Using Outside Storage Facilities
Storage space is a priority for many apartment renters. While Berger Rental Communities apartments feature a ton of closet space, many other apartments leave residents needing more storage space. Instead of ruling out a particular apartment due to its storage situation, compare the cost of an apartment with more space to the cost of renting a storage locker at an outside facility. Some renters find that renting a storage locker is more economical and convenient than selecting a different apartment, or, choosing to leave some belongings behind. The following are some tips for using outside storage facilities:
Renting a Storage Locker:
- Find a storage facility close to your apartment. The easier it is to get to, the more comfortable you will feel. Ask your leasing staff for a referral to the closest storage facility.
- Determine the type and size of storage locker that you will need. Most storage facilities have a variety of sizes to choose from. Storage facilities also have a variety of security features-depending on what you are storing, this may be your top priority. Think about whether or not you will require a temperature-controlled storage locker.
- Some storage lockers feature shelving and other organizational systems. If you require systems like these, be sure to inquire about the availability at the storage facility.
- Remember that your belongings remain your responsibility while they are in an outside storage facility. Ask your renter’s insurance company if off-site items are included in the coverage.
- Read your storage agreement carefully, just like your apartment lease. Be sure to ask questions about any items that you do not understand. Keep this agreement in a safe location.
Packing for a Storage Locker:
- It is important that your belongings in your storage locker are easily accessible, and well preserved.
- Do not store hazardous, flammable, explosive, perishable, environmentally harmful items (some paints, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) or anything that may be a risk to the property of any person (acid, gasoline, etc.).
- Use boxes of high quality so that they will not break easily inside of the storage locker. Using boxes of the same size will make them easier to stack. Each box should be completely sealed to keep out dust and debris.
Protecting Your Security Deposit
Most apartment communities require that residents pay a security deposit prior to moving in. The amount of security deposit required can vary, however, a security deposit equal to one month’s rent is common. Security deposits are retained by apartment communities to use in the event that a resident damages the apartment during his or her residency. Unless the resident damages the apartment, security deposits are generally refunded after the lease expires. The following are some tips to use to insure that your security deposit is returned to you.
Before Moving In
Make a written list of any damage that is in the apartment when you take possession of the apartment. At Berger Rental Communities, all new residents complete a pre-move in inspection form to document any imperfections that were not caused by the resident.
While Living in the Apartment
Take care of your apartment as if it is your own.
- Clean your apartment regularly.
- Call the maintenance department to make repairs as need be. Read Don’t Hesitate To Call For Maintenance for more information.
- Do not attempt to make repairs on your own-contact your maintenance department for all repairs. If you caused the damage for reasons other than normal wear and tear, the apartment community might charge you for the repairs, or, inform you to make the repair on your own. Regardless, it will save you time and money to handle repairs and damage before moving out.
Before Moving Out
While most apartment communities will not keep your security deposit for items of normal wear and tear, it is important that you restore your apartment to a condition similar to when you moved in. After you have packed up and cleared some space in your apartment, there are a few tasks that you will want to do before surrendering possession of your apartment:
Bathroom(s):
- Scrub the bathtub/shower.
- Scrub the inside and outside of the toilet.
- Clean the sink.
- Dust and clean the inside and outside of the medicine cabinet.
- Clean the mirror.
Kitchen:
- Clean the inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers.
- Wash the floor. Be sure to get all of your corners and areas that are normally difficult to reach.
- Clean the countertop and backsplash.
- Clean the sink.
- Clean the stove, oven, microwave and broiler.
- Defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
- Make sure any ice trays or refrigerator/freezer accessories are in place.
- Empty and clean the garbage disposal and dishwasher.
General:
- Have all carpets professionally cleaned.
- Remove all tacks and/or nails from the walls and spackle the holes left behind.
- Clean windows and window sills.
- Clean your patio/balcony.
- Don’t forget to pack everything that you brought into the apartment, including shower curtains, shower hooks, and rugs.
If you are concerned about the condition of your apartment prior to moving out, schedule an appointment with your apartment community staff to walk through your apartment.
Why Should I Move to Vairo Village Apartments?
- Of the Vairo Village residents who move out of the community, 97% do so only because they have completed their education, or must leave the area to pursue their careers.
- 34% of new Vairo Village residents were referred to the community by satisfied current and previous residents.
- 100% of applicants for apartments at Vairo Village are screened for criminal background.
- Vairo Village representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer telephone calls from residents.
Why Should I Move to Toftrees Apartments?
- Toftrees team members have been employed by Berger Rental Communities for an average of 12 years.
- Toftrees has an ApartmentRatings.com overall score that is 97% better than the average score of apartment communities in State College.
- 28% of new Toftrees residents were referred to the community by satisfied current and previous residents.
- 100% of applicants for apartments at Toftrees are screened for criminal background.
Why Should I Move to Perkiomen Place Apartments?
- 99.7% of Perkiomen Place residents are satisfied with the completion of their maintenance requests.
- 99.6% of Perkiomen Place residents are satisfied with their move in experience.
- Perkiomen Place residents have been living in the community for an average of 5.46 years.
- The resident retention rate of Perkiomen Place is 64% better than the industry standard.
Why Should I Move to Norris Hills Apartments?
- Norris Hills residents have been living in the community for an average of 4.16 years.
- 25% of new residents at Norris Hills were referred to the community by satisfied current and previous residents.
- 100% of applicants for apartments at Norris Hills are screened for criminal background.
- Norris Hills team members have been working at the community for an average of 9 years.
Why Should I Move to Millers Crossing Apartments?
- The resident retention rate at Millers Crossing is 48% better than the industry standard.
- 99.3% of Millers Crossing residents are satisfied with the completion of their maintenance requests.
- 50% of Millers Crossing team members live at the community.
- 99.8% of new residents at Millers Crossing are satisfied with their move in experience.
Why Should I Move to Highland Manor Apartments?
- Highland Manor residents have been living in the community for an average of 3.7 years.
- 95% of Highland Manor residents are satisfied with the completion of their maintenance requests.
- Highland Manor employs 30% more team members per apartment than the industry average.
- Highland Manor has an ApartmentRatings.com overall rating that is 49% better than the average rating of apartment communities in Pottstown.
Why Should I Move to Goshen Manor Apartments?
- Goshen Manor residents have been living in the community for an average of 3.14 years.
- 91% of Goshen Manor resident’s maintenance requests are completed within one day.
- The resident retention rate at Goshen Manor is 41% better than the industry standard.
- 27% of new residents at Goshen Manor were referred to the community from satisfied current and previous residents.
Why Should I Move to Audubon Manor Apartments?
- 99.4% of Audubon Manor residents are satisfied with their move in experience.
- 67% of Audubon Manor team members live at the community.
- Audubon Manor residents have been living in the community for an average of 3.43 years.
- Audubon Manor has an ApartmentRatings.com over all rating that is 78% higher than the average rating for apartment communities in West Chester.
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