Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Choosing an Area Rug
Lackofrugitis sadly affects one out of every three apartment tenants. The symptoms are clearly evident, yet most of those afflicted aren't even aware that they are suffering from it. Here's a checklist to help determine if you or someone you love may have Lackofrugitis:Cold or chilly feet A feeling of emptiness in the room Speech echoes Aching or numb backside when sitting on the wood floor for prolonged periods Lack of floor-based romantic tendenciesLackofrugitis is a serious issue, but it's one that can be treated. In order to beat this debilitating condition, you must take the only known cure for it--a new area rug.How to Measure the Floor for the Right Area RugBelieve it or not, simply purchasing a new rug won't cure Lackofrugitis. Choosing the wrong area rug can actually bring on a case of "Unevenroomatosis." In order to be completely cured of this affliction, you need to know the basics about how to measure the floor for the right area rug. An easy way to measure for an area rug is to take masking tape and frame an outline of the rug on your floor. This will give you an idea of the perfect-sized rug for your purpose. Once you have the tape down, use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions.If you have a coffee table in your living room, then you will want about a foot of rug visible on each side underneath the table. If you do not own a coffee table, then it is okay if the edge of the carpet fits underneath the front end of the sofa. "The ideal area rug should sit under at least the front third of the furniture that's located in the room," says Tim J. of Kepple's Carpet in Runnemede, NJ.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Monday, July 28, 2008
LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES
Adhere to state and local codes to provide for the tenant’s health and safety. Maintain structural components and the property in a weather-tight condition. Provide reasonably adequate locks and keys. Provide heat, electricity and hot and cold water. Set water heaters at 120.° Provide garbage cans and arrange for removal of garbage, except in single-family dwellings. Keep common areas clean and free from hazards. Keep electrical, plumbing and heating systems in good repair and maintain any appliances. Provide smoke detectors, and ensure they work properly when a new tenant moves in (tenants are responsible for maintaining detectors). For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Earth-Friendly Bedroom Basics
Sleep sustainably in a healthy bedroom that's good for you and great for the environment.By Caren Baginski
Master bedroom in the Green Home Applying eco-friendly style to your bedroom isn't a fad — it's one of the healthiest things to do when decorating your home. Don't let harmful chemicals and toxins take you lying down. Here's how to put up a fight for green in your bedroom.Breathe Easier• Air quality is important because you spend so much time in the bedroom at night, says green architect/designer Michelle Kaufmann, founder and chairman of Michelle Kaufmann Designs. She recommends operable windows for cross ventilation/natural ventilation and HEPA filters in vaccuums.
• Buy a stylish ceiling fan to circulate hot and cool air — and save money on energy bills.
• Choose low/no-VOC paints and stains for walls, ceiling and furniture.
• Wash your bedding each week to cut down on mold, mildew and dust mite accumulation.
• If you're prone to allergies, avoid down pillows and comforters. Instead, look for hypoallergenic — and organic — pillows filled with wool, cotton, millet hulls (99 percent dust free), buckwheat, kapok (a natural seed fiber) and shredded latex.
Choose a Green Mattress and Box SpringInvest in the most important part of your bedroom: the mattress. "Everything you bring into your home has a potential to off-gas, so when you chose products to sleep on, you should look at what they're made of," says Greg Snowden creator and founder of the Green Fusion Design Center.
Choose a mattress that's toxic-free and doesn't contain polyurethane foam and fire-retardants such as PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). Animals exposed to PDBEs showed learning deficiencies, and high levels of the chemical have been found in women's breast milk according to PollutionInPeople.org. But you'll have to get a mattress that passes the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tests for fire, so look to wool mattresses for natural fire-retardant qualities.
Green options include organic wool- and cotton-filled mattresses that are just as comfortable as a chemical-filled mattress. The greenest option is latex. Savvy Rest, a green mattress company, offers organic mattresses made from 95 percent latex (100 percent does not exist) that don't suffer from lumps and gullies over time.
Eco-friendly mattresses are also available from Green Sleep. Zem Joaquin, green blogger at Ecofabulous.com, favors Green Sleep in her home. "The rubber is harvested in Malaysia," she says. "They go and tap the trees like you would for maple syrup and bake it up into nice, fluffy cakes. The comfort is phenomenal."
National Geographic's The Green Guide suggests supplementing your mattress with a natural, untreated solid wood box spring made from FSC-certified wood.
Reuse Furniture and Fabric• Instead of buying a new bedroom set, take a look at what you have and refresh it. TV-dinner trays, a stack of old luggage — even a fallen tree trunk in your backyard can become a nightstand.
• Save gas by shopping locally at thrift stores, antique shops and architectural salvage stores. You can often find old headboards to upholster or paint, giving a unique look to the bed for less. An old door turned on its side and wall mounted is another eco-friendly, and rustic, solution.
• For inexpensive DIY pillows or curtain panels, visit fabric shops and ask for their leftover material scraps. Or, repurpose old blankets and sheets for a comforter that's completely your own.
Buy Organic BeddingWhat is organic bedding? It's sheets and pillowcases made from fibers grown without synthetic pesticides or genetic engineering. But is all organic bedding truly eco-friendly? "Eco-friendly is the overriding umbrella and organic is underneath that," says Kaufmann. "If it's organic but it uses a lot of resources from the earth in terms of how it's made, then it's not necessarily eco-friendly in the holistic sense."
But organic is still preferred when it comes to your health. For example, "consumers don't realize that many bed sheets are typically treated with formaldehyde to make them soft," Snowden says. Avoid this known carcinogen and opt for chemical-free sheets like organic cotton or bamboo. Buying organic doesn't only do you a favor — it's also better for the world, says Snowden. "The cotton industry uses one quarter of all the pesticides that are consumed in the world. For that reason alone, it's important to support organic cotton sheets and bedding." From Target to Ralph Lauren, beautiful, luxurious eco-friendly bedding is everywhere. For maximum softness, look for thread counts from 250-400.
Other tricks: • For blankets, wool is greener than polyester.• Be suspect when you see the words "repellents" or "proof" on bedding labels, which indicate the product has been treated with chemicals. • Organic cotton mattress pads help protect your mattress from dust mites.• Make your own duvet by sewing together two large bamboo sheets.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, July 21, 2008
What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing
What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing
By Jennifer Lai, About.com
Arrive at an apartment viewing prepared, so you can focus on fully evaluating the apartment. With the necessary tools, you can better assess whether the apartment's right for you. And if you fall in love with the place, you'll be ready to start the application process.
A special note for those renting in competition markets: it’s particularly important that you come prepared, so that your dream apartment isn't snatched up by someone else.
BasicsDigital cameraA camera is useful for reminding you what the apartment and its surrounding area look like. After seeing several apartments, they’ll start blurring together. Before you know it, you can’t remember which one had the spacious closet and which had the decorative kitchen tiles.
NotepadBring a notebook, too, to jot down notes of each apartment—things you liked and didn’t like. For example, was there a lot of ruckus outside? Or a slow-moving elevator? Write down any notable observations in your notebook.
Checkbook and ATM CardIf you find your dream apartment, you’ll want to begin the apartment application process, which often requires a deposit to take the apartment off the market. Bring a checkbook, for sure, but also an ATM card for brokers or landlords that require cash only. (Note: please don’t hand over money unless you receive a receipt and a signed document, saying you’ll receive the deposit back if you're rejected for the apartment).
Social Security NumberMake sure you know your social security number, which will be needed to perform a credit check. If you plan on using a guarantor, you’ll need their SSN as well. Guarantors are typically used when you don’t meet the minimum financial requirements for the apartment.
Tape MeasurerMeasure the rooms, so you can work out later exactly how much furniture can fit. If the previous tenants are still living there, then you’ll have some idea of dimensions. But if it’s a big empty room, well, it can look deceptively bigger or smaller than it truly is.
For Competitive MarketsIn certain competitive markets, you must go through stringent requirements before signing the lease. For example, in New York City, many liken renting to buying a house. In these cities, you must come to an apartment viewing ready to rent on the spot, especially during the most competitive season—summer. So gather all your materials even before you start looking at listings.
Bank statementsYes, in some places, landlords want to see your bank statements. Make photocopies of at least two bank statements, making sure to black out your bank account number.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Housewarming Gifts
One nice thing about housewarming gifts is that they don't need to be wrapped. Pull something together, put it in a gift bag or basket, and ring the doorbell.
If you're making a first visit to a family member's new home, you might have had a hand in helping with the move. If so, you might know exactly what they'll need in the new home. If they've moved from a large home to a smaller one, organization supplies might come in handy. But if they're moving from a small home to a larger one, a set of towels for the new extra bath might be practical.
We've come up with some ideas for both traditional gifts and new, fresh ideas. Choose what will best represent you, your friend, and your relationship. Then show up and enjoy a wonderful visit!
A gift for a housewarming gift for newlyweds is simple--just check out their bridal registry and fill in any holes.
Fresh PlantsA new home, even before the furniture is arranged and the drapes are up, looks more welcoming with a live, flowering plant. Plants are better than fresh cut flowers, as they live longer and don't need as much maintenance.
A Wreath for the DoorChoose a wreath for the season, for a holiday, or just in colors that will look pretty on the house. If you get one that will last through the years, include a wreath storage box, too.
A Gift of FoodThere's so much work involved in moving and setting up housekeeping, that anyone will welcome a casserole or full dinner to enjoy as a break from all the work. Something that will go into a microwave and onto paper plates (why not include them, along with plastic silverware?) will make the meal a breeze.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, July 14, 2008
Decorating
Planning and decorating your first apartment can be baffling and overwhelming. Apartment units or outdated brownstones are often small, sterile and architecturally deprived. But you can transform them into a personal, unique space. Don't be a confused, first-time decorator: Enjoy the adventure.Ponder these seven points as you transform your new apartment into a home that reflects your personality.
A similar style in each room will create flow and rhythm. Photo courtesy of IKEA.1. Develop a point of viewThe trick to creating a cohesive, put-together apartment is to decide what kind of "look" you want. Study magazines and watch home decorating shows to help you determine your favorite style. Rustic? Sleek and modern? Traditional? Country French? Once you find your preference, try to stick to your theme in every room. The similar style in each room will create flow and rhythm, which will give your place a sense of harmony and balance.But keep in mind you're not decorating a movie set—not every detail has to perfectly match. The odd accessory gives your place personality and should tell something about the person who dwells there—you. Avoid creating a "circus" atmosphere by using too many styles, too many different colors and too many patterns. Carrying your point of view throughout an apartment can also make your place seem larger.Select several colors and use them throughout your apartment. Photo courtesy of Collegiatemall.com.2. Choose a color schemeSelect three or four of your favorite colors, and use them throughout your apartment. If you use objects and fabrics of wildly different colors in each room, your place will seem choppy, broken up and visually distracting. For example, if you like blue and white, create a living room that features white walls, ivory slipcovered furniture, blue and white porcelain accents, and light-wood tables and shelves. In your bedroom, you could use a deeper blue and more of it via a patterned bedspread, pillows and curtains. Your kitchen could carry the theme by using blue and white checked curtains, while introducing yellow as an accent color.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Renting a House
Although my topic area focuses mainly on apartment and small unit rentals, most renters find they want a larger place to rent. There is nothing nicer than having a large house all to yourself without the massive down payment and 30-year commitment to worry about. And you still have the flexibility to move out at the end of the lease and find something different. If you have never rented a house, duplex, or condo before, you will find this article particularly helpful. Why Rent a House? If you’re like most renters, you will have almost every nook and cranny of your small apartment cluttered with knick-knacks, collectibles, boxes, and piles of magazines. For these packrats, it appears the apartment keeps getting smaller every year. Eventually, you’re forced to either get rid of all your stuff or find a bigger place. Houses, condos, and duplexes usually have extra storage closets, maybe a garage, and often several rooms. Perfect for all your treasured valuables.
Or, perhaps you are not a packrat but have a large family. A small apartment is not very comfortable for a large family. People like to have a little space. A house or duplex usually have several bedrooms and bathrooms and plenty of space for everyone. Often these larger properties have yards where the kids will love to play.
Or, maybe you have some pets. Most apartment complexes are not friendly to pets, especially to larger dogs or large collections of animals. Finding a private house might be just what you need.
Is Renting a House For You? Renting a house is not cheap. Usually the rent is a lot higher than an apartment. In some cities, renting a house is about the same as renting a townhouse. Of course, this depends entirely upon the location of the property, the landlord, and how eager the landlord is to rent it out. If the landlord hasn’t been able to rent for the past few months, the price is going to come down. However, if the property is in a popular location, the rent is going to rise.
Like most other units of rental, renting a house will most likely require a year-long lease (or maybe even a 16-month lease). If your income might decrease within that timeframe, being locked into a high monthly rental amount might not be a good idea. Most landlords will check your credit and income to be sure you will be able to afford the lease, just in case.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Monday, July 7, 2008
How to Survive Moving
Remember that sometimes you will always feel sad no matter how long you have lived in a place. Have friends from your original home send you postcards, pictures and packages. You can send them small gifts in return (for example, a favorite pack of gum). Make a card or friendship bracelet. Call them on their birthdays. E-mail them with E-cards.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
