Moving into a new home can be a fascinating event. But moving away requires a lot of planning and preparation beforehand. One of the things everyone should do before they move into their new home is to inspect it. Knowing the things to inspect before signing a rental agreement can help you decide whether to rent that home. When you check the house thoroughly, you’ll know its actual state before packing your things. You’ll know whether the home's safe and secure and whether it is worth considering moving into.

Electricity is one of the things to inspect before signing a rental agreement
Faulty electricity in a home can lead to severe problems. A house that doesn’t have good electricity isn’t just annoying. It can also be dangerous. That’s why you should always inspect a home's electricity before signing a rental agreement. Check every light switch and lighting fixture when you examine the house. That will help you see whether there are any problems with the electricity. Afterward, try out the appliances. That will help you see whether there are any problems with the electricity and whether the appliances work. You can ask a professional to inspect the electricity before you sign a rental agreement to ensure there aren’t any problems. 

Inspect the plumbing as well
Another essential thing to inspect before you sign a lease agreement is the plumbing. Not only can plumbing problems be challenging to deal with, but they can cause damage to the property and your things. Mold in the bathroom clearly indicates something is wrong with the plumbing. In addition, mold is one of the most dangerous things for your health that you can find in your rental property. Water damage on the walls or the floor is another way of knowing whether everything is in order with the plumbing. If there are any issues with the plumbing, take care of them before you move to protect your things from water damage. To protect your items during the moving process, experts from Rockstar Pro Movers advise you to use high-quality packing materials to protect them. That will ensure their safety during transport even further. ​

Heating, AC, and ventilation
No matter how great the property is, it can be challenging to live in it if the heating and AC aren’t working correctly. Inspect these things to find a home you’ll feel comfortable in at any time of the year. You won’t have to worry when the seasons and temperatures change. Besides this, make sure to check whether they are clean. A dirty AC and ventilation system can be dangerous for your health. If you notice they are dust-filled, ask the owner to take care of them before you move in. 

Inspect the paint
Before you start planning your move, check out the home's interior. Take a look at whether there are any stains or scratches on the walls. Even if this is something you can live with, knowing that the damage existed before you moved in is essential. You won’t risk losing the deposit after you move out due to the paint damage. Of course, if you notice any water damage to the walls, notify the owner right away. Once the damage is taken care of, you can move in. If you don’t like the color of the walls, ask beforehand whether you can change it. Asking important questions like these will help prevent problems later on. 

Safety and security
One of the most important things about the home you choose is related to its safety. Before you decide whether to rent it, check to see whether it is a safe and secure place to live in. Security cameras and security codes are some of the things to look for. Inside the home, look for a fire extinguisher and fire alarms. If there are fire alarms, inspect whether they are functioning. A carbon monoxide detector is another plus to look for in a home. You can also check out the crime rates for the neighborhood to know how safe the area is. That will help you decide whether to move here or not. 

Take a look at the furniture
Don't overlook the furniture if you want to rent a furnished home. That is one of the most important things to inspect before signing a rental agreement. Inspect whether it is damaged or whether it needs cleaning. That is especially important to do with wooden furniture that may have termites. Bedbugs are another severe problem you need to be on the lookout for. In addition, see whether you have all the furniture you need. The amount of available furniture and storage space will help you determine which property to rent. 

Moving in after signing a rental agreement
Now that you’re done with the inspection planning, it's time to move. Moving can be a little more complicated if you are moving from one state to another. To save money on your interstate move, downsize the number of things you own by decluttering. After you finish decluttering, it’s time to find the right movers and calculate your relocation costs. You can find expert help in the state to help you relocate safely, even from CA to Nevada. To save even more money on your move, pack efficiently. Put similar items together and use every box to its fullest potential. In addition, make sure to secure the boxes and label them. Not only does this make moving more manageable, but it will also make unpacking a breeze. 

To conclude
These things to inspect before signing a rental agreement are crucial. If you don’t inspect the home beforehand, you risk several things. First and foremost, you risk moving into an unfinished home or needing repairs. Things such as plumbing and electricity can cause several different problems if they aren’t in order. And if you are looking to move into a furnished apartment, the state and quality of the furniture will affect how you feel in the space. An inspection is one of the best things you can do to ensure your safety and comfort. It may take a little organization and time, but it will pay off as you can completely relax in your new home. 

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If you're thinking about renovating your home, there are a few things you should know before you get started. From understanding the different types of renovations to budgeting for your project, this guide from Clark Real Estate will give you an overview of what to expect when it comes to renovating your home.

Different Types of Home Renovations
There are many different types of home renovations, from small cosmetic updates to major structural overhauls. Some common home renovation projects include:

• Kitchen remodels
• Bathroom remodels
• Adding or expanding a room
• Finishing a basement or attic
• Updating flooring, lighting, or fixtures
• Painting or wallpaper
• Installing new windows or doors
• Sprucing up outdoor spaces

Establishing a Timeline and Schedule
Once you've decided on the scope of your project, it's time to establish a timeline and schedule. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your project is completed on time and within budget.Some factors to consider when creating your timeline and schedule include:

• The availability of tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, etc.) 
• The delivery time for materials 
• Any permits or approvals that are required 
• How long each stage of the renovation will take 

Budgeting for Your Renovation 
Next, you'll need to create a budget for your renovation. This will help you keep track of all the costs associated with your project and ensure that you don't go over budget. When budgeting for your renovation, be sure to factor in the cost of the following: 

• Labor  
• Materials  
• Equipment rentals  
• Permits
• Approvals

Software Used by Contractors These Days
Contractors today use a variety of software applications to manage their projects, including project management software, accounting software, and CAD (computer-aided design) software. Certain specializations also have their own specialized software. All in all,  by understanding which software applications your contractor is using, you can better communicate with them and stay up-to-date on the progress of your renovation.

How to Find Capable, Trustworthy Contractors
Once you've established a budget and timeline for your project, it's time to find capable, trustworthy contractors who can get the job done right. Here are some tips for finding reputable contractors: 

• Check online reviews: A quick Google search will reveal any past complaints or issues that potential contractors may have had with previous clients.
• Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbors: If someone you know has recently had a good experience with a contractor, they'll be more than happy to pass along their contact information.
• Check references: Once you've narrowed down your list of potential contractors, be sure to check their references before making your final decision.

Clearly Communicating Your Ideas
One of the most important aspects of any home renovation is clear communication between you and your contractor. After all, they're the ones who will be responsible for bringing your vision to life! Make sure you take the time to sit down with them and clearly explain what it is you're looking for before work gets underway.

Putting your ideas in writing is advisable, as well. If you like, you can start in Word, then save the files as PDFs so that they can be easily accessed on different devices. If you want to join various PDFs together, you can do so in seconds by selecting a PDF merger tool that you can use for free.

Getting Permits
Depending on the type and scope of your renovation, you may need to obtain certain building permits before work can begin. Your contractor should be able to advise you on which permits are required for your project.

Adding a Home Office
With more and more people working from home these days, it's no surprise that many homeowners are looking to add a dedicated home office space as part of their renovation plans. If this is something you're considering for your own home, be sure to factor in the cost of additional electrical outlets, internet hookups, and any other special features that may be required.

The Benefits of a Home Warranty
Finally, one last thing to consider when renovating your home is whether or not to purchase a home warranty. This type of insurance protects against unexpected repairs or replacements that may be needed after the completion of your renovation project. While not required, a home warranty can give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.        

Now that you know more about what to expect when renovating your home, it's time to start planning YOUR dream renovation! Just remember: careful planning, clear communication, and staying within budget are key to ensuring that your project goes off without a hitch!

Clark Real Estate offers a variety of property management services for landlords and tenants alike. If you have any questions, please let us know. 

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​Have you ever heard of the biggest little city in the world? We are talking about Reno, Nevada, a place in the northwest part of the United States of America. Whether for its incredible landscape, dynamic lifestyle, proximity to San Francisco, or the everlasting fun this city promises, Reno has been one of the most popular places over the years for both visitors and newcomers. So, if you have heard these amazing facts and are planning to come there for good, here are several things to know before moving to Reno, NV.

A few words about living costs
One of the most important things everyone would like to know when buying a home in the Reno city area is how much money they would need for a living. Well, truth to speak, Reno, Nevada, is not the most affordable place in the world. It is among the most expensive ones. An average family needs approximately $80,000 a month to have a decent life. Although living in Reno is cheaper than living in San Francisco or New York, it is still in the high 21st position among the most expensive cities in the country. Its living costs are about 8% higher than the national average.

The real estate market
Low property taxes, and generally high incomes, make Reno one of the top three places in the USA where people wish to buy a home. There are neighborhoods for everyone. Starting from the ones hidden in the peacefulness of a forest area to those situated in the center of busy city life.

Furthermore, since the number of buyers in the real estate market has grown, the available offers have decreased in the past several years. What's more, homes that are still in the game have pretty high prices. Still, some researchers have shown that shortly, the price growth will slow down for a little bit. That is why this may be the right time to invest in a house in Reno, one of the most wanted real estate in the USA. And when the moment of relocation comes, as the experts from familyaffairmoving.com would say, all you need is a group of experienced movers, and everything will be done in no time.

Finding jobs
The job market in the city of Reno is in constant growth. Their industries are expanding, and the offer is diverse. Some of the most developed industries in recent years are technology and healthcare. The number of opportunities is growing, while taxes are still pretty low. So, if you are moving to Reno to find a new job, you are one among the many.

The weather- one of the things to Know Before Moving to Reno, NV
In Reno, you'll have a chance to meet all four seasons. All over the year, they have a mixture of great hot summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and beautiful snowy winters. You'll see rain, snow, sun, strong winds, and even thunderstorms. Although the temperatures in the hottest and the coldest months can vary, they never go below 23°F in winter or 89.6°F in summer.

So, if you are among those who are moving to Reno from California for work, get ready to pack some warm clothes, too. You are going to experience some real winter weather with all its charms. And when it comes to preparing your household for the move, experts can pack in no time since packing services in California are more than excellent.

The town's atmosphere
When we say small-town atmosphere, we mean precisely that. One of the things to know before moving to Reno, NV, is that their people cherish a strong sense of community. Naturally, everyone knows their neighbors. Even if they are newcomers, it's only a question of time before someone will knock on their door and help them blend into the city's community and life.

That is one of the reasons why Reno is a perfect moving destination for families. In this city, you will find numerous great family-friendly parks that can offer entertaining outdoor activities for kids and adults. And when it comes to traffic, traffic jams will be your past since people in Reno rarely sit and wait in their cars for more than a few minutes.

Education
When we talk about schools you can find in Reno, there are many options. Reno's education system is strong. Some of the best public schools in Nevada are in Reno.

On the other hand, when it comes to higher education, Reno residents can boast of being a college city. Apart from the Truckee Meadows Community College in this city, there is also a four-year public University of Nevada Reno.

The crime rate in Reno, NV
Since safety is one of the top priorities among the residents of any city, especially if they have children, it is good to mention that Reno is not considered the safest place in the world.

However, although the crime rate is above the national average, not all neighborhoods have the same crime rate. The Reno residents prefer living in the southwest part of the city since they claim it to be the safest one. Still, you should remember that there is no perfectly safe place in the world. So, all you need to do is to get informed about the crime rate in the area of the city you would like to live in. 

Entertainment
Well, entertainment is the word that best describes life in Reno, NV. This is the city where the fun never stops.

• If you have heard of Reno before, you must know about its famous casinos. Some of the best gambling sports in Nevada are found precisely in Reno.
• However, Reno is not all about having fun gambling. It is also an important cultural and art spot. Apart from all the art centers, galleries, and museums you can visit, there are also special celebrations and events all year round. Some of the most interesting ones happen in July.
• For all the night-out lovers, friendly restaurants in Reno offer high-quality and diverse cuisine.
• When it comes to outdoor fun, there are incredible mountain hikes, golf courses, ski resorts, and many other winter recreation options.

As a homeowner, it can be challenging to determine whether downsizing is right for you. However, by understanding what downsizing means and looking at the benefits, you can often make the best decision for yourself with relative ease.

If you’re trying to determine whether now is the right time to downsize, here’s what you need to know, courtesy of Clark Real Estate.

What Is Downsizing?

​According to the Cambridge Dictionary, downsizing means moving “to a smaller home, usually because your home has become too large for you or as a way of saving money.” It’s a common activity among homeowners, particularly during significant life transitions.

For example, some homeowners downsize after their children head to college or otherwise move out, often because they no longer need as much space. Others decide to downsize as they prepare to retire, allowing them to simplify their lives, cut costs, modernize, and reduce home maintenance-related burdens.

Exactly how your new home differs from your last one can vary. In most cases, you’ll have less square footage when you downsize and might have fewer total rooms.

The Benefits of Downsizing

Decluttering Reduces Stress

Unless you previously embraced a minimalist lifestyle, there’s a good chance you’ve currently got some clutter. When you downsize, paring back on your belongings is typically part of the equation. Not only does it make it a great excuse to declutter, but eliminating that extra stuff can reduce stress. You won’t feel overrun by your belongings, giving you peace of mind.

Plus, there are plenty of simple approaches that make downsizing easier. You could try:

• KonMari Method
• 90/90 Rule
• Four-Box Technique

Less Cleaning to Manage

Another one of the major downsizing benefits is less cleaning. When your home is smaller (and there’s less clutter), your cleaning needs go down. You’ll have fewer surfaces to contend with and less overall square footage, letting you tackle all of your needs in less time.

Since your home won’t have as much maintenance, you’ll have more time to spend on activities you enjoy. If you’ve regularly felt pressed for time, that alone can make downsizing worthwhile.

Reinventing Yourself

When you downsize, there’s nothing that says you have to stay in the same neighborhood. Instead, you could set your sights on a new location, giving you a chance to reinvent yourself after you move.

In many ways, a move can be a fresh start. By coupling it with downsizing, you’ll get both benefits at the same time.

Smaller Energy Bills

When it comes to financial benefits, downsizing your home typically shrinks your energy bills. You’ll have less square footage to heat or cool, and that alone can make a big difference. Additionally, you might have fewer light fixtures or may be able to shift to smaller appliances that run more efficiently. As a result, your energy bill could go down quite a bit without you having to change your lifestyle.

Making Money from Your Home Sale

If your current home is larger than your new one will be, you have a money-making opportunity. Smaller houses typically cost less than their larger counterparts. As a result, there’s a decent chance you’ll earn a bit of profit on the sale that won’t have to go to your next property.

The extra cash could help you accomplish a variety of goals. You could eliminate debt, making your budget easier to manage. Handling a large purchase, tackling some renovations, or taking a vacation might also be viable options.

Try a home sale proceeds calculator if you aren’t sure how much money you could make by selling. That way, you can estimate the property’s value and your potential profit, giving you a decent idea of what to expect.

Protect Your New Home

When you downsize your home to save money, the last thing you want to happen is having to spend a lot of money out of pocket to fix several things breaking at once. You can protect yourself from this circumstance by finding the company with the best home warranty for your home. A solid home warranty will protect you in the event of an HVAC or plumbing issue, ensuring that it gets repaired quickly. All you’ll have to pay is the trade service fee. Read testimonials online to find the best provider for you.
​
There are a host of financial benefits to downsizing your home. If it’s time for you to downsize, get started decluttering and organizing, sell your home at a profit, and protect your new home with a warranty.

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Suppose you've decided that this is the year to achieve your business dreams from your home because you realize all the benefits that come with doing what you do best as and when you see fit. But there's one glaringly obvious problem - your current home is too small. Here's how to make the necessary changes, so you can accommodate both. 

If you're looking for a new home in the Reno/Sparks area, visit our Reno Property Management website. 

Check if it is allowed
Before you even decide on a home where you can run your business, you'll first have to check if it is allowed. This would entail checking the rules of business zoning in your area to see if you can operate your business from your home premises. Furthermore, you may have to apply for a special license or permit depending on the type of industry you're in. So best to have these all checked out before you even resume operations so that you don't end up entangled in all sorts of red tape before you even begin. 

Check your budget
Your budget will also have to be tailored to take into account your move, what with all the extra expenses that will be involved in moving your business and its belongings over with you. For example, you may need to take out extra insurance depending on the coverage provided by your moving company if the coverage they do provide is insufficient. Also, your budget is going to have to cover all the extra expenses associated with moving and if you're moving to a new state then the additional cost of living expenses will need to be taken into account too. 

Finding a property that will meet all your requirements
Finding a property that is going to meet all your requirements is going to be something else to think about too. After all, it's going to have to be big enough to cater to both your business and your family. Furthermore, it may have to have additional rooms for a home office, for example, and it may also need to have ample parking space or access to ample parking space if you are going to have clients visiting every now and again. 

Make sure you have all the basics covered 
If you are planning on going full steam ahead with your business operations as soon as you're settled in, then you'll want to make sure you have all the basics covered as far as equipment and furniture goes. When thinking of choosing the right furniture for your home office, you should combine practicality with style to ensure that you are as productive as possible in your home office. 

Then, you'll want to think about investing in the necessary software to run your business smoothly. You will require an easy to use bookkeeping system to ensure your accounting efforts are up-to-date at all times. Here, we're referring to accounting software that allows you to store and organize your receipts adequately so that you can benefit from tax savings down the line whilst adhering to the applicable tax legislation. It should also provide you with the tools to manage your cash flow better so that you stay on top of incoming and outgoing expenses.

These are just a few of the major deliberations that need to be had before you think about up and moving everything somewhere new. But it's vital that you do to ensure you have the wherewithal to not only cope but thrive during this new transition. 
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​As the moving day comes closer, there's a lot to plan and prepare. You need to find a new home, pack all your belongings and deal with the necessary paperwork. Additionally, you need to arrange everything with various service providers and update your new address. With all of this on your plate, staying calm and organized can be pretty challenging. And when you're moving out of a rental, there are some extra steps you should take to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. The main question, of course, is should you move yourself or hire movers? Before you make this vital decision, take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both options!

We often underestimate the number of household items we have. When everything is in its place, it may seem like packing all your belongings will be a breeze. However, looks may be deceiving. Even if you prefer a minimalistic lifestyle, you'll be surprised by how much there is to pack! Never underestimate the amount of time and effort that relocation requires.
​
Most people opt for a DIY move simply because of money. Hiring expert movers can be pretty expensive. Of course, the costs will depend on many factors - distance, size of your home, services you choose, etc.

While moving by yourself may seem more affordable, it often turns out more expensive. If you're inexperienced in lifting and moving heavy furniture and boxes, you might easily drop and break something. And the last thing any tenant wants is to accidentally damage the rental when moving out - that won't help you get your deposit back!
​
Additionally, there is a greater risk of injuries. Even if you have reliable friends willing to lend you a hand, it will still be quite an exhausting task, especially if there's a lot of heavy lifting to be done or a lot of stairs to deal with.
 
Lastly, renting a moving truck is one thing, but driving it fully loaded from point A to point B is another. If you don't feel comfortable with the ride, hiring a professional moving company is a much safer choice.

On the other hand, there are circumstances when a DIY move is the best option:
 

• When you're on a tight budget;
• If you don't have to move furniture - your place was furnished, and you only need to pack clothes, decor you used to personalize your rental home, kitchenware, and similar items;
• When your new home is a short distance away;
• You have enough time at your disposal;
• Your friends and family can assist you with the relocation.

Experts agree that in most cases, hiring movers is the best option. Naturally, finding a reliable moving company is crucial. Unlicensed, amateur movers are more likely to add to your difficulties instead of removing the burden from your shoulders. Therefore, make sure to find the right experts for the job. Hire professionals with an outstanding reputation and several years of experience. Here's why expert movers are an excellent choice for a hassle-free, smooth relocation.

Packing and moving are not only physically exhausting. They'll also require a lot of energy and planning. There's a lot to consider, from getting packing materials, decluttering, securing the boxes, to loading the truck. All of this is likely to give you a headache at some point. Luckily, expert movers will take care of most of these tasks, so you can relax and enjoy a stress-free move.

If you're still wondering what's better, to move yourself or hire movers, here's another advantage of the latter. Many moving companies offer additional services such as dismantling the furniture and packing. Not only will they ensure every item is safe and well protected, but they'll also provide all the packing materials you need! You're not sure how to pack that delicate antique lamp? Or how many boxes you'll need to pack the kitchen? Then, hiring experts might be the right choice for you.

When you're leaving a rental, moving can be additionally stressful. Atop of all you need to do, you must ensure your soon-to-be-old home is in good condition. That means putting everything back the way it was on the day you moved in. The last thing you want is to accidentally scratch a door or damage the floors.

If you're upgrading from tenant to homeowner, you're likely to be short on time. After all, you need to find your new home, close the sale, and get everything ready for moving in. Not to mention ending your lease and all related issues. With juggling all of these tasks, planning and preparing for the upcoming relocation is an additional burden.
 
Luckily, when you hire reputable movers, you can sit back and relax. They'll arrive on time and take care of everything efficiently and professionally. The right help will enable you to focus on more important matters and make a smooth transition.

As we've mentioned before, loading the truck and driving it is more complicated than it seems. Packing items properly and loading them requires some experience and care. That's another reason why hiring movers is always a good idea. After all, you don't want your precious belongings to suffer any damage during the transport.

If you're unsure where to start your search, a moving company database such as usamovingreviews.com is a good choice. Here you can look for first-hand experiences and reviews and find a company that best suits your needs.

So, when it comes to leaving your rental, one of the essential questions to answer is: Should you move yourself or hire movers? Hiring experts is a more secure and efficient option in most cases. However, it all depends on your particular circumstances and preferences. A DIY move might save you some money, but hiring movers will make for a stress-free, efficient relocation. Not to mention you'll have valuable time and energy to devote to more important matters!

Renting comes with many advantages, but the freedom to customize your living space according to your needs and preferences certainly isn't one of them. When a hefty safety deposit and a strict lease agreement are watching your every move, turning a rental into a home becomes a much more daunting task. Still, there is no reason to despair, even if you are still not ready to upgrade from tenant to homeowner. There are many budget-friendly ways to personalize your rental home that won't aggravate your landlord or your wallet. Stay tuned to see what they are.

Add some color to the walls
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for transforming your living space. Owners typically opt for white or other neutral shades because they are universal and easy to paint over in between tenants. If this is too dull for your taste, you can always kindly ask your landlord to switch things up. If they are not too keen on the idea, offer to repaint the walls in the original color before the time comes to move out. Yes, this will be an extra expense you will need to account for, but since there are moving services for different needs and budgets available, you should be able to make an affordable plan without sacrificing anything.

Create an accent wall with removable wallpaper
This list of budget-friendly ways to personalize your rental home can't go without wallpaper. Removable wallpaper is a fantastic way to bring some color and style into your living space. There is a variety of colors, patterns, and even textures to choose from, so finding something that matches your taste shouldn't be an issue. You can even use it to upgrade the bathroom! Just be very careful when removing it if you want to get your security deposit back. If you chip or damage the walls, end-of-tenancy cleaning won't be your only issue when you decide to move.

Upgrade the lighting
Lighting plays an essential role in interior design. However, rentals usually cover only the bare necessities when it comes to illumination, be it natural or artificial. Luckily, addressing this issue is neither hard nor expensive.
You can find beautiful lamps and lighting fixtures on various online marketplaces and thrift stores for ridiculously low amounts of money. LED strip lights are an excellent solution for task lighting in the kitchen or bathroom. When it comes to wall and ceiling fixtures, you can opt for pendant lights that you can customize and arrange according to your liking if you are not allowed to install more.
Additionally, make sure to remove or replace your blinds and add airy curtains that will allow more sunlight into your living space.

Replace the hardware
Door knobs and cabinet pulls might seem insignificant, but they can really help you personalize your rental home. You can find cheap hardware online. The fact that replacing it requires minimal effort makes this trick even more attractive. Just make sure to store the original knobs, handles, and pulls in a safe place to avoid losing them.

Add a removable backsplash to your kitchen
Rarely will you find a rental with a kitchen backsplash that is just according to your liking. Luckily, you can easily address this with a removable backsplash. It will protect the walls from accidental spills and splashes and make the move-out cleaning significantly more manageable. Moreover, since it is so cheap, you can simply replace it once you get bored of the pattern.

Upgrade appliances and cabinets with contact paper
While there probably isn't much you can do about the appliances and cabinets in your rental, there are ways to make them look a bit more presentable. Contact paper! Simply clean and dry the surface you want to cover and carefully stick the paper to avoid air bubbles and creases. If you take your time with this, you might even convince your friends that you finally got that expensive stainless-steel fridge! When the time comes to move, simply remove the contact paper and no one will ever know.

Cover ugly flooring with area rugs
Since flooring isn't exactly cheap or easy to fix or replace, landlords typically don't address them unless absolutely necessary. As a result, many rentals have less than stellar floors that really affect the home's vibe. If this is the case with your apartment - there is no reason to panic! Area rugs can be a cheap and easy fix for this issue. Layer different sizes, colors, and shapes to cover the ugly spots and add a dose of coziness to your living space.

Personalize your rental home with plants
When it comes to home decor, plants are always an excellent choice. They are affordable, versatile, and capable of brightening up even the dreariest of places.
If you don't have much experience keeping them alive, know that many low-maintenance options thrive on neglect. Make sure to choose the plants that can survive with the conditions you will provide them. This means that succulents are probably not an ideal choice if your rental doesn't get much sunlight. Additionally, put your green friends in some cool planters, and place them on your shelves, hang them, or even use them to cover up the eyesores.

Don’t assume you can’t change anything
While there are many budget-friendly ways to personalize your rental home, they might not be enough for you. If you have more complex ideas in mind, don't just assume that you can do nothing about them. It's true that most landlords aren't big on allowing their tenants to make significant changes, but that might not be the case with your landlord. A kind approach, alongside responsible tenant behavior, could be enough to persuade the owner to loosen up the rules. Remember to be realistic about your demands and always offer to return the property to its previous condition. However, if your landlord won't budge and you simply don't feel at home in the rental - don't despair. There are many properties out there, and, with a bit of help, you will surely manage to find something that satisfies your needs and wishes.

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​There is a lot to consider when it comes to moving out of your rental. Whether you have been there for a long time or just a short while, multiple things can determine if you get your security deposit back or not. Always make sure that you take your time to consider all possibilities and sort them out before you officially move out. The issues that your landlord might consider deal-breakers could be as small as a few leftover nails in the wall or as big as broken furniture. With some cleaning hacks, you will be able to relax and have no problem getting all your money back.

​If you have ever rented a car, you’ll remember that you needed to do an initial inspection of damages so that you do not get charged for them afterward. The same rule should apply to an apartment or house rental. If you have done this before signing a lease for your home, it will make your life a lot easier once you decide to move out.

​Unless you do not come near your stove due to your less-than-enviable cooking skills, the kitchen is the area where you will have the most significant amount of work. You know very well how much damage oil splatters can cause and what a pain they are to clean. Almost everyone will agree that they hate cleaning the oven with a passion. Who can blame them—it is extremely difficult to do, it demands some serious contortionism, and even after you clean it, it still looks dirty.

​Procrastinating with this task, though, can create quite a messy situation, and you want to take care of it before you move out. An easy cleaning hack is to make a baking soda paste by mixing it with water and then spread it all over the oven. Leave this overnight and simply wipe it clean in the morning.

This is the home of lots of spills, stains, and bacteria. If you empty it and unplug it without cleaning, it will be a nasty sight—and smell. A bowl of baking soda overnight will take care of the smells for you. One of the best cleaning hacks is to use a vinegar solution and spray it all over the refrigerator. All the stains and grease will come off surprisingly easily.

​Your walls can go through substantial damage even if you do not hang any pictures on them. Simple, everyday activities can leave stains and marks on the walls that you will most certainly need to take care of before moving out. To clean stains, use white toothpaste with a paper towel or a rag. If you have removed nails from the walls, fill in the holes with toothpaste as well, or use the traditional nail hole fillers and even out by scraping the excess with a wet knife.

Any lighter shade of carpet will be susceptible to stains. To clean these, use a mix of hydrogen peroxide and some lemon juice. Spray the solution on the stained area and leave for a few minutes. After that, scrub it with a brush. For dark carpets, use a solution of white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap and water. If your hardwood floor has scuffs, use a tennis ball or an eraser and apply a bit of pressure while rubbing the surface. This magic trick will save your security deposit.

​You may have noticed some stubborn stains in your bathtub. They usually form from shower and hair products build-up, but also limestone. Most cleaning products will not get rid of them, so why not try a mix of lemon juice and salt? Scrub on the area until it magically disappears.

​If you are currently renting in the state of Nevada and are planning an interstate move, consider hiring a moving company. After you have finished your thorough cleaning and you got your full safety deposit, these professionals will save you a great deal of trouble and help you transfer from the state to wherever you are moving. Especially if you are relocating for the first time, you will be more than grateful for the assistance of experts. You might get overwhelmed by the amount of planning and organizing that needs to take place. With professional movers, you will rest assured that everything will be arranged for you perfectly.

​It is very easy to overlook details when moving out of your rental. Your landlord might be a lovely, honest person, but they also might be digging for ways to deduct money from your safety deposit.

1. For example, your landlord is not obligated to give you your deposit back unless you ask for it. Do not take for granted that you will simply receive it in your mail by default. You need to make sure to communicate this to your landlord before you change your address, especially if you are moving out of state or internationally.
2. In addition to that, read the lease carefully for hidden rules. You might have to pay a certain percentage for the regular wear and tear even if you have cleaned all the areas spotlessly.
3. Finally, if you are thinking of cleaning every corner of the apartment or house thoroughly, you should keep in mind that certain areas are generally in the spotlight. So before breaking your back, use the cleaning hacks in the main areas like the bathroom, the walls, the kitchen, and the floors, and pay a bit less attention to the rest of the home.

 
Meta description: Learn some great cleaning hacks to help you get your security deposit back offered by the experts at Clark Real Estate.