At Home in Bryn Mawr | Radcliff House

8 Things to Know Before Renting an Apartment

With everything you need to consider before renting an apartment, it can seem a bit overwhelming. Where are the best locations? What is a rental agreement? Does the apartment have amenities? What expenses should you include in your budget? Before you sign a lease on that apartment you’ve been eyeing, make sure you read about the most important things to know before renting. 1. Location Matters Deciding on the right location is one of the most important things you can do before renting an apartment. You should also ask yourself which features are essential with the location you choose. For example, if you are looking for an apartment in Bryn Mawr , you might consider something within walking distance of the downtown area. You should also factor in whether the apartment is close to your favorite shops, restaurants, and where you work. 2. Does the Apartment Have Essential Amenities? If you made a list of amenities you couldn’t live without, what would be on it? Do you need in-unit laundry or an on-site workout room? Do you require an elevator instead of stairs or prefer a pool for hot summer days? 3. Upfront Costs When it comes to moving into a new apartment, rent is not your only financial concern. Even before regular monthly expenses, you’ll also need to save for upfront costs. This can include items such as application fees, a security deposit, a pet deposit if applicable, and first and last month’s rent. 4. Long-Term Costs Before moving in, you should also budget for long-term costs. These can range from monthly utilities, internet, cable, cell phone service, groceries, gas, clothing, and more. 5. Does Your Landlord Require Renter’s Insurance? Before moving into an apartment, ask if renter’s insurance is required and how much it will cost. In any case, renter’s insurance is very useful and covers personal belongings if there is a fire, natural disaster, or if your apartment is burglarized. 6. Know the Community Rules Some apartments have policies regarding quiet hours, visitors, pet restrictions, and other community rules. Renters may be fined if they don’t follow these so it is important to ask about them ahead of time. 7. Know the Possibility of Renewal It is important to note that some leases automatically renew, while others require residents to inform the landlord about renewing or ending the lease. Failure to do so can often leave renters with a hefty fine. 8. Thoroughly Read the Contract and Lease Terms It’s important to read through your lease carefully before you sign it. If you are unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask about it before you sign the document. Know that it’s also okay to speak with your property manager about any disagreements in the lease. Finding an apartment can be stressful, especially if you’re moving to a new city for the first time. To begin your search, we hope the list above can provide useful information before finding that perfect place. If you are looking for a place in the suburbs of Philadelphia, consider the many apartments for rent in Bryn Mawr , including Radcliff House and our other affiliated communities.

What to Look for When Choosing a 2-Bedroom Apartment

What to Look for When Choosing a 2-Bedroom Apartment Renting a new apartment is undoubtedly a big decision to make. After all, this is the place you’ll be living in for the next several months if not years. With a decision this big, it is important to select one that meets each of your needs so you can feel genuinely happy to live there. Read on to learn some of the top qualities to consider when choosing the perfect 2-bedroom apartment. Location Location is one of the most important aspects to consider before committing to a 2-bedroom apartment. If you prefer to be near work, school, or your family, make sure your new space is a short drive away, within walking distance, or close to public transportation. You should also consider the area’s potential traffic during rush hour. If you’re looking for a 2-bedroom apartment in Bryn Mawr , like Radcliff House, you can enjoy the convenience of being near restaurants, shopping areas, and much more! Layout One of the first things you should look for in an apartment is the layout of it. When touring 2-bedroom apartments in Bryn Mawr, many people focus on the total square footage. However, rather than focusing on this, it can be useful to focus on the layout and how the space is used. The layout of your apartment is an essential factor because it affects where your furniture is placed, the type or size of furniture you can have, how much space is available for storage, and so on. Noise Level Noise from neighbors and the outside environment is something to consider before renting your new apartment. Of course, it’s highly desirable for the noise to be kept as low as possible, and this is something you can test beforehand. In fact, one of the most important reasons to tour an apartment is so you can observe any noise that’s going on, whether it’s from residents or nearby traffic. Amenities You should next consider which amenities are most important to you. This may include a pool, in-unit laundry, walk-in closets, elevators, high-speed internet, garage parking, and others. Make sure you also collect information regarding pet fees, utilities, cable services, and other monthly expenses. Choose Your New Home Before choosing a new apartment, it is important to consider the location, layout, noise level, and amenities included. When it comes down to it, choose a location that feels like home and an apartment that best fits your needs. If you are searching for a 2-bedroom apartment in Bryn Mawr , consider Radcliff House and our other affiliate properties!

What to Look for in a Two Bedroom Apartment

What to Look for in a Two Bedroom Apartment Whether you are moving in with your best friend from high school, taking your first job after college or moving to a brand new city, there are plenty of reasons to rent a two bedroom unit . When you choose a two bedroom apartment, you have the freedom to take on a roommate and have them share the rent. Even if you prefer you can live alone and use the extra room for storage, or even for a dedicated home office. As you continue your search for a two bedroom apartment it is important to know what to look for. Your choice of unit matters, so taking your time and getting it right is always better than moving once you realize you have made a costly mistake. With that in mind here are some timely tips to help you find the perfect two bedroom apartment. Talk to the Other Tenants If you want to know what your new landlord is like or what you are getting into with your new two bedroom apartment, do not ask the agent – ask the other tenants you might know. You can tell so much by talking to the other tenants in the building. If you know someone who lived/lives at your future apartment complex, they will be the best people to ask. You can also ask around online for information about the apartment building, the neighborhood and the place where you (hopefully) soon will be living. If you like what you hear, you can go ahead and sign the lease on your brand new two bedroom apartment. If not you will have avoided a serious, and financially draining mistake. Walk Around the Neighborhood Even if you expect to rely on your car to get around, it is important to walk around the neighborhood before you sign a lease on a new two bedroom apartment. After all, this is the place where you will be living, and you want to make sure it is a friendly and happy area before you make such an important decision. A walk around the neighborhood can tell you a great deal, from the tone and tenor of the area to how safe it is both before and after dark. Always keep in mind that when you rent a two bedroom apartment, you will be getting more than those couple of rooms – you will be becoming part of a thriving neighborhood. Be Realistic About Your Ability to Pay the Rent Having a two bedroom apartment can be great even if you plan to live alone. You can use the space to create a beautiful home office, so you can telecommute in style and stay productive without the hassle or expense of the daily commute. You can even use the extra space for storage, stocking up on groceries at the local warehouse store or ordering big from Amazon. All of those perks are certainly important, and the extra space is always nice, but it is important to be realistic about your ability to pay the rent, not only now but if the price goes up in the future. Before you sign the paperwork on your new two bedroom apartment, you should think about how easy (or not) it will be to pay the rent entirely on your own. This is true if you plan to take on a roommate as well. Life is unpredictable, and the sudden departure of your roommate could leave you on the hook for the entire rent. Being realistic about your ability to pay is absolutely critical, so think carefully before you proceed. Renting a two bedroom apartment can be wonderful, but it is important to go into the process with your eyes wide open. Now that you know what to look for and the steps to take, you can proceed with confidence and enjoy life in your brand new home.

De-cluttering Tips for Your Apartment in Bryn Mawr

De-cluttering Tips for Your Apartment in Bryn Mawr Apartment living offers several advantages. You save time and hassle by not having to do yard work and other tasks that come with owning a home. But living in an apartment doesn’t mean you won’t have your share of clutter. Before you know it, your cozy little home can seem overwhelming when the clutter builds, even more so with the smaller space. Clutter can also cause stress and anxiety. It serves as a constant reminder of unfinished projects. You can also feel closed in. Everywhere you look, you’re running out of space. If you have a cluttered apartment in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Philadelphia’s Main Line, there’s no need to fret. Instead, you can de-clutter it with a can-do attitude and by following these simple steps. Make a Plan of Attack Before you dive in and find yourself lost in the mix, formulate an effective strategy. Start by making a list of your must-haves. This list will help you sort your stuff. If something isn’t on your list, you can get rid of it. Consider using a spreadsheet or other software to help you stay organized. Set small, manageable goals. Rome didn’t get built in a day, so you don’t need to tackle this job in one afternoon. Give yourself time to complete it, but stay consistent. Pick an afternoon or evening where you have a couple of hours to spare. Over time, what seemed like an impossible task will become a completed goal. Roll up Those Sleeves Now that you have an effective plan with tangible goals, it’s time to get to work. An excellent place to start is by picking one area of your apartment. For example, choose an overflowing closet or the crammed kitchen pantry. The key is to focus on one area until it’s finished. Resist getting sidetracked by other areas, or you will get nowhere fast. Create a sorting system to make getting rid of things easier: Keep Pile (Must-have list) Donate Pile (Goodwill, Salvation Army, local rescue mission, library, VA, childcare centers, thrift stores) Recycle (Anything fit the criteria?) Sell things on Craigslist or FB Marketplace (Earn some extra cash) Throw Out Pile (Seen better days) If you’re struggling with what to keep, ask yourself these simple questions: When did I last use this? Do I have more than one? Is this essential? Can I live without it? If you’re still having trouble or feeling too overwhelmed, ask friends or family members for help. Also, consider hiring a professional organizer. These experts help people de-clutter and organize their homes all the time. Develop a Strategy for Long-Term Success To avoid finding yourself in this same place again, think about developing new buying habits. Before purchasing something, ask yourself if you need it right now or if it can wait. Make a list of needs vs. wants. Things on the want side can probably wait. Use the trade one-for-one rule. Before buying something, make room for it by getting rid of something else you have. This tactic will drastically cut down on future clutter. Another tip is to invest in duel or multipurpose furniture, especially ones that come with built-in storage compartments. Reduce paper clutter by storing these items digitally. Do some research on minimalist lifestyles and find inspiration from some fantastic ideas. Going down this road can also save you a lot of money and significantly reduce stress. With some ambition and know-how, you can de-clutter your Bryn Mawr apartment in no time by following these valuable tips.

Grocery Essentials for a New Apartment on the Main Line

Moving into a new city and new apartment is an exciting time, and in all the excitement, you forgot to get the groceries! It is time to start stocking the necessary household and food items and favorite foods to make your house a home and celebrate your new life. Shifting to your apartment in the Main Line can be tiresome, so take a day’s rest and get to making your house livable. The best way to go about it is to make a list so that you don’t forget anything at the supermarket. A shopping list will also be great if you have things to be bought from different stores. Without a list, you might end up buying something that you don’t need, and such an impulsive shopping spree will end up being heavier on your wallet than you expected. Split your list into categories so that you can seamlessly pick up items from the supermarket aisles. This will reduce the time you spend on shopping so you can get home quickly and set things up. Radcliff House is quite close to several shops of all kinds. You can easily walk around and purchase anything you want, without the hassle of searching all around the city just to get your favorite food. Grocery List for Your New Main Line Apartment These lists below include the basic necessities that might be needed during your initial days after moving into your new apartment. You might not need some of these, but they may remind you of other alternatives that are a part of your daily life to help you make your own customized list. Essential Items Tea Coffee Milk Pasta and pasta sauce Cereal Grains Bread Proteins – tofu, chicken, eggs, tempeh, beef Rice Cooking oil Sugar Cheese Canned Items Soup Beans Broth Tomato purée or tomatoes Olives Corn Tuna Lentils Baking Items Flour Baking powder Baking soda Chocolate and chocolate chips Yeast Shortening White and brown sugar Vegetable oil Nuts Vanilla extract Aluminum foil Fresh Vegetables and Fruits Onions Potatoes Tomatoes Garlic Carrots Berries Lettuce Grapes Bananas Peppers Spices and Condiments Salt Pepper Ketchup Mayonnaise Mustard Soy sauce Barbecue sauce Maple syrup Vinegar Chili powder Cinnamon Cumin Salad dressing Garlic powder Hot sauce Jelly Peanut butter Olive oil Balsamic vinegar Fridge Items Ice cream Frozen vegetables Frozen fruits Ice Home Essentials Toiletries – Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, dental floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand soap, feminine hygiene products, and moisturizers for face and body First-aid supplies – Adhesive bandage, cotton swabs or balls, and antiseptic lotion Paper towels, tissues Toilet paper Garbage bags Re-sealable bags and containers Dish soap Dishwasher detergent Laundry detergent and dryer sheets Glass and all-purpose cleaners Sponges Light bulbs If you have a massive list of items to purchase, split your shopping into different trips. If you don’t have much time after moving and need to start work quickly, it is best to buy the bare necessities for the time being and purchase the rest of the list later, maybe on the weekend. There are several supermarkets and small shops near the Main Line, so you don’t have to worry much about spending loads of time grocery shopping.

Top Reasons for Moving to Philadelphia’s Historic Main Line

This Historic Main Line area of Philadelphia comprises 16 distinct communities. Each of these communities has its defining characteristics. However, they are all connected by the original railroad system that gave the area its name. There are several reasons to consider moving to this appealing area just outside of western Philadelphia, but here we will look at three. Historic and Established Neighborhoods This area of Philadelphia has roots going back to the early 1800s. The Pennsylvania Railroad Company started construction on its main line, going west out of the city. The railroad company built way stations along this stretch to encourage development. As a result, many of Philadelphia’s social elite began moving into the region. Because of this rich history, the Main Line area of Philadelphia is home to many historic and established neighborhoods. You will find lush forests full of large trees and rolling hills covered in vegetation. Many of the homes in these neighborhoods draw inspiration from the Colonial and Victorian eras. Some of the older homes are reminiscent of the days of large mansions and sprawling estates. Modern Conveniences in a Natural Setting Living in the Main Line area feels more like living in rustic communities or close-knit villages than in urban sprawl. This is one of the significant draws of new residents to the area. With the influence of the railroad industry, it’s easy to get around to all your favorite places. A train station is likely not far away. You can be downtown Philadelphia in no time or another Main Line community in minutes. Areas like Bryn Mawr are popular entertainment hotspots which have an active nightlife scene. Some popular highlights of Main Line include: Home to universities like Bryn Mawr College (voted one of the most beautiful colleges in the U.S.), Haverford College (voted a top liberal arts college in the U.S.) and Villanova University (voted one of the top US private colleges). Variety of top-notch public and private education for families. Outdoor recreation and extensive parks. Local bars, breweries and restaurants. Grand Slam — family entertainment center. Suburban Square — prominent shopping location offering groceries, retail and dining. Bryn Mawr Film Institute — a community-driven event that showcases independent, international and first-run films. Ardmore Music Hall — this venue books local, regional and major musical acts. Fantastic Apartment Choices Philadelphia’s historic Main Line area offers an abundance of apartment choices. Check out places like the Radcliff House Apartments . This premier apartment complex is at the midway point along the stretch of neighborhoods in the Main Line. This location is close to major highway systems like Route 30 and within walking distance of the Septa Regional Rail station. A lot of your errands, shopping and dining options are mere footsteps away. Your rent includes gas cooking, hot water, heat, snow removal and assigned parking. Some of the featured amenities include: On-site management On-site laundry facilities Fitness center Pet friendly (dogs and cats) Community pool membership available The apartment units feature: Dishwashers Walk-in closets Oversized balconies/terraces Kitchen renovations (some units) One and two-bedroom floor plans with either one or two bathrooms (two-bedroom units only) The above are only a few reasons to consider moving to Philadelphia’s historic Main Line area. Also, don’t forget to look at properties like the Radcliff House and book a guided tour to find your new home.