 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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 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 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, Summer has been fun at our apartment community in Lafayette, La. But now it’s time to think of the school year ahead, so we’ve compiled a few tips from the pros below on how to smooth the transition — wishing our residents and students a successful school year. Back to school fills children with excitement and a little of the first day jitters, while parents are consumed with thoughts of “Have I prepared enough?” To help remove these thoughts and get you and your children prepared for the school year, all you need is a little planning and organization. Here’s a list of proven back to school tips to get you started on the right foot. 1. Sleep routine - get back into it. To help ease the stressful school mornings, restart a regular bedtime and morning time routine. Start your usual school sleep routine a week or two before school starts. 2. Start shopping for school supplies together. Entering a new grade is exciting and a little scary. When shopping, allow them to pick out their lunchbox, backpack, etc. Set a budget and share with them how much they can spend on these items, so it doesn’t stress you out. This is an excellent way to teach them about money and gives them a little bit of responsibility too! 3. Re-establish school year routines. Start setting the alarm and have them wake up at the same time every day and eat breakfast at the same time they would before or at school. Now would be an excellent time to have them start reading a book in the afternoon, preparing them for their homework routine. 4. Speaking of homework, set up a homework station. Talk with your child about a designated time and space where they can do homework. Depending on your child’s ability to finish homework without help, consider a time and place where you are available in case your child needs assistance. 5. Prepare for the unpredictable. As working parents can attest, it can be challenging to find a last-minute sitter when your child is sick. Now is a good time to start lining up sitter on the off chance you get a call from the school that your child is ill. 6. Create your after-school game plan. If both parents work, where will your child go after school? Depending on the age of your child, will they attend an after-school program, stay at a neighbor’s or will they be allowed to stay home by themselves? This helps eliminate confusion during the already crazy first weeks. If they will stay at home alone, go over house rules, safety concerns and what to do in case of an emergency. 7. They are not going to like this one. Turn off the video games and TV. It’s going to feel like you are cutting their summer short, however two weeks before school starts is a good time to start weaning the electronics. Shock sets in when they realize that six to eight hours of their day will be spent learning and not gaming or binge-watching favorite shows. Ease your child back into the learning process by limiting the electrics and encouraging them to read or play quietly. 8. Go over school materials and information. Most schools provide a packet online or via email with a ton of information on your child’s teacher, important dates, emergency forms, and transportation arrangements. Jot down important dates on your calendar or put them in your phone. 9. Get organized. Perhaps you remember, back to school means lots of paperwork that can consume the counters in your home. Designate a spot in your home for permission slips, upcoming projects and any other school-related papers. This can help eliminate surprises like last-minute runs to school to sign paperwork and midnight Target, Walmart or Dollar Store runs for project supplies. 10. Summer is also a good time to get your child’s yearly checkup. Germs and school are synonymous, so getting your child’s well checkup in before school starts is optimal. It allows for a baseline when you do have to bring them in for something more severe and you can also take care of any required vaccinations. While a smooth transition is not guaranteed, these tips are likely to take the edge off the rocky start. If you are looking for a new apartment in Lafayette, Louisiana, stop by Lafayette Gardens Apartments and take advantage of our back to school promotions. TAGS: back to school checklist, transitioning from summer to school, three bedroom apartments in lafayette la, back to school apartment specials lafayette la, move-in special lafayette louisiana Easter weekend, graduations, weddings, and Spring Break are all times when friends and family come to visit. When you are hosting family, how do you make them feel at home when they are away from their primary residence? Practice what hotel staff calls radical hospitality. It goes beyond just a place to lay their heads for a few nights. Start with these radical helpful hospitality hints to make visitors feel right at home! Clean, clean, clean: Clean the bathroom, guest room or area where they will be sleeping. Provide plenty of clean towels, sheets, and even common cleaning products for their use. House secrets: If you know them well enough and can trust them with this information, give your guests a spare set of keys, the alarm combination, and your WIFI password. That way they don’t have to ask if they like to go out for an early morning run, cannot sleep and want to stream a favorite sitcom or need a breath of fresh air without disturbing you. Packets of information: Leave your guests a packet of information about local attractions, restaurants, shopping, special events, and history. You can pick up packets at local tourist bureaus, chamber of commerce offices, and even churches. Your guests may not want to be dependent on you for information so make it easy for them to explore the area you call home. Snack Attack: Leave a selection of beverages, fruit, crackers, water, cheeses, and juice that can be eaten without preparation at their fingertips. Even better, make a quick trip with them to the local store after a brief menu planning for the days they will be in town. That way, they can select things they truly enjoy and let you know of any allergies or dietary constrictions they have to observe. It’s in the details: Fresh flowers on the bedside table, a pair of slippers or flip flops they can wear and bring home with them, a few extra pillows and blankets, and their favorite DVDs at the ready are all special touches that will make a guest feel extra special. See if you have what you need: Go through your routine as if you are the guest at your house. Anything you can anticipate needing if you were visiting someone, provide it for them. A toiletry kit with toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, razors, lotion, tissues, air freshener, and even a small candle is a fabulous touch. Even bottles of water or a pitcher and glass is welcome at the bedside so they don’t have to venture into dark rooms in a strange place. Consider the kids: If your guests have children, make certain you have kid-friendly entertainment for them. Games, coloring books, small toys, and healthy snacks easily win the parents hearts because you were thoughtful enough to include special things for the kids. Be really radical and take the kids to the park or zoo and give parents some relaxing time after traveling to join you. Regardless of the reason you welcome guests, if you practice radical hospitality, everyone will have a great experience. Lafayette Garden Apartments is in the business of radical hospitality, offering both short and long term corporate leases in Lafayette, La. Amenities offered are many and include two 24-hour fitness centers, alarm systems, and fully supplied and furnished units. Take a tour today! TAGS: radical hospitality, apartments with community amenities lafayette la, apartments with garage lafayette la, |
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