4 Moving Day Tips for Atlanta Apartments

Moving to new Atlanta apartments can be fun and hard work. Designing the layout of furniture in your floor plan and choosing where household items belong is exciting, but many hours will be spent packing and moving into your next apartment home. Reduce stress by planning your move ahead of time! On moving day try to follow these helpful guidelines for moving into Atlanta apartments.

Schedule a baby or pet sitter to make moving day less stressful.

1. Schedule to move on a weekday. According to U-Haul, truck rentals in Atlanta are more affordable during the week. Utility companies, government offices, banks and leasing offices are open weekdays and easily accessible then. The Ashwood Ridge Apartments leasing office is open Saturdays for added convenience.
2. Start packing two months in advance of moving into Atlanta apartments. Many of your belongings such as books, fine china, movie collections, out of season clothing and seasonal decorations can be packed early. Maybe having a pile of boxes around your current apartment for 8 weeks doesn’t sound like fun, but it will save you time and stress on moving day.
3. Ensure the safety of children and pets by getting a sitter on moving day. Movers, whether you hire professionals or ask a group of friends, might be easily distracted by children, cats and dogs. Ashwood Ridge is a pet-friendly apartment community. Large dogs are welcome, breed restrictions apply.
4. Remember the last thing you packed. Was it cleaning supplies? Bedding? Maybe it was your tools. It was probably important and chances are you will need it first in your new Atlanta apartment.

Ask an Ashwood Ridge Apartments leasing specialist for more moving tips and how you can save money by relocating to one of our Jonesboro, Georgia apartments, walking distance to local schools and major medical centers and just minutes to downtown Atlanta.

7 Moving Tips for Atlanta Apartments

Relocating to Atlanta apartments is both exciting and stressful. Deciding where stuff belongs and planning the layout of your apartment floor plan is fun, but a lot of time and effort goes into packing and moving to an Atlanta apartment. Begin planning early to limit stress. Try using the following guidelines on moving day.

Maplewood Pointe Apartments in Jonesboro, Georgia

1. Move on a weekday when leasing offices, banks, utilities and government offices are open. According to U-Haul, truck rentals are more affordable during the week too.
2. Start packing as early as 2 months before moving day. Out of season clothing, seasonal decorations, china, books, a movie collection… these are all things you can pack early. Having a stack of boxes around your current apartment for 8 weeks might not sound like a fun, but it will save you so much stress.
3. Label your boxes by room and general content. If you’ve hired professional movers or if you’ve asked friends to help, this will help them know where things go in your Atlanta apartment.
4. Place your dinner plates standing on edge in the box. Wrap each in plenty of paper and pad the bottom of your box. This will help prevent damage to your dishes. For all your boxes be sure to fill the empty space with paper or padding so that they will not collapse.
5. Pack large items in small boxes and small items in large boxes. Heavy large items will fall through the center of a large box and small light items can be safely stacked in larger boxes. The exception is books. Heavy books should be packed in small boxes so you can lift them.
6. On moving day, leave your pets and small children with a friend. Movers, professional or otherwise are distracted by kids and barking dogs. Plus, this insures the safety of children and pets alike.
7. Finally, remember the last thing you packed? It’s probably the first thing you want to unpack! You were using it right up to the last-minute because you need it. Maybe it was cleaning supplies, maybe it was bedding or maybe it was a toothbrush… Chances are it was important.

Leasing consultants at Maplewood Pointe Apartments have more tips for easy moving to Atlanta apartments.

Plan Your Move to Atlanta Apartments Early

Moving can be a nightmare, but much can be done by apartment dwellers to ease the transition from one community of Atlanta apartments to another. With the right amount of planning and preparation Atlanta residents can relocate without feeling overwhelmed. Before you pack the first box, check out these moving tips from Atlanta Apartments for Rent Blog.

Begin two months before the day of your move. Take inventory of all your stuff so you know what size moving truck to rent or so you get the most accurate estimate from the moving company. Shop around for local Atlanta movers or rental trucks to save more money before moving into affordable Atlanta apartments.

Some items you won’t need in your new Atlanta apartment. Use, recycle, donate or toss the things you don’t want to move to the next apartment community six weeks ahead of the big day. Clean out closets, drawers plus the fridge and pantry. This is also a good time to complete a change of address with the post office.

Make arrangements for moving day such as reserving a rental truck or scheduling movers a month prior to moving day. Plan how you will relocate pets and/or plants to the Atlanta apartment community you’ve chosen. Collect and secure important documents such as identification and legal documents that you might need during the move.

Schedule utilities to be switched at both apartment locations at least two weeks before you move. If you haven’t already, start packing now.

The day before you move can be very hectic. Confirm your moving arrangements with the truck rental company or professional movers. Update your address at the bank and with all your creditors. Pack your last boxes. These are the things you will likely need first at  apartments in Atlanta so set them aside to be loaded last or moved by car.

When moving day finally arrives you’ll be all set. Take your time unpacking, make frequent breaks to explore your new Atlanta neighborhood.

A Village at Wesley Chapel Apartments leasing specialist is wait to assist you with your next move.

 

Atlanta Apartments: Cross-country Moves

Relocating cross-country offers its own set of challenges. Once you’ve searched the listings for Atlanta apartments and selected the right apartment community and floor plan it is time to start planning your move. Beginning well in advance of the big day is the #1 moving tip offered by professional leasing specialists.

First, renters need to choose how they want to move. Can you transport all your belongings to Atlanta in your own vehicle? Probably not but you have a couple options: rent a moving truck for DIY moving or hire a professional moving company. Either way, making this decision early can save you money by earning discounts.

Willow Lake Apartments in Stone Mountain Village, minutes to downtown Atlanta

Next, make an inventory list of everything you are moving to your new Atlanta apartment. Whether you hire professionals or do it yourself, knowing what you have and in which box it is stored will help you find everything when you unpack in Atlanta. This is a good time to sell or donate items you don’t want to move!

Another good idea is to insure the stuff you are moving especially if you have hired professional movers. This is a recommendation for all movers regardless of distance, but cross-country moves mean more time and longer distances over which your possessions can be lost or damaged.

Once you arrive at your final destination, your Atlanta apartment, plan on taking your time to unpack. If possible, take a few days off work to settle into the new layout. When unpacking becomes tedious, step outside to explore your new surroundings. Metro Atlanta has lots to offer its residents!

Atlanta Apartment Renters: Basic Rental Requirements

Income requirements for renting Atlanta apartments will vary from community to community or from landlord to landlord. Minimum income requirements for leasing an apartment are in place to help renters be successful in their new home– with their ability not only to pay rent but also to buy groceries and to pay utilities. The JAMCO Properties, Inc. requirement, and industry standard, is a gross income of 3x’s the rental price. So, if the monthly rent is $600 for the unit you want, you will need a monthly income of $1800 ($21,600 annually before taxes).

Before you begin an apartment search it is a good idea to be aware of your income and spending habits because apartment community managers will run a credit and/or background check when you apply. Application fees are not a source of income for property managers but rather the application fee covers the costs third parties charge for running credit and background checks for the community. Again, these checks are done to help ensure a renter’s success in their new community.

Administration fees (admin fees) and security deposits are two additional costs a renter can be expected to pay before moving into an Atlanta apartment rental. Admin fees are non-refundable amounts and cover the cost of preparing and administering leases and paperwork done in the leasing office. A security deposit may be collected to make repairs for any unnecessary damages (outside of normal wear on the apartment). If the renter meets the requirements set out in the lease, all or part of a security deposit may be refunded when the tenant moves out of the apartment.

Minimum income requirements, application & admin fees and security deposits are all tools apartment communities use to help renters find the perfect fit. With a little planning, you can find more than a great place to live at one of JAMCO’s 21 metro Atlanta apartment communities. Most of our communities are now serving you with HALF OFF  application fees and NO SECURITY DEPOSIT!

Atlanta Apartments: The Day Before You Move

Make moving into Atlanta apartments less stressful. To help, start the night before the big move. Contact packers, movers, leasing staff and everyone involved the day before you move into your new apartment.  Exchange contact information with each party including child or pet sitters and make sure to charge your cell phone overnight. Get a good night’s sleep.

The Woods at Southlake Apartments – Now Leasing

Prior to moving, have the transportation route mapped out for all your helpers. Print your Atlanta apartment’s floor plan and draw a diagram of your furniture over it to assist your movers. Label all your boxes with the room where they belong and remember to label the rooms too.

Move-in day, wake up early! Be prepared by keeping a few things on hand, items like: snacks and beverages for movers, a first aid kit, daily medication, toilet paper and a little cash. Take responsibility for moving important documents and costly items yourself. Check with your new Atlanta apartment community for the best unloading location before the truck arrives!

Keep a positive attitude and be patient. Moving is not fun for anyone, but soon you will be on your way to enjoying apartments in Atlanta.

Tips for Before You Move into Your Atlanta Apartment

It seems like your current rental starts to feel like home when suddenly it is time to relocate to a new Atlanta apartment. If it has been awhile since your last move, you may have forgotten how painful the transition can be. Unless you have hired professionals, you will rely on friends to help you. Buy them pizza and follow these tips to lighten the burden of moving into your next apartment rental.

First, get rid of some of your things. You have too much stuff to move. Sell items in a yard sale, donate things to charity and give stuff to friends. Minimizing the work load can begin when you start searching for your Atlanta apartment.

Then, have your remaining possessions packed before the movers arrive at your old apartment. Nothing will waste more time than having your pals or hired muscle watch you decide what goes in which box. Be ready for them to carry boxes.

Next, select the best volunteers for moving into your next Atlanta apartment rental. Mark boxes accurately to protect your friends. Do not let boxes exceed the appropriate weight for individuals to carry. Likewise, choose the right vehicles. A living room sofa will not fit in your friend’s hatchback.

Finally, consider hiring cleaners to take care of your vacated apartment unit. The place will need to be spotless to receive any or all of your security deposit back. Moving all of your things has likely taken its toll on you and your buddies, so why not let someone else take care of the old place? Start enjoying your new Atlanta apartment (and pizza) now!

The Lexington Apartments in East Point, GA with 17 different floor plans.

New Apartment in Atlanta, Don’t Get Left in the Dark

Before you pack up everything and load the moving van, make sure your next Atlanta apartment rental is move-in ready! Have you remembered to begin utility services in your new apartment home? When it comes to water, gas and electricity don’t get left in the dark.

Hidden Pines at Tara in Jonesboro, GA – water included

Don’t worry if you don’t know which utility companies service your new apartment community. The property manager or leasing agent can provide you with a list of the providers in the area. Gas, water and electricity may not have any options, but you could have a selection for telephone, internet and television.

Apartment homes like the ones of Hidden Pines at Tara come with water included, but usually electricity, gas and other utilities are not part of the rent. Check your lease or ask your leasing agent what features are included in your rent.

If you are moving existing service from one location to your Atlanta apartment, the utility company should make the switchover quite easy. Beginning new service may require a credit check and/or a security deposit. Visit the utility company’s website or contact their toll-free phone number for information.

BEWARE: Apartment Rental Scams

Apartment rental scams are on the rise in the Atlanta apartment market. Scammers try to take advantage of renters because the stress and emotions involved in moving can make a prospective tenant more vulnerable. Rental scams involve a person trying to get money for an apartment that the person has no legal authority to rent or for an apartment rental that does not exist. Apartment hunters should keep their guard up and avoid common indicators of a rental scam:

1. Never send money without meeting someone or seeing the apartment. A modest application fee may be required, but it is not normal to pay large deposits for an Atlanta apartment you haven’t inspected. Always ask to see the actual unit for rent before you lease.
2. Beware of eager landlords. Many landlords and leasing agents want to create a warm sense of community and a renter should expect that. However, most landlords and property management firms want to run a background check plus employment verification. If the agent does NOT ask for these things, it might be a red flag for a scam.
3. Watch out for unusually high security deposits or upfront fees. Atlanta apartment communities commonly require security deposits or administrative fees. When the fees are in excess of what the law allows or if they exceed two month’s rent, it could be a sign of a scam. JAMCO Properties, Inc. has apartments available in Atlanta with no security deposit pending approved background check and employment verification!
4. You don’t need a lease? It’s true, a lease is not required to rent an apartment. But a lease or written month to month rental agreement is the most common situation. Only you know the best circumstance for you, but if a landlord tries to get money without considering you might want a lease, think twice.
5. Finally, if the landlord has lots of excuses for not meeting you or showing the apartment like he’s out of the country and won’t return until after you need to pay money, it might be a rental scam. And if it isn’t a scam this is still an indication of how un-attentive the landlord will be to your needs as a resident. JAMCO properties are locally owned and maintain professional on-site management teams.

JAMCO Properties, Inc. is a long time member of the Atlanta Apartment Association and identified by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the “Top 20” property management companies in Atlanta. Professional associations and recognition like these are indicators of quality apartments that are more than great places to live.

JAMCO Properties, Inc. recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Atlanta’s top 20 apartment management companies.

 

The Real World, Atlanta apartment edition!

What happens when people come together in a 2 bedroom 1 bath Atlanta apartment and stop being nice and start being real? The Real World, Atlanta! Seriously, why did MTV renovate all those huge floor plans and put in 1 bathroom? Adjusting to a single bath, shared between roommates and guests, has its challenges, but with these tips anyone can make their cozy Atlanta apartment work for everyone.

Morrowood Townhomes Morrow, GA.

1. Have sealed storage. Whether it is updated cabinetry or an IKEA space saver, lots of storage is easily had and keeps little hands out of trouble. If you or your guests have children a sealed container is more of a deterrent.
2. Keep the décor neutral. A simple clean bathroom ensures you and your guests are comfortable in every room of your rental.
3. Create a cleaning schedule. Stay on top of this and your clean apartment home will remain that way. Sticking to a schedule prevents arguments and saves headaches.
4. Provide the necessities. Having extra toilet paper, soap and towels on hand can prevent embarrassing moments for everyone.
5. Finally, store valuables in your bedroom. Unfortunately, when you live in shared space jewelry and other items become vulnerable.

JAMCO Properties, Inc serves the greater Atlanta area with 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments for rent and a wide range of affordable floor plans in 20 amazing communities.