copies of your bank statements proving you can pay the rent.

Proof of income sources especially if they are paid monthly ie.) alimony, social security, lottery winnings, etc.

A letter on company letter head with contact information that proves you will begin work at a certain time.

Contact the landlord to find out what more might be needed to assist with your getting a place.  Do explain what your situation is if your landlord has reservations about moving you in, most likely someone before you was in a similar situation.

Nicholl McGuire

5 Things You Can Do to Start Planning for Your Next Move in the New Year

Sometimes we realize after moving in a rental that all we thought about the place is really not serving our needs.  Closets are too small.  Rooms are crowded.  Kitchen space is cramped.  So what might one do in the meantime until the apartment lease expires?

1.  Continue to search for your ideal rental.

Envision what you want for the future and plan to get it.  Do research, read reviews, visit the neighborhood, talk to people you know, and above everything else, if you have a faith, pray a little harder for what you truly want. 

2.  Purchase things to give you some degree of comfort in the meantime.

Maybe it's too cool or too hot in the place or you have a neighbor that walks loudly on her floor, start searching for things that can help you cope without spending much time complaining about things that are beyond your control.

3.  Find other things to do so that you are not spending most evenings and weekends sitting in your apartment moping.

Sometimes situations like this are blessings in disguise.  Maybe you always wanted to get out more, visit relatives and friends and do other things, but you said in the past you have no time.  But now you do have time, you don't like staying at home much, so get out more!

4.  Decorate the rooms you will spend the most time in and divide off or cover areas that you don't like much.

Notice the things you like most about your rental and enhance those.  When you do this, you take your attention away from unsightly looking things in the suite.  Try to work with management to get some things done.  Put in a service request with maintenance.

5.  Donate or sell some of your items you are no longer using, don't like much, or think someone could use.

By removing some items in your residence, you are making more space in a cramped room and who knows it just might come alive.

Before you know it, your time in your residence will have passed and it will be time to move again.  Next time be sure you know what you want and don't settle!

Nicholl McGuire also blogs at a site for workers with workplace challenges, see here.

7 Tips To a Cheap, Easy, & Efficient Apartment Move

Simple Moving Advice: Large Apartment to Smaller One

It's that time of year again to determine whether you will be living in your current apartment or moving. The rent has become unaffordable now that you are no longer receiving the income you once had. As you look around your apartment, you have to make the painful decision of what you will pack and what will be sold, given and thrown away. This is a personal time for you that may be best spent alone before you invite the family over to help you pack.

Begin to make a list or sort the items that mean the most to you by thinking, "If there were a fire what would I absolutely become depressed about it if I lost it?" Pack those things first. For some people it may be their treasured photos, diaries, family videos, certificates, awards, and jewelry. Include important insurance and tax information in boxes or suitcases that will be easy to find and unpack later.

Next, you may want to start with your collection of media removing all items that you don't watch, read or listen to anymore. Try to sell what you can through classifieds, fliers, yard sales, flea markets, and the Internet. What doesn't sell you can offer it to a media exchange outlet that will give you money for your used goods or give it to a donation center. Perform the same sorting method with clothes, shoes, kitchen appliances, living and dining room décor and furniture, and unopened beauty and cleaning products that you never bothered using.

Once you have emptied out shelves and cabinets, be sure to throw away unnecessary papers, pens, damaged magazines (but try to sell the good ones,) and miscellaneous parts that are broke and you don't have the need for anymore. Oftentimes, companies will specifically make a part for a certain item that can't be used on anything else. Loose change may be found in peculiar places as you pack, jar it and take it to a coin center that will count your money. Most of these machines can be found in grocery stores.
After you have parted with some of your belongings and got rid of the items you considered useless, you will want to decide on whether your new apartment will be able to accommodate the large sofa and chairs or the huge entertainment center you may have bought not that long ago. If you choose to sell it, then you will have additional space in your new place that you may need. However, if you don't, you may have to sacrifice something else. Some people will invest in storage, but is it really worth paying to store items that you just don't know when you will be able to get out? If you are renting furniture then you won't have to bother with storing or selling anything; however, you may want to consider losing the additional expense if you don't have any of the furniture nearly paid off (such as 3 to 6 months left on your bill until you own it.) If saving money is a priority, then avoid storing or renting items.

Think about turning off any unnecessary luxuries and keeping them turned off temporarily such as the cable package with all the extra movie channels or the Internet service. Allow yourself some time to get caught up on other bills before you have your service continued. Check your cell phone plan is it better than most? Could you save money by switching? Make the time to shop at stores that offer rewards for being their customer and use coupons at grocery stores that will double them. These attempts at saving money will provide you with the additional money to get caught up on bills, make small purchases for your new home, and save for emergencies. Make a promise to yourself that you will be more careful with how you spend your money in the future so that you may never have to downgrade to a smaller apartment again, because you can't afford the rent.

The last thing on your "to do" list once you have sorted and packed all the items you decided to keep, should be to purchase the items you will need to help you live organized and clutter free. The following list will help you decide what you will need to buy based on what you may or may not have.

Anything that can be mounted to the wall, get the mounts to do it. If you have no free storage room at your new apartment complex and you have a bike, mount it to a wall to make more room and keep the tires off the floor. Also, purchase a TV mount with a VCR or DVD section like the ones you may have seen at the doctor's office. They aren't cheap, but they will definitely provide you with the additional space that an entertainment center takes up.

Any books, CDs, or DVDs that you kept can be set on a wall shelf. Collectibles can also be placed in a curio cabinet or something similar that suspends to a wall. Photos in boxes may be sorted and placed in large picture frames and hung on walls. Keepsake mementos can be framed allowing you to get rid of old shoeboxes and photo albums. You can also create more space for your media by purchasing a traveling CD case and getting rid of the CD stand along with the jewel cases.
If you don't have a bed rail or box frame with drawers for a bed, then consider buying one. They will provide the extra storing space you will need for your bedroom items. For the bed rail frames, they will set your bed higher allowing space for plastic containers to be stored.

Don't cramp any of your rooms with useless whimsical furniture that can hold or store any additional items. Keep only the tables that can hold a lamp and some magazines or have drawers.

Don't go overboard with décor. Too many collectibles and décor will make your apartment feel crowded. If you aren't use to a lot of décor, don't start. In time you will have to dust those items and if you don't like to dust, don't get them.

Avoid the temptation to unpack anything that you know you don't need to use on a daily basis. Any large boxes that aren't being unpacked, you can always drape them with a pretty fabric (such as curtains) and make them as a corner table or nightstand in your bedroom. Another way to hide unpacked boxes is to suspend a curtain from the ceiling and hide items behind the curtain, now you have just created your own mini storage room.

Consider back of the door organizers for the bathroom and bedroom. Since drawer and shelf space may be limited, you may want to place your smaller items in the pockets. In the bathroom, if there is space over the toilet, use that space for additional shelving to store towels and washcloths. If you run out of drawer room above the sink, use shoebox containers to store additional items or a drawer organizer or bin for easy access to your grooming supplies.

The most chairs you may need for entertaining is two reading chairs in the living room, if you don't have the space for a large couch. This will also provide the space for your computer desk and office chair. Unless you must have a coffee table, keep it only if it has drawers they would be helpful to your storing needs. It isn't necessary to keep end tables unless you have the space for them. They can sometimes be more of a problem then a solution. When guest come over the tables tempt them to want to eat and drink in your living room increasing the risk for accidents that may stain the owner's carpet that you will have to eventually pay for out of your security deposit.
You may or may not have a dining room. If you do, then you will need at least one large cabinet that you could place your collectibles if it has a display case. If you don't have any collectibles to display, then

purchase a cabinet with doors that you could store coats, umbrellas, hats and other outdoor apparel and sporting equipment.

Consider packing all of your keepsakes in those empty suitcases you will be storing in your bedroom. Since you won't be doing a lot of traveling, why have them in your closet empty? Organize your shoes with a shoe organizer. As for bulky items, the space saver bags that have been advertised on TV in the past will definitely come in handy.

In the kitchen, wall space can also be best used for large skillets and pans. Purchase hooks that can hold items inside the cupboard. The space over the sink could use a nice shelf to hold lighter items. Purchase shelving for seasonings if there is an empty wall near the stove. Extra kitchen utensils can be placed in casserole dishes or other large containers if you run out of drawer room. Keep only your best cleaning products, the ones that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Too many cleaners that only work for specific tasks can take up a lot of space in the bottom of your cabinet. Buy a very large plastic bowl, basket or rack to organize those items. You will need something that can remove all of your items under the sink at one time in case there are ever any leaks.

As you visit various stores, you will come up with more ways to make your apartment more organized and efficient. Remember to take this time to enjoy your new life and appreciate your new home no matter how small it may be. Think of the money you will be able to save in the future, hopefully for a down payment on a new home!

By N. McGuire

How to Save Money When Preparing to Move into Apartment, Town Home

You need to move and you don't know how to go about doing it quickly while saving up enough money to move, so what do you do? Sometimes people delay their relocating only to find out they could have long moved had they not spent so much money on the latest gadgets, the extracurricular activities for the children, and gift-buying. You will need to have time, patience and dedication to make your move happen and fast!

One. Calculate how much money you can save by reviewing current bills you are paying and then calculating what you have leftover.

When seeking a new place to live, the first question a Realtor usually asks is, “When are you looking to move?” The next is, “What are your preferences?” Both of these questions can best be answered when you know how much money is in the bank. If you know you only have $100 left after every paycheck, then of course you can't move next week. So you will have to cut your expenses in order to increase the amount of money leftover from your paycheck so that you have first month's rent and a security deposit or a down payment on a home. You will also need to set aside a time frame to reach your financial goal.

Two. Avoid gift buying, impulse shopping, and programs with recurring fees.

Everyone who has had to move in record time, knows that all the fun stuff is non-existent. Sometimes people have gone without meat, cable, cell phones, and other luxuries to save for a move. Plan to give up some fun things and cut out the family activities temporarily that keep eating a hole in your wallet each pay.

Three. Sell things you no longer need.

Visit each room and interview your family. What could you sell to fund your move? Do you really need two to three cars, five TVs, baby items and boxes of toys, collectibles you no longer enjoy, and endless clothes and shoes. Put a family member to work to sort, another to take photographs, and another to sell items on eBay or at a local flea market/swap meet.

Four. Talk with people who have recently moved to find out about any deals or bargains they received on movers, a moving truck, and boxes.

Maybe you know someone who bragged about an inexpensive move. He or she might be able to help. You may also want to conduct your own research. Check your local ads.

Five. Talk with anyone who owes you money.

Sometimes we forget about individuals and businesses who were suppose to be paying us some money for services rendered or promised refunds. Whatever the case, visit some of those old websites to see if you have money due you and call up relatives and friends mentioning your move and the need for your money.

Six. Review any bank accounts that have money in them and transfer those monies into an account specifically designated for moving expenses.

Some people have two or three bank accounts with a little money sprinkled here and there. Combine all the monies into one banking account that you will use to pay for your moving expenses.

Eight. Check credit cards for open lines of credit to accommodate for any emergency.

There will be those unexpected, unanticipated expenses that come up while moving. So do be sure that you have enough money open on your credit cards if you should need them to pay for a future emergency. Better yet, if you have a savings specifically for emergencies then you don't need to worry over using your credit cards and having to pay them back later.

Nine. Borrow money from your retirement funds and/or insurance plan.

Maybe you discover that the move is going to cost you a lot more than you originally planned, if this is the case, then you will need to consider increasing the amount of money toward a retirement account with your employer. If your account is a matching fund (that is your employer matches your investment dollar for dollar,) your savings will increase a lot faster and then you will have more money to invest toward your move—just be sure you put the money back after your move! Also, check to see what the penalty is for early withdrawals. You could also meet with your insurance representative to find out the maximum amount you could borrow to meet your moving expenses.

Ten. Take a lunch. Make your own coffee.

Although this last point is simple, so many people avoid doing it. However, when you think of all the money you spend eating out and drinking coffee at some of these establishments, you will notice that the dollars you are spending could best be used toward your moving fund.

Once yo have a working plan to save for your move into that new apartment or town home, do remember to be consistent about saving. Try not to impulse shop and do to communicate with your family about any changes. When you have a good plan for moving, you will be better able to control any problems that may arise. If it becomes too difficult, try to delay your move for as long as possible. That last thing you want to do is cause more problems for you and your family in the future due to money woes.

N. McGuire