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Moving can be a challenge. Luckily, there are several ways you can minimize the torturous process that is move-in day. By following these tips, you'll be able to have a smooth transition from your old abode to your new home.
Reduce Your Belongings
Before you even think of packing up your stuff, go through and reduce your possessions. Chance are, you have a lot of clutter that you don't really need. Gather old clothes, knick-knacks, and kitchen appliances and donate them to charity. This will make it much easier when it comes time to tote your stuff to your new location.
Get Organized Ahead of Time
While you might be tempted to put off packing to the last minute, don't. This will cause you to haphazardly throw everything into boxes, leading to chaos. Instead, start the packing process at least a month ahead of time. Create weekly checklists of things to do to help you stay on an organizational timeline. Most importantly, use labels for boxes and pack things in a logical way.
Keep the Essentials Together
On the day of the big move, you'll be in such a hurry to unload your truck that you'll probably stack boxes in a random fashion. To avoid having to sift through all of this later in order to find your toiletries, be sure to pack a special box or bag with everything you'll need for that night.
Change Your Address Early On
Because it takes the post office about a week to start sending mail to your new address, it makes sense to give them plenty of notice that you're moving. Ideally, fill out the change of address form at least two weeks before you move to ensure you don't miss any important pieces of mail.
Looking for Flagstaff apartments near Northern Arizona University? Consider the apartment community of Highland Village. Call our office now to learn more.
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There are only three things certain in life: death, taxes, and clutter. Clutter is kind of like rabbits … it never ceases to amaze how quickly it reproduces! Just because clutter is a fact of life doesn’t mean you can’t manage it. Here are some key do’s and don’ts of managing your clutter … and keeping your clutter from managing you!
DON’T try to declutter your entire apartment in one day. It takes time, and it takes consistency.
DO break up your decluttering sessions into smaller pieces. Work on one room at a time. You can even break the room down into smaller sections: the closet, the dresser, the bed, etc.
DON’T be clingy. Yes, you used to love that sweater/album/book/coffee maker, but if you haven’t used it in the past year … it’s time to let it go.
DO donate! Instead of just throwing away the things you no longer need, head on over to the local thrift shop and make your “trash” someone else’s treasure.
DON’T go overboard. We love those colorful decorative storage bins as much as anybody, but try to avoid heading to the store and investing in a ton of new storage items before you even know what you’ll be storing. That said …
DO make use of cabinets, bins, and boxes. You might have a hard time keeping all your magazines in order, but sticking them into a bin makes them look tidy instantly! The same goes for crafting supplies and knick-knacks that might not exactly have a “place” of their own.
DON’T stress yourself out. Trying to declutter your apartment can be stressful, especially if you get overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of STUFF surrounding you!
DO make it fun! Give yourself 15 minutes to clean one spot in your apartment. Have a reward planned if you get it done. Put on some upbeat music and do a little dance as you declutter. Cleaning may be a chore, but that doesn’t mean it also has to be a bore!
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This April our focus is RYAS: Rocking Your Apartment’s Socks! We’ll take you from recipes to try in the kitchen to thrifty apartment décor and much more!
One way to rock your apartment’s socks is to keep it organized! As much as we might hate cleaning, you can always make organization and tidiness a little more fun by finding unique and eye-catching ways to do it! Check out these ten life hacks that will keep your apartment organized and looking f-i-n-e!
1. Use soda can tabs to create closet space
Just slip the soda can tab over the hook of your hanger, and hang a second hanger on the open tab hole! You’ll fit twice the number of hangers in your closet without wasting money on pricey space-saving hangers.
2. Create magnetic spice jars
Instead of filling your precious cabinet space with all your spices, check out this guide to making magnetic spice jars! You can then stick them to the fridge for a unique look and a cute space saver!
3. Save dresser space with a new shirt fold
Fold and organize your shirts in rows rather than laying them flat! Not only will you create more space, but you’ll also be able to easily find your favorite shirts more easily! Learn how here.
4. Create a magnetic bathroom storage strip
Use a magnetic strip roll to create three storage strips in your bathroom medicine cabinet: one at the top, one toward the bottom, and one in the middle (make sure you avoid placing the strips at the same level as the shelf, as this might keep the cabinet from closing). You can use these to store tweezers, small clippers, and other metallic bathroom accessories … especially the ones you’re more likely to lose! We’re looking at you, bobby pins!
5. Use spice racks to organize your bedroom and bathroom
Need a low cost alternative to shelving for over bed storage? Or maybe you just need to organize your hair products, lotions, nail polishes, etc. Look no further than spice racks! They are small enough to not take up much room, but big enough to hold all your everyday items. And they’re super easy to install! Use them to create bathroom organization, or create an over-the-bed bookshelf or place to stick your glasses for the night!
6. Create unique storage with baskets
You can find beautiful wicker or faux-wicker baskets at a local craft store. Use them to create a unique storage option. You can easily hang them from the wall either facing up (for hats, scarves, etc.) or facing out (for books, vases, and other small items).
7. Use Dollar Store buckets for desk organization
The Dollar Store always has nifty knick-knacks … one of our favorites is their cute multicolored buckets and pails! They are not only adorable décor, but they also present fun desktop organization. Use them to store pens, markers, scissors, and other items. Stick one in the living room or kitchen to store your small hand tools, too!
8. Cereal containers double as trash cans
Another awesome Dollar Store find? Cereal containers. These not only give you a great way to keep your cereal fresh … they also provide the perfectly sized small trash bins you may need for each room. Tuck one down beneath your desk, beside the bed, or just inside the front door; it’s easily hidden, but big enough for small trash you don’t want to take a trip to your main trashcan for. (Bonus: Grab one for your car, too! No more loose straw rappers and unwanted receipts!)
9. Save closet storage space with baskets
Invest in some cloth collapsible baskets for your closet. Instead of stacking extra clothes or sheets on the top shelf, use these to create a more colorful and space saving organization system! One benefit to these is that you can stack them up or on their sides; lay a basket on its side for sheets, and stack baskets with extra shirts, socks, and other clothes on top of each other.
10. Use shower curtain rings to hang belts and scarves
Secure a rod (try an expandable curtain rod) inside your closet and hang as many shower curtain rings as you need. Use them to keep your belts and scarves organized! Learn how to make your own here!
Happy Organizing! And don’t forget to share your favorite organizational tips with us!
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