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.
Mardi Gras is kicking into gear, and the entire greater New Orleans area is about to become a party! While locals and tourists alike can get together to enjoy this fantastic carnival season, it’s also imperative everyone be prepared.
Dealing with your parking situation can save you a lot of headaches and money! This time of year, there is always a very limited amount of parking around parade routes.
Once you’ve ensured your vehicle is parked safely and legally, make sure that your vehicle isn’t a target for vandals.
If you follow these basic rules and exercise common sense, you can have a fantastic and safe Mardi Gras season!
The rate of home ownership among young people in America has dropped significantly along with household net worth in the last several years. Because of the struggling job market and strict lending restrictions, home ownership for younger citizens has become difficult to achieve. Enter: apartment communities – affordable and attractive options for a person of a younger age, or any age for that matter.
Households made up of occupants 35 years or younger have largely opted for apartment renting instead of home ownership, even for young families with children. Some were forced out of their homes due to foreclosures following the Great Recession and others have been discouraged to buy in the current high-risk state of the housing market.
Luckily for those who don’t wish to pursue home ownership at an undesirable time, 1st Lake Properties offers hundreds of fantastic apartments for rent in metro New Orleans, including in-demand areas like Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge as well as on the Northshore and in Ridgeland, Mississippi. According to census data, home ownership by heads of households that are 35 years or younger have been on the steady decline with no signs of improving any time soon. Choose an apartment home while they are ripe for the picking!
1st Lake Properties’ apartment rentals in New Orleans and the outside area are serene escapes with beautifully landscaped grounds inside access gates that provide privacy and at the same time are near all the business, shopping, community resources and entertainment in their respective towns that any resident could ask for.
Half the fun of watching the Super Bowl is being a part of the right gathering! If you plan on hosting a Super Bowl watch party, do it right! Your guests are sure to be starving from all the excitement!
The most important aspect of your party being a success are the Super Bowl snacks! You could choose to go with the tried and true favorites, such as:
…or you could try your hand at something a little different for your guests!
If you’re a Patriots fan, try making some New England clam chowder to keep your guests in that New England spirit! If you’re pulling for the Giants to win the big game, try making some New York style pizza or New York style cheesecake! If your apartment will be filled with guests who are split among each team, try making both!
How ever you choose to nosh for this event is sure to set the tone for your party! Live it up!
For first-time parents in New Orleans, there are many challenges to look forward to. One of those challenges is how to safely bathe your baby when it’s cleaning time. And for an easy, stress free process, a baby bath tub is essential.
While some parents will be tempted to use the sink for their new baby for fear of a bath tub accident, using the sink carries risks as well. Using the sink can also be less hygienic, so it’s important to weigh your options when it comes to caring for your newborn. The safest and best alternative is using a baby bath tub.
One thing that makes bathing a little easier is that babies who are only a few weeks old don’t tend to get very dirty. Besides the potty accidents, food mishaps, and a little baby drool, they stay fairly clean and don’t require much more than a good wash with a little warm water.
This makes bathing a quick process as long as you have the right setup. And while there are ways to bathe your baby safely in the shower or sink, a baby bath tub is fairly inexpensive and will give you peace of mind.
There are many types of baby bath sets available for sale, with some only costing around $20. You can even find cheaper versions by searching online retailers like Amazon or Ebay who sell unused baby bath tubs that may be surplus stock.
Several of these bath tubs are made to fit inside your kitchen sink. Others allow you to securely fit them into full-sized adult bath tubs.
One of the great benefits of using a baby bath tub is that they prevent slippage from your baby, and come with a contoured head rest that allows your child’s head to remain above water level. Most of these tubs also contain a newborn sling and a drain plug.
Each different baby bath tub will have different features, but some include a digital thermometer that helps you set the water to an appropriate temperature, and sidewall drains that will expel dirty water throughout the bath. While these features are a bit pricier, the difference is fairly negligible. And you can compare prices in stores and online to get a good deal.
The first few weeks after giving birth could be very tiring, so it’s important to prepare in advance and buy a baby bath tub along with the necessary accessories that are required to bathe your newborn.
A specialized bath tub will help you avoid the hassle of bending or squatting. It’s also extremely helpful for mothers who have had a Cesarean section, and will also prevent you from wasting water.
There are plenty of bath tubs that are available in the market, but you should consider buying one that’s ideal for your baby. Tubs made out of BPA-free materials are a good choice. Also look for slip-resistant tubs and those equipped with a digital thermometer.
Once your baby crosses 6 months of age, it may be necessary to switch to a larger type of bath tub. Most importantly, make sure you read product reviews online when looking for good variations of baby bath tubs. The most expensive tub may not always be the best one, so do your research well before you make a purchase!
In the end, keeping your baby safe and hygienic is key. Once your weigh your options and decide which type of baby bath tub is right for you, the peace of mind it offers will be well worth the little bit of extra money!
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
