Click the image to view the full infographic.

Feeling stressed about packing, moving and the expenses involved? Have no fear, Apartment Guide is here with fun facts from a recent survey about moving etiquette.

Some things to consider are providing some type of refreshment for the movers and tipping the movers for the heavy lifting. What would you recommend?

More Moving Tips
7 Tips for Easy Moving
Top 5 Apps to Help You Move
What to Do Before Moving In (Infographic)

During the big move, do you let the movers do all of the work? Or do you take care of some of the smaller things and let the professionals handle the large dresser? We found that 80 percent of responders would be happy to lend a helping hand if they could. Twenty percent said they would defer to the professionals.

<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/moving-etiquette"><img src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/May_MovingEtiquette.jpg" alt="Moving etiquette, tipping the movers" title="Moving Etiquette: Hiring Professional Movers" width="800" height="1390" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Guide Blog – Moving Tips</a>

To add this infographic to your site, please copy the embed code from the above box and paste this code on your site.

The post How Much Should You Tip Your Movers: Infographic appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

With some smart organizing, you can make an easy exit — and your next move will be a breeze!

Are you a frequent mover or anticipating a move in the near future? You can make the next move easier by preparing a strategy to pre-pack and organize stuff you want to take — and toss what you’d rather leave behind!

Find your perfect apartment now!

With some smart organizing, you can make an easy exit — and your next move will be a breeze!

Here are 7 tips to keep you nimble.

• Professional organizers recommend decluttering every time you move to a new place. As you pre-pack, take the opportunity to weed out non-essentials and get rid of clothing or items you haven’t used in the last year. This will lighten your load considerably. (And the local thrift store will thank you!)
• Keep a moving folder. When you move, save your receipts and moving contacts so you won’t have to do the research all over again next time. This way, you’ll have a general idea of your moving budget and who to call to get the work done. Also, make notes immediately after a move about do’s and don’ts that you want to remember in the future — like how much easier it is to move into a first-floor apartment!
• Remember the “one last box” rule. If there was a box that you never unpacked from your last move, don’t take it with you again. If you didn’t need that stuff before, then you won’t miss it in your new apartment!
• Make your next move simpler by keeping everything in storage boxes that double as moving boxes. The secret is to use lidded storage bins that work well at home, but can stack in a moving truck. Rubbermaid has great utilitarian options that fit under beds and in closets. There are also attractive fabric-covered bins that look great out in the open. Another smart tip that will help you stay organized and ready to move is to become an obsessive labeler. Place pretty storage labels on your durable bins to make the contents easy to identify.
• Even with a boatload of storage bins, you’ll likely still need boxes on hand, when you next move. After a move, then, break down cardboard boxes and store them under your bed or in a dry storage closet. They’ll be easy to access for your next departure.
• Consider apartment decor, as well, to help ease the stress of adapting to a new space when you move frequently. You might buy neutral-colored furniture and linens, for instance. Then your stuff will look great no matter the decor or style of a new apartment. You can always personalize your space with affordable accessories like colorful pillows, candles and artwork.
• Keep your friends close, if you are planning a move. You’ll want to give them plenty of notice about your moving plans and their potential role in helping you out. Remember, as well, that you’ll want to sweeten the deal with, at the very least, a free meal in their honor!

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Dirk Ercken

The post 7 Tips for Easy Moving appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

Preparing for a move? These mobile apps can do the work for you.

There’s no doubt about it – moving can be a stressful, time-consuming process.

Find your perfect apartment!

If you aren’t adequately prepared for it, you can end up dealing with a disorganized mess. Luckily, all the help you need is available right at your fingertips. From finding a place to live to decorating in your new apartment, let these five mobile apps do the heavy lifting for you to help keep all steps of the moving process organized and stress-free.

Apartment Guide Mobile
Why: Before you move, scroll through thousands of apartment listings near you, available either in list or interactive map views, using the GPS feature. See full property details, view photos and floor plans and select amenities to help you find the perfect place to live.
Best feature: Save apartments to your favorites list and call or email properties, all from your phone.
For: iPhone and Android
Cost: Free

Moving Planner
Why: As the move draws closer, keep yourself organized with this app. Create moving checklists for four to six weeks in advance, including tasks such as purchasing moving supplies, setting up utilities and unplugging electronics, or save time by using the pre-populated list of more than 210 house moving-related items.
Best feature: The color coded interface (green, yellow and red) makes it easy to visually determine which tasks are high priority.
For: Android
Cost: $0.99

More from Apartment Guide
Use Personal Technology to Feel Connected After a Move
Your Moving Checklist

Moving Van
Why: Make packing and unpacking a breeze with this app that lets you keep an accurate inventory of every single item that you pack into your boxes. To save time, take photos of the items in each box instead of listing them on the app, allowing you to know exactly where your favorite pair of socks is at all times.
Best feature: Export your inventory list as either a PDF or as text in the body of an email for added security.
For: iPhone
Cost: $1.99

Trucker Tools
Why: So you’ve got everything packed in your U-Haul or other moving truck, but what about the drive? Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you’ll want to make sure the route you take is truck-friendly. Trucker Tools gives you accurate turn-by-turn directions to ensure you don’t end up derailed by a low hanging overpass.
Best feature: The app can also find nearby truck stops, rest areas, fuel optimized routes and weigh scales.
For: iPhone
Cost: Free

Use your phone as a level with the Bubble Level app.

Bubble Level
Why: After you unpack everything, it’s time to add the decorative finishing touches that help make your new apartment feel like home. If you don’t carry around a stocked toolkit, download this virtual spirit level. Hold any of the phone’s four sides against an object to make sure the things you’re hanging up are straight, or place it on a flat surface for a 360 degree level.
Best feature: The level shows the angle or inclination and offers orientation locking, allowing for the most accuracy.
For: Android
Cost: Free

Photo credit: iStockphoto/vgajic

The post Top 5 Apps to Help You Move appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

Make your move from the familiar to the new more enjoyable with these tips!

Relocating can be a stressful time for a family, so make a point to plan a fun move for your brood. With the right attitude and energizing tools, you and the members of your family can actually enjoy the adventure of moving to a new home.

Read on for moving advice on how to keep the energy level up, even when spirits might be down.

Find your perfect apartment now!

Of course, never forget safety, keeping any moving tasks age-appropriate. With this in mind, you can involve your kids in the moving tasks that they can handle. The challenge is to make the experience fun!

Make moving a game
With kids (or kids at heart) involved, there are endless ways to make a game out of the tasks of moving. Have family members compete with each other to see who can get rid of the most stuff, pack the quickest, or clean the fastest.

On moving day, the challenges can evolve into who can carry the most stuff (safely) to the truck, stack the boxes most neatly, or police leftover odds and ends most thoroughly. And the games can continue on the road: try Twenty Questions, A Is for Armadillo, and other family favorites.

When pets are moving, you might assign a special responsibility to each child: one looks after the dog; the other, your hamster, for example. Placing importance and prestige on the tasks of moving elevates the arduous pieces of the job into something more enjoyable.

Create a playlist
Think of all the popular songs that are about moving: themes of traveling, packing bags, saying goodbye, and saying hello occur throughout all types of music. You might look through your personal music collection and see what you can find to match your upcoming adventure. You might create a playlist for each phase: packing, traveling, and so on.

Eat like kings
Good food is an instant spirit-lifter, so take the time to plan meals around your move. Think ahead about the food you’ll share on packing day and on the way to your new apartment. If possible, create a memorable picnic (or several of them) filled with delicacies that the family loves, whether that’s a last batch of fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies from your old apartment’s kitchen, favorites from a local deli, or treats from another special restaurant.

Make sure that you shop for healthy food before you go. Fill a large cooler with bottled water, fruit, nuts, sandwiches — whatever you think will raise family morale en route.

Don’t be rushed
One of the most stressful aspects of a move is running out of time — you have to finish cleaning, pick up the truck, greet the movers, catch the plane, and so on.

To safeguard your family’s sanity, make the smartest decision anyone can before a move: start early! This means your planning must kick into gear as soon as you know you’re moving, and you must allow a little more time than you think you’ll need for each and every task. Being able to whistle as you work and take deep breaths will be the best going-away gift you can give everyone in your household.

Moving isn’t easy, especially when you have others counting on you to make it go smoothly. Time, creativity and a good attitude will help you make the relocation from the familiar to the new as painless – even enjoyable — as possible.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / iordani

The post How to Make Moving Fun for the Whole Family appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

Downsizing to an apartment? Don’t raise the white flag. Use our tips to stay sane.

Whether you’re leaving home to find your first apartment or just want to save some money, downsizing from a house to an apartment can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared.

You may find that you have many items that you no longer need or want in your new space, and it will help to do a little research before moving in. Does your new apartment allow pets? Will your unit come with a garage or storage space?

By finding the right information before hand and devising a game plan to deal with your accumulated belongings, you can stay sane while downsizing. Here’s how.

Find your perfect apartment!

Search Smart
Ask lots of questions while searching for your new apartment and measure the size of bedrooms and living areas to see how much of your furniture will fit. Check for ample cabinet and closet space. It may be possible to store larger items like outdoor furniture or a grill on your porch, but some apartments have regulations on what can be stored or displayed on porches. If you will have a storage unit, consider how many of your larger or rarely used items could fit here. You’ll likely not need a lawnmower or leaf blower while living in an apartment, so think about how to sell or store these kinds of items.

Less is More
If you need to scale back on furniture or household items, consider having a garage sale. You’ll make extra money and have a lot less to move! Sell a large dining room table that seats eight and pick up a cute bistro table to save some room in your apartment. Any items that do not sell can be donated to local charities or organizations like Goodwill. You can also post an ad on Craigslist for bulky items, furniture or exercise equipment that people can pick up from you. Any items that you can’t seem to sell are almost guaranteed to go when you post an advertisement with one simple word: FREE!

More from Apartment Guide
How to Decorate a Small Apartment
11 Ways to Make Your Small Apartment Seem Bigger

Organize What’s Left Over
Once you’ve sold or donated your extra items, invest in a few storage containers that will help you organize anything you’re going to keep. Check out Bed, Bath & Beyond or The Container Store for handy boxes, fabric bins and dividers that can help you utilize available storage space in your new apartment. Use them to organize the tops and bottoms of your closet, underneath sinks and inside drawers and cabinets. Clear plastic bins are great for storing seasonal clothes, photo albums or other sentimental mementos. They can slide under the bed or dresser and will be out of sight. Stackable wire, mesh or plastic drawers can also be useful in any room.

Keep the quantity and size of your belongings to a minimum and your new place will look modern and fresh, your cleaning time will be reduced and you’ll have plenty of room to enjoy your newly downsized life!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/kutaytanir

The post Downsizing to an Apartment? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

Click the image to view the full infographic.

Now before you unpack the boxes, click on the infographic to check out our suggestions of things to do before getting settled into your new apartment.

And remember to inform these contacts of your new address.

<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/checklist-what-to-do-before-moving-in"><img src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/before-moving-in.png" alt="Checklist of what to do before moving into your new apartment" title="Checklist: What to Do Before Moving In" width="800" height="2196" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/">Apartment Guide – Start Your Apartment Search Today!</a>

To add this infographic to your site, please copy the embed code from the above box and paste it on your site.

The post What to Do Before Moving In: Infographic appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

Let all these people and places know your new address after your move.

You’re excited about your new apartment, so naturally you’re going to want to let everybody know your new address.

Here is a rundown of important contacts to notify about your move.

Find your perfect apartment now!

The post office
The first organization you should update your contact information with is the post office. They will forward mail to your new apartment while you are in the process of changing your address with individual organizations and companies. (Update your address with the post office online here.)

Utilities and services
Telling your utilities and service providers, such as cable, power, and phone, that you are moving is a must if you want to have light and heat at your new apartment. These are usually best handled over the phone. Remember to keep a record of who you spoke with and the date in case there are any troubles switching your utilities and services to your new apartment.

Your job
You will need to let your employer know when you move. They will need your new address to send you tax documents, insurance information and other important resources.

The government
You only have a certain amount of time after you move to change the address on your driver’s license. Laws on how and when you should change your license vary by state, so check in with your local department of motor vehicles.

You will also want to change your voter registration information so that you can vote in your new district.

Show me the money!
Anyone you give money to or get money from should have your new address. This includes banks, credit card companies, your car insurance company, student loan lenders, and stockbrokers.

Health and education
Institutions and individuals that provide health and education services to you and your family need to be informed when you move. These include medical insurance companies, doctor’s offices, and any schools you or your children attend.

Subscription services
Got a Netflix account? Want to keep getting movies? You will have to change your address online. You will also have to update your address for any magazines or newspapers you get to keep receiving those at your new home.

Friends and family
Finally, you will want to let your friends and family know your new address. This makes it so much easier for Aunt Sally to send you a birthday card!

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Mmaxer

The post Important Contacts to Inform When You Move appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

Ensure you’re not hung out to dry on your move! Keep these common moving expenses in mind.

There are many items to remember as you create a budget for your move. Using this five-step guide, consider possible line items for your moving budget — and help ensure no important details fall through the cracks!

Start your apartment search today!

Find funds for a move
No matter what budget template you use, start by calculating how much money you can spend on your move. Sure, you’ve got your monthly salary to consider, but you may have other sources of cash available, as well.

You might figure in funds from endeavors like these:

• Profits from the sale of a home
• Savings account funds
• Relocation allowance from your employer
• Money made on a garage sale
• The sale of spare possessions, such as electronics or furniture, through online classifieds

If you’re looking to pare down before a move, you could make money to add to your moving budget by selling items you were going to get rid of anyway. (And keep in mind that the fewer possessions you take, the cheaper the move!)

Total anticipated costs of leaving and moving
Once you know how much you can afford to spend on a move, focus on the expenses related specifically to moving out and moving in, considering:

• Cleaning and repairs
• Final utility bills
• Utility deposits and turn-on (application) fees for your new apartment
• Pet and security deposits
• Parking or amenity fees
• The cost of transportation (flights or gas), meals and lodging on the way to your new apartment

Many costs like these simply cannot be avoided when you move. Include them in your moving budget so you get a clear picture of what your move will actually cost.

Decide whether to go pro or DIY
With a good idea of how big your budget is and what costs you absolutely cannot avoid, it’s time to decide if you’ll have enough cash budgeted either to hire professional movers or, if you’d prefer, to rent a moving truck and do the work yourself.

Calculate storage and packing costs
If you’re hiring professional movers, the cost of packing supplies may be included in your move. If not, you’ll need to consider supplies as another expense in your moving budget. Don’t forget to think about dollies, furniture pads, plastic wrap and other essential packing materials like bubble wrap, newspaper, tape and markers.

Trying to move on the cheap? Consider trimming some of these costs by using recycled moving boxes. You may be able to pick up free boxes from a grocery store, for instance. Sites like UsedMovingBoxes.com also offer lower-cost alternatives to buying new supplies, as well.

If you’ll need to store your belongings for a few days or months in between moving from an old to a new apartment, don’t forget to calculate the expense of transporting your belongings to a facility and paying a deposit plus monthly storage unit rental fees.

Account for your first month of living expenses at your new place
One last step in planning a thorough moving budget involves thinking ahead about your first month of expenses at your new apartment. If you’re using funds from your regular salary to pay for the move, it may be a few weeks before you get paid again. You want to be sure you’re covered during that time.

Consider the costs of rent, transportation, cleaning supplies and even food — all the basics you need to survive. Taking a moment to think ahead can help you avoid a cash flow emergency later.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / signature photos

The post Don’t Forget These Line Items in Your Moving Budget! appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

What housewarming practices make you feel at home? Here are a few to consider.

Start your apartment search today!

People all over the world believe that rituals of transition can help you settle into a new living space. What housewarming rituals do you practice when you move? If you haven’t decided on any yet, here are a few you might consider.

Start fresh
Cleaning and decluttering is an efficient ritual that can make it easier and more pleasant to move in. Block out some time to scour the place and clean the nooks and crannies. Some moving rituals suggest buying new home items like shower curtains, drawer liners and houseplants. Others recommend spraying scented room sprays throughout the house and opening all the windows. One tradition claims that sweeping clockwise through a room will freshen up the energy. (At the very least, the floors will be clean!) Do whatever it takes to get your new life off to a clean and uncluttered start.

Banish bad vibes
Some say that stale and negative energy can linger in a new home even after you’ve made it spic and span. If this strikes you the right way, a wise next step might be to rid your rooms of any bad vibes. One popular Native American tradition is to walk through the living space carrying a burning sage smudge stick. These are easy to find at herb and health food stores. If you can’t find a sage stick, you can leave a small bowl of sea salt in each room for 24 hours. The salt will catch any bad energy, and then you can dispose of both! A house blessing, such as a special prayer, can also make you feel safe in your new home. There are countless apartment cleansing rituals that will help you with the transition to a new space. Pick your favorite and give it a go.

Decorate your door
Once you’ve cleaned your new space and scattered any bad mojo, focus on the entrance to your home. It’s fun to prepare your front door for future guests, maybe even a housewarming party. Simple touches like hanging a wreath or placing a welcome mat are great housewarming rituals. Jewish tradition includes the practice of hanging a mezuzah in your doorway. This ornamental case holds a scroll of Hebrew inscriptions that bless your home. Many cultures have unique door decoration rituals that are believed to protect you in your new residence. You might choose the one that suits your style.

To some, rituals like these might seem quirky or even silly. When traditions make the moving transition easier or more meaningful, however, their value becomes clear. Make your home your own with any traditions that make sense to you.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Tomasz Trojanowski

The post What are Your Moving Rituals? appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

Add a bold rug to personalize your furnished Richmond apartment.

Moving to a new place is stressful, and the entire process can be a hassle. Searching for the perfect apartment, hiring movers and then furnishing and decorating your space can be tedious. But fortunately for you, ApartmentGuide.com is there to make the process easier.

If you’re searching for apartments for rent in Richmond, consider narrowing your search by selecting furnished apartments. Searching for furnished apartments removes one step from the moving process: finding an apartment that will fit your furniture or finding furniture that will fit your apartment. Furnished apartments allow you to focus more on checking items off your moving checklist. They’re also great for potential residents looking for short-term leases in Richmond. But if you think having an apartment that comes furnished means not being able to make it your own, think again. Read on for our suggestions on making it your own, as well as additional items you may need.

Start your apartment search today!

What Comes in a Furnished Apartment
What exactly comes with a furnished apartment? Each Richmond apartment community may offer different options, but ask the property managers for more details about what is included. These items typically come standard:

• Bedroom
• Bed
• Nightstand
• Chest of drawers
• Living Room
• Sofa(s)
• Coffee table
• End tables
• TV stand
• Dining Room
• Dining table
• Chairs

What You’ll Need to Bring
It is a furnished apartment, but you’ll still need to bring some essentials. These items include:

• Bedroom/Bathroom
• Sheets, comforter, blankets
• Pillows
• Hangers
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Living Room
• TV, electronics
• Lamps
• Kitchen/Dining Room
• Pots, pans
• Dishes
• Utensils
• Trash can

Making It Your Own
Though the furniture that comes standard is like everyone else’s, you can make it your own. Feel free to rearrange the furniture. Arrange the furniture in the living room around a focal point, and set up the bedroom furniture to optimize your space. Purchase a slipcover for the couch, and add accent pillows to match your décor style. Use a bold-colored rug under the coffee table to add a pop of color to the space. Add lamps to the end tables that will not only add extra light but can become a part of your décor.

For the dining room, add a table runner and/or place settings to add character to a rather boring table. Complete the look of your space by adding window treatments, if given the OK by your landlord. Add wall décor throughout your apartment. And finally, don’t neglect your bathroom; purchase a fun shower curtain to add appeal to the space.

With a few simple steps, your new Richmond apartment will feel like home.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Pincasso

The post Find Furnished Apartments for Rent in Richmond appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.