Thursday

Be Courteous to Neighbors this Valentine's Day

Oh, the lovers under many covers during the holiday of love.  If you have ever worked in leasing or even bothered to walk a large property during the night, you know about the sounds of loud love-making.  They can be grating on one's nerves especially if he or she isn't in a relationship or has many on-going problems.  Throw in the sounds of children who don't want to go to bed while sexually frustrated parents yell at them, "Go to bed or else!"  It can be a zoo sometimes around a holiday season.  So what to do?

Contact management about the noise only if it is consistently happening.  For instance, if you don't typically hear loud music coming from Apartment 10, it could be that he or she is purposely drowning out any potential noise.   If notified, staff will send a warning to the unit the following day without giving any information about who specifically is complaining about the noise. 

Be sure that you note the date and time loud noises have been happening.  You might ask courtesy patrol (if there is any on the property) to knock on the door of the residence who keeps up the noise.  If it is an ongoing problem, you can always contact the police.  However, keep in mind, for many couples it may be a long time before loud love-making happens again.  So you might want to use your earphones that night to fall asleep.

For those feeling a little frisky that night, try being polite and keep your voices down like put a sock in it!

Happy Valentines Day!

Nicholl McGuire

Tuesday

A Word from the Creator of Apartment Leasing Tips Blog

As a former community manager, leasing consultant, and renter, I know how frustrating it can be to search for a satisfactory apartment or town home.  I have personally moved 16 times during my adult life and counting.  Some of those moves were across the nation such as, Cleveland Ohio to San Diego California for starters.  There were ups and downs during each move, but I always learned something from each challenge.  Many of my lessons learned are found on this blog.  I sincerely hope that you will take advantage of the valuable information found here.  I think both apartment staff and renters will find this blog useful.

I maintain and contribute to other blogs as well.  Those include: Workplace Problems, Solutions, Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate, and Things to Do When Bored just to name a few.

I personally thank you readers for stopping by and showing your support.  Feel free to subscribe and comment to the blog entries posted weekly.

Sincerely,

Nicholl McGuire
http://nichollmcguire.blogspot.com

How to organize your small, traditional bedroom closet in an apartment


Friday

Tips on Moving from Large Home to Apartment

So you have to downsize and you just don't know where to begin.  Well, you just might want to plan accordingly so that you won't find yourself overwhelmed midway through the move, because all your stuff simply won't be able to fit in the apartment.

In order to organize effectively and create a comfortable living space, you might want to plan prior to packing.  Ask yourself, "What can I do without for a time?"  Many items are decorative, memorable, and really serve no real purpose other than to make one feel good.  However, when you have limited space, one must cast "the feel good sensations" aside and go with logic.

Pack all items that you know you don't use first.  For instance, photographs are not used like certain kitchen tools.  Place the unnecessary items in boxes and bins.  Be sure they are secure and not loosely stored away.  They will be transported and the chances of something breaking during the move is probable if they aren't packed well--bubble wrap works wonders! 

1.  Break up your items according to size.  The bigger items that have more than one function should have a reserved space.  These items will come in handy when storing items like: bookshelves, an end table with drawers and a shelf, a storage rack, plastic sliding drawers, etc.  Other furniture that doesn't serve a purpose such as fancy decor for viewing only should be stored away in a separate facility.

2.  Storage bins or boxes with keepsakes can take up much space.  It is best to keep these items packed separately and stored elsewhere.

3.  Your most important things you use often will need to be stored in your apartment, so be sure to make room for those items by cutting down on things like: bedding, towels, and miscellaneous goods that are rarely used.  Some organizers can be room wasters, so if they take up room it might be better to lose them.

4.  Bedroom closet space is essential and must be used wisely.  Consider buying hangers that can hold more than one item.  Use shoe boxes and small bins to store smaller items.  Give away or sell items you no longer wear or like.

5.  Take advantage of hooks that can be placed on the back of doors or over the door racks.  These come in handy for storing items that might otherwise end up on chairs or the floor.

6.  Don't feel obligated to unpack everything.  How many dishes will you really be using?  How often will you wear certain clothing and shoes?  Is it really necessary to display your keepsakes, collections, and other interesting items?  How many curtains will you be hanging up, picture frames, and artwork?

7.  Use space under the bed, under cabinets, behind walls and doors, corners, and other places.  Note: for bathroom items in addition to the space under the cabinet, consider getting an over the toilet rack, shower caddy or corner shelf for more storage.

In your mind, as you sort and organize, know that the rooms you will be loosing when you downsize might be combined.  You might want to consider dividing up the living room or one of the larger bedrooms to accommodate your needs.  Consider a room divider or use a couch or other large piece of furniture to separate areas.  For instance, if you are losing a room that held your office items, you may have to create a small space within a bedroom or living room to meet at least some of your needs.

If it helps to design a drawing that includes where everything is going to go, list inventory that is going in your apartment, take measurements of your items or the room, and other things to answer some of those questions in your head, do it!  You can eliminate some stress when you know in advance what fits, what you would like to keep in your apartment and what might have to go for a time.

Nicholl McGuire enjoys uploading some of her trips on McGuire Travels http://www.youtube.com/budgettraveltips

Monday

A Good Example of an Upgraded, Clean Apartment

One who hasn't shopped for an apartment in a long time may have forgotten what to expect when touring a rental.  So often landlords get away with renting problematic suites, because they assume that someone who has never rented an apartment or hasn't moved into one in a long time doesn't know much.

Upgraded suites tend to have many features that are appealing.  This is because the buildings are usually quite old and the only way to get prospects interested in the community again is to upgrade.  From playground and pool amenities to new sink fixtures, the landlord is going to do what it takes to ensure that his or her property is appealing.

So when visiting a rental, check for the upgrades, notice the cleanliness of the apartment--pay particular attention to any possible rodent or insect droppings along crevices and under cabinets, and most of all use your smelling and touch senses.  Sniff around for bad smells, notice soft spots in flooring walls, and wood surfaces.  By doing these things, you are checking for mold, mildew, and shoddy maintenance work.

See example photos below:

 
No unsightly carpet stains or wall markings.  Fresh paint job with added color for appeal.

 
Kitchen area clean.  No grease stains or ugly markings on cabinets.  Knobs intact.  Stove works.  Some communities might expect you to supply your own microwave and refrigerator.

 
Counter tops upgraded, nice to view.  Upgraded sink fixtures.  Once again clean, ready to move in!

 
Blinds are intact, no stains or cracks.  This should be expected.
 


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