How to Deal With Noisy Apartment Neighbors in College

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 Noisy neighbors are one of the most common complaints about apartment living. While it can be a problem in nearly any apartment, it is an especially big problem in college. Simply put, college students, on average, and the lifestyle that goes along with college can be very loud. Luckily, there are several things that you can do to deal with noisy neighbors on your own.

1. Understand the rules. The simple fact of the matter is that you have to be understanding of your noisy neighbors while you are in college. College apartments are generally not as nice and walls not nearly as soundproofed, so your early bedtime might need to be pushed slightly back. However, it is also important to understand your apartment building’s noise rules such as when the quiet hours are. Generally these hours are from around 11 pm to 9 am. If there is noise during these hours, you have reason to be mad.

2. Meet your neighbors. A good preventative measure for noisy neighbors is to actually meet your neighbors before they start being noisy, such as right when you first move in. When your neighbors can put a name and a face to you, they just might be a little more careful with their level of sound.

3. Try toughing it out. If your neighbors are the kind who are silent as mice during the week and loud on the weekend, then it might be worth it to try and tough the noise out. Try out a pair of good earplugs and see if that helps. If the noise is still unbearable through the ear plugs, then you have more than enough of a reason to go over for a talk.

4. Talk to your neighbors. If your neighbors have been creating too much noise or being noisy at too late of hours, it is important that you go and talk to them. Simply telling them what your problem is and suggesting a solution (such as asking them to be quiet after midnight) is a great way to go. It’s best to approach them in a friendly manner rather than a mean, angry, and menacing one.

5. Write a letter. If things keep up and your college neighbors are still keeping you awake, then you should write them a formal letter addressing your problems. Yeah, it’s formal, and it might feel goofy, but getting a letter in the mail can be all it takes for many people to quiet down. Furthermore, a written letter will serve as evidence of excessive noise if you do need to contact your landlord.

6. Keep a journal and contact your landlord. If all else fails, contact your landlord. They will be able to issue an official warning to your neighbors. It is a good idea to keep a journal of all the hours in which your neighbors are excessively loud to offer as proof to your landlord.
It can definitely be a bummer but sometimes college apartment living can just be plain noisy. The six tips above are all ways that you can deal with neighbor noise.

via WilliamPaid

6 Useful Tips to Help Decorate Apartment Spaces

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It is one thing trying to decorate your own new home and a whole different ball game when you are trying to move into an apartment you rented and wish to alter it to suit your personal style and needs. There are many constraints that will dictate terms to the way you can move forward and decorate your new apartment.

It is often a walk on the fine line that separates what you are allowed to alter and what you would like to alter. The art is in understanding how you can push that line a bit beyond the acceptable limits without inviting serious repercussions. So, are you set to start decorating your new apartment space?

Here are a few tips.

Check with your landlord and change stuff that is acceptable

Never alter something beyond the point of ‘no return’- this is the simplest principle and the most important rule that you need to keep in mind before getting started with your apartment decoration. Obtain the required permission from your landlord and proceed accordingly. Most often, it is safe to assume that you will not be allowed to drill extra holes, throw away existing stuff and paint the home beyond recognition.

Sync with the existing apartment look
If you can’t change the style, then go with it and enhance it by adding your own unique perspective. If you can re-paint or use wallpaper to alter the walls, then it will allow you to be more creative. If not, then you need not worry too much as most apartments use light shades and hence most of your existing furniture will go well with it.

Unique accessories add life
No one can stop you from putting up cool looking vases, artwork that will steal the show and photographs that will turn the bland walls into living companions that bring back old memories. Hence feel free to go to the nearest store and accessorize the way you see fit. There is always room or stuff like wicker baskets and candles that add to the warm and friendly look.

Lighting patterns and removable fittings

Some parts of the apartment that exist – lamps or lampshades for example, can be replaced using stuff that you like. You can create your own lighting pattern for the room as it helps you add a new look to your apartment. Lighting is an essential aspect that can completely alter the look of an existing space. Modern lighting options are so vast that you can always find something really beautiful I a pattern you love.

Put up movable and temporary partitions

You cannot alter the existing walls in the house, but you can create your own new ones by putting up temporary walls in the apartment. These are easy to find, simple to put up and will not damage the the structure in any way. Once you wish to move, carrying them with you will be convenient and easy. By doing this you can add a new room and create a new look that you want.

Store everything you removed carefully

This might sound silly, but if you forget to store all the things you removed to put up your own fittings, then on the day you move, you will be forced to reach deep into your pocket to pay cash for no reason. Never throw away anything you change and always replace them when you intend to move on.

Turning an apartment into your home is not as difficult as it might appear and is not as trouble-ridden as many will have you believe. With modern urban life and its demanding needs along with the premium that space is becoming in today’s world, apartments are home to millions across the globe.
Following these tips will only make it feel more like your own.

via Freshome.com

How Not To Be "That" Roommate

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As a college student, one of the biggest adjustments you’ll ever have to make is learning to live with other people. I went into my freshmen year thinking that living with a roommate would be a breeze because I grew up living with two rowdy brothers. Boy was I wrong. Roommate horror stories are pretty common, and I’ve had a few of my own. To ensure that you’re not that awful roommate everyone talks about, follow some of these tips I’ve provided.

Be honest from the beginning 

Do you hate when people snore? Are you a neat freak? Need absolute silence when you study ? Let your roommate(s) know about your preferences and quirks immediately. Upfront communication is one of the best ways to solve problems before they become real problems. Setting boundaries and understanding each others flaws will help build a lasting relationship.

Respect your roommate’s stuff 

Don’t borrow, use, or take any of their belongings without asking permission first. I can’t emphasis this enough. Even if you don’t think they will mind, it’s respectful to always ask first. This tip is especially true for girls. I’ve learned from experience that nothing is worse than looking in your closest and realizing one of your favorite shirts is missing.

Do your dishes 

Dishes left in the sink is one of my biggest pet peeves. The apartment I’m currently living in has one of the worlds worst dishwashers and because it hardly ever works, my roommates and I have to resort to hand washing all our dishes. I’m sure you can guess why this has become an issue. I couldn’t count how many times I’ve heard myself and my roommates say, “I’ll clean my dishes tonight, I promise.” There are days when I swear the dishes are piled to the ceiling. And not mention they smell horrible. So try and make a serious effort. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to clean your dishes as you use them instead of waiting to clean a bunch of them at the same time.

Keep your area clean 

Similar to the last tip, this one is just as important. It may seem that one of the joys of college is your mom isn’t there to yell at you to clean your room, but I’ve learned that this can be both a blessing and a curse. If you’re a neat freak you don’t need to worry about this tip, but what should you do if your roommate is messy? After doing some research I found a great website that provides a list of the top ten ways to help keep your dorm room clean. Maybe you could explain to your roommate you prefer a clean space and show them this list? Three years later and I’m still trying to figure out how to handle this.

via BethanyGuideToCollege.Wordpress.com

Easy DIY Wallpaper Paneling for Rental Apartment or Home

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If you're interested in how to panel for rental apartments, check this video out. This is definitely a useful DIY, and something that you should check out if you have a rental space!

Inexpensive Apartment Decorating Ideas

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At our apartments in West Columbia, SC spring is here! The warmer weather has made many of us want to bring light and airiness into our apartments.  Do you want to do some spring renewal redecorating in your apartment home? Here are some suggestions that will not break the bank.

Fresh paint-  For under $100 you can dramatically change any room’s appearance with paint and a few basic supplies. Pulling a vibrant color from a room’s patterned upholstery or rug and putting it on the walls can have a dramatic effect.

Throw rugs -  Roll up or throw down a rug as the seasons change. A soft area rug could really pull all the colors together in a room, and reduce echoes from hardwoods and tile.

Add throw pillows and place mats -  Fabric can really brighten up a room.  Plain sofas can be livened up with patterned pillows. New place mats are a great way to change the presentation of a meal. Pair a contrasting color or a pattern with plain plates. Dining room chairs or bar stools can be recovered for a whole new look.

Add a photos collage to the wall -  Use family photos and mismatched frames to fill a blank wall space in a family room or hallway. Lay them out on the floor and make a grid. Play with the design until it feels balanced and looks good. If you have trouble following the pattern, make paper bag cut-outs of the same pictures and tape them to the wall for the placement of the frames.

Sheers and Curtains – inexpensive sheers and sheer curtains can really change the feel of your room. Take down the drapes or blinds and put up shears for spring instead. See how the light changes the room.

New Hand Towels - New towels and a bath mat in can give your bathroom a whole new look.


via LiveAbberlyVillage.com

How to Pack Breakable and Valuable Items for a Move

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Packing for a move is the most time-consuming task you might have to tackle during the relocation process. Sure, professional movers offer packing service, but sometimes requiring packing services might increase your moving expenses significantly. Since you likely want to save money on your upcoming relocation and arrange a safe transportation for your valuable items, here are some tips that will help you to pack breakable items.

To save money on your move, look for free boxes in the local vendors. Take only sturdy and clean boxes, ones that will endure the move. Supply yourself with all the needed protective packing materials: roll of bubble wrap, peanuts, cushion foam, corrugated packing paper (not printed), shipping tape, markers and scissors.

How to pack glassware

Let’s start with the most fragile items, your dishes and glasses. Use a mid-sized, sturdy box. Put a thick layer of the packing paper on the bottom of the box for cushioning. That will prevent from damages in case of a collision.

 

Pack with a bubble wrap each dish individually. Put a dish in the middle of two sheets of bubble wrap and then fold each corner of the sheets to the center of the dish and tape it. Put packed dishes vertically in the box, and put a sheet of corrugated paper between dishes. After you put all of the dishes in the box, make sure there is no empty space in the box. Fill empty space with peanuts or crumpled paper.

When you pack glasses, it is advisable to use cardboard dividers to secure the transportation. Pack each glass separately and put it vertically in the box. Use a couple of sheets bubble wrap for each glass. Fill empty spaces with peanuts to prevent damages.

How to pack home electronics

Moving with home electronics can be hectic. Here are some tips to take into consideration when packing your valuable electronics like TV and personal computer.

TVs are delicate and their screens can be easily scratched and damaged. If you don’t keep the original box, you can buy a special TV box. Disconnect all cables, tie them with a cord and put them in a plastic bag. When packing your TV for the move, enwrap it in two layers of foam to protect the screen from damage. You can use a bubble wrap for the remote control. Put the cables and the remote control in the TV box and fill the empty space with peanuts.

When packing a personal computer, it is recommended to use the original box. If you don’t keep it, use a larger box so you can use a lot of packing materials, especially on the sides. Pack your monitor, case, keyboard and mouse with bubble wrap individually. Then you can put them in the box. Put a layer of crumpled paper on the bottom of the box. Place each piece vertically. Put a layer of crumpled paper between each part. Do not forget to put all of the cables in plastic bags and then in the box with the PC. You can take a photo of the wiring configuration to help you connect your system at your new home, or you can label each cable according to its corresponding piece of hardware.

How to pack arts and wine collection

Packing arts like paintings and sculptures, or a wine collection is tricky. At the very least, you need to buy special boxes for your valuable paintings. You will have to enwrap them in packing paper, use a couple of layers of packing paper. And do not forget to layer the bottom of the box with crumpled paper and fill the empty space with paper or peanuts. For your wine collection, you should use wooden boxes. Moreover, you should discuss the transportation of antiques and artwork with your mover. Moving such items requires climate-controlled vans. Your mover might provide special custom-made crates for your sculptures.

After taping each box, do not forget to label it “fragile” and “this side up”. Mind that your items should be packed and loaded properly in the moving truck. Light items go over the heavier ones. Write descriptive labels on boxes to facilitate the unpacking process.

via ApartmentRatings

How to Organize Your Car when Moving

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Moving house is a hugely stressful situation that can even lead to illness. The hassle is not just on the day of the move itself but the weeks and months building up to it too. Thankfully, being organized can make achieving the move with your own vehicle that bit easier; cutting out the stress and expense of using professional movers.

Is Your Model Suitable?

If you plan to make the move yourself, your first consideration should be the vehicle you have and whether or not it is fit for the job. A mini may well be modern and stylish but will not exactly cater well for transporting the entire contents of your home form one location to another. It is not recommended to purchase a new car purely to facilitate your house move.

Overhead Storage

Overhead carriers not only add additional space to transport items but can be a great way to move precious goods without packing them in the back with all the other bulk. You must ensure that the rack or carrier you use is suitable for your particular model – the manufacturer should be able to tell you – and you should have it properly installed by a professional mechanic if not by the manufacturers themselves.

Repeat Trips

There is no point in trying to conduct the entire move in one go if you plan to transport all of your belongings by yourself. If you can initially retain access to your old home, begin moving the most important belongings first – beds, clothing, toiletries, etc. – then make repeat trips to gradually transport over the rest. Roping in family and friends to help can be a good way to speed up the process and if you have to vacate your old property before you can complete your move, storage facilities – or kindly loved ones – can be a great option.

Pack Properly

Sealing and labeling boxes makes conducting your move much easier as you know what is being loaded into the car with each journey. This means you can transport like items within the same trips; for example, all the clothes in one journey then all the books in another. Fragile items can be placed on top to protect them and as soon as boxes arrive at your new home, they can be taken to the relevant place for unpacking; making the endeavor run much more smoothly.

Safety First

Loose items rattling around in a moving car can be very hazardous and can even become projectiles that could cause serious injuries should the vehicle come to a sudden halt. Items should be boxed, wrapped and packed tightly to reduce any risk.

When moving large or heavy items, it is best to leave the children at home. This not only keeps them safe but allows you to fold down the back seats and capitalize on space.

Have Essentials at Hand

Food, water, medical supplies and toiletries should all be at hand when you come to making the final move. If you have children, it is also a good idea to have books or toys to keep them occupied and stop them feeling bored during the trip. With all the stress of the packing and transportation of your belongings taken care of, the last thing you need is a family feud or an argument riddled journey on the way to your new home.

via InOrderToSucceed.com