Moving Out With Ease!

 

Moving out can be a hassle, especially if you don’t know what to expect! Whether you’re a move-out pro or a first time mover, here are some things to keep in mind to make things go as easily as possible.

Call in the Troops: Moving in or out by yourself can be a nightmare because it will take you a lot longer.  If you’re one of five, now is the time to recruit the little bro and sis to come help get your stuff. It will go so much faster if you’re not alone. No matter how small your room is, never underestimate how much stuff you really have. I know in my room, when I get all my stuff put in, it looks like I don’t have that much. But when it comes to moving out, I realize how much stuff I actually have, so make sure you get some extra hands to help you out!

 Take into Account Travel Distance: My family’s house is 20 minutes away from my dorm, so it really isn’t a problem if I throw stuff in a bag and pack it in the car. However, if you have a car or plane ride home, you need to make sure that however you pack your stuff is stable and secure. For example, don’t just put your left over cleaning supplies all in on box. You might want to tape them up so they don’t spill or contaminate anything else you might have in the same box. If you really feel like there isn’t any possible way to get all your stuff moved out, seek out a storage facility that can hold it for you. At the University of Delaware, local storage facilities offer student discounts so since it’s so common for students leave their dorm stuff there for the summer.

 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: As an avid environmentalist, you know I couldn’t make a good moving post without reminding you to be an environmental steward. If you take your time packing time as a sort and clean up time simultaneously like I do, don’t just throw away stuff that can be recycled or given away. Make a pile of recycling stuff and stuff that can be given to those in need. Drop it off at a homeless shelter when you get home! It’s a nice gesture, and it’s an eco-friendly way to get rid of your stuff. Also, check to see if your local school has a move-out program- you might be able to make some extra cash for the stuff you can’t use anymore!

Moving out can is an exhausting experience, but it’s necessary, so get ready for a ride! One of the most important things about getting ready for a move is having a good night’s rest, so you’ll be able to move as quickly as possible. I hope you had a great semester and good luck with your move!

Photo via incareofdad.com

Tips for Organizing Closet Space

For many college co-eds, going home for the summer means cramming a school wardrobe with a home wardrobe into a one wardrobe closet.

But, with the new season right around the corner, it is the best time to sort through clothes and clean out your closet. I spent the first week home from college sorting through old clothes. Along the way I laughed through old funny Tshirts I ran across and cringed at some fashion mishaps. Bags of clothes to donate and an organized closet later, I feel much better about picking out an outfit from a selection I am proud of and not one I am shuffling through to find the good stuff.

If you’re finding yourself hiding under a pile of clothes, I’m here to share my top tips for organizing, cleaning and throwing away that wardrobe you’re never going to wear.

 

1. Timely toss

If you haven’t worn an item once in the past year, it’s time to let go. Never hold on to something because you promise yourself it will fit when ten pounds melt off you. Clothes like this often just get pushed farther and farther to the back.

2. Make piles

Make a trash or donate pile and a “try-on” pile. Whatever doesn’t fit, immediately put in the giveaway pile. If it fits and you follow tip number one, hang it back up.

3. Store it

Combining all of my summer and winter clothes can be a struggle with the bulkiness of cold weather attire. In the summer, I take a big box and put all of my sweaters, big sweatshirts and winter accessories in it. I label it, usually as “don’t touch my clothes!”, and throw it in the basement.

4. Swap clothes

Everyone has heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” In this case, one girl’s too small of a dress is your skinny friend’s treasure. Swap clothes that don’t fit or you simply don’t like with clothes your friend equally does not like of her own. New wardrobe, no bills!

5. Keep five of everything

Over the years, it may seem like a collection of the same items builds up, just in different colors. If you find yourself fingering through the same shirt but in blue, pink, green and yellow, decide to keep only five. Same goes with jeans and sweatshirts.

6. Donate!

The options for getting rid of your clothes are endless. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are the two big guns for accepting used clothing, but don’t forget about your family members. My little cousins think I am a goddess when I give them clothes I don’t want. We will let them keep thinking that. There is also resale shops where they will PAY YOU for giving away clothes that would otherwise be trash.

Emptying and refilling your closet is a project. It is all about starting fresh, so have fun with it. Call a friend to help a la Sex and the City style and dance your way through tossing the old and ringing in the new. It’s also a great time to combine different pieces to make outfits you may have never thought of before.

 

Do you plan on cleaning out your closet soon? What have you found works best for you?

 

Jessica Fecteau is a senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

 

 

Sponsored Post: Savvy Shoppers Unite! We Review CouponCodes4u

As savvy shoppers, College Lifestyles prides itself in finding gorgeous and fashionable finds for less.  Whether shopping at vintage stores, Goodwill, or designer lines at our favorite department stores, we know how to spot a good deal.  Imagine our excitement when we were asked to review a site devoted to coupons, deals, and discounts at our favorite stores.  Welcome to CouponCodes4u.

CouponCodes4u is a website featuring over 200,000 coupons, deals, and discounts by various stores including The Body Shop and White House Black Market.

How does the site work?  Simply visit the CouponCodes4u website (click here).  Use the ‘search box‘ on the site and type in your favorite store, department store, or boutique to discover what discount codes are available.  You are then directed to the store site to print the code or coupon.  In addition, one can sign up for a free email newsletter delivered to your inbox giving you the latest scoop on deals and discounts.

Some codes to check out right now include:

•  Chicos Coupons.  Just in time for Mother’s Day, use the Chico’s discount to purchase mom a great necklace and earring set.
•  Puritans Pride Coupon Codes.  Stock up on your health and wellness needs/products for summer vacations and travel.
•  6pm.com Coupon Deals.  Stock up on your favorite fitness gear (workout clothes and shoes) for your summer workouts.

Since the site is updated regularly with codes, deals, and coupons; be sure to check the site each time you head out the door.  You never know, you may get a great discount!

Disclosure:  The review of CouponCodes4u is a sponsored post.  As always, reviews and opinions are all our own.

 

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Pay Rent Online? We Chat with WilliamPaid.

Welcome to the lovely world of renting an apartment!  After determining your price range and touring spaces, you decide on a great one bedroom close to campus.  After signing your lease, you move in all your furniture, decorate, and get back to school.  The first of the month comes quickly, and you realize you forgot to drop off your rent check. The days of writing a rent check can come to an end with WilliamPaid.  WilliamPaid is a FREE web service allowing one to pre-schedule online rent payments with a bank account or valid credit card.  The fear of ‘forgetfullness’ is gone with this service.

We chatted with Evan Silverman, CEO of WiliamPaid on how this concept works and how you can sign up!

College Lifestyles:  How does one set up an account on WilliamPaid?

Evan Silverman:  Just hop on WilliamPaid.com. Go to the “Pricing and Sign Up” button, fill out the form and that’s it – it’s fast and so easy! Pay your rent for FREE using any bank account – checking or savings. If you choose to pay by credit card, debit card or combination of all three options, additional fees will apply.

College Lifestyles:  What are entities one can set up on WilliamPaid?

Evan Silverman:  Right now WilliamPaid can help you build credit when you pay your rent on time. We’ll verify your payments and report them to a credit bureau to help build your FICO® Expansion Score. We’ll post your updated score on your dashboard so it’s easy to know where you stand.  Track your credit score as it progresses. Stay tuned for other services in the near future.

College Lifestyles: If one moves, how does one cancel an account?  How far in advance does the account need to be canceled?

Evan Silverman:  Renters can cancel their service at any time. Login to your account and from your Dashboard, you can edit or cancel a payment that is in a “Pending” status. Use the ON/OFF switch to suspend your rent payments until you’re ready to make another one. Questions? Email us using our Contact Us form, or call us at 877.8WILLIAM (877.894.5542).

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5 Tips to Make Hunting for a Summer Apartment EASY

When it comes to searching for a place to live, there’s dozens of things to consider. And when you’re searching for a place just for the summer, the challenge becomes even bigger. For interns all around the country, finding a place to live over the summer in a different city just adds on much more stress on the process, but it doesn’t need to with these must follow tips to make your summer apartment search that much easier.

• Know what’s important to you– location, furnished, rent? These are all things to consider. Write down the important factors before you even begin to look so that you don’t waste your time looking at things that are way out of the area, have no furniture, or cost way too much money.
• Do you want roommates? If heading to New York City or Los Angeles, it may cheaper to live with roommates. If this is something that seems doable for you, check out if you have friends that will be in the area, or if you’re comfortable living with strangers– I’ve done it. Be sure you meet these people (not alone) ahead of time, ask about previous roommates, and if possible if you could talk to those roommates who can tell you what it was like living with them.
• Look far ahead of time. Many use sites like Craigslist to find a place. I’ve done this, and one big thing to remember is to allow yourself atleast a week of free days that you are setting aside to go look at places. Map them out so that you’re not backtracking around a huge city.
• Start searching. Like most online sites, if you’re heading to Craigslist, you can search by price point, location, roomates, etc. However you need to be sure you are noticing things that seem off. If it seems “too good to be true,” it probably is. There are a lot of scams out there, one that shows up all over the web, where they send you amazing pictures of a place, and tell you they’re away at a different country, so just need to you send them a check, and blah blah blah. It’s a scam. Some ads may not have pictures, which is a turn-off, or have pictures that aren’t great;  but don’t let it completely discourage you. Plan a visit, and go check it out. Also, don’t get your hopes too high if the pictures look amazing. Think about it– people sometimes look great in pictures and then not-so-great in real life.
• Ask all the right questions. So you’ve found a place you think may be a good fit. But there are some questions you need to ask the landlord/roommates before signing anything.

–>What is the rent and what does it include (electric, gas, utilities, hot water, etc.)? Also, discuss the security deposit, and be sure if you are getting it back the day you move out, once they find a new roommate, or at another time?

–>What date exactly is the rent due on each month?

–>Ask them where the nearest subway is– this is very important. You don’t want to be walking blocks and blocks late at night (especially if it’s not in the ideal area)!

–>Let them know when your move in and move out dates will be, to be sure it’s okay with them that it’s temporary.

–>What are there sleeping habits like? You probably won’t find anyone with the exact same habits as you– actually you definitely won’t. However, if you’re working 8-5, you may not want someone who is up late all night.

–>Ask them about groceries– will you be splitting groceries, or doing your own?

–>Ask them about guests: is it okay for you to have people over? How often do they have people over? (Girlfriends/boyfriends/parents/friends, etc.)

 

So, if you need more help, feel free to email me at longeret@oswego.edu. I found my last NYC apartment on Craigslist and lived with two strangers! Sounds insane, but for an internship with Elle magazine it works out!

Emily Longeretta is a senior editorial and social media intern for College Lifestyles (TM). She is about to graduate and is moving back to New York City and would love to intern for Affect PR. You can vote for her here!

Guess What’s In This Interns’ Closet

I will always have room in my heart (and closet) for warm, natural hues. I hardly noticed the obsession I have with browns, clay colors, and greens until glancing at my wardrobe and realizing most of it is an assortment of earthy tones–nothing wrong with that! Without further ado, take a look at some items I can’t do without.

Being 5’9, it took a lot of convincing for me to buy these leather stunners, even after parading around the store going on and on about how much I wanted them. This was my first time purchasing 5-inch heels! I feel so confident with them on, which is what fashion is all about They look fabulous with any wash of jean and look particularly vibrant with my white, ripped jeans, which you will see in the picture below.

There comes a time when you can’t pass up on a certain item because you’ll never see it again. This cropped jacket was one of those items! I was shopping with a friend at Goodwill when we came across this piece. I especially love the buttons, which are made of some sort of wooden material. It has a very Native American feel to it and there’s no label on it of any sort, so I’ve always assumed it to be handmade. Who knows, maybe it was crafted in a colony (which would be awesome!).

The jeans were really inexpensive ($20), so I was skeptical about the fit, but desperate for a pair of white jeans. I tried them on (which I hardly do), and my mind was instantly changed–they looked perfect! These are my miracle jeans, as every time anything spills on them, the stains magically wash out (even after letting the stain sit for two weeks–I don’t like laundry!).

I always wear this sheer blouse with a black bandeau underneath. It has drawstrings along either side, but I usually connect them to the back and tie a bow.

These Steve Madden sandals have lasted me the past two years. There are chains and really shiny imposter diamonds along the denim fabric they’re made out of. They’re always an attention-getter! Check out an up-close view of them below:

I take a dance class every semester. This semester, I took ballet, requiring me to buy these Bloch slippers at a quaint dance store in Pennsylvania called The Dance Shop. I didn’t take a beginner level course because I enjoy a challenge. I’ve loved every minute of it!  The studio is the only place I get to wear my white, thigh-high American Apparel socks which are always a class favorite. They look very feminine with tights and a leotard for all of my tall dancers! You can roll them down, or keep them at full-length.

Summer is soon approaching, so let’s end this list with my favorite bathing suit! I’m looking to buy a bandeau or halter style top in black which will give a ton of contrast to the very vibrant bottoms. I hardly go to the beach or pool (hopefully that changes this season), but I always throw this on when I do!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

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Apartment Living Pros and Cons

Housing options for the college lifestyle are sometimes endless. But when it comes down to living in a dorm or apartment, the choice can be hard to make. While some people cannot wait to exert their freedom in a larger space, others enjoy the close quarters of a dorm room. With spring time upon us, housing questions may be present as well.

I spent my freshman year in the dorms and now I live in an apartment off-campus. Although both had their pros/cons, the pros list for living in an apartment was much longer for me.

If you’re planning where to live in the summer or in the fall, now is the time to decide! An apartment comes with some perks and some disadvantages. Use this list of each to help curb your choice to the right doorstep.

PROS

More space

Compared to a dorm room, everything in an apartment is bigger. Not to mention you can usually have your own bedroom and maybe even your own bathroom.

You can bring the pooch

Many apartment complexes on college campuses allow four-legged roommates. Some require a fee for housing a pet so make sure to double check before you move in with a furry friend.

No rules or “parent figure”

Living in an apartment allows for more freedom and independence. There is no one to tell you what to do, make you go to hall meetings or sign waivers with specific rules. It’s your running ground and it’s what you make of it.

Cheaper

Depending on the quality of the apartment, many are cheaper than dormitories. But adding on the extra cost of electricity, gas and groceries may just equal out the expenses.

 

CONS

No meal plan

The one thing I miss about living in the dorms is the meal plan. I loved being able to have a “home-cooked” meal at any hour of the day in the cafeteria. Living in an apartment means going on cereal and pasta binges, unless you love to cook.

Driving to campus

Since apartments aren’t a part of many colleges’ residence life, they are often off-campus. Driving the same route daily and sometimes up to three times a day can get a little boring and bothersome. Therefore it is probably smart to find an apartment close to campus where you can walk or ride a bike, especially with gas prices on the steady rise.

Paying more bills

Rent, gas, cable and electricity bills may make you feel like an adult, but they’re not one of the perks of getting older. Living outside of the dorms requires a bill for everything, so be prepared to have extra cash to pitch in monthly.

More space = more cleaning

Although living in a larger place is nice, it also means you have to clean more than a 10 x 10 square room. Doing dishes is definitely the hardest chore for apartment livers to agree on.

Harder to be active on campus

Making friends in the dorms was easy. Off campus- not so much. Living off campus or in a place where campus activities aren’t constantly announced on the hallways may make you miss out on some events and some great friendships.

 

Jessica Fecteau is a senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

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4 Ways To Know If You’re Ready To Room With A Friend

Having friends as roommates is the ultimate college experience. It’s guaranteed fun, excitement, and laugh-so-hard-you-cry moments….right? Not always. In fact, living with a friend you’ve never roomed with could take a toll on your relationship. Before going apartment hunting, keep reading to find out if you’re roommate-ready or bound to pull each others’ hair out.

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PMS, stress, depression, exhaustion. Sounds miserable, huh? Communicate with your friend on their worst days, and see how well you tolerate their change of moods. This way, once you’re living in close quarters, you’ll know what to expect and when–preventing arguments–and you won’t be surprised to find out your girlfriend enjoys cutting her bangs when she’s angry or cries a river when she’s hormonal.

Current Arrangements

Take a look at how your roommate-in-question already lives by examining their habits.  This may include taking note of if they like to play their music loudly, if they enjoy having lots of company over and throwing parties, or how often they clean their place. If you thrive with a bit of organized chaos but they maintain a serially-tidy space (or if your habits clash altogether), have a talk and decide how you both can meet somewhere in the middle.

Ask Some Questions

Clear the air before those moving boxes are packed and shipped away. Sit down and have a chat about the following issues so there is an understanding of what living together will be like:

• How early do you wake up? When do you typically head to bed?
• How much time do you spend in the shower?
• How do you study–in groups, solo, often, not often?
• Who’s bringing what kinds of furniture?
• Are sleepovers with boyfriends OK?
• Are there any TV shows you must-see or will possibly need to record?
• When will we grocery shop?

Choose Wisely

You may be friends, but that doesn’t mean you’ll make great roommates–some people just aren’t meant to live under the same roof! It takes a lot of trust to live with someone and feel safe and content. If you can only depend on your friend half the time, maybe moving in together isn’t worth the effort.

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

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Hit The Books On A Full Stomach With These 4 Study Snacks

Studying takes a lot of energy out of any co-ed. Heck, countless hours of review tires out professional scholars! But don’t fall asleep on that textbook (you can’t sell it back if it’s covered in drool). Wake up your cranium by snacking on the following foods.

 

Seeds

Since the food you chow down on determines how well your brain will function while studying, don’t stock up on guilty, greasy, salty pleasures. Grab something that’ll improve your memory and cognition–sunflower seeds–and something that’ll relax your hardworking brain–roasted pumpkin seeds. Follow these steps via duhlicious.com to learn how to make five different flavors of roasted pumpkin seeds!

Fruits 

Slicing fruits for a fruit salad is a quick solution to your hunger pains. A blend of mangos, blueberries, cherries, and bananas will give your taste buds exactly what they’re looking for–a dose of healthy flavors! Fruits such as avocado, pineapple, grapes, and peaches all help you to recall information quickly, which is just what you’ll need to ace an exam.

Yogurt

The health benefits originating from the amino acid present in yogurt, tyrosine, make having a cup of your favorite flavor of yogurt worthwhile. Tyrosine increases the amount of dopamine and noradrenalin released in your system, making you more alert. When you feel yourself dozing off, make sure a cup of this stuff is readily available.

Did Somebody Say Chocolate?

Ah, yes, chocolate. Many people enjoy this delectable treat, but will crave it even more once they find out it boosts your mood and helps you to concentrate better due to the release of endorphins. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate’s healthier counterpart, heightens blood flow to your brain, which increases your energy level and keeps your eyes from getting heavier.

As every classy lady knows, you should never go a day without at least a few glasses of water, so wash all your snacks down with H2O. Healthy snacking, CL readers!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

 

3 Steps to a Spring Apartment

Spring is in the air!  In a few short weeks midterms will be behind us and spring will officially be underway.  In order to get ready for the new season, it’s time for some redecorating!  While apartment living can get expensive, CL has 3 simple rules for spring renovations on a coed budget!

Spring Cleaning

Before any spring decorations can be added to your apartment, first you need to clean what’s already there!  Organizing your apartment will open up space for a fresh start.  I personally suggest starting with the messiest part of your apartment so the process gets easier as you keep cleaning.  Try using tools like these closet and desk organizers to make the process easier!

Add Color

Color isn’t just a trend popping up on the runways this season.  Spring is the perfect time to brighten up your apartment!  The décor color trends this year are yellow with gray and neutral with an accent color like red or blue.  Try working in colorful accessories too like throw pillows or rugs to transition your apartment into the new season.  Just be careful when mixing too many colors.  I try to stick with one main color scheme to stay consistent. 

Finishing Touches

After your apartment is clean and colorful, it’s time to add the finishing touches to complete your spring makeover!  This step is all about adding your favorite things to tie your apartment theme together.  Try working in accents like these collage picture frames or vases perfect for flowers or floating candles!

 

 

Cassidy McAloon is pursuing a Bachelor in Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism at Marquette University.  She is a fashion, sorority life, and apartment life writer at College Lifestyles.

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