Have You Made a Checklist for Your New Apartment?
Spring is coming and we often find many looking to move! Warmer weather, graduating college, or even job relocation may be a few of the reasons you’re searching. For those of you who have found your new home, have you taken time to make a list of apartment essentials? Don’t worry, we are here to help!
Now might be the right time to think about moving on from those raggedy towels and the Spaghettio-stained Tupperware. Let’s take some time to look at furniture, kitchenware, and cleaning materials. First, we will start with what one may consider, a top priority. Have you purchased a new television and entertainment center, yet? After a long day at work, you will want to come home and stream “Stranger Things” on your 4K Ultra Flat Screen. Get to it! With a new television comes an entertainment center, a comfy couch, and a coffee table. These items don’t have to be top-level luxury, rather they are a way for residents to express themselves as they choose. If you plan to have friends and family over for the big game, you’ll need somewhere for them to sit. Enter in the addition of a couch. A coffee table may not be a necessity but having somewhere to place drinks and snacks prevents guests from going back and forth from the kitchen and getting in the way of the next Super Bowl touchdown. Don’t forget coasters to preserve your new table. Most property management companies have floor plans to provide, helping you determine which pieces will or will not fit in your new apartment. Ask your new property manager before move-in and get ahead. If you are living in the Downtown Cedar Rapids area and want to support a local company, consider stopping at Bills Bros. Furniture – www.billsbros.com and check out their current deals! If you are looking for short-term rentals, visit http://ezfurniturerentals.com/.
Did we mention moving on from that old Tupperware? Most department or retail stores have starter kits with pots, pans, dishes, glasses, & utensils. Matching sets can be found almost anywhere making for a sleek new look. Are you a fan of blue, green, yellow, orange, or even brown? You should be able to find this. At most of our Q4 Real Estate rentals, space is allotted for barstools around the kitchen table. Two or three inexpensive chairs provide a chance to eat breakfast, work from your computer, or host guests. I think almost all of us have heard of Amazon. If you are in a rushed transition and need apartment essentials, visit www.Amazon.com where you can have deliveries forwarded to your new address ahead of time.
We shouldn’t forget to mention some of the smaller items such as storage materials and cleaning supplies. Pickup a Swiffer for your LVT or tile flooring, countertop polish for your granite or quartz surfaces, dish soap, toilet paper & trash bags/trash can. Often, apartments will have closet space where you may store coats, shoes, etc. Consider getting a stepping stool so that you may store additional items up above in out of reach spaces. Upkeep is important not only for your time while leasing, but also when you move-out and your prior unit is inspected. Maximize your security deposit return by taking time each week to do some light cleaning.
What is your style? Do you enjoy hanging posters of your favorite sports icon, vintage paintings, or photos of loved ones? Either way, purchase some command hooks and get these beautiful additions hung up to minimize wall damage, and feel right at home.
Take a look at this pre-made checklist by Updater – https://www.updater.com/moving-tips/first-apartment-checklist. As you settle in, take advantage of this information and turn your apartment space into your own special home. If you would like additional information, reach out to us at 319-294-3339!
*Photo Courtesy of Updater*
