Month: April 2023

Being a traveling employee is a unique situation that can create a lot of logistical headaches and challenges. On the one hand, traveling to new states, cities, and even countries can be exciting while getting paid. But, on the other hand, it’s also virtually impossible to set down roots when you’re not “home” for that many days out of the year.

Ideally, you could stay with a friend or family member, so you don’t have to worry about paying rent on an apartment you rarely use. However, since that situation is only sometimes possible, you might have to search for a lease – sometimes, without even seeing it in person. So, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to make this process easier.

Consider Your Actual Needs

The amount you travel can depend on multiple factors, and it changes from one industry to the next. For example, some workers may travel three or four days out of the week, while others might be out of town for weeks or months at a time. Once you know your average schedule, you can break down what you need in a home base.

It might not make sense to rent a big apartment if you just need a bed, shower, and sink. On the other hand, if you’re cooking less at home, you can get away with a smaller apartment with a tiny kitchen. Alternatively, you’re home for half the year and want to have friends or family over regularly when you’re not working. Once you know your essential needs, you can narrow your apartment search.

Ask for Recommendations

Even if you can’t live with a friend or family member, you can still ask them for recommendations on where to stay. They can get referrals or find roommates if you prefer not to live alone. Start by casting a net within your own social network, then expand to reach out to strangers and apartment websites.

Do Your Research

If you can’t visit an apartment before signing a lease, research the building and the property manager as much as possible. Virtual tours are more common these days, so you can do a digital walkthrough instead of waiting to do it in person. Also, see if you can find ratings and reviews from current and former tenants, as they’ll be more open and honest about potential problems.

Be Honest With Your Landlord

Depending on your situation, you may need a lot of flexibility with your living arrangements. For example, can the landlord accept digital payments instead of a rent check if you’re often gone on the first of the month? Also, if you’re out of your apartment for more than a few weeks at a time, can the landlord do a quick inspection to check for things like pests, mold, or leaks?

Overall, being upfront about your situation will help alleviate most problems that could arise later on. Just make sure you get any agreements in writing before signing the lease. Otherwise, you might wind up in a sticky situation.

Consider Renting Rooms

Because safety and security are often issues when you’re not home most of the time, you may consider renting a room with other people. This way, you can share the costs, and you’ll be the ideal roommate. Also, you don’t have to worry as much about break-ins, leaks, or pests since your shared spaces will be lived in while you’re gone.

Get Moving Help!

When you’re traveling all the time, it’s hard to focus on other things like moving. We can take care of the heavy lifting (literally), so you can have a smoother and pain-free transition. Contact us today to find out more.

 

 

Part of growing up with siblings means sharing everything. For many families, it means sharing a bedroom, which challenges everyone involved. Fortunately, splitting a room between two siblings doesn’t have to be a chore. With creativity and the right mindset, the results might actually be better.

So, let’s discuss some top tips for splitting a bedroom into two for your children when you make a residential move. You can use some or all of these ideas – there are no “wrong” answers.

Consider Both Child’s Needs

Realistically, a bedroom won’t have equal features that you can split evenly down the middle. For example, there might be windows on one side, meaning one child can access them while the other has more wall space.

The key to creating a positive environment for both children is to consider each of their needs and discuss options. For example, one of them prefers having more wall space to store toys and other items. Or, partition the room at the window so that both children can sleep or play near the window.

Use Room Dividers

One of the biggest challenges of sharing a room with a sibling is having privacy from them. This problem can be even worse if there is a significant age gap between each child or if they’re of different sexes.

Traditional room dividers provide some privacy but are also open. Depending on the situation, you can create your own partitions, such as using furniture (i.e., bookcases) or hanging sheets from the ceiling. Be sure to discuss each option with the kids so they can provide input.

Allow Both Kids to Decorate and Paint

One way for children to look forward to sharing a room with a sibling is to have them be in charge of how their space looks. For example, each child can paint half of the room and decorate it however they want. This will give them some ownership of the room, and it’ll be much easier to tell whose side is whose.

Use a Bunk Bed as a Wall

Having two beds in a shared room can leave little space for other furniture. Many families choose to use a bunk bed to alleviate space concerns. Who says the bed has to be against the wall? If you place it in the center of the room as a divider, two children can take advantage on both sides.

Utilize Wall Space

Installing shelves or tall bookcases can be challenging when organizing a child’s room because they may only reach some things. However, you can use vertical storage space for items that don’t get used often, such as seasonal clothing. This way, those items don’t take up valuable real estate inside the room, allowing each child to take advantage of the space left behind.

Get Help Moving Your Kids’ Belongings

If you’re moving into a house where your children will share a bedroom, let us help pack and transport their belongings. We take great care with all of our client’s items, and we can make sure nothing gets left behind. Contact us today to find out more!