If you’re a business traveler looking for a short-term apartment, here’s what you need to know.

Have you ever thought about renting a short-term apartment? Whether you’re seeking short-term accommodation for business or pleasure, here’s what you need to know.

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When
If you’re on the road for work frequently or just love to travel for personal reasons, it may be worth it to you to look into staying at a short-term corporate or vacation rental rather than a hotel. Or, if your situation requires that your living arrangements stay flexible (like if you’re a student, are in between leases or are planning to purchase a house in the near future, etc.) renting a short-term apartment may make sense for you.

Why
While you may not be offered a free continental breakfast or other amenities like housekeeping or room service, the benefits and added perks can often give the advantage to staying in a short-term apartment when you’re vacationing. And, if you’re a business traveler relocating for a few weeks or a few months, the flexibility of staying in a short-term apartment can be worth it.

More from Apartment Guide
Find Furnished Apartments for Rent in Richmond
Staying in Seattle Short Term: Things to See and Do

What You Get

• The extras. We’re not talking about stale bagels and subpar coffee. Perks like a personal washer and dryer, hot tubs, a luxury fitness center and extra space may not be available in a hotel but can be common in an apartment. When you’re traveling on a budget, having a fully equipped kitchen is a great way to save some money while staying in and cooking a meal. Outdoor amenities like a front porch, balcony or patio can be a nice perk and allow for some fresh air that you might not get in a hotel room.
• Price is right. If you’re staying for an extended amount of time at your destination, hotel fees can be pricey. Even for the most budget-friendly hotels, you can expect to pay up to $800-$1,000 a week. A short-term apartment, however, may charge a similar price for a month’s stay, allowing you to save or spend your money on other things during your trip.
• Location, location, location. Staying in a hotel when you’re traveling may mean you’re relegated to a being in a commercial area rife with chain restaurants and fast food joints. To really immerse yourself in the city, choose a short-term apartment in a neighborhood that is known for its cool location and environment. You’ll have access to public parks, trendy restaurants and unique retail shops that will give you a better sense of the personality of the city while you’re there.

What to Look Out For

• The fine print. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the policies before you sign on the dotted line. Cancellation policies will likely vary by rental, so be aware of the potential penalties for canceling or changing the dates of your visit. If you have young children or pets traveling with you, check ahead of time to ensure they can be accommodated. Smoking is not generally allowed in most apartments, so smokers may need to seek out alternate accommodations.
• Know the details. One of the benefits of staying in a hotel is having access to a concierge desk that is open round-the-clock. In a short-term apartment, that convenience may not be available, so make sure you have the details squared away before arriving. When and where will you pick up the keys? When can you check in? Who is your contact in case your flight is delayed or plans change? Knowing before you go can save you the headache.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/zeelee

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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>

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While you spring clean your home, consider getting your finances in order, too.

As you spring clean your household this season, take a moment to tidy up your finances and get your personal spending in order.

Read on to learn more about our Spring Clean Sweepstakes.

Whether you just want a little cushion in your savings account for a rainy day or you’re holding out for a new car or house, organizing your finances is a great way to get started. Here are some of our to-dos to spring clean your budget.

Take a Step Back
To start spring cleaning your budget, take a step back and review your finances. Take a look at your current budget and view what you spend your money on: rent/mortgage, bills, food, children, etc. If you’re currently using a shoebox to manage your money, this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your fiscal strategy.

Start your apartment search today!

Pay off Your Debts
A part of getting your budget back on track is to pay off your debts. When you spring clean your home, you typically start off with smaller tasks first. With your credit card payments, start with the smallest amount. Once you pay off your small debts, you’ll be motivated to finish off the rest.

More Apartment Guide Budgeting Resources
Top Budgeting Resources for 20-somethings
When to Spend: Infographic
Grow Your Credit Score

Set a Target
If you’re budgeting for a new car or house, or if you’re saving money for the future, have a target number in mind. Remember to set a number that feels attainable. You’ll be more successful when you set a goal that is moderately challenging but also reachable. An emergency fund should have a minimum of three months’ worth of your salary.

Organize Everything
Create a basic filing system for all of your documents. Folders should include monthly bills, credit card statements and investment account statements. As the IRS’s audit window is six years, keep all tax returns, canceled checks and returns for that length of time. Anything outside of that timeframe should be shredded.

Track Your Progress
Use a free site like LearnVest, which helps you plan your budget. You can set reasonable limits on how much you spend per month on shopping, food and other miscellaneous costs. You’ll also be able to track your progress on your savings goals. It’s also an app, which makes it easy to track your progress on-the-go. Set this up so you can get a weekly report on how you’re doing on your goal.

This spring, we want to help you tidy up your apartment — on a budget! That’s why we’ve partnered with LearnVest, an advice-driven financial planning program, to help you organize your apartment and take control of your money. Enter the Spring Clean Sweepstakes for a chance to win a LearnVest Planning 5-Year Planner subscription and $300 you can use toward sprucing up your place!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/JoKMedia

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Try these tips to make your apartment search more efficient and affordable.

An apartment search can cost you some cash, even before you’ve started paying rent!

Test out these six tips to save money, making your apartment search more efficient and affordable.

Find your perfect apartment now!

Save on gas
One of the easiest ways to curb costs when you are hunting for apartments is to map out efficient routes, saving gas on your in-person apartment visits. Pick one or two days to devote to your search and schedule appointments in concentrated areas. The Apartment Guide mobile app, for instance, features easy search tools to help you find rentals in specific zip codes and neighborhoods so you don’t waste time or fuel driving willy-nilly all over town.

Shop online
You can take your savings even further by doing the bulk of your research before you even get in the car. Most apartment listings include photos and online tours so you can check out an apartment community and see whether it’s worth a trip. The Apartment Guide website serves up amenities, floor plans, rent prices and availability so you can accomplish much of your research online, and then pick your top three or four apartments for an in-person visit.

Pay attention to saving opportunities
One way to watch your budget bottom line is to pay attention to special offers. Available online deals which waive certain deposits or fees are sometimes offered as incentives to move quickly. Another point to remember is that paying cash over credit for certain transactions may include a discount, reflecting a savings in fees and handling. Consider all your opportunities to reduce your initial moving costs.

Skip the brokers
Unless you live in a huge city with a high demand for apartments like New York, Boston or San Francisco, don’t bother using an apartment broker. They typically charge a commission that is a percentage of the first year’s rent. With so many great apartment search tools available, try first to navigate the waters on your own and find your apartment match. (You can apply the money you save to your security deposit!)

Ask about energy usage
Sometimes the expense of an apartment search can be a hidden one that sneaks up on you later, like the cost of utilities. Don’t forget to ask landlords about average utility costs, which may be a statistic they keep up with. You can also call local utility companies and ask for the average energy usage costs for the address you are interested in.

Minimize moving costs
Once you’ve saved money with a smart search and found the best deal on your dream apartment, put in a little extra effort to cut costs by moving less stuff into the space. If you reduce clutter before you move, you can shave some money off of your moving expenses by renting a smaller truck, packing and moving fewer boxes, and allocating fewer hours to move the reduced load. All of this means more money to buy new stuff for your new home, of course!

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Bevan Goldswain

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For a quick cabinet fix, experiment with different knobs and pulls.

Even though we’re getting closer to spring cleaning, no need to toss things out and buy new replacements. With a little elbow grease and some inventive TLC, you can have the items in your apartment or home looking like new, without spending a lot to do so.

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Cabinet Couture
Perhaps nothing takes more abuse in your kitchen than your cabinets. All it takes is a fresh coat of paint to make them like new again. Update your kitchen’s look just by removing the cabinet doors and repainting them. For easy-to-reach cabinets, create additional functionality by painting one of the doors with chalkboard or dry erase board paint, turning it into a handy space for jotting notes and grocery lists. Change out the handles and hinges to something more modern, or add a touch of vintage charm. Stores like Anthropologie offer drawer pulls and knobs of all shapes, sizes and price points, so pick a decor style and experiment.

Freshen Up Those Kicks
If you have a worn, dirty pair of sneakers lying around, don’t toss them in the garbage; give them a makeover. Bleach and a toothbrush will make the whitewalls look like new. Replace the laces and insoles if needed. If the exterior soles are hanging open and flopping around, super glue or an automotive adhesive will put them in their place.

More from Apartment Guide:
DIY Rustic Wall Decor
Easy and Cheap Renovations for Your Apartment

Love Your Loveseat
For an inexpensive update, consider decking out your outdated sofa with a vibrant slipcover. Adding a few decorative throw pillows can breathe new life into an old chair or loveseat. You might be surprised how this simple DIY fix can create a whole new look for your room.

Deal With Baggage
Our luggage gets a lot of wear and tear from moving, vacationing and business travel, so it’s good to give suitcases and travel bags some attention once in a while. Torn exteriors can be glued down with vinyl cement (for vinyl luggage) or fabric glue (for fabric luggage). Loose interior linings can be glued back with fabric glue. For leather luggage, use rubber cement or a vinyl acetate adhesive. Scuffed leather can be buffed out using a matching leather polish. Even the wheels can be repaired with a little ingenuity.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/edoneil

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With smartphones, paying for everything under the sun is getting faster, easier and more secure.

These days you can use your smartphone to pay for your morning coffee, your Friday night movie ticket or any number of other on-the-go purchases.

So when the first of the month rolls around, put your wallet or checkbook away — and pay the rent from your smartphone.

And while you’re at it, stop stressing over whether you or your roommate pays which apartment bills. You guessed it: there’s an app for that, too.

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Phone in your rent payment
For apartment dwellers, paying the rent is a given. But have you considered how you might use technology to make the experience more convenient for you?

Why not pay the rent with your smartphone? This practice is becoming commonplace in apartment communities.

Not only is this a simple and straightforward way to take care of this monthly responsibility, it is also typically secure.

Payment apps work by capturing and encrypting your bank account or credit card information. Then, when you want to make a payment, all you have to do is initiate it through the app. It’s as simple as that: secure, fast and convenient.

Banking apps also typically include a variety of convenient functions that let you check balances, find ATMs, make deposits (just snap a photo of the check), and transfer money between accounts – besides paying bills. Using these services, you might set up a recurring, automated payment through online banking so your rent’s never late — as long as the money’s in your account, of course.

Check in with your apartment community management – it may offer its own online app to process rent payments for you.

With the advantages of technology, these days, you don’t even have to leave your apartment to pay the rent!

Split rent between roommates fairly
Roommates looking for some high-tech help to manage their apartment living expenses are also in luck.

Splitwise offers tools to calculate who owes what between roommates in terms of monthly rent as well as typical shared expenses.

These online and mobile apps make it easy to break down and track expenses from utility bills to cable TV to food costs.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Slavoljub Pantelic

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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

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Being flexible with your travel dates can help save money on spring break.

But if you think that being on a budget will put a damper on your travel plans, not to worry. Get out of your apartment and away from the books for spring break by following these easy tips to let loose on the cheap.

Start your apartment search today!

Visit a big city
There are plenty of cities with tons to offer that aren’t popular spring break hangouts. For the budget-conscious, that means great rates on hotel rooms and less crowds. Check out sites like Priceline for cheap hotel rates, and find out about city passes that let you pay one low price for several attractions.

Check resorts for special offers
If you start early and look for bargains on resort special offer pages, you can get a great spring break deal at popular destinations like Orlando and Disney World.

Track your airfare online
Once you have your flight booked, that’s no reason to not be on the lookout for a cheaper rate. You might be in for a better deal if the price drops. Use an online tracking system like Yapta to keep track of your flight for you. If the rate drops, Yapta helps you get a refund for the difference, meaning you may be able to lock in the better deal before you fly.

Become a voluntourist
Voluntourism is a new trend increasing in popularity, where people — usually civic-minded college students — combine their vacation with helping others in need. One popular voluntourist destination is New Orleans, where you can soak up the ambiance of this popular destination while helping those still affected by storm damage. Doing an Internet search on the word voluntourism will pull up tons of opportunities from all over the world, and in many locations grateful locals are happy to offer discounts on accommodations.

Visit a national park
National parks in the U.S. and Canada fill up in summer, making campsites hard to come by and costly, but during spring break they are less crowded and not as expensive. Take a canoe trip through the longest mangrove forest on Florida’s East coast at Biscayne National Park, or compete in a scavenger hunt at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And, best of all, if you visit during National Park Week, which runs from April 22 – 26, 2013, you can experience the beauty of a national park without paying an entrance fee.

Take a trip to Europe
Like national parks, Europe doesn’t hit its peak tourist season until summer, which makes spring break a great time to go for a visit. It might mean starting your spring break a little early or ending it a little late, but the lower cost and sheer cultural value more than makes up for it.

Be flexible about when you go
If you aren’t in college, have young kids and hate noise and crowds, define your own spring break. Arriving three or four days before spring break typically starts, or one or two days after it ends, can mean big savings on rooms and attractions, not to mention less noise and crowding at your favorite tourist spots. Spring break dates usually vary anyway depending on the college, so check with lodgings at your destination to find out when that area’s local schools let the kids out to party.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/PeskyMonkey

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If you’re on a budget this Valentine’s Day, create a romantic mood in your apartment.

Start your apartment search today!

Set the Mood
There’s no place like home when it comes to creating an intimate, romantic setting. Plan Valentine’s Day at your apartment (or your partner’s) and decorate with items that represent romantic memories—photos from a trip that you both took, crafts that you made together or pieces of furniture that you picked out as a couple.

More about Valentine’s Day:
Create DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts in Your Apartment
Shake Up Your Valentine’s Day Routine
How to Do Valentine’s Day For Less Than $50

Turn off cell phones, computers and the TV to minimize interruptions. Create and play a mix of your partner’s favorite love songs or music from a special concert that you attended together. Light candles, dim the lights and make sure that your Valentine’s favorite scent is in the air. Our sense of smell can trigger feelings of relaxation and pleasure, so wearing a perfume or cologne that your partner loves can help set the mood.

Table for Two
Preparing a meal at home will save money and you’ll avoid the hassle of crowded restaurants on Valentine’s Day. Some couples might enjoy making dinner together, or you may want to cook your partner’s favorite foods ahead of time. If cooking is not your thing, many supermarkets offer fully or partially prepared meals that you can dress up with garnish or by presenting with your best plates, silverware and cloth napkins. Decorate the table with candles or fresh flowers, and pick up a bottle of champagne or wine to enjoy with your meal.

If your date has a sweet tooth, don’t forget the dessert! Petits fours, fruit dipped in chocolate and truffles make fun treats that you can share. If you have a fireplace, roast marshmallows or make s’mores by a cozy fire.

Pamper Your Valentine
Does your loved one need a little TLC? It’s easy to turn your apartment into a spa. Run a bath with scented salts or a few drops of essential oil. If you’re on a budget, add baking soda to soften the water or create bubbles by pouring in some shampoo as the water runs out of the faucet. You can also use sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil or jojoba oil for a massage. Heat a couple damp, rolled up hand towels in the microwave for a few seconds and place them on the neck and shoulders to help release tension.

There are many other ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget at home—paint a portrait of your date, restore an antique that he or she purchased or write a song together. You don’t need a big wallet to show your love, just a big heart!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/AlexandrMoroz

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Don’t want to spend a fortune on flowers this Valentine’s Day? Make origami roses instead.

Start your apartment search today!

Everlasting Love
Don’t spend a fortune on a dozen roses that will just end up wilting or a box of expensive chocolates that might not get eaten. Instead, get crafty and give your sweetheart a bouquet of long-lasting origami roses. Hit up your local craft store for origami paper, and take a look around your apartment for the basics like scissors, glue and a pen. Or, create your own origami chocolate box. Then, fill the box with these easy homemade Oreo truffles for a simple, creative gift she’ll eat right up.

More about Valentine’s Day:
Shake Up Your Valentine’s Day Routine
How to Do Valentine’s Day For Less Than $50
Ways to Celebrate Singles Awareness Day

Customized Coupons
Instead of relying on store-bought cards, why not create a customized coupon booklet that entitles your sweetie to a number of goodies around your apartment? Many websites offer free templates that you can download and use to create your own coupons. The only thing that’s required is some glue and a little creativity. If you’re having a hard time coming up with coupon ideas, stick to the basics; just about anyone can appreciate the gift of a day of cleaning around the apartment or a week of hearty, home-cooked meals.

Food for Thought
Speaking of meals, the most budget-friendly Valentine’s Day meal you can have is one you prepare yourself – and your sweetheart will swoon over how much thought and effort you put into it to make the evening that much more special. So skip the subpar prix fixe menus and packed restaurants and pour your heart into a homemade dinner. Start off with something to set the romantic mood, like this salad with fresh raspberries and marinated artichoke hearts. For the main course, try something simple yet healthy like Baked Chicken alla Milanese. End this special meal with a rich, decadent dessert like Mocha Pots de Crème.

Say it With Technology
If your significant other is a music lover, there’s no better gift than the gift of music. Hijack his or her iPod or MP3 player and create a playlist full of love ballads or special songs that have played an important part in your relationship. Or, take one of those old USB flash drives you have lying around your apartment and add photos of moments you’ve shared. You can even get a little crafty and attach a personalized Valentine’s themed keychain.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/dhavatar

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