Showing posts with label Apartment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apartment. Show all posts

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Moving From an Apartment to a House - 10 Things You Will Need

Moving from an apartment to a house is a big step. It may be that you're moving to settle down with a family, because of work, or just for a change of scene. Regardless of the reason, you're going to find yourself with a lot more space than you're used to, not to mention a back (and front) yard. It can be daunting to see all that empty space, and may leave you wondering if the removalist has forgotten something. But it's important to view a house as a canvas for your personality. There are a lot of things you're going to need and need to do. Here are 10 essentials to help you get comfortable in your new home:

  1. A plan. It's important to take your time when unpacking into a house. Know the house before you move so you can plan where things go at the packing stage. Have a detailed list on each box explaining the contents and where the box is to be taken.

  2. Furniture. If you've come from an apartment, chances are it was furnished, at least in part. Check out what you need, try to keep it practical and remember, luxury can come later.

  3. Gardening equipment. Your new lawn and/or garden is a huge asset and a huge responsibility. You're going to have to do something about it at some stage. Get yourself a mower and some basic gardening supplies to keep nature in check.

  4. Neighbours. Everybody needs good neighbours, so you're going to have to make a bit more of an effort. Apartment living tends to be a lot more private and keep-to-yourself than neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods are social places, so get the ball rolling with a simple 'hello' to your new neighbours.

  5. Utilities. Your apartment building probably organised your utilities when you moved in, but you're going to have to sort this one out yourself in your new home. Try and get it organised before you move in to make things as comfortable as possible. Give yourself several weeks to cover the likely connection delays.

  6. Crockery and cooking utensils. If you were supplied these in your apartment then it's time to get a few basics for your new kitchen. You apartment may not have come with them, or you may have bought your own anyway, but in any case you've got a lot more room now.

  7. Washing machine and/or dryer. Your apartment may have come with a washing machine, or maybe you used a shared laundry room. A washing machine is a must for your new home, but if you have a nice sunny backyard you can probably do without the dryer and invest in a much cheaper washing line.

  8. Tools. No house comes perfect. It's likely you're going to be doing some maintenance or light renovations reasonably soon. Get a basic tool set for anything you might encounter. This will also be handy just for hanging up pictures.

  9. Bedding and towels. If your apartment came with these it's definitely time to get some more. You will likely have a whole cupboard to fill but that's no reason to go overboard, just get what you need first.

  10. Pets. If you have a nice lawn and plenty of space what better way to settle down than to get a cat or a dog? Owning a pet is a rewarding experience; they make a great addition to your family.

A house is something malleable; all that space is just waiting for you to leave your mark. Maybe you're moving to settle down with a family, because of work, or just for a change of scene. Regardless of the reason, you're going to find yourself with a lot more space than you're used to, which is going to need to be filled with your furniture and belongings.




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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Apartment Seeking 101

My recent foray into apartment-hunting yielded some pretty atrocious results. Though I had mastered the art of negotiation (or so I imagined), I had failed to recognize a few fairly obvious warning signs. A few roach motels, a filthy bathroom and an unsecured front door, to name a few; so enthralled was I by an incredible deal, I overlooked a plethora of red flags.

Because no individual should suffer needlessly, I have enumerated several warning signs, both the obvious and inconspicuous. Had I initially adhered to these basic standards, I never would've encountered such wretched misfortune.

Red Flag #1: Ubiquitous dirt

A good landlord will at least attempt to clean an apartment prior to showing it. Film-ridden bathtubs, baby pacifiers, and half-filled beer cans are quite revealing, and not only about the lives of previous tenants. These remnants could foreshadow the treatment to come.

Red Flag #2: A plethora of roach motels

Roach motels strewn throughout the apartment definitely lend to the possibility of a roach problem. Refute landlord if he attributes roach surge to the rain. Roach-lined doors lend to similar theories of infestation; if you identify a bronze-colored substance surrounding doors, windows, and air conditioners, it's probably a roach gel.

Red Flag #3: Psycho neighbors

Beware of disconcerting neighbors; they can make apartment life intolerable. If a neighbor threatens your life upon a simple inquiry-i.e. requesting he move his car a bit-he might be disturbed, and should probably be avoided. Psychotic neighbors are never pleasant, so do reconsider your options. In fact, crazy neighbors could be the underlying reason for an abandoned apartment-maybe the one into which you are moving.

Red Flag #4: Unsecured doors

An unsecured door, one with holes or a weak foundation, could be cause for considerable concern. Not only is it an invitation to intruders, but it also gives critters direct access to your home. Wonder why you have palmetto bugs wriggling in your garments? Your front door might be the culprit.

Now, these guidelines may seem a bit conspicuous, but beware: if you're desperate for an apartment, and negotiate a great deal on a mediocre place, do weigh out your options prior to commitment. Take your time examining the apartment before you seriously consider it. Even if it seems inexpensive, there's no point in paying if you don't end up staying.




Mason Morrison writes home improvement articles for Masonite Doors, a leading entry door and interior door producer.

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Friday, November 26, 2010

Moving Tips - How to Find Or Create an Apartment Or House You Love

Since I'm getting ready to move to a new apartment, thought I'd share some thoughts on the process of moving. First off, it's an experience that is sometimes exciting, as I think about the potential places I might move into, but sometimes scary as thoughts go through my mind about, "what if I end up not liking the place?" "Will the neighbors be friendly?" "Will I like the neighborhood?" And, of course, there's the dreaded moving process itself - "how on earth will I pack all this stuff by myself?"

When it comes to choosing a place to live, if you're work is not providing an apartment for you, then you need to put some thought into what you're looking for.

If you are being given an apartment as part of your relocation, then you need to focus more on how to make that place feel like your home, especially if you're living with furniture and artwork that was chosen and purchased by someone else.

Choosing Your Own Place

I feel that it's important to have an idea of what you're looking for. First, figure out  your price. Next, go out and visit some apartments or houses within your budget, just to see what's out there. Personally, I rely on how I feel in an apartment. This is often more important than how it looks. So, figure out how you know you like a place. Does your heart leap? Do you know it because you're inexplicably smiling? Or, is it perhaps the absence of feeling like you want to bolt out of a place as soon as you enter? All of these are important to be aware of as you choose a place to live, because, if you're going to have to come home to it every day, you want it to be a place you look forward to returning to. Take note about the criteria that make you feel most happy.

Here are some items to think about:


  • Space - how big or small do you need each of the rooms to be?

  • Closets - how many things do you need to "hide" in the closet?

  • Location - what areas do you like best and least in the city you're living in?

  • Neighbors - do you like to throw wild parties, or be more subdued? If it's the latter, try and make sure you're not surrounded by college kids, for example.

  • Layout - do you care if the apartment space is "railroad" with one room right after the other in a straight line, or do you have another preference?

  • Light - is it important that there be tons of sunlight streaming into your dwelling, or are you more comfortable in darker surroundings?

  • Direction - do you like to face the busy streets - perhaps enjoying a connection to the world outside, or do you prefer the peace and quiet of an apartment facing a courtyard?

  • Comfort - is it important to have a doorman and elevator, or are you comfortable walking up several flights of stairs?

  • Height - depending what city you live in, you may have the option to live on a high floor, or the first floor - figure out which makes you happier.

  • Security - If you're not looking for, or don't have the option for a doorman/elevator building, familiarize yourself with the security system and entry-way of each potential home you visit, and try to return in the evening, to see if you're comfortable with the surroundings, and feel secure with whatever system is available

  • Proximity to Necessities - if this is an important point, figure out closest laundromats, dry cleaners, shoe repair, and supermarkets

  • Proximity to Nature - if you like spending time in parks, or hiking, etc., you may want to ensure there's a nearby area for you to enjoy nature


Updating a Pre-Furnished Apartment or House

If you're moving into a place chosen for you by your company, you will most likely arrive to a pre-furnished, pre-decorated apartment and have only minimal ability to modify it.

In your case, find out what you are, and are not, allowed to change - whether or not you can, for example, repaint any walls, or hang your own paintings or photos.

Either way, you can most certainly frame your photos in desktop frames that you can place in conspicuous places.

Plants or flowers are a wonderful way to brighten a home, and give you something to care for that you nourish and help grow.

It always makes me laugh - but a shower curtain has a huge impact on a bathroom - every time I've moved, once I put up my very own shower curtain, it makes that small room seem like mine, and it's the first room in a new place that I feel at home in! Maybe it's because I have so many toiletries that I can fill up the bathroom in about ten minutes, but I think there's something about the room being small and easy to personalize quickly, that makes this a great place to start with.

If you brought any awards or trophies with you, or any other objects that celebrate your accomplishments and make you proud to look at, place those in very public spaces that you will look at every day and be reminded of things that make you happy.

If you have any hobbies you do at home - such as crafts, sewing, designing, etc - make sure that you bring these items with you and allow a space for you to continue those hobbies which are a source of happiness.

If you enjoyed these tips, consider downloading my "8 Steps to Feel at Home Anywhere in the World" eCourse. It offers many other strategies, and implementation tips on adapting to life in a new place.




Heather is a Culture Transition Specialist. She works with Expatriates (anyone that transfers to a new city or country for work) and their families to handle the social, personal, and professional challenges that arise after relocating to a new city or country.

Learn more at http://www.culturetransition.com where you can sign up for the Culture Transition Success newsletter, and get a free article with more useful tips, and a free affirmation file to encourage you along the process!

You can access my eCourse "8 Steps to Feel at Home Anywhere in the World" at http://www.8stepstofeelathome.com - a $19.97 value

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Sunday, August 15, 2010

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