All Moved In, Now What?

"Unplugged - no computer, no internet, possible?" by photosteve101 is
licensed under CC BY 2.0

Just when the tiring process of moving all of your belongings is over, then comes another series of tasks to complete before you’re feeling settled in. There are a lot of things to think about -- food, internet, and uh, which box is your toothbrush in? Apartment Guide shares these essentials to completing the move-in process:

Unpack the Essentials

If you’ve just moved, the very first thing to do is unpack the most essential items from your boxes. Necessities like toilet paper, soap, paper towels, basic kitchen supplies, and bedding items are typically the first things people unpack.

If you want to begin unpacking everything else, that’s fine, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be done right away either. As long as the essentials are out, you have some time to take care of the other important tasks on your list.

Do a Quick Walkthrough

Before setting up the furniture and unpacking all of your boxes, it’s a good idea to take your phone or camera on a quick walkthrough of the new place and snap pictures of any damage that was there before you moved in.

If you do end up finding some damage and taking a couple of pictures, send them to your landlord with a quick friendly note. He or she will likely appreciate the initiative, and it’ll ensure the damage is documented as early as possible, which will hopefully save you some money when it comes time to get your security deposit back.

Get the Internet Going

Unless you’re content using your smartphone for all of your Internet needs, it’s a good idea to get a wireless router set up as soon as possible.

We often take the Internet for granted, but having it running will make your life infinitely easier– especially if you start unpacking and realize you need to find a nearby hardware store or suddenly become famished and need to order a pizza ASAP.

If you don’t have your own router, you may need to contact your Internet provider to have them set one up for you. That can take a couple of days, so make an appointment right away.

Call Your Utility Companies

You should also call the rest of the utility companies for your building to get everything set up in your name.

Unless utilities are included in your rent and handled by the building, make sure to contact your energy, water, gas, and cable providers.

Hit the Grocery Store

An important first day task after you’ve moved into a new place is to hit the local grocery store. Acquaint yourself with the setup and pick up at least a few essentials to get you through the first couple days post-move.

While you’re there, it’s a good idea to see if they have a membership card you can sign up for. Since you’ll be shopping there for at least a year, having a discount cardcan only be beneficial for your bank account.

Change Your Address

It’s also a good idea to officially change your address with the post office as early as possible after moving into a new place so your mail starts getting forwarded right away. The U.S. Postal Service’s website makes it easy to change your address online, so start there.

Make sure to also change your billing address with your bank and credit card, and provide a new shipping address for any subscriptions you receive. You may even want to send out a quick email to friends and family members – one of them is guaranteed to ask for it at some point.

Transfer Your Prescriptions

Even though you don’t technically have to transfer prescriptions until it’s time for a refill, it makes sense to get everything set up at a new nearby pharmacy as soon as possible.

It’s easier to transfer all of them over together, and you’ll feel better knowing all of your prescriptions are taken care of.

Take Measurements

Make a list of all of the furniture and decor you need or want to buy after moving in. Decide where the new items will go, then take measurements of the areas where you’ll be putting them, making sure to mark down the measurements on your list.

Take note of the sizes of your windows and the height of your shower curtain rod. If the shower curtain rod is high enough off the ground, you may need to pick up an extra-long liner.

Scope Out Your Neighborhood

Arguably one of the best parts about moving to a new place is the chance to explore a different neighborhood than you’re used to – unless you move only a block away, which has become a habit of mine. The best way to get a feel for your new neighborhood is to just start walking.

Walk up and down the busier streets near you and take note of the cool cafes, eateries, and shops within walking distance of your place. Look for public transportation stops, fast-food options, and even a gym if you’re thinking of joining one. Most of all, just enjoy taking in the sights of your new city.

Finishing Touches for Any Room

"dinning room" by Corina Sanchez is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Once all of your furniture is moved in and the boxes are unpacked, have you ever looked around and thought, “it just needs something else?” You’re certainly not alone. Decorating is a tricky process that you have to get just right in order to truly feel at home. So when a room feels like it’s missing something, try adding one of these five things, courtesy of Apartment Therapy:

1. Art.

A room without art is like an outfit without accessories — just a little bit boring. Take your time and collect art that you love and that is meaningful to you. It'll give your space that extra dose of style and personality that makes the difference between a good room and a great one.

2. The right lighting.

Lighting is something we tend to think of as an afterthought, but it can make a huge difference in the way you perceive a room. If your space only has one source of light, you're definitely missing something.

3. Window treatments.

Window treatments are essential for controlling light and protecting your privacy, and in addition to practical considerations, they also soften the look of a room and keep your windows from looking naked. Depending on your window situation and the look you're going for, you may have curtains and a valance or something simple as a roman shade — but don't make the mistake of neglecting window treatments entirely.

4. A little bit of texture.

A whole room full of smooth, shiny things can come across a bit cold. Adding something with a little bit of texture — a fluffy throw, a worn old wood table, even a plant — will give any room a little extra warmth and depth.

5. Something you really love.

A room that only looks great will never truly feel like home. In order to feel like a space is truly yours, you need a little extra personal touch. Whether it's a special find from the flea market in Paris or a souvenir from an amazing vacation or a painting of your dog (or even an actual dog), don't get so hung up on getting your look just right that you forget to include at least one thing you really love.

Be a Worry-Free Renter

"Residential Lease Agreement with Pen" by Rental Realities is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Whether you’re renting for the first time or the tenth, there are basic steps you can take with any rental to protect your interests and your money. Most of these things should be taken care of BEFORE you sign a lease - that’s the time to negotiate for any repairs or changes that need to be made to your rental unit. This sounds scary, but if you take these precautions  (from Apartment Therapy) before you sign a lease, you’ll be much happier after you sign!

Read the lease — Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Not so fast. Skimming the lease isn't enough. While the forms may seem standard, you never know what's been added or removed unless you really pore over that document. Is there terminology you don't understand? Get clarification before you sign. Think the lease is missing something? Don't be scared to ask for it to be added. The extra time it takes now could save you years of headaches later.

Take photos — You will probably do a walk through with your landlord before moving in and should note anything amiss on your official lease, but having a cache of your own dated photos is always a good idea. And it's not just for moving day. Is there a maintenance problem? Photos. Do you have an infestation? Photos. You get the idea: keep a visual note of your time in that apartment so you not only remember what occurred but you can prove it!

Put it in writing — Sure, you have a lease but what about dealings with people who are not your landlord? Do you have an agreement with a roommate or a sublease tenant? Write it down. It doesn't have to be fancy it just has to be dated and signed by both parties.

Don't be afraid to personalize (with permission) — Just because your rental is temporary, doesn't mean you should put your design vision on hold. You live there after all so enjoy you home now. Don't wait for a mythical day when you can "really decorate." Time spent personalizing any home, even a short-term one, is never wasted —it will make you happier every day.

Know when it's time to move on — There are plenty of downsides to renting so make sure to take advantage of the BIG upside: the flexibility. Yes, moving sucks, but so does living in a rental that's not working for you. Whatever the reason that's making you want to leave, you don't have to stick it out, you can just move on.

Keep Your Resolution All Year Long!

"Fireworks" by Mariya Prokopyuk is licensed under CC BY 2.0

New Year’s resolutions are difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still achieve your goals. Don’t think of your resolution as something you have to make because everyone else is, think of it in terms of what you want to achieve for yourself over the next year. Apartment Therapy offers some great advice on keeping your resolution going strong all year long!

Do

Start right now this minute — Whatever your resolution is, there's no sense in binging on your bad habit prior to beginning your "good" behavior. It'll just give you farther to go. You are at your most motivated when deciding to take on your resolution so ride that wave and get going immediately.

Set specific goals — Instead of "lose weight" which has no accountability attached, try "lose 20 lbs." If your resolution seems overwhelming, set smaller, manageable goals to build on throughout the year, like "lose 2 lbs a month."

Think about HOW you'll accomplish those goals — You need a step-by-step plan, addressing all parts of your resolution. If you want to lose 20 lbs, take a look at your diet plan and figure out an exercise routine. Figure out exactly what you will do when so when it comes time to put your plan into action, it's a no-brainer.

Write down your plan — You've gone over every detail and you know your plan by heart. Even so, write it down. The act of writing will help it sink in that much more and having a copy to refresh your memory during trying times will come in handy.

Make yourself accountable — Now it's time to share your plan. You can tell everyone or tell just one understanding person, but getting support — a sympathetic ear, an encouraging voice, a sensible opinion — is an essential part of accomplishing your goal.

Reward yourself when you reach a goal — After your initial rush of motivation fades around February, you're gonna need something to keep you going. A periodic reward may be just the thing to keep you honest, all year long.

Don't

Make it complicated — Don't make things harder on yourself than they need to be. Choose a simple, powerful resolution so you can really focus in and get it done.

Beat yourself up if you get off track — You will eventually make a mistake but the real test of your character is how you respond. Do you let one little slip up drag you down for the count? Rebound the very next day and pick up where you left off with no guilt.

Let others' failures lead YOU to slide — When other people get off track, they might try to mitigate their disappointment by tempting you to give up, too. Don't fall for it! Even though they look like they're having fun, indulging in all the things they'd resolved to give up, they're secretly jealous of your resolve.

Ignore small accomplishments — It may be hard to get excited about finishing a tiny sliver of your goal when you have the bulk of it looming ahead, but you must remember that this is a year-long process so giving yourself a pat on the back when it's due will keep you positive and motivated.

Winter Days in Denver

"Red Rocks Amphitheater" by Kathy Stocker is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The holidays have come and gone and it's a brand new year...now what? Chances are, you're settling back into the workday grind and are trying to wait as long as possible to use some vacation days. However, this doesn't mean you can't have fun on the weekends! Visit Denver has highlighted some wonderful day trips around the Denver area, including one that's right in The Amaranth's backyard!

RED ROCKS & GOLDEN
The concert season at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison) may be over, but you can still enjoy this natural wonder year-round. The Red Rocks Visitor Center's winter hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., seven days a week. Check out the Red Rocks Performers Hall of Fame, featuring photos and memorabilia from more than 40 years of incredible concerts. Learn about the massive rock formations in the Geologic Niche and explore the Trading Post Loop Hiking Trail, a 1.4-mile adventure through spectacular rock formations, valleys and a natural meadow. After you've enjoyed Red Rocks, spend some time in nearby Golden's Old West-themed downtown, with a charming selection of shops, restaurants and attractions. 

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
Things are still blooming at the Denver Botanic Gardens (1007 York St.)! From November through March, escape the cold and enjoy an hour in a tropical paradise with a tour through the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the Gardens' York Street location. From banyan tree roots to cloud forest orchids, you'll discover one of the most compelling tropical plant displays in the country. Over at the Chatfield location (8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton), you and your family will find nature trails, a wildlife observation area, display gardens, educational exhibits, a historical farm, a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse, working beehives and picnic areas. Check out the new Deer Creek Discovery children's area, which includes a whimsical tree house.  

CITY PARKS
The Mile High City boasts more than 4,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, which include 2,500 urban natural acres. In the winter, they take on a wondrous glow, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing. Stroll through City Park during this season and take in gorgeous views of the skyline, framed by the Rocky Mountains.Cheesman Park positively glitters in winter, with large snowy expanses stretching out in front of you. Snowball fight, anyone? 

CENTRAL CITY AND BLACK HAWK
I-70 West and Exit 243 onto Central City Pkwy.
Head for the hills and check out all the fun Central City and Black Hawk have to offer. Located 34 miles (55km) west of Denver, the two towns offer more than 30 casinos with blackjack tables, craps, roulette, poker games and more than 10,000 slot machines. In 2009, gambling stakes were raised to $100, to the delight of high rollers. The two cities are also known for having some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in the West. Other attractions include the Teller House Hotel, where President Grant once stayed and the Central City Opera House, which still features an outstanding summer season of opera after more than 100 years. There are mine tours, mining museums and several places offering instruction in the fine art of in-stream gold panning where a half billion dollars of the coveted, shiny metal was once found.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
I-25 North to Exit 217, US Hwy. 36 west to Estes Park
The legendary Rocky Mountain National Park, located just an hour from the Mile High City, offers spectacular snowshoeing and cross country skiing options that will take you to some of the most scenic and serene spots in all of Colorado. Rent cross country skis and/or snowshoes in Denver and take the short drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park - you won't regret it. Check with rangers at visitor centers for info on the right trail for you.