Living life to the fullest can seem like a challenge given COVID restrictions and living in an apartment in Lafayette, Louisiana; however, our area is ripe with outdoor activities.

You may ask why choose outside activities; COVID-19 is primarily spread from human to human in close contact (usually within six feet).  The respiratory droplets from a person breathing, speaking, coughing, or sneezing are released into the air and can be passed to another nearby, particularly in enclosed spaces or spaces with poor ventilation.

When you spend time outdoors, fresh air is continually moving, dispersing these infectious droplets, so you are less likely to breathe in enough particles containing the virus to become infected.  It is still advised to wear a mask outdoors when social distancing can't be maintained to provide extra protection.

The great outdoors offers the additional benefits of an emotional boost; when paired with exercise it can help relieve stress and depression, and sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D in the body too.  

Low-Risk Avenues to Move About More
Engaging activities that allow you to social distance “the acceptable” six or greater feet are considered lower risk.  Your apartment in Lafayette Louisiana is located close to 36 excellent parks, recreation, and hiking trails.

While many recreational activities may not be possible during certain seasons, there are countless ways to stay active outdoors throughout the year.  Start moving about with the following low-risk activities during the pandemic:

• Biking, hiking, running and walking
• Fishing and birding
• Golfing, traditional or Frisbee
• Canoeing, kayaking, and boating
• Social distanced fitness classes conducted outside or virtually

     
Do avoid congested sidewalks and narrow paths or choose less congested routes that make it easy to keep distance.   Always carry a mask for times when you cannot maintain the 6 feet distance from others you do not live with.  Don’t wear a mask while engaged in activities where you might get wet, such as swimming.

Don’t allow cooler weather to stop you from engaging in outdoor activities!  Remember to dress in layers and bring a hat and gloves to protect your hands and head.  

Lower-Risk Social Activities
Weather dependent, there are other less strenuous outdoor activity choices too:
A picnic with food packed from home, or takeout from your favorite restaurant or food truck.  Take a meal at your favorite public recreational area or consider eating on your patio or deck.
Shop at a local farmer's market.  Do don a mask and social distance.
Outdoor movies.

COVID-19 has revived drive-in and popup movies under the stars.  This historic concept is something resident can experience together with enough physical distance.

Low-to-Moderate-Risk Outdoor Activities
Depending on spacing, the following additional outdoor activities are considered low and moderate risk.  Many of these may not be available due to state-enforced restrictions or COVID phasing.  Provided you are not high-risk, you might consider taking advantage of the following:

Patio Dining 
Patio dining can be a great outdoor option.  Outdoor dining at an uncrowded venue where tables are sufficiently spaced is considered safer than indoor dining.  Wearing a mask when not eating or drinking is still advised.  If you need to enter the restaurant, practice social distancing, and wear your mask.

Self-service restaurants are not considered safe at this time.  Remember to bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands when you touch surfaces such as door handles and after entering and leaving.

Camping 
Provided you practice social distancing and come in close contact with those you live with, camping is considered low risk.  If you camp with others that do not live with you, camp in individual tents spaced at least six feet apart, and avoid sharing supplies, including food and drinks.  Remember to pack hand sanitizer and soap, as well as disinfectant supplies to clean commonly touched surfaces.

Swimming Pools and Beaches
Distances less than six feet — not the water — make swimming pools and beaches risky activities.  Water by itself doesn't spread the virus to other people; close proximity does.

Gather with small groups of friends outdoors while maintaining social distancing.  Ideas for activities that allow for distancing include outside art classes or driveway chalk for children and games like kickball, remember masks and hand sanitizer are still a must.

Getting together for a visit at a safe distance can offer a much-needed opportunity to connect with people you care about — and improve your mood during these trying times.  

A small gathering around a bonfire, campfire, or firepit and BYODD (bring your own dinner and drinks) allows you to enjoy the togetherness with a low risk of spreading the virus.   Wear a mask when not eating or drinking, and wash your hands when you arrive and leave the gathering.

High-risk Outdoor Activities to be Avoided
Events and activities that bring many people in close contact for longer periods of time poses the greatest risk of virus spread.  Playgrounds, where community surfaces are touched by many, can quickly spread the virus, sporting events where crowd size make social distancing and surface disinfecting difficult.  

COVID-19 is a serious matter, but at the same time, personal well-being should include doing activities that make life worth living.  Armed with correct information, individuals can make insightful choices that bring a sense of normality and pleasure to life during the pandemic while living in apartments in Lafayette Louisiana.

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2020 December Holidays will be unlike year’s past.  With the C.D.C. recommending Americans stay home during the holidays this year, it will look and feel very different for many of us.  Separation is hard, and most Americans are experiencing pandemic fatigue.  So how can you bring fun back to the holidays, especially in your apartment in Lafayette, LA?

While the suggestions below will not fill the hole left by missing loved ones, they come from the heart and are intended to help ease separation anxiety and quarantine fatigue.

Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes.  Many are finding new ways to share their holidays with family, from holiday dinners over Zoom, to taking their celebrations outdoors.  With recent temperature drops, finding a location with a firepit or open enough for social distancing and heated lamps would be ideal.

THINK IMMEDIATE
Embrace the ones you live with.  If your traditional holidays are spent surrounded by your multi-generational family of 50, this holiday season might be especially difficult.  Focus on the family you live with.  Don’t skimp on holiday dinners; well, skimp a little if you are used to preparing a dish for 50.  But still make a traditional dinner, simply prepare smaller portions.  2020 is a perfect opportunity to ask aunt Sally her secret recipe for cornbread dressing; even better, ask her to send a list of ingredients and have her conduct a Zoom cooking class; while you are at it, involve your children.    

SMALLER IS BETTER
If your family is like most families, someone is in charge of the turkey.  Usually, a senior family member most likely to experience complications from COVID-19.  If you are unsure of your big bird cooking skills, consider something more manageable.   Roasting a chicken may feel less daunting a task, and you might just manage to stay awake after lunch or dinner, as turkey is notoriously packed with a nutrient called tryptophan, an amino acid known to cause sleepiness.

START A NEW TRADITION
Traditional dinners are very time consuming; just ask the cook.  Consider instead, take-out.  Have the family come to a consensus on the type of meal you want and do your research.  Many restaurants remain open during the holidays.  If you plan ahead, you can preorder any meal you want for your holiday dinner; you may need to pick it up the day before your dinner.  The same goes for deserts; discuss your favorites and preorder from your local bakery or grocer ahead of time.   

CHARITY
Consider collecting food or gifts for the less fortunate.  Many employees who have been discharged from service, as the state has reverted to varying degrees of stage 2 status, struggle to make ends meet. 
Perhaps your family could call the local charities to see what their needs are and pick a few items up on your next trip to the grocery store.  Or better yet, speak with the office manager at your apartments in Lafayette, Louisiana to arrange a food or toy drive or care kits for shelters.  Helping others around the holidays brings a unique feeling of community and may just start a new family tradition.  


HANDWRITE YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS
The holidays are usually such a busy time of the year; it’s hard to find time for the really important things in life.  In today’s text, messenger, email age, the art of writing a letter has been lost.  Take this opportunity to let those you love know that you are missing them.  A homemade card with a longer personal message will leave a lasting impression.

The pandemic has been felt far and wide; our team at Lafayette Gardens Apartments, too, feel your pain.  We miss our social events and look forward to the day we can host them again.  Until then, stay safe and stay well.  Your Lafayette Louisiana Apartment home. 

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​What if we shared with you that there are products that worked as hard as you do at keeping your home or apartment in Lafayette Louisiana clean and orderly.
 
Perhaps you have heard of the "Landing Strip".  If not, the landing strip is a designated spot in your home designed to deposit the things you bring in and out every day.  This space is more of a system; when used correctly, it keeps you organized.
 
If you have a landing strip great, let us make sure it is utilized correctly.  If you do not, we suggest setting one up with things you probably already own.  
 
Your landing strip should be set up near the most often used entrance to your home.  This space could be near your garage entrance, front, or side door.
 
The idea is to design a space that you'll genuinely want to use every time you come into your home. Its' purpose is to help you sort through the things you carry in your hands, pockets, and bags upon arrival, while providing a smoother exit when departing.
 
We suggest your landing strip include the following but alter the list according to your needs:

• A doormat to wipe off shoe grime
• Wall mount hooks, or space to hang coats and carry bags
• A hook, basket, bowl or dish for keys, wallet, or loose change
• A flat surface or side table for mail, newspaper, magazine sorting
• A waste bin or basket to deposit discarded flyers, mail, and other unwanted pieces
• A mirror to check your hair, makeup or clothes before leaving the house
• Once installed, make using your landing strip a habit every time you enter or leave

 
When entering your home, place your keys, wallet, or purse in their receptacles, hang your coat and take off your shoes.  Practice emptying unnecessary items from your bag that you won't need the next time you leave and hang or place your bag at the landing strip.  Sorting your mail as soon as you walk in will reduce clutter.

Immediately toss or recycle unnecessary or unwanted items such as catalogs, flyers, or newspapers.  Place the mail requiring attention in a prominent, easily accessible space.  Next, attend to the other things you might have brought home (dry cleaning, lunch boxes, shopping bags, groceries, etc.), placing items where they belong immediately.  Forming this new habit should only take a few minutes when you come home. 
 
By making a habit of utilizing a landing strip and tackling the proper storage of items brought in, your space can remain uncluttered and clear, allowing you to relax and unwind when arriving home as well as take the daily stress out of locating necessary items on your departure. 
 
Are you or a family member looking for an apartment in Lafayette, Louisiana?  If so, be sure to put Lafayette Gardens Apartments and Parc Gardens on your list of must-see apartment communities near River Ranch. 

Lafayette Gardens is a family and dog friendly apartment community close to everything but far from routine, while Parc Gardens is an elevated living  retirement community for those over 55 years of age. 

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Apartments in Lafayette Louisiana are not known for their spacious bathrooms, so let’s hear it for the tiny bathrooms.  Here is to the little lavatories, petite powder rooms, and tee tiny toilettes, for making us do more with less.
 
There may not be room for a pedestal tub and shower or even enough counter space for your skincare regime, but that just means you will need be creative with your space.  While you are contemplating storage the internet is busting with IKEA hacks to help you extract function out of the smallest of spaces.
  
Ikea is known for inventive kitchen shelving and other small room storage solutions that walk the ideal line of form and function; that translates especially well for apartment living.  Easy on the wallet, take a peek at these Ikea and other vendor hacks to make the most of your petite powder room.
 
Vertical solutions
When horizontal space is restricted, vertical solutions are often overlooked.  Consider a leaning or hung towel ladder as shelving unit.  With today’s modern farmhouse craze, finding the perfect size and style should not be a problem.  You may even be able to add baskets with hooks that attach to the ladder steps for even more storage.
 
Floating storage
If your bathroom didn’t come equipped with built-in storage, don’t let it deter you.  Instead, consider adding floating storage.  Do a keyword search for apothecary hanging or leaning storage solutions and you will understand the idea.   Originally, apothecary cabinets were used to store herbs and medicine. Today, we use apothecary cabinets for the same purpose.  The small drawers are perfect for holding pill makeup, soaps, bottles, medicine, bandages, and additional necessary items.
 
Laundry station with shelf
Are you determined to keep your dirty laundry sorted?  Consider one of the Petrone Combo Laundry Centers (Google the collection for images).  These laundry centers come with options for shelf tops, even side storage baskets and even have casters; so you can slide it out of the way. 

Everything old is new again
Remember picture ledges?  Picture ledges are now repurposed as bathroom shelving storage solutions. 
Thinner and sleeker than the original country picture shelf, the new versions are perfectly suited to smaller items like candles, perfume, toiletry canisters containing cotton balls, Q-tips, and the like. 
 
Need even slender solutions?
Contemporary or traditional spice racks make perfect shelving solutions.  The railing makes it a solid answer for glass bottles.  Available in designer woods, metal and even high-grade plastic, spice racks can aesthetically and safely display your daily beauty products.  On the low end, raw wood versions are available at discount stores and can be painted to add a pop of color or blend with neutral tones.
 
Above-the-door storage
Some of the more underutilized bathroom real estate is up.  If you find yourself baffled on storage space simply look up.   Wall shelves hung above the door or hooked on the door offer additional storage opportunities for towels, robes even clothing.  In some cases you can double your storage using this hack
 
Small spaces require double duty
When space is tight bringing in multipurpose furniture.  Consider a chair or stool that doubles as a towel rack, plant stand or tray holder.  The space under the stool can hold a basket full of towels, magazines, or rolls extra of toilet tissue.
 
Looking for apartments for rent in Lafayette Louisiana with larger bathrooms?  Handicap accessible apartments in Lafayette Louisiana offer larger bathrooms and wider doorways.

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Circumstances often beyond our control force us to relocate, Hurricane Laura is a perfect example.  However, no move is more abrupt than one triggered by a hurricane.  Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Laura.  With estimates in the billions of dollars in insurance claims, many will have lost their home - or at a minimum been temporarily displaced.  Rebuilding will not be easy, as construction resources will struggle to supply the current market conditions. It is a time of loss, confusion, and uncertainty for many - but there is also hope.  
 
Relocating after a Natural Disaster
Displaced by a natural disaster, many families will search for short- and long-term Corporate Housing Accommodations near the epic-center.  This allows displaced families to travel back and forth while their homes undergo the rebuilding process. 
 
Corporate and Executive Housing Solutions
The beauty of corporate and executive housing is that most units will come partially or fully furnished.  In the case of those who have lost everything to Hurricane Laura, finding the perfect corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana can prove a Godsend.  These furnished units allow a semi-return to normalcy.   Complete with full-sized kitchen, living room, dining, bedroom, and bathroom furnishings, the displaced can rent 1 bedroom – 1 bath, 2 bedroom – 2 bath, and 3 bedroom – 2 bath units to accommodate families of varying sizes. 
 
Finding Comfort in Unexpected Places
Evacuees looking to truly find the comfort of home, can look for apartments in Lafayette Louisiana that offer the amenities they were accustomed to back home.  Many corporate housing accommodations in Lafayette offer 24-hour fitness centers, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, and even dog parks.  While searching for a short-term lease, be sure to look at the corporate housing community amenities page to ensure they offer the comforts of home you desire.
 
Hope After the Storm
In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, life can look a little bleak - especially for children that are facing six months to a year to rebuild.  Lake Charles school age residents were due to start school the week Hurricane Laura set its path.  Short-term housing in Lafayette Louisiana is available in award-winning school districts, allowing a smooth transition for their children.  COVID-19 delayed the start of the school year for all of Louisiana, so chances are the children will not have missed too much of the school year.
 
Fur Babies Welcome
Many of Lafayette Louisiana Short-term Housing realize that families include pets and welcome the furry children of families with open arms.  You will be able to find interim housing in Lafayette Louisiana that accommodates most breeds of cats and dogs, chances are they will have a dedicated dog park or two where dogs can exercise and socialize. 

Please recognize that while most communities’ welcome pets, their need to protect their residents, and their pets may exclude certain breeds of dogs deemed dangerous.
 
If you or someone you know has been displaced by Hurricane Laura and need temporary housing in Lafayette Louisiana, call Lafayette Gardens Apartments for a tour of their 1, 2- or 3-bedroom pet-friendly apartment community.  They offer short-term housing in the River Ranch area of Lafayette Louisiana. 

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The most significant difference between a studio apartment and one-bed apartment is the separate closed off bedroom.  Deciding between the two depends entirely on your budget and lifestyle.  Considering issues such as privacy, amenities and maintenance responsibilities may help influence your preference.
 
When you are on the hunt for an apartment and think you want something smaller, typically you think about a studio or one-bedroom apartment.   If it is just you and your spouse, chances are either will do, but there is a difference in the layout and privacy. 
 
What is a studio apartment?
Unlike a one-bedroom apartment, a studio has a more open and compact design. “A studio apartment is essentially an open box, possibly with a partitioned wall, that houses everything in the single open room with except of the bathroom.
 
With some variation, a studio apartments single large room houses a full-size kitchen or kitchenette and a separate bathroom.  Usually you are working with limited space and will need double duty furniture in order to make this space work.   The placement of furniture and a little strategy can help define the space.   By combining a double duty dining/office space, you could have a separate but defined sleeping space and lounging/entertaining area.  Studio apartments are typically around 600 square feet but can be found with as little as 300 square feet.  With the smaller space, the more creative your design will need to be. 
 
What is a 1-bedroom apartment?
The key difference between a studio and one-bedroom apartment is there will be a doored off room dedicated to sleeping.   You will most likely get a few additional walls that provide distinct separation of spaces for the kitchen, dining and entertaining areas, as well as additional storage and washer and dryer space.  
 
Square footage of a one-bedroom/one bath apartment can range widely.  A small one-bedrooms can total the size of a large studio.  Even though the square footage is the same, a one-bedroom can feel larger when your furniture has its own partitioned space.
 
Studio vs. 1-bedroom: Considerations when deciding between the two
The size difference can feel like a little or a lot more room, it's really every bit about the space you need to feel relaxed at home.  Some feel better in a cozy home, while others prefer to stretch out.  One bedrooms apartments tend to cost more than studio apartments and with the addition of separate rooms you may also see additional heating and electricity costs.  It can be to helpful to ask the property owner for an estimate of utility bills and compare the two.
 
Aside from the cost and the square footage, there are a few other differences between studios and one-bedrooms.
 
1. Privacy
In a studio, where you eat is also where you work, hang out and sleep.  Where a one-bedroom gives you the dedicated space for dining, lounging, and sleeping.   A 1-bedroom apartment affords more privacy especially if you have overnight quest of family crashing on your sofa bed, or if you desire time away from your significant other.  If you live by yourself and don’t entertain you may find all the privacy you need in a studio.
 
2. In-unit amenities
In addition to extra room of most one-bedroom apartments, there are a few amenities that you generally don’t find in a studio apartment.  Many, if not all, new one-bedroom apartments include in-unit laundry hookups, more than one closet (think bathroom and hall or laundry room), and full-sized kitchen with full-sized kitchen appliance.  While these are great amenities, they are not always necessary.
 
In-unit laundry machines could be easily be overlooked if the apartment building offers a same floor laundry room.   Perhaps you do not do your own laundry but send it out to be cleaned.  Clearly a laundry an in-unit laundry room would be unimportant.   If you do not cook, having a smaller refrigerator is just fine, so the space-saving appliance in your studio will not bother you. 
 
Amenities are by definition are extra items in your home, and must-haves differ from person to person.  
 
3. Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can impact the type of apartment you will need.  If you like to entertain and frequently have out of town friends over for the weekend, you may need more than a one-bedroom to accommodate your routine.
 
The amount of space you need may also depend on your professional lifestyle.  If your profession takes you away frequently or travel on the weekends a smaller space may just be the ticket.  However, if you are now working from home and need separate space for work, home and sleep – you might consider bumping up to a 2-bedroom apartment.  Having a dedicated room for work can help with work life balance. 
 
4. Location
Price can impact your apartment decision when it comes to apartment location. If you want to live close to a city center or near work, you may end up in a pricy area of town where property value is more expensive.  It might not be affordable to rent a one or two-bedroom apartment, but you might find studio prices low enough to get you in your desired area.
 
5. Upkeep
Generally, decorating and cleaning are easier the less space you have.  It can be faster to clean a studio apartment with the same flooring throughout, and clearly few walls to decorate.  With that said, lack of storage lends itself to more clutter. 

We hope the information above leads you in the direction of a better match for your new apartment.  If you happen to be looking for apartments in Lafayette Louisiana, we hope you'll take a tour of our luxury apartment community in the River Ranch area of Lafayette.

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​Are your current accommodations starting to feeling a little cramped? Use this time to make a wish list of amenities that would make your time at home a little more inviting.  

Many of us have spent the last two or three months living inside; we’ve become well acquainted with our homes — in some cases, maybe too acquainted. If you were planning a move before COVID-19, and are still planning to do so when the curve starts to flatten, you could take this time to reflect on what you like and don’t like about your apartment community. For instance, the stairs that lead to your apartment you climb several times a day may keep you moving while you’ve stayed home, but maybe you’d like a more robust workout available in your next apartment. Or perhaps the concrete city-style community that lacks a yard you didn’t think you needed doesn’t accommodate the new isolation buddy you adopted for company.

Well, we’ve created a list of suggestions to help you identify what you like and don’t like about your current living arrangements so you can find more comfort and resources in your next one.

Make a list – what’s working and what’s not?
On a scale of 1-10, how much do you like your current apartment?

• What’s your apartment’s best quality?
• And its worst quality?
• Do you like the style of your apartment? If not, are there architectural styles you prefer?
• What’s your favorite room in your apartment, and what makes spending time there enjoyable?
• Space and flow: How do you feel when you’re at relaxing at home?
• Is there enough space, or too much space? Which rooms could you use less or more space?
• How would you define the layout — is it a studio-style floor plan? Or more compartmentalized? Does the apartment community suit your lifestyle?
• Do you have just enough or too many bedrooms? Do you need a two bedroom apartment or three bedroom apartments.  Or the big question, do you have enough bathrooms?
• Do you like the floor you are living on? Or would you prefer a first floor or third flood?
• Are you happy with the natural light? Do you need more natural light?
• How do you like the finishing touches and fixtures?
• Does your apartment lack a specialized room you now find you need (like a home office or a room for exercising)?
• What amenities does your current apartment community offer outside of the apartment, and how does it affect your experience at home?

We hope this article has given you some food for thought when you are looking for apartments for rent in Lafayette Louisiana, and makes identifying the perfect apartment just a little easier.

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Are you someone with questions about corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana and whether it might be a suitable alternative for your short-term housing needs.   In this article, we hope to clear up your questions and provide you with a few considerations that may apply to your situation.

Corporate Housing – What it is and how to find them

Corporate leasing refers to housing that offers furnished units for long-term stays.  Its name is derived from the fact that corporate leasing was primarily used by companies to house their employees for long-term assignments to save the cost of hotel bills.  It can be used for employees on temporary assignment in a distant city or to house contract workers or employees temporarily.


While corporate leasing started out as a housing alternative for company employees, the service has expanded to include students, vacationers, and those requiring interim housing when moving. While fees can be higher than traditional leasing, corporate units are usually stocked with everything you need for comfortable long term lodging.   Typically corporate leases include parking, cleaning and are near the short term assignment location to make commuting easier.

When to Consider Corporate Housing
When moving to a new city and looking for a new home, or the home you purchased will require extensive remodeling before you can move in.  However, if your needs are shorter than 3 months, this may not be the right path.   

May we suggest investigating vacation rentals such as VRBO or Airbnb.  Clearly, pricing, comfort, and location are important.  With a little research, you are sure to find temporary lodging that meets your needs and budget.  If you need to move during the off-season, it should be easier to find Airbnb or VRBO rental deals. 

Often those offering corporate housing are familiar with the market and can help you compare your options and may even have short-term housing deals during offseason.  Most people want to stay close to family during the winter holidays, so this may be the key to finding a bargain

Costs
Corporate Housing is like traditional housing when it comes to pricing, location, length of stay, and how many rooms you will need will determine the pricing structure.   Typically, corporate leasing is more costly than renting a long-term unfurnished apartment.   

Length of Your Stay
The length of your stay has a significant impact on what you will pay.   Corporate housing companies offer weekly and monthly rates, prices decrease as the length of your stay increases.  Also, you will pay less for a studio apartment than a one-bedroom apartment, less for a one-bedroom than a two-bedroom, etc.   Special needs may also cost more, such as pets or infants; many corporate leasing properties are designated adult leasing only, so be sure to ask before you book.

The location
The location also has a significant impact on price.  While opting for a place further from the center of town can save money, your commute and parking may be impacted.  Sometimes the location is non-negotiable.   Do consider safety when choosing a location and conveniences such as cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores.

How to Find Corporate Housing
In today’s technology environment, it is as simple as opening the Google browser on your cell phone and asking Google, Suri or Bixby for corporate housing in Lafayette Louisiana, or corporate leasing in Lafayette Louisiana.  Do include the city and state name where you would like to find a lease; otherwise, your phone's digital assistant or search engine will use your phone's GPS to find and serve up local search results.  If you happen to be searching for corporate housing in Lafayette, Louisiana, stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments and take a tour of our dog and family-friendly corporate leasing units.  L.G.A. offers one-bedroom apartments in Lafayette Louisiana up to three-bedroom apartments in Lafayette Louisiana, stop by or call today. ​

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Sometimes shopping for an apartment cannot wait, and what do you do when you find yourself in the middle of stay at home orders during a pandemic.  You would be surprised how literal the phrase "where there is a will there is a way" truly is.

The real estate industry has had to make significant changes in how it is conducting business. From real estate sales to leasing, the need for social distancing and hyper-disinfecting has led many companies to offer virtual tours of their properties through FaceTime, their websites, and other apps too. 

It is not just renters who are changing their methodology to shopping for apartments during COVID-19; property owners and managers are looking for new ways to conduct business while practicing social distancing as well.  Most apartments in Lafayette La are willing to offer virtual tours using any number of apps and video conferencing services, and adapting is proving beneficial.  

Non-contact lease signing options are available as well.  If you are familiar with what a lease looks like, and what you should look for, this digital contract solution is providing a suitable alternative to hard copy leases.  If precaution is more your style, most apartments in Lafayette Louisiana can get a copy of their lease agreement to you through email, so you can read it, sign, and scan it to email as a non-editable PDF. 

You may be able to view a property in person, call to verify a property's showing procedures during Louisiana's stay-at-home and social distancing orders.   

As long as a property is sanitized, it is still acceptable to see it in person – provided, it is legal in your area.  In addition to federal and state agency guidelines, local restrictions may apply.  Calling the local city hall can help you navigate the ever-fluid local guidelines.  If no such restrictions apply, ask the property management agent if they require specific measures while visiting and if extra measures are being taken to ensure the community and apartment are government compliant with disinfecting public spaces during COVID-19.  

When shopping for new apartments in Lafayette, Louisiana, you should know your rights as a tenant. Do not allow the agent to apply pressure to sign a lease and be sure to ask as many questions as you can before signing a contract.  Between facemasks and gloves, and maintaining a social distance of 6 feet, current shopping conditions are a little overwhelming; your preparation, attitude and calm mental state can make looking for an apartment an exciting adventure.  
​
It will pay to have a game plan.
Consider making a list of all the amenities you would like in a new apartment community in Lafayette Louisiana, then compare apartments online, when you have narrowed it down to two or three, call and find out about the property's availability, showing restrictions and schedule for tours.  

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​Many of us are spending an abundance of time inside right now, but that time need not go to waste.  Who doesn’t love a freshly cleaned home, and what better time to do a little spring cleaning.  Once the weather gets more beautiful, we are not going to want to be stuck inside with rubber gloves and a duster. This month is considered a sweet spot when the weather is still up in the air – pardon the pun, when dedicating a day indoors can still be justified.

Below is a list of the best spring-cleaning tips we found.  We suggest going room to room, taking your time if you can.

• Dust shelves, moldings, light fixtures, blinds, ceiling fans, and vents.  Anything that accumulates dust and you usually overlook.
• Wash the windows
• Clean window treatments.  Including your shower curtain. 
• Flip and turn your mattress.  This should be done up to 3 times a year to get the maximum life out of your mattress.
• Change your winter bedding to spring.  This could mean just storing winter blankets. Be sure to wash and dry them first.
• Change your clothes from warm to cool and pack away your seasonal clothes.  Donate unused clothing items
• Vacuum and shampoo carpets and area rugs.  
• Take removable sofa and chair cushions outside for a little sunshine.  Sunshine is an effective disinfectant.
• Wax wood floors.  Adding a shine really makes a difference. 
• Check your smoke detector batteries
• Replace your air conditioning filters.
• Clean your medicine cabinet out, and your makeup bag too
• Organize your paperwork and clean up your desktop
• Clean your computer and TV.
• Clean your deck and furniture including trash bins
• Clean your refrigerator top to bottom.  Pull out drawers and shelves, it will be easier to clean the backs and sides.
• Clean out your coffee maker
• Clean the stove and oven. You will be surprised how much build-up happens in a short time.  

Things you will need to complete an effective spring-cleaning checklist. 

Check your local dollar store, it's where many of these items can be found. 

• Cleaning caddy
• Plastic gloves
• Paper towels
• Scrubber
• Mop
• Bucket
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Duster
• Dusting mitt
• Microfiber cloths
• Garbage bags
• Sponges
• Scrub brush
• Blind cleaner
• Oven cleaner
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Dust spray
• Wood cleaner
• Disinfecting spray
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Vacuum
• Distilled white vinegar
• Ceramic cooktop cleanser
• Toilet brush
• Dish soap
• Scented room spray

​Looking for a new home to hang your hat?  
If you are searching for apartments in Lafayette Louisiana be sure to stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments.  Located in the heart of Lafayette, it’s only minutes for shopping and dining in the famed River Ranch area.  Call to schedule your tour of this community.

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