Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The first thing to do is make a list of everything that you are taking. With this list break it off in two. First list items in your apartment that you are not going to use in the near future. Like, if it is summer you will not be using your winter blankets. So this item can be listed on the side of items not using. Once the list is complied, all items that you are not going to use, start looking around for boxes so you can pack these items. Since these are out of season items label the boxes and put them out of the way. Now the hard part is that you can not open these boxes, note that there is nothing in these boxes that you need. But going back and forth in these boxes you are just creating double work for yourself.
The nex thing to do is to make a list of all your bills. If any of these bills that are going to be moving with you create a change of address list. This is a list of all bills, credit cards, magazines, and any other bills that need to know where you are going. If you don't change your address you are going to be in trouble with the Visa people.
You have to decide if you are going to move on your own or if you want someone to move for you. To decide this you must know your budget and how much money you can spend. Each method have their advantages and disadvantages and only you can decide. Things to take in consideration. 1)the size of your apartment 2)your physcial shape. if you out of shape moving boxes up and down the steps is not healthy. 3)your budget 4)the season.if it is winter time moving it yourself may not be wise 5)the area you are moving to. if you moving out of state the drive may not be worth it to move yourself.
Before you get to the new apartment you need to have the phone on, the lights on, the water running and the cable installed. You can get the names of these companies from a phone book or a local real estate or rental office.
The weeks before the move start to pack towels, sheets, and other linens. It may not be glamourous but wash the sheet on your bed to avoid going into the boxes. Start packing any glassware and dishes that you don't use. Even better, start packing all your dishes and use paper and plastic, it is only for a short while.
Remember to label the boxes correct. Place what in the box. Just don't label the box kitchen, but label it glasses, and pots. This way you know exactly what you are unpacking.
Two weeks before the move reconfirm with people that their services are going to be connected as requested. Remeber to get the name of the person you spoke with in case their is a problem.
With the move coming up, check you list and make sure you are right on point. If not re-track and get on point fast. The day of the move pray everything goes right.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hosting an Apartment Warming Party Congratulations!
You’ve just moved into your new apartment and you’re starting to sink your feet in. O.K., maybe your boxes aren’t unpacked and you have yet to put out the welcome mat, but give yourself a break! Moving can be a stressful yet adventurous task. To relieve some of the tension and allow your legs to breathe from carrying boxes up flights of steps, consider throwing an apartment warming party for you and some friends.
There are numerous reasons for apartment warming parties. First and foremost, to show off your new pad! Invite friends over to see how you just bought the apartment of your dreams and maybe bounce some ideas off them as to how you will fill those spaces. Secondly, you can use the party to get to know those who will be living around you. If you plan on staying here for a while, it might be a good idea to invest some time in getting to know those down the hall. Your living situation will be a whole lot better if you can walk the halls and greet your neighbors by name. Thirdly, it can be a short break from the whole process. Packing your things, moving them, loading them into the new place and unpacking them is a long and strenuous process. Give yourself a short breather. Set out some finger foods, a couple of drinks and surround yourself with friends. That will help things go a lot easier.
The first part of the party will be sending some invitations out a week and a half to two weeks prior. If you are inviting the people next door, you don’t even need to mail the invites. You can simply knock on doors and hand them invitations or slip them under the door. If you are inviting friends from out-of-town that would be here for a couple days for the event, give them a couple pieces of information about the town so they don’t feel like complete strangers. List some good places to eat, cheap places to stay and where all the nightlife lives. No matter who you are inviting, it is important that you give good directions to your new place. If they need to buzz in, give them that number and an alternative phone number they can call if you’re not there. Be specific!
Next on your agenda should be the shopping. You’ll want to provide your guests with some food and drink for the gala affair, so make a list. Get cans or small glass bottles of beverages so unused portions can be shoved into the fridge instead of going to waste. For food, consider getting finger foods that are easy to make. Get a good variety of cold and hot so you don’t have to do much cooking beforehand. Don’t forget plates, cups and utensils. Make sure to buy more than you have people invited. They’ll be sure to leave a drink somewhere and forget it.
You’ll want to assemble a small team to pull off the party. Guests will be arriving and leaving off and on. If you plan on giving tours to your guests, be sure to gather a couple friends to either play host while you’re showing guests around, or to act as tour guides. You can even allow guests to tour at their own bidding. Depending on how many people are slated to show up, you may want help cooking your delectable snacks earlier in the morning. Finally, you should have a go-to friend in case you run out of ice or food that can make a jaunt to the store to pick up more.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Finding an Apartment
First, you must decide how long you will live in this space, which will dictate what kind of apartment to look for. Most leases require at least one year's commitment, so if this is too long for you, consider a sublet or a month-to-month apartment.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Financial Requirements and What to Bring on Your Apartment Search
Financial Requirements and What to Bring on Your Apartment Search
In order to rent an apartment, you will be asked to complete an application, by your prospective landlord. You may also be required to pay between $50-$200 for credit reports and/or application fees. Landlords want to see evidence of steady income and good credit.
Financial Requirements - Most landlords require that the prospective tenant have an income equal to 40-45 times the monthly rent in annual salary (combined income is used for roommates). You and your roommate will need to have all of your income verification paperwork readily available upon application for an apartment. If you are a full time student or do not meet all the financial requirements, most landlords will require a lease co-signer or guarantor. A guarantor is an individual, typically a family member, who lives in the U.S., preferably in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Guarantors are asked to disclose detailed financial information and have a credit report run on them as part of the approval process. The guarantor's income needs to be at least 75 times the monthly rent and they will also need to submit the paperwork listed below.
Funds - When the landlord approves your apartment application, be prepared to pay the first month's rent and the security deposit upon lease signing. Most landlords require that these funds be paid in the form of separate certified checks or money orders. Landlords will not accept personal checks or credit cards. An additional certified check or money order will be required at the time of lease signing to pay the broker's fee, if applicable. Necessary Documents - Bring the following items with you when you start looking for apartments: Letter from your current employer stating your salary or from a CPA if you are a freelance worker or a business owner First two pages of last year's tax return Most recent bank statement(s), bank account numbers and credit card numbers Most recent pay stub(s) Names, addresses and phone numbers of previous landlords Names, addresses and phone numbers of personal and business references Photo I.D. such as driver's license or passport
