A recent survey reveals renting and owning are seen as equal home living options.

Who says renters don’t have a stake in the American Dream?

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While the idea of home ownership still sparks the imaginations of Americans, owning a home is perhaps not quite the ideal it once was, according to a recent study sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation.

Hart Research Associates conducted a telephone study of nearly 1,500 American adults in February and March 2013, inquiring about many aspects of home living. Their findings suggest a subtle, but significant shift in the way the American home is perceived.

Renting and owning seen as equal
The housing challenges which factored into the recent recession still loom large in the minds of those surveyed, with three out of four believing the effects of the downturn still have not fully played out in the housing marketplace.

A very interesting finding unearthed by this research, however, claims that specific perceptions comparing home ownership and renting have leveled out. As noted in the report, “fifty-seven percent (57%) of adults believe that ‘buying has become less appealing,’ and by nearly the same proportion (54%), a majority believes that ‘renting has become more appealing’ than it was before.” Nevertheless, seven out of ten responders who rent still report looking forward to owning someday.

The notion that people must own their own homes, while still appealing in the abstract, no longer seems to influence the actual housing choices which respondents are making, nor are they feeling dissatisfied with these choices. Forty-five percent of responders who currently own, in fact, envision that they may rent at some point in their future.

It would appear that, among those surveyed, options have expanded which include renting as a viable, even positive home living choice.

Why the shift?
If these findings are applicable to the American public at large, they suggest an important change in perception. Why would this change have come about, and why now?

Considering the timing of the economic recession, there is likely a tie to how that event has affected home ownership. Owners who lost homes due to foreclosure perhaps are less likely to get a sense of security and satisfaction from the prospect of owning. And in many places around the country, modern-day lifestyle choices see residents moving back to urban centers — places where renting, for instance, is an affordable option.

How we live today
In spite of cautious attitudes, a notable 80 percent of survey respondents feel their own personal housing situation is positive and stable. Housing events of late may have shaken faith, but resilience brings hope. The three in five survey respondents who feel that “renters can be just as successful as owners at achieving the American Dream” are rewriting what has typically been considered a key tenet of what it means to be American.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / karen roach

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When you need help with a move, turn to your friends. Show them a good time with a moving party they’ll never forget.

Could you persuade your buddies to be your movers? That would certainly have its advantages for you.

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Throwing your own moving party might be your angle and your excuse to get some help from great friends — and have a little fun along the way!

Whether you are moving across town or to a new city, a packing or moving party is a splendid reason to get your friends together. Here are the essentials that will make yours a hit.

First things, first
There are two kinds of soirees you might organize: a packing party and an actual moving party.

These get-togethers are fairly straightforward. For a packing party, you combine fun with actually packing up the pieces of your apartment. This party will take place right in your apartment. A better setting for a local moving party, however, is likely at an event space (karaoke? bowling alley?) or casual restaurant AFTER a busy day of loading and unloading the moving truck.

Play up to their strengths
Of course, you are going to invite your friends to help you move. That’s the whole point of a moving party, right? And most people don’t mind helping out when they are asked the right way.

But, the real secret is to invite the right friends. As you compose your guest list, be sure to invite some combination of these types of people: gym aficionados, OCD organizers, cheerleaders and neat freaks.

Gym enthusiasts are handy because they can lift heavy boxes and move furniture. Your OCD organizer pals will make sure those boxes are packed properly and labeled correctly. The cheerleaders will keep everyone motivated, encouraging them to work faster and make it to the finish line. Finally, your neat freaks will clean up behind you, so your apartment will be spic and span for final inspection.

Most people know their own strengths, and they won’t mind you complimenting those strengths. A little ego stroking might be just the persuasion they need to show up for your moving shindig.

Create a competitive challenge
Once you’ll rallied the brightest and best of your willing friends, it’s up to you to provide the fun. Keep everyone engaged with lively music and friendly competition.

You might crank up your own playlist of make-your-move jams, and turn the event into a “Moving Olympics.” Set up individual challenges, such as who can pack the fastest, lift the heaviest box, or carry the biggest payload.

Or you can organize a race, breaking your friends into teams. Buy t-shirts for Team Kitchen, Team Bathroom, Team Bedroom and Team Living Room. Pit them against each other to see who can pack and load the truck the fastest. The winning team gets gift cards to your favorite hangout. (Trust us, it’s cheaper than hiring movers!)

Bribe them!
No moving party would be complete without a big finale to say thanks to your friends for their help with moving. This is where the food and cocktails come in (remember, though, drinking and moving don’t mix!)

Make your post-packing party worth the hard work by ordering pizzas, grilling out or taking everyone to a local restaurant (where sweaty people are welcome, perhaps). It’s also a great time to award prizes for your moving contests.

To get the moving help you need, it’s perfectly all right to make any celebratory promises you intend to keep — and it’s great to know you can turn to your friends for support. Why not show them a good time with a moving party they’ll never forget!

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Andresr

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Check out a few tips to help you navigate a cross-country apartment search.

Have you landed a new job opportunity on the other side of the country? Maybe you find yourself scrambling to find an apartment on a tight turnaround.

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Even though conducting an apartment search is not always an easy task – especially long-distance — there are some sure-fire ways to cut down on the accompanying stress and worry.

Check out a few tips to help you navigate the process of a cross-country apartment search.

Use the Internet to research
Reputable online sites can provide a wealth of information on cities with which you are unfamiliar. Check out sites which allow apartment researchers to develop a preliminary idea of where they would like to live. By carefully sifting through the available information, apartment seekers can learn quite a bit about what’s relevant to their search — stats like safety statistics, walkability ratings, school rankings and lifestyle information, for instance. Some apartment community sites also allow prospective renters to take virtual tours from the comfort of their own home.

Start your search with ApartmentGuide.com. We make apartment searching simpler and more efficient by sharing apartments available in practically any corner of the country. Search by details including price range, number of bedrooms or bathrooms, and distance within certain neighborhoods, for instance. Our apartment listings typically include high-def photos that really make apartment communities come alive on-screen, whether you are searching via your desktop, laptop or smartphone.

Work your networks
Sometimes, a successful long-distance rental search is aided by strong social networking skills. Why not ask friends and relatives who live in the new area to take a look at certain apartment properties for you, once you’ve identified a few top candidates? Try posting messages on community forums for some valuable feedback from locals. The Better Business Bureau and sites like Yelp.com are other resources which keep track of feedback about specific apartment communities.

Take a weekend to fly out
Once you’ve developed a short list of the apartment communities which intrigue you the most, you might want to fly out to the destination city for a few days. It’s a commonly-held belief that you really should check out a property in person before you commit to a year-long lease. Making the scene in person helps lower your anxiety and can head off potential problems. When you have done preliminary research, you can visit several communities in one day or weekend. Staying at a friend’s house can cut down on travel expenses, if you have that option.

Time the search appropriately
Keep in mind that certain college towns and busy urban areas may not have specific units open until much closer to move-in dates. When you are looking to move into such a community, your strategic search may need to be flexible.

Have your questions ready
Before you visit, have your list of specific questions and concerns in hand. Consider in advance the amenities you would like to have available to you so you can describe your specific wishes in detail. You are most likely to be pleased with the results when you do so.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia

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Check out tips to keep the things you love close, while saving space.

Let’s face it: storage is a tricky issue for apartment dwellers.

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While it’s fairly easy to put items in basement storage or at an off-site rented locker, these solutions work best for things you don’t need regularly, like extra folding chairs or off-season outdoor equipment.

But what about items that you like to have closer at hand?

Here are five creative ideas for storing items right in your apartment. All it takes is a little imagination, and these ideas can help you keep the things you love close, while saving a lot of space.

Hang it all
For apartment-dwellers, vast areas of open wall are an opportunity waiting to be used. Assemble your baseball cap collection, tennis rackets, decorative beer steins or your porcelain miniatures. Decorative hooks and shelves are all you need to bring a wall to life with your favorite personal items.

Sleep on it
Incorporate under-the-bed drawers to store blankets, sweaters and other bulky items. Many furniture stores offer bed frames with built-in drawers underneath, or you can buy rolling drawers separately. If you choose the latter option, remember to measure the height under your bed and buy drawers that fit.

Think inside the box
Instead of coffee and end tables with open space underneath, use ones which hide space inside. These can be modernist cubes that open from the top or have a door on one side. Another great idea is to use blanket chests or old trunks. Make sure that they have a flat surface for lamps, coffee mugs and other items.

High-wire act
If your bedroom closet has a standard layout with a shelf above a hanger bar, utilize the entire shelf space up to the closet ceiling. Stackable wire baskets work well for this because they let you see what’s there so you can find what you need quickly. Because the storage is inside the closet, it’s already hidden from general view, so there’s no need to go with solid bins.

It’s in the bag
Rather than storing them away, use your extra handbags, backpacks and small luggage to store other things inside. You might attach closet door hanging bags, or suspend your bags and fill them up with things that fit nicely. You may be able to hang two to six bags per door, depending on their size.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / OLEKSANDR ROZDOBUDKO

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May is National Moving Month, the start of the peak moving season.

May is National Moving Month, the start of the peak season for moving. This year, an estimated 35 million people will relocate, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation — and most of that movement will take place between May and September!

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The ending of the school year and the coming of summer make May an ideal time to hunt for a new apartment and find a mover. It’s also the right moment to learn more about all the ways the professional moving industry strives to serve its customers.

Read on to learn about important ProMover certifications and tips on how to choose reputable movers.

The benefits of professional movers
There’s a reason that hiring movers typically costs more than renting a truck and moving yourself: professional movers have specialized knowledge that makes the packing and transporting process efficient, and they have the equipment and manpower to handle the job more easily. Hiring professional movers is a good investment both for the protection of your belongings and your peace of mind during a stressful move.

Identifying reputable movers
The moving industry knows that when you hire professionals, you’re considering a big-ticket purchase. They’re also aware that some unethical businesses conduct moving scams, giving the industry a bad name. That’s why reputable businesses adhere to industry standards, and many go above and beyond by getting a ProMover certification.

Here’s how you can spot a reputable professional mover:

• They’re registered with FMCSA. While state regulations for movers vary, all interstate movers must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the Department of Transportation. The FMCSA designates movers with a carrier number that you can verify on their website, http://www.protectyourmove.gov.
• They’re ProMover-certified. A ProMover designation is similar to an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Created by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), a moving industry trade organization, the ProMover designation holds companies to high standards. To be a certified ProMover, a company must run criminal background checks on its employees, be in compliance with state regulations, and sign a contract pledging to adhere to all state and federal laws, as well as AMSA’s own code of ethics.
• They give you a written estimate. Not all price quotes which you may receive on the Internet or over the phone are necessarily legitimate. A professional mover, however, is more than happy to come to your home, make a thorough inventory of your belongings, and survey the conditions under which they’ll move your items. Then they’ll provide you with a written estimate and talk you through the realistic costs of the move.
• They won’t lowball the estimate. While you might be tempted to choose the cheapest mover you can find, be aware that, when a mover’s estimate comes in dramatically lower than others you’ve received, it may not be legitimate. Reasonable moving company fees include charges for difficult logistics (for example, needing to use a shuttle to transport your items from an apartment building to a larger moving truck), additional costs for navigating a lot of stairs, or moving extra-heavy items like a piano. Understand these fees and protect yourself by getting at least three written estimates so you have a good idea how much your move should cost. All estimates should be similar in range.
• They’ll have you sign a contract. Once you choose a mover, you’ll sign a contract that designates pick-up and drop-off dates for your belongings, as well as an inventory of your items (expressed as either how much they weigh or how many linear feet they take up on the truck). This contract protects both you and the company in the event of a dispute.

You can make National Moving Month a good one by getting familiar with your rights & responsibilities as a consumer, outlined by the FMCSA. It’s up to you to learn as much as you can about professional movers and their best practices so you can make the best decisions as you prepare to move.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / CandyBox images

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Arrange your furniture to suit your apartment space with these tips.

Whether you’re moving into a new place or want to perform a mini-makeover on your current apartment, learning the basics of furniture placement can make your apartment space look – and work — better.

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Here are a few tips to help you arrange furniture like a pro by creating a floor plan that’s both functional and comfortable.

It’s all about balance
Furniture arrangement is a balancing act. There are two kinds of balance you can achieve: symmetrical and asymmetrical. With symmetrical balance, placing two of a thing achieves balance in a room. For instance, two identical armchairs or two identically-sized pieces of art can be used to create symmetrical balance.

Asymmetrical style, however, refers to balancing unequal objects. For instance, if you have a giant sofa on one side of a room, you might mirror the sofa’s visual weight by arranging several small pieces of art on the wall above it. As long as the objects complement each other in size, shape and color, they can still create balance in a room without having to be exactly the same in size or number.

Consider groupings by furniture size
In any room, every object carries a visual weight. One way to make a room look serene and peaceful is to group furniture pieces of the same visual weight together. In other words, try arranging pieces that are about the same size and shape; the continuity feels comforting. On the other hand, mixing different size pieces can create energy in a room. Including one piece which attracts attention because of its size can have a dramatic effect on a space.

Don’t wall yourself in
When arranging apartment furniture, a tendency exists to stick larger pieces along walls. But if you’re working with an open floor plan, you don’t have to place everything up against the boundaries of the space. Try breaking the mold by floating your sofa or bed in the middle of a room, perhaps anchoring it with an area rug. You might also try angling furniture so it revolves around a focal point, such as a fireplace or large window.

More from Apartment Guide
Does Renting a Storage Unit Make Sense?
Declutter Your Apartment: What’s OK to Throw Away!
2013 Renting Trends: Mid-Year Update
How to Create an Artful Accent Wall

Think vertically
Don’t forget to consider how the height of a furniture layout can affect the mood and functionality of a space. The goal of good space planning is to create multiple levels in a room. If you have short furniture, consider adding floor lamps or using artwork to bring the eye upward. Doing so elongates a room, making it feel larger.

Create a sense of space
Are the walls closing in on your small apartment? You can make it feel like you have more space by sticking to a neutral color scheme. A neutral palette lets the eye glide over a room, making it appear bigger. Keep in mind that lighter-colored pieces or pieces with legs (versus oversized, boxy furniture) feel “lighter” and take up less visual space, making a room feel more open.

Before you arrange a room
Now that you’ve got some tips for creating an attractive apartment floor plan, you can get to the fun part: designing! But before you do, you might want to get out a measuring tape. It’s helpful to know just how much space you have to work with so you can be sure furniture will fit!

That measuring tape can also come in handy when you’re considering traffic flow. Remember that you need to leave a healthy amount of space between large pieces — about two feet — so people can actually walk through a room comfortably. You’ll need to leave enough room for doors and drawers to open, as well.

First photo credit: Shutterstock / Mostphotos
Second photo credit: Shutterstock / KROMKRATHOG
Third photo credit: Shutterstock / dbdavidova

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Follow these easy suggestions to show the proper appreciation to your apartment movers.

You will likely want to tip the professional movers who bring the contents of an entire apartment to your new home.

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But tipping movers can be tricky: how much should you tip, and how should you deliver the thank-you reward?

You might consider the findings of our tipping survey. Follow this guide to show the proper appreciation for their big part in your apartment move.

Survey: Mover tipping behavior
Apartment Guide took a recent survey of movers regarding their typical tipping behavior. Almost three quarters of responders (3 out of 4 people) do show their appreciation by tipping their professional movers.

The amount differed, however. Thirty-nine percent indicated they tip 10 percent of the moving cost; one in four surveyed tipped 20 percent. 17 percent prefer an hourly tip rate, but one quarter said they tip a flat per-person rate for each mover.

Though tipping amounts and philosophies vary, tipping seems to be considered a fair gesture to extend to professional movers for their service.

You might wish to inquire about the moving company’s tipping policy and protocol, as well. It is often appreciated for you to tip in cash, so plan ahead to make sure you have the right amount on hand to tip each participant.

You can also add other refreshing perks for your professional movers. Feel free to offer bottled water, sodas and snacks. Do not, however, provide beer or alcohol of any kind. It is likely forbidden by their moving company for them to drink on the job, and it’s just not a smart idea to get the people carrying your prized possessions tipsy.

Aspects that might alter your tip
There are aspects of your move that might raise or lower the amount of your tip. If your move involves several flights of stairs, very heavy furniture or any other remarkably difficult aspects, you might want to increase the amount of the tip. You also may want to tip more if your movers somehow went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure your belongings got to your new apartment safely.

However, if you received poor service, you might want to consider lowering the amount. If the professional movers are unprofessional, rude or careless with your possessions, you might not be in such a generous mood.

The bottom line
Tipping movers is a personal choice. Tip your professional movers an amount with which you feel comfortable in the situation. Tipping is, after all, an act of kindness meant to show your appreciation for the assistance provided.

Survey methodology
The survey was conducted among 1,000 adults in the U.S. The interviews were conducted online by RedShift Research in March 2013 using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total populations aged 18 and older. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level is, plus or minus, 3.1 percentage points.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Lisa F. Young

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Congrats on your new digs! Keep these four important points in mind as you move in.

Moving into your first apartment?

Congratulations!

Having a place all your own is very exciting, but it’s also a big responsibility.

Here’s what you need to know to be truly ready for moving day.

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Understand the costs
First-time renters often underestimate the true costs of renting an apartment —especially the upfront costs. You know you’ll be responsible for monthly rent payments, but what you may not realize is you could also be responsible for paying monthly costs like parking and utilities including water, gas or electric. And then there’s extras like cable, a phone line or an Internet connection.

Moving into your first apartment also requires shelling out a security deposit (usually equal to one month’s rent) and an application fee, as well as small deposits to turn on utilities. You may need to rent a truck to move your belongings or to hire movers. Before you know it, all of these upfront costs can really add up.

And don’t forget renter’s insurance, either. Your landlord will carry insurance for the building, but not your stuff! If you had to replace all of your belongings in the event of a fire, burglary or other disaster, you’ll appreciate the coverage, which is typically inexpensive. Check renters insurance quotes at NetQuote.com, or call your current car insurance agent for more information.

Decide what to buy—and what can wait
Speaking of money matters, you should now begin to see that budgeting is a very important survival skill for first-time renters. It’s important to set priorities when it comes to filling your new apartment with new stuff. Of course, you’re going to need major items like a bed and couch. But you may not realize all the small things — the basic apartment essentials — you’re going to need to buy, as well: things like a shower curtain, dishes and utensils, a vacuum, towels, a bathroom rug, etc.

If you’ve never lived on your own before, you’ll likely make more purchases than you would have realized. Think hard about what you really need versus what you’d simply enjoy having. If you’re worried about the budget, consider asking friends and family for secondhand furniture or check Craigslist for bargains.

Read your lease
Knowing your legal obligations as a renter is another important survival skill. You’ll discover what those obligations are when you read your lease. It’s important that you understand which obligations fall to your landlord and which ones fall to you.

Leases spell out fees you could owe if you’re late on rent or cause damage to the apartment. They include important rules on topics like monitoring noise, having roommates or overnight guests on the property, and altering the apartment. Before you move in, go over your lease and mark any sections that you don’t understand.

By the time you’re finished reading, you should understand the protocol for moving in and out, paying rent, and making maintenance requests. Get clarification on anything you don’t understand before you sign.

Get your paperwork ready
Once you’ve found the perfect apartment, you’ll need to provide your new landlord with some important paperwork to seal the deal. It may seem intimidating to fill out a rental application, but it’s really not that complicated. You’ll be asked to provide I.D. (a driver’s license, passport or student I.D. should be fine), proof of income (like paystubs and bank statements), and perhaps even tax returns.

Landlords will research these details and likely check your credit report: they want to know whether you can afford the apartment. Once you’ve been approved, choose to sign a lease for an apartment and pay the initial fees and deposit, you’re set to move in. (Don’t forget to change your address with the U.S. Postal Service once you’ve officially moved so you will continue to get your mail!)

Congrats on securing your new place! Keep checking the Apartment Guide Blog for more tips on setting up your perfect apartment.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Aaron Amat

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Additionally, these towns with a lower cost of living and nationally-ranked schools have lots of activities to offer families. For example, Nashville has a great adventure science center, Pueblo, Colo. offers lots of family-friendly outdoor activities and Indianapolis is home to several professional sports teams.

The research for this infographic is based on a U.S. News study, as well as Census data. We found the top eight cities with a low cost of living using the U.S. Census. We found the top-ranked high schools through the U.S. News study, which looked at 22,000 public high schools in 49 states, as well as the District of Columbia.

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Renting a storage unit might be the right strategic move to help you fit into your apartment space.

Do you need to move to a new apartment, but find you have more stuff than will fit into the new space?

A storage unit could provide a way for you to fit into less floor space — without getting rid of your belongings.

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When is a storage unit worth the extra cost, however? Read on to weigh your options and consider whether a storage unit — or a larger apartment — might be more suitable for you in the long run.

Storage unit pros
There are several scenarios where storing your extra stuff makes sense.

• What if you have to make a temporary move for your job to a city where apartment rental prices are at a premium? A storage unit can allow you to rent a smaller, cheaper apartment and keep your non-essential belongings nearby, waiting for you.
• If you have to move to a smaller apartment in a hurry, renting a storage unit is an easy way to stow your excess belongings. You can go through the storage unit later and decide what you want to get rid of.
• If you are clearing space in your apartment, but aren’t quite ready to get rid of what you’re moving, a storage unit can be the place for the things you displace. You may want that stuff around again, someday.

Store-er, beware!
However, there are also many reasons to ditch the storage unit in favor of more space – or less clutter! Keep these points in mind.

• Make sure that the belongings you are storing are things you actually want or need to keep, and are not just clutter. If you put something in storage for years and never use it, there is a possibility you just don’t need it.
• When you rent a storage unit, you are taking on an additional bill every month. Make sure you can handle this new financial responsibility. If you miss too many payments, the storage company becomes the owner of your belongings.
• Having things in storage can give you a false sense of organization. If keeping a storage unit gives you an excuse to acquire new things, you might ultimately need a larger apartment space.

To store or not to store?
In the end, it’s a strategic call. Carefully analyze your belongings and see if you really have stuff to store, or clutter you can get rid of. Ask yourself “do I really need to pay rent on these items?” before you place them into storage.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Hirurg

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