 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
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 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 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 Apartment hunting can be an overwhelming task with all the options available for apartments in Lafayette, La. But fear not, especially when it comes to selecting the amenities you need. We have created a list of the top attributes most shoppers look for when seeking a place to call home. In Apartments Amenities Consider the amount of time you will be spending in your new apartment home. If you are a homebody, in-unit amenities are essential, as they can help make life easier and save money and time. But not all amenities have equal importance. Below are those that really matter: 1) In-apartment Appliances A few essential appliances - a stove for cooking and an oven for baking. If you are like most renters you will need a range for most meals. Or maybe you are an order-out-every-night type of person, and you only need a microwave for the occasional soup or leftovers. Dishwashers while convenient are not an absolute necessity if you don't cook. 2) Laundry Machines In-apartment laundry machines also have renters split. Some renters won't consider renting a unit that doesn't have washer and dryer hookups, while others are fine towing their laundry to a shared onsite facility. Find out if the community you are considering has onsite washateria or if you need to venture out of the complex to wash your clothing. 3) Furnished Units For renters who are from out of town, or on short term job assignment, a furnished apartment might be a nice convenience, but these units usually come at a significantly higher rate. You should only consider furnished units if you are not planning on staying in the apartment for long. If you’re moving to a city for an internship or summer job this might be the right option. 4) Pet-Friendly Units For those with pets, this is a necessary requirement, as not all properties accept pets. Keep in mind, most pet-friendly apartments require pet deposits, and in some cities, they require pet rent on top of the unit rent price. Some renters choose apartments that aren’t pet-friendly for a variety of reasons, allergies, peace and quiet, or fear of animals. Just keep in mind, if you choose a complex that is not pet-friendly, the chances of them changing their no pet policy for your new fur baby are not in your favor. 5) Private Outdoor Space Private outdoor space typically means a balcony accessible from within the apartment. Having a private space to enjoy your morning coffee, grill or simply relax is excellent, but usually comes at a premium. Consider the amount of time you will use the balcony and then compare the prices of units without this amenity. Community Amenities Having covered inside rental amenities, below are a few community amenities to consider when apartment hunting. 1) Parking While less of a problem in Lafayette, larger cities often do not offer parking with their rental. Not many people care for street parking. it can be time-consuming to find a spot and frustrating when you can't. Then on top of that, it leaves your vehicle exposed to theft or damage. In Lafayette, most complexes have onsite parking, but covered parking may come at a premium. 2) Security Measures Apartment communities that take extra security measures might be worth slightly higher rent. Features like security gates with changing passcodes, double or triple locks on the units, on-site security guard, and security cameras deter criminal activity while offering an additional level of protection. 3) Outdoor Spaces & Swimming Pools Outdoor spaces are great, especially if you have children and pets. Pet parks designated for your fur babies offer a place for recreation and exercise and most pet parents prefer a designated area to walk their pets. Other amenities receive much less use. Swimming pools on site are a great example. Great idea, but surveys suggest that not many individuals use them with regularity, if at all. 4) Fitness Centers Community fitness centers can be an excellent feature, and many offer a variety of equipment. But if you're a true fitness buff the chances of an apartment community having all that you need is not likely. 5) Elevators In the south, many don't think of elevators as a vital amenity, and with the exception of moving day most would rather walk a flight of stairs rather than wait for the elevator to return to the floor they need. If however, you live on the 4th floor, are recovering from an injury or your senior years are catching up with you, this could be a deal breaker. Location of the elevator may also play a role in your choice of communities. Every tenant and their lifestyle is unique, and while some may not care about a fitness center, you might workout to relieve the days stress nightly. An electric range may work just fine for the occasional homecooked meal, while a gas stovetop is preferred for a chef or someone who loves to cook. While we have listed the most commonly advertised amenities, you should make a list of what you want out of the apartment communities in lafayette la. and compare the various communities amenities. TAGS: Amenities that make an apartment community desirable, apartments with basketball court in lafayette la, apartments with fitness centers in lafayette la, apartments with tanning beds lafayette la, apartments with a car care center in lafayette la College students headed to life away from home for the first time may fair better in an apartment community with the amenities and privacy of home, than in living in a dormitory. Consider the following when looking for college freshman living accommodations in Lafayette, Louisiana. Freedom: while rules and regulations lend themselves to a civil society, dorms life comes with many more restrictions than an apartment does. The ability to welcome guests without someone watching over your shoulder, like a resident assistant or advisor would, is one such freedom. Also, having control over your roommate selection is a welcome advantage to apartment living. There will still be rules that the college student will have to observe, like paying your rent on time, keeping the noise level down, and avoiding anything illegal on the premises that risk eviction. Many would argue that living without an RA (resident advisor) builds maturity more rapidly. Space: A dorm room, well, is a room. No private full bath, well-equipped kitchen, or separate study space exists. An apartment that comes with an appliance equipped kitchen will save many a trip to the dining hall with limited offerings and hours. Imagine your late-night study sessions not having to be interrupted for coffee runs or trips for snacks. Your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator can be well-stocked accommodating special diet needs. Having a private bathroom is a wonderful plus when it comes to health and hygiene needs. Rather than having to share facilities and tote your toiletries down the hall, an apartment allows privacy. Having your own private bath stocked with your personal items is a small luxury for the first-year college student. Parking spaces come with most leases at an apartment complex. Campus parking at the dormitories can be limited and further away from some buildings than most apartment complexes in the Acadiana area. If you have a vehicle and visitors with cars, the ability to park in designated areas within a well-lit gated community is a considerable safety advantage. Finances: Dormitories may cost more in the long run. Consider meal plans and having to move to another room at the end of a term may end up costing more in time and effort than renting an off-campus apartment. Additionally, establishing a great renting history at an early age is another advantage of renting an apartment off-campus. You will have established credit and rental history before holding your first professional job. The ability to stay year-round and not leave for holiday breaks is an advantage students don’t always think of when deciding where they will live while earning their degree. 24-hour fitness centers, high-speed internet connections, and nearby shopping, entertainment, churches, and restaurants that come with leasing at Lafayette Gardens Apartment makes economic sense. Looking for a place to live minutes from campus in Lafayette? Tour Lafayette Garden Apartments in Lafayette, La and ask about student move-in specials. TAGS: dorm alternatives in lafayette la, college apartments lafayette la, apartments that accept college students in lafayette la, university of lafayette student living arrangements in lafayette la |
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