aptsherpa

Renting a new apartment can be a financially draining experience. Referral fees, moving costs (boxes, moving truck), furniture and decorations all add to the cost of the move. However, some states offer a way to reduce those costs in the form a surety bond. A surety bond is an alternative to a security deposit — you pay a small upfront premium, often as little 10-15% of an equivalent security deposit. Depending on your financial resources, these bonds may be a good solution for you. Here are some ways to determine if they’re right for you.

aptsherpa

 · Feb 26, 2007

Whether you’ve just moved into a new apartment, or are feeling a sudden rush of sociability, there are plenty of ways to get to know your neighbors. Some ways take planning and work, and others are as simple as saying “hi” in the elevator. Whatever your level of motivation, there’s a way that can work for you. Here are a few simple ideas to meet your neighbors, and possibly make some friends in the process.

aptsherpa

 · Feb 19, 2007

One of the challenges of living in a small apartment is finding enough space to store all of your things. If moving to a bigger place or renting a storage space aren’t options, you’ll have to find existing space in the apartment you have now. Here are some hidden storage spaces you may not have considered:

aptsherpa

 · Feb 12, 2007

When it comes to apartment decorating, the kitchen is often the most neglected space. Most apartment kitchens are small, packed tight with appliances, pots, pans and dishes. While your kitchen may seem too cramped and crowded to have space for any decorative additions, it is probably the room where your family and friends spend the most time, congregating around the food. Doesn’t it deserve a little decorative attention? Thanks to inexpensive home stores like Ikea and Target, it is easier than ever to find items that will help you maximize storage space and create new space in your kitchen. Read on for kitchen decorating ideas that will help you organize your belongings and make your space feel more inviting.

aptsherpa

 · Feb 5, 2007

You may think your apartment is small, but once you need to move you’ll discover how much stuff you were able to fit in it- a lot! While packing an apartment may not be fun, it doesn’t have to be difficult. These tips for packing will help make your move as smooth as possible.

aptsherpa

 · Jan 29, 2007

California "Notice to Quit" Requirements Change:

As of January 1st, 2007, new legislation has changed “notice to quit” requirements for California landlords. A notice to quit is a formal notice ending the rental agreement or a request that the tenant relinquish the rental property to the landlord. The new legislation requires landlords to give tenants a 60-day notice to quit, rather than the former 30-day notice requirement. The law only applies when the lease term is month-to-month and the tenant has rented the property for a year or more. If you are a California renter, keep these facts in mind:

aptsherpa

 · Jan 22, 2007

As the temperature drops, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of the new year and forget about the needs of our most important non-human friends, our pets. City pets face special challenges in winter, but it’s easy to avoid problems with a little consideration and extra preparation. Read on for our top ten tips for keeping your pet safe in the winter.

aptsherpa

 · Jan 15, 2007

Of the many things apartment dwellers lust for, a backyard is at the top of the list. If you are lucky enough to live in an apartment with a yard or patio, you may be able to grow a garden in part of the space. Garden growing in the city is not as hard as it sounds. With some basic supplies and a little hard work, you can grow an assortment of vegetables in your own urban backyard. We know it’s winter, but it’s not too soon to plan for spring. Before making any purchases, you’ll need to consider some of the following things.

aptsherpa

 · Jan 8, 2007

At one time or another, all of us have caught a glimpse of a stranger inside of his or her apartment. We’ve seen them in their kitchens as we walk down the street, or looked up at the flickering blue lights of a basketball game playing on their living room TV. If you live in a large apartment complex or on a densely populated street, you may frequently see the same neighbor in his apartment before he pulls down the shade at night.

aptsherpa

 · Jan 1, 2007

With the New Year quickly approaching, many of us will make a resolution to get organized next year. In small apartments, closet organization is crucial. An organized closet can help prevent clutter from creeping into and engulfing the rest of your apartment. While it may sound about as pleasant as a root canal, creating organized closet systems is easy with the help of some simple, inexpensive tools and a free afternoon.

aptsherpa

 · Dec 18, 2006