Here are our top 5 tips for getting packages delivered to your apartment…

Community Storage or Mail Room

If you live in an apartment community that offers a package delivery storage room, use it! This is a space where we keep your packages until you arrive home to collect them. Delivery drivers typically have access to this room through management.

It’s extremely convenient and makes for a seemless package delivery option!

Delivery Alerts

The fastest way to track your package in real time, is by signing up for alerts. Most shipping companies offer text or email alerts letting you know where your package is or when it’s being delivered. This option will allow you to atleast know the date and time frame of delivery, so you may be able to be home.

During checkout, Amazon offers a scheduled day for delivery. If you know you’ll be home a certain day of the week, try getting your packages all delivered on that scheduled date.

“Hold for Pick-up” Option

This is available via USPS and FedEx. Simply have the item held at your local post office or nearest FedEx location where you can pick it up within the specified amount of time.

Pick Another Location

Direct your deliveries somewhere else where you know they’ll be secure until you pick them up.

Friends with any neighbors? Perhaps they’re home and available when you’re not? If you’re comfortable with your coworkers knowing what you’re receiving, consider having your packages shipped to your office. What are friends and family for, if not to help when in a bind, right? If you’ve got family or friends who live nearby, try asking them if it’s okay to send your deliveries to their door, at least for the holiday season.

Ship to the Retail Location

When checking out, request the item(s) be shipped to the retailer’s nearest store for pick-up. Most retailers do not charge a fee for shipping to one of their locations. Plus, they usually hold your package for 3-5 days until you’re able to make it into the store.

We hope you enjoy each and every present that arrives at your door this holiday season. Happy shopping!

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What are apartment amenities? 

Your monthly rent isn’t always a flat rate that only includes the apartment rental itself. It can also include certain utilities like water, sewer, trash, and recycling. Utilities are typically attached to a service provider. For example, the electricity bill would come from WE Energies, here in Wisconsin. Oftentimes, landlords will consider cable and internet as a utility, as well. Perhaps one of the communities you visited offered free WiFi, that would be an included utility.

Pools, community rooms, and even granite countertops fall in the amenities category. These are usually things that bring convenience or extra comfort to your living experience.

When touring an apartment, it’s important to discuss the rent, amenities included, and the utility costs with the property manager. Additionally, all of these should be listed clearly on your lease paperwork. So ask your landlord to point those out when signing your lease.

Community Amenities

Your lease may be a year long or you may stay in your new apartment for years to come. Here are some of the most popular apartment amenities to consider when searching for that perfect place to call home.

Parking and Storage

Street parking in Wisconsin is more than just inconvenient. No one wants to worry about leaving their car exposed to snow plows, being snowed in, or any other accidents. Thankfully, a ton of communities offer on-site parking, underground parking, or personal garages.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find an apartment that includes both parking and storage in the total rent price. Storage is essential in apartment living. Christmas trees, bicycles, and even seasonal clothing can all be securely reserved until you need them again. Double check if a storage unit is included during your next showing, you’ll be happy you did.

Fitness Centers

Say goodbye to gym memberships and fees! Finding a community that offers an on-site fitness center could be a great option to save money every month. Don’t forget to discuss when the fitness center is accessible and when it’s closed. If you tend to exercise late at night, this may not be as big of a win as it seems.

Online Tenant Portal

What is a tenant portal exactly? It’s a fast and secure way to pay rent online, view payment history, submit maintenance requests, and perform a number of other important renter services. These options are available to access on any smartphone, tablet, or PC. Renter’s are prioritizing the ease of using these tools and having an online tenant portal has become a must-have feature!

Other community amenities to consider are things like a playground, pool, community room, and pet-friendly outdoor spaces.

In-Unit Amenities

Appliances

Standard appliances found in every apartment would include a refrigerator and stove/oven. Surprisingly, those could be the only appliances included at certain communities. While touring apartments, don’t assume that what you see is what you get. Oftentimes, community rooms are decked out with stainless steel and granite, but the apartment rentals are not. Shocking, we know.

Think – convenience. Dishwashers, for instance, are extremely convenient, but it’s possible to get by without them. Garbage disposals, microwaves, and laundry could be of higher importance.

In-unit washer and dryer are considered essential to certain tenants. There are renters happy to share on-site laundry facilities, or even provide their own washer/dryer if there are available hookups for them. When deciding for yourself, consider the building size you would be sharing the laundry facilities with or if you’re okay going to a laundromat down the street.

Security

You don’t have to live in a high-rise to have security features available at your community. It’s often overlooked, but asking about features like locked entry with in-unit intercoms, security cameras, and FOB access are extremely important. These can all help keep you safe and even keep your packages safe.

Patio or Balcony

Outdoor space usually takes the form of a balcony or patio attached to your apartment. There’s value to these private spaces that go way beyond the square footage they bring. They are extensions of your home. Enjoy grilling, a potted garden, and a hot cup of joe at sunrise. Amazing views make these apartment add-ons even more delightful. There may be a cost to having a balcony with your apartment. However, in these socially isolated times, it may well be worth it.

In-unit amenities could also include things like a fireplace, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops.

Every renter is different and sometimes, you can find everything you want, just not all within the same community. We’ve given you some examples of common amenities found nationwide. Consider what features fit your lifestyle the best and will ensure a living experience that is both convenient and comfortable.

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1.  Check Cleaning Protocols

Asking questions is essential to protecting yourself beyond just moving day. Apartment communities have tons of high-touch areas shared by residents, guests and delivery drivers. Ask the property manager what steps have been taken to sanitize these surfaces. Intercom buttons, door handles and stair railings should all be cleaned with antibacterial products on a regular basis. 

Certain companies handle the cleaning of a vacant apartment differently than others. Professional cleaners usually provide their own cleaning supplies. Oftentimes, those are home or industrial multi-surface cleaners that kill bacteria and germs, but that isn’t always the case. Some cleaning service companies may use products they prefer or use as a personal preference. These could include things like less effective natural cleaning alternatives or even essential oils. Make sure you confirm what professional cleaning was performed in your new apartment, prior to moving in.  

Morgenson Realty has doubled-down on common area cleanings on a daily basis. That means we have cleaners on-site, at each location, cleaning all high-touch areas twice a day, every day. Our cleaners are clocking those times during the outbreak, along with extra assistance from our property managers and maintenance staff. 

2. Prep Prior to Moving Day 

All of us WANT to be the people with labeled boxes and neatly arranged clothes still on the hangers. Realistically, the majority of us are panicking last minute with everything we own in trash bags. If you consider the health risks and laundry list of logistics, moving can feel impossible. While it may seem like you need everything you own immediately after moving in, you can probably live with less. Pack things that are necessary for everyday life separate from your, “post COVID-19 crisis belongings”. Is that a thing? It is now!

Solo is the best social distancing option available. Minimize your in-person contact by taking whatever you can yourself. This will mean more trips from your old place to your new apartment, but keeps your risk level low. Don’t worry, your family won’t be disappointed they couldn’t help. Not at all. 

Moving can be freeing for some folks. It’s like spring cleaning, right? Finally, you get to toss that stained tupperware, old shower curtain, and drawers filled with random receipts. Thinking about fresh new things can be exciting and all of a sudden you’re filling your trash can with chipped coasters and your entire expired spice rack. Unfortunately, replacing those possessions isn’t as easy as it used to be. Stores aren’t as focused on stocking shelves with home decor items and Amazon shipping options are dating over a month, in some cases. If you’re able, salvage your current shower curtain and avoid risking weeks worth of shower splash onto your new bathroom floor. 

3. Know Your Must-haves 

Before physically moving or even completing your leasing process online, you’ll need to find the perfect apartment. While shopping is far from easy with a safer at home order, you can prioritize your rental needs once you decide your must-haves. Start by eliminating apartments that are outside of your budget or that you shouldn’t settle on.

Filter your online search results and only show listings you would consider applying to that day. If you know having a washer and dryer in your apartment is one of your requirements, eliminate all housing options that do not offer in-unit laundry. In addition, verify different properties by looking up their reviews. Current and past residents may have already done the legwork for you. If the only reviews you can find online talk about bed bugs, it’s safe to say that apartment is a hard pass. 

On the other hand, maybe you’re considering scheduling in-person showings at a couple of fancy properties. Is it fun to tour rental units that provide billiard rooms and other luxurious community amenities? Sure! Is it safe to schedule a tour if those units aren’t affordable? Not right now. Be thoughtful about what is realistic both for your safety and the safety of those leasing agents or property managers offering a showing.

Remember the popular theme of this crisis, we’re all in this together. While moving to a new place has added hurdles, there are kind and generous people waiting to assist you in navigating the unknowns. If you’re worried or unsure about the best ways to handle moving, we understand. Learn more about how each property is helping current and new residents move safely by contacting them directly. Simply choose which location or locations interest you most and call, email, or even text us today! There will be a property manager on the other side, waiting to answer any questions you may have. Stay well!

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We would guess that answer to be a big, fat NO and that’s not a surprise. Moving can come with a lot of stress and tons of unknowns that seem endless. How does a person remember all of those pesky details, scheduling conflicts, and other moving parts? Enter, our handy-dandy “Moving Task List” to help lighten your load for the big move. Yes, we said, “handy-dandy”, like Steve’s notebook in Blues Clues, and we are not ashamed of it.

First things first, change your address –	luckily, you can do most of this online now! Visit the USPS website, DMV website, and all the places you have accounts open.
Utilities & Cable/Internet –	remember to schedule your utilities to start and stop on the days you are moving-in and moving-out, at BOTH addresses. don’t forget to schedule ahead of time, a transfer of service or new service installation, with your cable and internet provider. They often schedule these appointments a week or so out and, if you’re reading this blog, you’re probably the type of person who wouldn’t want to spend that long waiting for wifi. We certainly wouldn’t…#millennialproblems
Free Moving Boxes –	paying for moving boxes just feel wrong. Avoid the extra expense by checking out these free options first: Facebook Marketplace – simply type “boxes”, “moving boxes”, or “cardboard boxes” in the search bar and viola, FREE BOXES! Craigslist – search under the free section and like Facebook, type one of the above in the search bar. *Extra Tip* searching at the end/beginning of the week will yield the most results. Office Depot – printer paper has to be delivered in something. Give your local store a call and check their delivery day, you may collect all the boxes you need in one trip! Other retail stores – use the tip for Office Depot at any big box retailer in your area. Typically, they just break down boxes from deliveries and recycle them. So don’t be scared, it’s a question they are used to being asked.
Rent a Moving Truck –	it’s not a common thing you do, so let the experience of others guide you. If you’re moving into an apartment, ask your Landlord or Property Manager, if they have any companies they recommend. Search online reviews for the companies you’re considering. Task Rabbit – a unique, SUPER helpful website and app that offers moving services and packing/unpacking services. Heck, you can even have them help you put your Ikea furniture together! Check them out here – Task Rabbit Help Moving If your large furniture is new and being delivered by a furniture store or if you don’t have a ton of large furniture, to begin with – consider renting a truck from Home Depot or Menards. You can also rent Penske moving trucks from Home Depot. Oh, the options!
Packing –	Pack-up rooms that you use the least, in advance. Set aside cleaning supplies, toilet paper and a few bottles of water to take in the car with you, to the new place. Label all of your moving boxes according to the room they will go in. Tell the movers to look for those labels, and to place them in the room specified. (you would be surprised how often this is disregarded if not specifically requested)
Order Pizza & have Beverages on hand (beer, presumably, if you’re a Wisconsinite) –	if your moving crew is family and friends, this will be a greatly appreciated gesture and will probably keep them around until the bitter end. if you’re using movers, offer water or soda.
Clean (if applicable) –	as soon as you’ve emptied your old apartment, start cleaning it! The excitement and “freshness” of your new apartment will make the moving mess of your old place feel 10 times worse. If you put this off for the next day or two, you will be less likely to do a thorough job and it could cost you in your security deposit return.
Complete your Move Out Inspection (if applicable) –	walk your old place with the manager and discuss items that, usually, folks think about too late. Consider these: When can I expect to receive my security deposit check? If there are any charges taken from my security deposit, will they be listed in a letter sent to my forwarding address? What happens with potential mail that may end up still coming to this address?
Decorate & Celebrate in your New Digs! –	It’s officially time to make your new place feel like home! Kick it off by unpacking the most important rooms first. Bathroom, then the kitchen, etc. and then worry about where you’ll hang picture frames and paintings. Often times, your original idea changes the more you get comfortable in your new surroundings. Consider having a house warming party once everything is in its place.

Hopefully, this moving task list, combined with our other tips will help you rock your move and ensure you keep those stress levels low. Stay connected by following our blog for more useful info, on all your apartment living needs!

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