Won't You Be My Neighbor?

(Image courtesy of zouny)

One of the best parts of moving into a new place is the ability to make friends with your new neighbors. If you were super tight with your old neighbors it can be a little lonely for the first couple of days in your new place until you make a connection with the new people living around you. Now worries with a smile and a few friendly gestures you and your neighbors will be chatting in no time!

Making friends with the neighbors doesn’t have to be about grand gestures. It’s amazing how far small acts of kindness will go when it comes to making a connection. Try these five tips courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com to create a lasting relationship with your neighbors that will be beneficial to you both. Keep reading to learn more:

1. Every now and then, when you're taking out your trash and recycling bin, take out the neighbors as well. If its too heavy for you to maneuver, wait until after the trash collectors have stopped by and take the empty bins to their holding spot.
2. On moving day, you're likely to see the majority of neighbors going and coming home from work. Take a second to say "hi" and introduce yourself.
3. Include your neighbors by inviting them to your housewarming party. By letting them know ahead of time about the shindig, you're allowing them to make other plans if they don't want to stop by (and don't want to be bothered by all the party noise).
4. If you and your neighbors have pets, extend an open offer to feed the cat when they go out of town.
5. You never know when you're going to find yourself needing to borrow a drill or some other home or food item. If you find yourself in this position, make a mental note to make extra cookies the next time you're baking and drop them off on your neighbor's doorstep.

Knowing and liking your neighbors has many benefits (as Laure learned quickly last week). In the past, we've depended on neighbors to borrow a cup of sugar or watch out for a package from UPS or even feed our cat (and we always do the same for them). And in most instances, we end up being close friends with our neighbors which makes our house that much more of a home.

The Perfect Moving Checklist

This weekend, we’re excited to welcome the first of our new residents to La Cantera! Though we’re sure you’re all ready to begin unpacking and settling in, we know as well as you do that, at first glance, the whole moving process can be a bit overwhelming. No matter how well prepared you are, there is always a little stress and hard work that comes with the territory of relocating. Thankfully, however, with a little extra preparation your moving process can be calm.

Sometimes it’s difficult to decide where to begin. These tips, courtesy of apartmentguide.com, will help you to remember all the important moving steps that are likely to slip through the cracks in the week leading up to packing tape and moving trucks. Keep reading to learn more:

The week of your move:

• Confirm your travel and pet/childcare plans.
• Confirm appointments with cable or Internet services.
• Order new checks with your new address.
• Clean your apartment and prepare it for the check-out process.
• Confirm moving day details with your moving company or truck rental company.
• Withdraw any cash you will need to pay movers and get through travel to your new apartment.
• Make a box of cleaning supplies to keep handy if your new apartment needs cleaning.
• Pack the essentials you will need shortly after you move in a Priority Box.
• Pack the clothes, toiletries and personal items you will need in the days following your move in suitcases.
• Arrange and conduct your apartment check-out walk-through. It’s important to be present at the check-out walk-through to discuss any issues and make arrangements regarding your security deposit.

Moving Day — Leaving your old place

• Finish any last minute packing, remembering to put any items you will need right away in your Priority Box.
• Perform any last minute cleaning, and take out the trash.
• Print out directions to your new home for you and anyone helping you move. Also, have a map in case you need to change routes.
• If you are using professional movers, confirm payment method. Some moving companies prefer to be paid in cash on the day of the move, while other companies accept checks or credit cards.
• Set out water or cold beverages for you and those helping you move.
• Have someone watch your children or pets during your move, or designate a special area of your residence where they can stay during the move.
• Set aside any boxes/items that require special care and might need to be moved separately in a car. It is also a good idea to move any personal bags, suitcases, and your Priority Box separately so you can get to any items you might need immediately.
• If you are moving out of an apartment, talk to your apartment manager to see if you can reserve a space for your moving truck.
• If you are moving yourself, pick up your moving truck and any moving accessories. Inspect the truck to make sure it is in good condition and that you have all the accessories you need. Make sure to pay attention to all the conditions you have to meet before you return the truck.
• If you are moving yourself, load your rental truck carefully. Load the items you will need right away last so they can be unloaded first.
• If you are using a moving company, give the movers any special moving/handling instructions. Review and sign any paperwork when your movers arrive. Make sure that you understand what you’re signing and ask questions if you need to.
• Trade contact information with the movers so you can get in touch should something happen during transit.
• Do a final check of your old residence making sure you aren’t leaving anything behind.
• Turn off all lights, and turn off the thermostat.
• Make sure that all doors and windows are locked.
• If you are leaving an apartment, sign any final paperwork, perform any necessary final walkthroughs and turn over your key. Get a copy of any final paperwork for your records. Make sure to give your former management company your new address so they know where to send your security deposit.

Moving Day — Moving into your new apartment

• Make sure you arrive at your new apartment before your moving van.
• Check in with your apartment manager to perform an apartment walkthrough and get your apartment key, if you have not done so already. If you have made any special move-in arrangements, confirm those details with your apartment manager.
• Check to make sure the necessary utilities have been hooked up.
• If you are moving yourself, unload your belongings off your moving truck.
• If you are using a moving company, take note of items as they are unloaded to make sure nothing was damaged in transit. Once all of your belongings have been unloaded, read and sign any final paperwork (inventory, bill of lading, etc.) Keep a copy for your records.
• Pay and tip your movers.
• If you are moving yourself, perform any necessary tasks before returning your rental truck.
• Unpack your priority box and set up any furniture you will want to use that day, such as beds, chairs, etc.