The post Essentials For Your First Apartment appeared first on Concord Management Blog.
]]>- Kitchen space
- Living room
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
Let's break down the essentials needed for each room to move in and start living your best life!
Kitchen
The kitchen is probably the most challenging room to fill because you never know what you will need until you need it. However, here are a few basic things you can guarantee you will go looking for while cooking almost any meal.
When picking out the cookware, think about if you want it to be non-stick or stainless steel.
Non-stick can be great, but the coating breaks down over time, making it more likely to need replacement. On the other hand, stainless steel cookware is a bit pricier but will last longer.
The difference is that you won't have that non-stick guarantee. Both are available in "sets" that give you a variety of sizes for different uses.
Bedroom
The bedroom is your personal space and needs to be somewhere you feel comfortable laying your head down at night.
Doctors recommend keeping your bedroom at a cool temperature and relaxed to promote healthy sleep. Blackout curtains to keep the light out and a fan to keep you cool might prove helpful in this endeavor.
The bedroom is the most personal of the spaces in your apartment, so let your personality shine.
Bathroom
The bathroom is the most effortless room to fill. A few basics, and you are good to go. If you choose to decorate, have some fun and pick a theme that will have your guests talking long after they've left.
Living Room
The living room is a common area used by you and your guests. Imagine a comfortable spot with plenty of seating to host movie nights or a party.
A sleeper sofa or a futon is an excellent option if you have an overnight guest. A few items that are not essential but fun to have include: TV (smart TVs have streaming services built in, which saves you from buying an additional piece of hardware), cabinet to hold books or games, and plants.
Other Essentials
Your new apartment will have a maintenance team to handle the repairs.
However, that doesn't mean you won't need a few handy items. Surge protectors, a basic tool kit, first aid, and duct tape are a few things everyone needs.
Make it feel like home
The most important thing to remember is to make your new apartment feel like home. Give it a personality that makes you want to spend time there and invite over some friends. You don't have to have elaborate items to make it great. All that matters is that you like it and enjoy being there.
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]]>All you need to enjoy your morning coffee on your balcony is a café table and a chair. Choose one that folds up easily so you can store it inside if necessary.
Bring in Greenery
Pack your balcony with planters filled with plants to create the feel of that backyard you’ve always wanted.
Opt for Floor Pillows
There’s no need to invest in outdoor furniture. Get some colorful and comfortable floor pillows that can do double duty inside.
Add an Outdoor Rug
Amp up the look of your balcony with a patterned rug or runner. Be sure to choose one that will stand up to the elements.
Use Your Wall Space
Hang planters or weather-resistant art to help your balcony feel like an extension of your apartment.
Light It Up
Give yourself plenty of light for late-night hangouts…go for string lights or outdoor lanterns.
Opt for Folding Furniture
If you’re short on space, try installing furniture that can be tucked or folded away when not in use.
Give Yourself Some Privacy
If your balcony is right up against your neighbor’s, add tall plants like bamboo
to create a natural wall.
~Source: architecturaldigest.com
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]]>Organize Your Pup's Toys
Designate a specific box, bin, or area of the apartment to store your dog's toys, balls, and other items. Avoid tennis balls and other small toys that may cause choking. This is especially important if you plan on leaving your dog home alone.
Keep Food and Snacks Sealed
To avoid unwanted infestations, seal your dog's food and treats properly. Store your dog's treats in plastic containers with sealed lids … this keeps your pup's food safe and healthy, and saves you money in the long run.
Potty Train Your Pooch
You will need to train them on how, when, and where to use the bathroom. Depending on the age and where you got your dog, they may already be trained. Your dog may go to the door and bark or scratch, while others may grab their leash and bring it to you. If you have a puppy, you may need to teach these things using plenty of patience, practice, and treats. Creating a routine helps too.
Keep Barking to a Minimum
This isn't always easy. After all, barking is one way that dogs communicate. There are a few ways to minimize the amount your dog barks. When it comes time to play, don't get your dog too riled up or excited which may cause them to bark loudly. Training your dog not to bark using treats, and command words like "quiet", and other methods also work well.
Decorate Your Dog Apartment Carefully
Even the most well-trained dogs make mistakes and have accidents. Your pup might accidentally go on the carpet, jump on the couch, or chew your favorite shoe. Decorate your apartment as a dog owner. Don't invest in expensive furniture for the rooms your dog likes best. Keep valuable items and clothing on high shelves or in closed closets. Purchase inexpensive rugs that can easily be replaced.
Hide Your Trash Can
Dogs are notorious for going through the trash. Help your pooch avoid temptation by storing your trash can somewhere safe and secure. The most common spot is underneath the kitchen sink. If you don't have space beneath your sink, try a nearby closet or pantry. When all else fails, purchase a trash can with a tightly-fitted lid. Secure your bathroom and bedroom trash cans as well. Whenever possible, take the garbage out before leaving your dog home alone.
Establish Rules About Furniture
Some pet owners love for their dog to snuggle up beside them on the couch or in bed. Others have a strict "no dogs on the furniture" policy. Whichever describes you, choose a side and stick with it! There are pros and cons to allowing your pup on the furniture. Whatever you decide, be consistent … dogs are easily confused when one minute it's okay to pounce on you and the next minute they're being scolded for it.
Balancing Dog Ownership and Apartment Living
Apartment living with a dog is all about mutual respect – respecting your neighbors and guests and your pup's needs. If you have a roommate, make sure they're comfortable with the living situation as well.
Source: daroapartments.com
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]]>Use the KonMari Method
The KonMari Method is Marie Kondo's minimalism-inspired approach to tackling your stuff category-by-category rather than room-by-room.
There are six basic rules to get started:
1. Commit yourself to tidying up.
2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
3. Finish discarding first.
4. Tidy by category, not location.
5. Follow the right order.
6. Ask yourself if it sparks joy.
And five categories to tackle:
1. Clothes
2. Books
3. Papers
4. Miscellaneous Items
5. Sentimental Items
While many people associate her method with tidying, it's really about discarding items that lack value. To determine what makes the cut, Kondo has you start by removing everything out of your closets and drawers (category one), all the books off your shelves (category two), all the paperwork out of your desk and bins (you get the idea). Once you have a big pile, you're to go itemby- item and consider if it sparks joy. While Kondo admits that this can feel awkward or unnatural at first, she assures readers and viewers that you'll get better at recognizing what sparks joy as you go. Once you've tossed items in every category, you should have a much smaller set of remaining items that you can return to various closets, drawers, shelves, and boxes. Note that you're to finish one category before moving onto the next one. The intention of the KonMari method is to end up with a clutter-free home that is better able to bring more joy and prosperity to your life. While tidying, she encourages you to visualize the life you want to live – to be less stressed, for example – and what you need to get there. Anything that won't help on that journey isn't deserving of your space or you, she says. ~ Source: goodhousekeeping. com
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Have you thought about the benefits of moving into your new home with peace of mind having Renters Insurance? Other than covering your belongings and protecting you from damage to your new home, here are some other items you may not know about that can be covered through Renters Insurance!
- If a fire starts in your home and causes damage to another person’s property, liability coverage may protect you from those damages.
- Liability coverage can also protect you if someone is injured while in your home.
- Some policies cover damage caused to your rental unit by pets.
- With Renters Insurance, your belongings are covered anywhere in the world.
- Coverages can reimburse you to help cover the cost and time it takes to restore your identity if you were a victim of identity theft.
- Pays for damage to your personal property as a result of water backup of sewers or drains.
As you can see, there are many reasons to move in with your Renters Insurance ready to go! For more information, please visit Assurant, our preferred insurance provider who guarantees acceptance and provides great rates to our residents!
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Before you begin to look for your first apartment home, be sure to check out these tips to help you prepare!
Budget
Before starting your apartment search, work out a budget for what amount rent you'll be able to afford. Remember, you'll need to have enough funds for the deposit upfront in addition to your monthly rent. Finally, you should expect to have some one-time expenses early on for supplies you'll need in your home. This can range from anything as simple as a mop and bucket to the furniture in your bedroom. There's a lot of things you don't realize you'll need until you're moved in!
Location
Location is one of the most important factors in deciding where to rent. Do you want to be close to work? How close to you want to be to a grocery store? Make sure you think about these questions when deciding on where to look and remember that sometimes you can save by renting further away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Requirements
See what kind of amenities each apartment community has to offer, and if you have a furry friend, make sure you're aware of their pet policy! Heart Healthy Cardio & Fitness Studios will mean less time and money at your local gym. Also, if you work from home or spend a lot of time online, keep an eye out for what kind of cable/internet packages are offered before you move in.
Renters Insurance
It's important to be prepared for the unexpected. Choose the policy that is right for you and make sure you and your belongings are covered in case of fire or natural disaster.
The post Four Things to Keep in Mind for First Time Renters appeared first on Concord Management Blog.
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