Spring is most certainly in the air, and for some that means blooming flowers and buzzing bees, and for others it means deep, detailed cleaning and taking inventory of one’s abode. Yes, it’s that time again for spring cleaning.
The spring cleaning tradition, whether or not you’re on the messy or neat-freak side of the spectrum is always a good annual practice. Spring is all about fresh starts and rebirth, so your apartment should mirror that. Besides regular chores like putting clothes or dishes away, sweeping and cleaning the bathroom; this is your chance to pay attention to detail and store, sort or get rid of extraneous clutter.
Use this guide as a checklist for items that aren’t usually on the cleaning to-do list:
If you accomplish all these tasks, you’ll be well on your way to being completely spring cleansed! Other than looking shiny and new, your living space will be rid of dirt and dust that you may have not even been aware of that can make you and your guests sick. So tie your hair back, put on those yellow gloves and spring into action!
For some, roommates are a source of happiness and comfort, and for others they can be a pain in the neck – it all depends on good or bad roommate relations. In order to avoid having – or gulp – becoming a nightmare roommate, these seemingly obvious yet continually violated fundamental codes of conduct must be adhered to.
This should be a no-brainer, but paying rent and utilities not only on time but in full is the most essential key to sharing a living space with someone. Apartment Therapy recommends, rather than attempting to divvy up bills based on who watches more TV or uses more Internet, just splitting utilities straight down the middle. When it comes down to it, everything should even out in the end, more or less – so it’s best to split apartment bills 50/50. As far as rent goes, it should be common knowledge to pay rent when it is due in its entirety. 1st Lake Properties offer residents the convenient option to pay rent online. If there is ever a problem, both the other roommate(s) and landlord/property manager should be notified well in advance.
Paying rent and utilities is the bare minimum of maintaining good roommate relations. Just like parents teach their kids growing up, making sure chores aren’t left undone is pretty crucial to keeping the peace around the house. At the very least, any mess caused – whether it’s dirty dishes or clutter in common spaces – should promptly be cleaned up, but it’s also helpful and considerate to do things like take out the trash, change light bulbs, sweep, mop, and help with areas that benefit everyone.
If anyone ever has a problem, big or small, with their roommate, it’s best to address it from the start so that it doesn’t escalate to an even bigger, recurring issue. Besides communicating problems, just keeping roommates in the loop on anything that might also affect or concern them is good practice. Some people have to work really early or really late, so letting roommates know about guests coming over or any potential disturbance is a nice and important gesture.
There are other subtle behaviors that can make or break a good roommate relationship, that often are discovered through experience, but these three basic tenants will make all the difference.
All 1st Lake Properties are pet friendly and welcome tenants who adhere to the pet policy. Having a pet is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Caring for a pet is more than just adding another sentient being to your family. It means taking the animal into your home, with a commitment to providing all the necessities for its well-being. This can be achieved by being extra-sensitive to all of an animal’s needs so they are happy. This includes exercise. It’s important that dogs get regular exercise to work the stress and stiffness out of their muscles, as well as to promote an over-all healthy and happy attitude.
Dogs rely heavily on daily routines to maintain structure in their own lives. Without it, disruptive behaviors manifest in the form of howling, whining, barking, chewing, and aggression.
To deter this kind of destructive behavior, be sure to follow these simple tips:
Decorating your Metairie apartment with local art is a wonderful thing to do! Buying local art helps support local artists within your community, and it adds a regionally distinct flair to the aesthetics of your apartment.
One of our favorite local artists is the eccentric French sign-maker Simon Hardeveld. You may have seen his work all around town – in bars, restaurants, homes, and shop fronts. Simon has made a name for himself by capturing the essence of the city’s informal wisdom on his signs, which add a relaxing and cheerful atmosphere to any space.
Where can you find local art? The best places to shop for and purchase local art are at festivals and weekend markets. Two local markets that consistently feature arts and crafts booths are Freret Market, and OCH Art Market.
If you’re contemplating your next move, there are very easy ways to keep from breaking the bank or raising your stress levels to unnecessary heights. Most of the important steps when planning a move just take a little forethought and a tiny bit of elbow grease.
You Can Take it With You, But Don’t Take the Junk
First of all, take the time to de-clutter your current house or apartment. Most people tend to accumulate things over the course of living somewhere that they either don’t need or no longer have use for. Being able to separate junkable knick-knacks from family treasures is a big step in minimizing the packing and sorting that will need to be done later. If you don’t want to simply throw away the items you won’t be taking with you, donation is always a great option. Most cities have multiple donation centers, with many offering paperwork to help claim donations on your taxes.
After you’ve removed the excess clutter, begin packing far in advance of your move date so you don’t become overwhelmed or feel rushed through the process. Few things are more troublesome than being up against a moving deadline with important (and not-so-important) items still left unpacked and unaccounted for.
Work with Your New Landlord
Be sure to set up a move-in date with the office staff of your new apartment community. This will help ease the process and allay any confusion or frustration that could arise from making last-minute plans. This will also allow you to make sure you have the keys to your new apartment upon moving in.
Did We Forget to Mention? We’ve Moved
Remember to change your mailing address with businesses, utilities, government agencies, and other entities as soon as you know your new address. Transferring service from one residence to another is quick, easy, and can generally be set up with a simple phone call or even online. Having your mail forwarded to your new address will also save you from potentially losing important correspondence while you transition to your new apartment.
Put People On Notice
Notify your previous landlord well ahead of time about your upcoming move, so you can collect your deposit refund and hand over your keys upon moving. Companies like 1st Lake Properties ask for a 30 day written notice before vacating and some private owners may ask for 60 days advance. Make sure to confirm with management so there isn’t any confusion regarding your move. Added confusion with your old apartment will only distract from the new and exciting move you have ahead of you!
Budget for the Move
Moving costs can vary from place to place, and can depend on distance among many other factors. These expenses can add up and become a huge chunk of your total moving expense if you’re not careful. Some movers charge by the hour, others by the square footage, still others by weight. If you decide to use a moving company, always get multiple estimates and ask how they arrived at their number so you can look for opportunities to cut costs.
If you have friends who are willing to help you move, this can save you a lot of money. However, professional movers are generally more adept at moving large items carefully, so you’ll want to weigh out the benefits of using friends vs. movers. If you decide to have friends help you, make sure you lock in your plans for the date of your move well ahead of time. Be sure to double-check to make sure your friends still remember your big moving day and haven’t accidentally committed to other plans along the way!
Design in Your Mind before Unpacking
Once you’ve moved your boxes and belongings into your new apartment, take the time to envision the best use of your space. Before putting up items simply to get them out of the way, decide how to best maximize your new area. Being careful and considerate about how you decorate and arrange your new surroundings can make all the difference in making your new apartment truly feel like your home. Don’t be afraid to be creative this is your home now.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
