We can all agree that moving is stressful. That’s why it feels so wonderful to find a place where you’re going to live for a long time. You can finally unpack every last box, find a great spot on the walls for your art and find all your great local spots to frequent.
If you are considering a long term apartment rental, there are some things you can do to make it an enjoyable experience once you’ve moved in. We’ve come up with a list of five great resolutions that tenants can make to help settle into their long-term apartment rentals.
1. Inform the apartment manager or landlord of any repairs
While many people shy away from reporting things like a leaky faucet or a faulty stove element, in truth, landlords usually want to be informed of these issues. In fact, it is better in the long run for the landlord or building manager to know about problems while they are still small, and likely easier and cheaper to fix.
Your manager should also do a thorough walk-through with you before you move in to document anything that might be wrong. Also make sure that the smoke alarms are in working order! All of these things will help make your apartment feel like your home sweet home.
2. Change your address
Whether you’re moving into Saskatchewan for the first time or simply another apartment in Estevan, don’t forget to update your address! The most important addresses to change are usually the bank, insurance companies and, of course, acquaintances.
3. Make extra key copies
There’s nothing worse than getting locked out, and you’ll likely be charged hefty fines if the locks need to be replaced. This is especially true if you lose your key to the common exterior door. It is a good idea to have a couple of extra sets of keys made, and to keep one set at a friend’s in case you do misplace your original key set.
4. Respect the common space
It might be tempting to ditch some of that junk in the laundry room in case another tenant wants to take your old dishes or those picture frames you don’t use anymore. But remember that the common space is for everyone and other tenants might not want to look at your used things either.
If everyone helps keep the common areas — places like the foyer, garbage area and laundry room — clean and junk free, everyone can take pride in their home.
5. Get to know thy neighbours
It seems like in today’s age, people have a harder time getting to know their neighbours. But in places like Estevan, there is still a lot of friendly charm.
It is a good idea to have at least a familiar relationship with the people living beside you. If there is ever an emergency or you need to borrow something, it’s great to be able to knock on the door and see a friendly face.
You don’t need to become best friends with your neighbours, but for long-term tenants, there is a chance you are going to need them at some point to borrow some sugar. And you never know what kind of friendship will form!
By following these simple five steps, your adventures in your new home will be stress-free and wonderful. It will truly help it feel like a home if you can settle in, have everything taken care of and make friends with the people you live near.