 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?
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. TAGS: apartments in lafayette la, spacious apartments in lafayette la, for rent in lafayette la, luxury apartments in lafayette la, three bedroom apartments in lafayette la, two bedroom apartments in lafayette la
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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. TAGS: corporate housing in lafayette la, corporate housing in river ranch lafayette louisiana, executive leases in lafayette louisiana, executive apartments in lafayette la, short term leases in lafayette la 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. TAGS: shopping for an apartment in lafayette louisiana during a pandemic, virtual apartment tours are the heroes, 1 bedroom corporate apartments in lafayette la, 2 bedroom corporate apartments in lafayette la, 3 bedroom corporate apartments in lafayette la 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.
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.
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. TAGS: spring cleaning your apartment, clean apartments in lafayette la, lafayette apartments, apartments in river ranch lafayette la When thinking about finding an apartment, it can be stressful, especially when you don’t know what you are looking for or how much you can afford. If this is your first-time apartment hunting, it may even be a little bit scary. Make your first move is all about organization. Below we have provided ten simple steps to help you find an apartment with confidence. 1) DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET Determining your budget is critical and will help you save time. Your contentment and security centers on getting this part right. If you decide on a place you can barely afford, you may not have money for entertainment and evenings out with friends. Inappropriate budgeting can hamper the initial excitement of moving into your first apartment and cause undue stress when trying to make ends meet; it isn’t healthy. Advisors recommend that rent should not exceed 30 percent of your income. When calculating 30% of your income, use your net income, the amount you deposit, not your gross income (gross income is your check before taxes, and other deductions are taken out). Better yet, following the 50-30-20 rule for budgeting allows you to spend 50% of your income on bills (this includes rent) and necessities, 30% on yourself (dinner out, a new outfit, etc.), and 20% on savings. When factoring the 50% include rent, utilities, car payments, insurance, and credit cards. Once you’ve determined the amount of rent you can comfortably afford, put it on paper, you want to commit it to memory, so you remind yourself not to go over that budget. It’s important because many first-time apartment shoppers find themselves caught up in looking at apartments they can’t afford. 2) KNOW YOUR CREDIT SCORE Your credit score can make or break your ability to rent. You can avoid surprises by knowing your credit score ahead of time. You can obtain a free credit report from annualcreditreport.com. This website is the official website for free credit reports. If you choose to use another source be wary of sites that ask for credit card information, it is best to avoid them. Knowing your credit score ahead of apartment shopping is important; if your credit is subpar, you can take steps to repair it, fix errors, or find a cosigner (usually a parent or guardian) before apartment hunting. 3) BUDGET FOR RENTERS INSURANCE Most first time renters fail to budget for this inexpensive way to protect their belongings. Depending on the dollar amount insured, the national average is around $15-$30 a month. Renter’s insurance covers your possessions if they are destroyed, damaged, or stolen in a covered event. Many policies cover hotel or temporary living costs if your rental is damaged and deemed uninhabitable. Renter’s insurance also provides liability protection and can cover visitor injury while in your apartment. Many apartment communities and rental property-owners require tenants to obtain renter's insurance. You may be able to save money by shopping and comparing rates, so shop now and budget for this valuable protection. If you already covered by renter’s insurance, you should let the insurance agent know you are planning to move as soon as possible. Your policy should transfer with you and will typically cover your new place up to 30 days after you drive in. Your insurance carrier will adjust premiums up or down to cover your new residence appropriately, you might need to make allowances for higher premiums. 4) DECIDED ON YOUR LOCATION Where would you like to live? Where you want to live seems like a straightforward question until you start thinking of the pros and cons of cities and neighborhoods. Do you need to be within walking distance to work? Do you envision a quiet neighborhood or prefer an urban neighborhood? Is commute time important to you? Will school districts be important? How far from family and friends do you want to be? Is access to nightlife and restaurants important to you? Not so straightforward when you uncover all your requirements. With internet access, you can get a handle on most of the questions you have. Find out about neighborhoods, view images of apartments, find amenities, school districts, and even plan your commute. By narrowing down your choices based on comparisons of locations, you will start to develop a sense of what is most important to you. For example, if school districts are not important, but a five-minute walk to work is, neighborhoods will quickly be eliminated. Now you can start nitpicking the remaining neighborhoods for items that fit your lifestyle and your budget. 5) MAKE A MUST-HAVE LIST OF AMENITIES Amenities are one of the chief reasons to rent, but sometimes they come at a cost. Unless you have a healthy budget or incredible luck, you are probably not going to find an apartment with all the features on your wish list. So, make a list of all the amenities you would like in an apartment: dog park, tennis court, swimming pool, 24-hour gym, granite countertops, wood floors, etc. then go back and put a check-mark next to the amenities you can’t live without. From those you’ve check-marked, choose the deal-breakers. For example, if you have a dog, then “dog-friendly” will be an absolute, while others might be less important. As you start your search, use the keywords you want in an apartment, for example, “1 bedroom apartments in Lafayette, LA that are pet-friendly”. The search engines will list websites that mention the keywords you provided in the results. 6: MAKE A LIST OF YOUR FAVORITES By this point, you should have a list of apartment communities with the essential amenities, in your price range and the location you want. Now, it’s time to compare the properties. Write down the pros and cons of each community. For the communities that have more negatives than positives, mark them off the list. By this time, you should have narrowed it down to three to five. 7) VERIFY AND SCHEDULE TOURS Now it is time to contact the property managers and confirm availability. This step is critical, especially in high occupancy areas where listings last less than a week, maybe even days. Apartments that were available when you started your search could be gone by the time you call. After verifying availability, schedule your tour. Do this for those apartments on your shortlist. While 3-D, virtual tours and pictures give you a fair understanding of the layout and features, but a tour will help you better understand the neighborhood, building’s arrangement, and actual size of the apartment. 8) GO ON TOURS! Schedule your walkthrough on the weekend. Most people work Monday – Friday, and you will really get a feel for what life at the community will be like on the weekend. This part is fun, stay alert, ask questions and take notes. During your walkthrough, take pictures with your phone. And do yourself a favor, don’t rent the first apartment you see! Even when apartments in the market you are in move quickly, visit at least three communities before making your decision. A few things to consider during your tours:
9) MAKE A DECISION & SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Equipped with notes and photos from your tours, it’s time to make a decision. You can enlist a family member or a friend or two to help you. It may help you keep perspective, and they may see something you missed. If you have narrowed it down to two communities, you might want to take your confidant with you for a final tour of the properties. When you have decided on the place you want, you can go by and submit your application, or in most cases, you can submit an online application. Follow up with a call to make sure the online application was received. You’ll likely incur an application fee, so have a credit card or form of payment handy. 10) AFTER THE APPLICATION PROCESS You should receive a call that your application was approved. Before you run out to sign the lease, ensure you have everything you need. You will generally need a paystub or bank statement for direct deposits, a photo ID, and your deposit. Be sure to read the lease, especially the section on terminating the agreement. Many apartment communities require a 60-day intent to vacate notice. Find out what leaving the property looks like, are you expected to fill the nail holes, clean the carpets, or paint the apartment? Know what you are liable for before you sign the lease! Whether it’s your first time leasing an apartment in Lafayette, Louisiana, or your 21st, it can be intimidating. Hopefully, our list of 10-steps can help you find the right door. TAGS: shopping for an apartment in lafayette la, short term leases in lafayette la, corporate leases in lafayette la, corporate housing lafayette la Whether it’s your first apartment or you are starting over in a new city, furnishing an entire apartment can be an expensive, if not overwhelming process. You may already have some idea of what you’d like your space to look and feel like, but your bank account is not quite ready to support your vision; we have a few solutions for that as well. The most common mistake is leaving the big purchases to the last minute. Planning for the essentials early affords you time to find, save, shop and possibly order what you really want. Thankfully, others have been where you are, made the mistakes and shared their valuable hindsight. Give yourself a 3-month lead, and in three easy steps, you’ll be on your way to first apartment heaven.
With the large and small essentials out of the way, you can relax on the finishing touches. Take your time finding the perfect wall art, accent tables, and other decorative touches. Give yourself time to curate accents that reflect your unique taste and personality. Better yet, if you or your friends are crafty or artsy, create a few one-of-a-kind pieces yourself. Below we offer a few nationwide locations for inspiration and fixer-upper finds. Keep in mind, you don’t need to start with all of the essentials at move-in, if you own a mattress, but don’t have a frame – furniture stores carry metal bed frames starting around $50, and platform bed frames can be ordered for about $100. Estate Sales Estate sales happen for a variety of reasons, downsizing, debt, divorce, or in some cases, the passing of a loved one. While most estate sales are run by professionals who know the value of the items being sold, occasionally you either find something that you feel is undervalued, or worth every penny they are asking for it, and you considered it a steal. Opening day at estate sales are very busy, many local antiquers, and even dealers, will visit hoping to score a treasure or two. You can expect to pay full price for the first and possible second day of an estate sale. By the third day, discounts usually ensue, if an item has not sold. You can expect prices to drop 25% on the second or third day, and 40 – 50% on the last day. If you find you have fallen in love with an item, you can ask the professional in charge to be placed on a sort of last call list. If the item has not sold when they are wrapping up the estate sale, the professional will start the call list for the remaining items. It helps if you establish a relationship with an estate sale professional. Flea Markets are Gold Mines Sometimes in the most literal sense, you are just as likely to walk away not having found anything as you are finding the perfect fixer-upper. But the sheer amount of creativity, ingenuity, and variety behind the vendors at open markets is hard to find. You never know what you’ll see, and it is probably different every time you go. For many of the vendors, this is a full-time job. Their time is spent acquiring and curating the best finds. It is possible you’ll find a seller that matches your taste to a tee, and you’ll find yourself visit them for years to come. The great thing about these small businesses, they are hunting for new items all the time. If you share the piece, treasure or concept you’re looking to execute, they might just be able to find it for you or point you in the right direction. Secondhand Stores Industry insiders refer to it as the resale industry. You may also hear it called goodwill hunting, consignment cruising and bargain hunting. Regardless of the name, you might be surprised that 1 out of 6 Americans goes thrifting a year. On the hunt for a good deal and perhaps you want to contribute to a good cause, you can find new and used clothing, shoes, electronics, washers, dryers, furniture and exercise equipment at thrift stores across the U.S. Research estimates there are around 18,000 reseller stores across the nation, bringing in revenues over $12 billion annually. Donations to these stores come from all walks of life. Often, they are the recipients of yard sale leftovers, emergency move-outs or relocation, estate sale leftovers or upgrades. Donators receive charitable donation receipts for the value of their gifts. There is really no telling what you might find at a thrift store. TV shows like Baggage Battles, American Pickers and Storage Wars publicize locating rare and valuable treasures in peculiar places. Thrift stores are among the hiding spaces of these items. Are you hunting apartments in Lafayette Louisiana? Do put Lafayette Gardens Apartments on your must-visit list. TAGS: decorating your first apartment in lafayette la, one bedroom apartments in lafayette la, apartments in lafayette la, one bedroom handicap apartments in lafayette la You've signed the lease on your new apartment in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now it's time to plan your big move. One of the first decisions you will need to make is whether you will move your belongings yourself or hire a professional. Do you have friends to help, will you need to rent a truck or can you manage the move in a few loads in the back of your truck? If you choose to enlist a moving service, you should know there are a variety of moving services available. Services range from helping you move your heavy pieces, to boxing up and moving everything you own. If you have decided hiring movers is your best option, consider the following tips. 1. READ REVIEWS, TESTIMONIALS & GET REFERRALS. The best advice is to ask people in your circle for a referral. Friends who have made a move in the last year or so have first-hand experience and are the best source of referrals. Ask if they recommend that particular moving company or service? Either way, good or bad, their response will help you narrow down your options. After you have a list, consult online review resources such as Yelp, Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, or Google to check client reviews and testimonials. 2. RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS. After you’ve read a sufficient number of reviews, check the potential moving companies’ websites. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints or if they have recently had a business change of name. Check several movers websites to better understand the going rates for the different services you are considering for your move. You will need to schedule an estimate to get the exact cost of your move, but it will be helpful in deciding if you want or can afford this service before you call the company. 3. DECIDE WHO’S PACKING. Predetermine whether you will be packing your belongings or if you need the moving service you hire to do it. Whether you do it yourself or enlist the moving company, be prepared to purchase or pay for packing supplies. These small items can add up, so be sure to ask for details when getting a quote. 4. DETERMINE THE SERVICES YOU NEED. What kind of help do you need? Are you seeking a few extra hands to assist you while you move your belongings, or would you prefer a white-glove full-service move, where the company comes in, packs your belongings, transports them, and unloads and places them for you? Keep in mind that the more detailed the service, the more costly it will be. 5. OBTAIN ESTIMATES FROM SEVERAL MOVING COMPANIES. Reach out to your top moving service choices to determine a baseline on charges. A few companies might be willing to negotiate if you mention a competitor quoted a competitive rate for the same move. 6. KNOW WHAT TO ASK WHEN HIRING A MOVING COMPANY. Make a list of questions you want to ask each potential moving company. Below are a few sample questions you might consider asking:
7. EVALUATE YOUR ESTIMATES. When you’re comparing quotes, don't only look at the bottom dollar. Consider which company offers the best value for the services provided. Also, look at which company inspired the most trust. It's worth a few extra dollars if you feel you can trust one more than the other. 8. BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING RED FLAGS. The following situations may give you pause when hiring a company: The require payment in full before performing any services. Online reviews are primarily negative. They are not insured and licensed. 9. BE PREPARED ON MOVING DAY. If you are renting a truck and hiring movers to help move heavy items, ensure your moving truck is ready to go before the movers arrive on moving day. If you are packing the items yourself, the same consideration applies. You really don’t want to scramble, packing last-minute boxes while the movers are emptying your apartment. Moving will be stressful enough— be prepared. Hiring movers to help with your move to your new apartments in Lafayette, Louisiana can provide much-needed relief during the moving process. A reputable moving company can ensure you stay focused and provide efficiency on your big day. TAGS: is a moving company necessary for an apartment, 1 bedroom apartments lafayette la, 1 bedroom corporate leases lafayette la, 1 bedroom corporate apartments lafayette la, 1 bedroom handicap apartments lafayette la Apartment hunting in any city can be a formidable task, but when you are searching for one out of state, it presents a whole new set of challenges. No matter your reason for the move, we found a few tips that can help make you go a little smoother. IF POSSIBLE, VISIT YOUR NEW STATE AHEAD OF TIME If your schedule permits, it’s advised to visit your new city ahead of time. Getting a feel and the vibe of your new city and potential apartment in-person is the best way to start your search. If you are fortunate and have a company relocation package, they may provide you with temporary housing while you’re visiting. If not, visiting your new city will afford you the opportunity to visit different areas in relation to your new job or school. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH Today, information is readily available via the internet. Most reputable apartment communities have websites that offer images of their grounds and apartments, along with amenities and special features. And with Google Maps, you can research the area to get a feel for local features, hangouts, shopping, neighborhood groceries and other points of interest. SEEK LOCAL HELP Many times, the university or your HR department can shed light on relocation. Check with these sources first, usually, someone there will have the inside scoop on popular neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Consider reaching out to the leasing agents at apartment communities. Often, they can share distance to the school or business that brings you to the city and possible benefits or hindrances of their location. It’s their job to stay informed on the area, so be sure to ask questions. SEEK OUT VIRTUAL TOURS Most apartment communities are going to share their best images on their website. But the more tech-savvy apartment communities are jumping on board with 3D touring. This technology gives a more accurate depiction of your new living arrangements and is considered the next best thing to a live tour. BE AWARE OF THE LOCAL MARKET While we all like to shop around to find the best bang for our buck, keep in mind the rental market of your new city. College and large cities often have a high demand for temporary housing arrangements. The earlier you start looking, the better, and if you find something you like, you need to act quickly or could end up missing out. FOCUS ON LOCATION Finding an apartment near your employer or school would be great and relieve you of the stress associated with learning your new city's layout. But occasionally, where you are employed or go to school may be in high demand area and out of budget. If this turns out to be the case, look for alternatives that are close to public transit or near the interstate just outside of your desired area. BE READY WITH A SECURITY DEPOSIT If you are relocating for work, your deadline may be out of your control. Make sure you have a security deposit ready when you start looking. While you are at it, have your references and bank statements available as well. It would be very disappointing to miss an opportunity for a lack of preparation. MONEY MATTERS For students and fist time renters, take time to understand the full cost of renting. Most apartment managers can share the average utility bill for a 1-bedroom apartment. But you need to factor in groceries, transportation, internet/cable and possibly renters insurance. Be sure that the apartment you are considering works well within your budget. Also, keep in mind that your credit score plays a role in your approval to rent. If you have not established credit, now is a good time to do so. If your credit score is low, consider taking steps to improve your score. Most local banks can help you understand the steps you need to take to establish or clean up your credit. HONESTY REALLY IS THE BEST POLICY If you are honest with the property manager about your credit situation, you might find they have a little wiggle room or discretion in this matter and can offer solutions to help you secure your first apartment. Apartment hunting can be stressful, especially when you are out of town or state. Our friendly property managers are here to help If you are looking for apartments for rent in Lafayette,LA be sure to stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments to take a tour or call to schedule your virtual tour. TAGS: out of town apartment hunting, apartment virtual tours, relocation specialist, short term apartments in lafayette la, corporate apartments in lafayette la, corporate housing in lafayette la, Halloween just over a month away, what better way to get you and your Apartments in Lafayette Louisiana into the spirit than to do some fun Halloween Kids Crafts? With so many fun ideas we thought we would share a few of our favorites with you. Spooky spiders top our list. Spider Handprint Supplies you need to make this Spider Handprint
Paper Spider Supplies you need to make the Paper Spider.
Craft Stick Spider Webs Supplies you’ll need to make Craft Stick Spider Webs.
Any of the crafts we described above can be scaled by using larger craft supplies. Are you looking for a fun and inviting, family-friendly apartments in Lafayette, La? Stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments and take a tour. TAGS: homemade halloween decorations, family fun, 2 bedroom handicap apartments in lafayette la, 3 bedroom handicap apartments in lafayette la Moving to a new apartment in Lafayette, La is undoubtedly exciting, but it can also be expensive and stressful, especially when you factor in expenses such as packing materials, movers, materials, rental truck, and gas. Cost to move can creep into the hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars. If you are planning a move soon, don't break the bank in the process? A little planning and creativity can help, here are 5 ways to help reduce costs and keep a rein on your moving expenses: 1. Shop Around or a Moving Company Moving companies can charge hundreds of dollars for local moves, and extra for gas, mileage and unusually large items such as pianos and oversized armoirs. If you are hiring a professional moving company, shop vendors first. Get prices from a minimum of three movers, and inquire about line-item charges. Examples of line item charges are, does the quote include the truck, all protective materials, gas, mileage and furniture regardless of size? Does it include insurance coverage in case of damage to your belongings? If not, you will want to find out if your homeowners or renters insurance will cover it, or if you will need to purchase an insurance policy separately. You might also consider using a local “mom and pop” moving team or local freelance labor. While these options may be more cost-effective, they may come at a cost. They may lack protective tools, insurance, and experience to guarantee a damage-free move. Another consideration to reduce your expenses is to schedule your move in the winter or fall. Summer is typically a busy time for movers, and an offseason move when demand for professional movers is low might make their bidding more competitive. Moving during the middle of the week can also affect rates, as most working people move over the weekend. A professional moving company will typically give you a better deal if you move during low-demand days to fill their schedule. If you have a flexible schedule, it may be worth exploring these options. Pro tip: Consider checking consumer reviews of the businesses you have narrowed it down to. Before hiring movers, look at their reviews to gauge their track record with other customers, this can also verify that the company is legitimate. Keep in mind that customers who are unhappy are seven times more likely to leave a review than those who have had a good experience. That is because we expect good service and usually require an exceptional experience to write a good review. 2. Consider a DIY Move Depending on your schedule, how much you have to move, and how heavy your items are, you might consider forgoing a moving service altogether. If your belongings can be managed without the assistance of professionals, consider asking family members and friends. You might be able to pull off the move with the promise of a pizza party or a home-cooked meal in your new abode in exchange for their help. If you have larger items, you can rent a small truck for a few hours. Do not forget to fill up the tank before you return the vehicle, as truck rental services charge a premium to fill it up when you return it with less than a full tank. Pro tip: Plan your move during off-hours. Rush hour and stop-and-go traffic can drive up your gas costs as well as delay your move. 3. Only Move What You Need Humans have a habit of collecting things. Making a move is a great time to pare down your belongings. Consider selling, donating or throwing away any items you no longer need, use, or have plans to use in the near future. This can reduce your load and costs to move. Additionally, selling some of your unwanted items can offset your moving costs, or can be used to decorate your new place. Below are a few options for downsizing your home before you move:
Purchasing bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and boxes can get expensive. Instead of buying these items, consider a more creative approach by using items you already own. Towels, sheets, and blankets work great as packing materials, and they need to be pack anyway. Also consider using luggage, duffel bags and backpacks in lieu of boxes. Once you run out of these items, try some of the following resources for low-cost or free boxes:
Pro tip: If you are planning a move, start saving paper and plastic bags from your shopping trips. These make excellent packing materials for fragile items. 5. Track Your Expenses If you are making a move for employment, or are restationed for the military, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses on your tax returns. To qualify, you will need to be moving due to a permanent change of station. If eligible, you may be able to deduct the costs of moving, storage, travel, lodging and other expenses you incurred during the move. Pro tip: Keep a detailed record cost associated with moving. Save all invoices and receipts until tax season rolls around. At Lafayette Gardens Apartments in Lafayette La we care about our resident, if you should need any assistance please reach out to our office. We can help provide referrals to local contractors and other moving resources. TAGS: moving on a budget, budget friendly apartments in lafayette la, specials on 2 bedroom apartments in lafayette la, specials on 3 bedroom apartments lafayette la |
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Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday - Closed |
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