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December 2016

Woman sitting on shag rug in stylish apartment, writing a notice of intent to vacate on her laptopWhen you leave a rented apartment or home, your landlord’s goal is to fill it with a new tenant ASAP. That’s why you’re required to give them a heads-up – or a notice of intent to vacate – in plenty of time. The first thing you should do if you’ve decided to move out is check the lease agreement that you signed when you moved in. Your landlord should have detailed exactly when you need to provide a notice of intent to vacate, and how far in advance of your move-out date they need to have received it. Some landlords only require a notice when the lease is broken; others need one regardless of the situation. Some landlords need a reason; others just need the facts. Review your lease to see if a notice of intent to vacate is required in your situation, and then learn how to write one!

African American woman in red sweater looking out over an expanse of water, hopeful for the new yearLets face it. For some, 2016 was a great year. But, for others (at least according to the Internet), it was a dumpster fire. From elections to celebrity deaths to epic movie fails, 2016 is likely a year people will try to greatly improve upon in the new year. For you, this means some things must change, others must improve, and some new items need to join the mix. These are our picks for 5 ways to get the most out of 2017.

Adult son eating breakfast at his parent's house, with parents looking frustrated in the backgroundFor the first time in more than 130 years, adults ages 18-34 are more likely to be living in their parents’ home than they are to be living with a spouse or partner in their own house or apartment, reports Pew Social Trends. Are you one these folks? Check out these 8 (somewhat hilarious) signs it may be time to move out of your parent’s place and into an abode of your own. It’s easier and more affordable than you ever imagined!

Woman's feet in cozy socks next to open book, cup of coffee, and white headphonesDoes winter weather make you weary? Do you roll your eyes at the thought of the first snow? Are you cold right this second? Winter can be tough for some of us, but apartment dwellers have some situations that can’t always be fixed without the landlord making alterations, or even worse, without accidentally ruining something. Luckily, we’ve got some apartment life hacks for how to survive the winter without spending all of your money on running your heater and replacing your carpet (yikes!). Read up, because baby, it’s cold outside.

Legs of woman sitting on the floor with cup of coffeeIf you’re a professional or student always on the move for work, the advantages of furnished apartments are a no brainer. However, renting a furnished apartment can actually be a smart choice for almost anyone! Check out these five huge advantages to see how a furnished apartment could be beneficial for you, from both a cost and convenience perspective.

Group of three friends moving apartments in the winter, one is lifting a couch and one is holding a moving boxYou’re sweating. It’s an abnormally hot summer, and you’re pushing a couch down a flight of stairs, praying that a bucket of water is available to dump on your head once you’re finished. Ideally, summer may seem like a great time to move, but many people don’t realize that winter is actually the underdog in this situation. Sure, it’s chilly, but we’ve got plenty of tips to help you stay warm, dry, and cozy as you reap the benefits of moving apartments in the winter.

Two delivery men in blue uniforms taking white couch out of back of delivery vanWhen you decide to rent a fully furnished apartment, you’re choosing ease, flexibility and convenience. By going this route, you can live in the apartment of your dreams without the commitment of purchasing the furniture. You can pack up and move at a moment’s notice, without having to hoard stacks of moving boxes. That doesn’t mean, however, that you don’t need to be an educated and careful consumer. There are a few unique things to consider when renting a fully furnished apartment, and some important questions you need to ask. By getting answers to these questions before signing on the dotted line, you can make the best decision for your lifestyle!

Woman sitting on floor of her apartment with laptop on stack of cardboard boxes, as she considers moving to a new apartmentLets face it. Right now, some of you despise the apartment you currently live in. In fact, you’re counting down the days until your lease term is up so you make your grand exit. Adding to your frustration, a brand new apartment community just opened up on the other side of town and they’re advertising one month of free rent. Not to mention, you have not had a response to the work order you submitted two days ago asking maintenance to fix the leaky faucet. All of these things add up to your much-celebrated exit from life at your current community. But wait — there might be more to the story than meets the eye. Is the grass going to be greener on the other side of town, or are you off to a new community with the same story as before? Consider these things before you start searching for your next apartment home.