• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Media Kit
  • Parenting
    • Teen Sons
    • Raising Girls
    • Inspiration
    • Single Mom Chronicles
  • Wellness
    • Fitness
    • Self-Care
    • Easy Meal Ideas
  • Family
    • Travel
    • Philadelphia Area Fun
    • STEM Activities
  • Finances
    • One Income Household Tips
    • Saving & Investing
    • Deals & Coupons
JenOni

Inspiration

Renting and What You Need to Know? Questions to Ask?

May 22, 2020

*this post contains an affiliate link which means I will receive a commission if you click and purchase*

rentingspace

If you are deciding to rent, do thorough research. In the last twenty-plus years, I rented a very nice condo and two apartments before buying a home. I miss being a homeowner due to the investment aspect of owning vs. renting. In the last six years of renting, I can provide some valuable tips. I know now that a great landlord is a major factor in providing the best rental experience.

Renting Tips – Part 1

  1. Check reviews of the property if available and reach out to the reviewer with questions if possible.
  2. Who handles the management of the property? a private owner? or a property management company? If they own or manage other properties check those properties as well. This is a good indicator of how they function as a landlord.
  3. Do they require a background check required with the credit application? This is a safety factor when renting any property with multiple tenants. How long is the lease? Does the landlord offer month to month?
  4. Visit the property, pictures are nice, however, seeing the property in person allows for any questions you may have about the property.
  5. If it is a building with a shared entrance, check the entry and exit points. Does the building have secured doors? by key? or keypad? Are there security cameras? If a private entry, ask if you can install a security system?

Renting Tip -Part 2

  1. What is the condition of the entry and exit points? Does it feel inviting upon entry? Are the floors clean and vacuumed? If carpet, is it clean and updated?
  2. Is there a laundry room in a building? If no laundry room, where are the washer and dryer located? Are there enough units for the number of apartments on the floor? Who maintains washer and dryer? If they are not in the apartment, can you purchase and install them? If a private unit, is there a washer and dryer hookup? Can you purchase and install? Who is responsible for maintaining? Where is the closest laundromat?
  3. Does the floor have fire alarms visible? Are the exits visible? Is lighting functioning on the floor?
  4. Where do tenants discard trash? in a trash room? or trash chute? Where are trash dumpsters located outside?
  5. Are there issues with pests in the building? Ask about exterminating for the property? How often? Are tenants notified prior to treatment?

Renting Tips – Part 3

  1. Are air conditioners in the property, ask about maintenance? filters? cleaning? and who is responsible?
  2. Check if the unit has smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors?
  3. If there is a maintenance issue, how quickly is the turnaround for responding? Are tenants informed when maintenance is coming in? Does maintenance leave a note for tenants?
  4. What is the preferred method for paying rent? personal check? cashier’s check? Is online payment available?
  5. Do tenants have assigned parking per unit? Is there a monthly fee for covered parking? where do visitors park? Is there handicap parking if needed?

Renting Tips – Part 4

  1. Notice by tenants required to move out? 60 days? or 90 days? If more than 60 days negotiate 60 days on lease immediately.
  2. If smoking is an issue, check if the property is a no smoking building. This can be an irritant for those who do not smoke.
  3. Ask what is the best number and email address to contact management?
  4. Ask what utilities are tenants responsible for each month? Are there flat fees for certain utilities each month?
  5. Is painting permitted by the tenant? Is the property pet-friendly?

Websites for Rental Information

Some of the sites I used for researching properties for rent are Apartments.com and Zillow.com. The best way to check the accuracy of listings is to call or email the contact. Also, keep in mind what you can do as a renter?

Moving

Although we are in the midst of a pandemic, I was able to find a moving company. There are plenty of references for moving companies to use for a move. Check the references. Plan to budget a deposit plus the full cost of the move. It is a cost-saving if you can move out and move in on the same day.

Packing

renting

My go-to for packing supplies is Home Depot, they offer free pick-up and delivery of packaging supplies. This will be my fourth move in the last ten years. The best advice for preparing for a move is to purge all the items you are no longer using.

Save up to 20% on bedding, bath and more for home. Valid 05/17 – 05/20.

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: apartments, moving, packing, renting, Tips

Quarantine is our New Normal and What it Means for Us

May 14, 2020

*this post contains affiiate link which means I will receive commission if you click and purchase”

The quarantine is a new lifestyle change. All the activities we were free to do are now restricted. I am trying to wrap my head around what returning to the old life means. New normal, what does this catchphrase mean? I am trying to come up with ways to make this work. In seven weeks we are adjusting to a new way of life. It includes working from home, online learning, and new ways of doing errands.

A trip to the grocery store has now become an episode of the early bird catches the worm. A few weeks ago I was totally oblivious to the way toilet paper was moving off the shelves. When I found a multipack I grabbed it with no clue on what was to come in the upcoming weeks. In a matter of weeks, it was evident that panic shopping was taking over in the grocery store and Target. I realized we were now living with the reality of a pandemic and how it has altered our daily behavior.

Lessons Learned in Seven Weeks

  1. Now that a trip to the grocery store may require waiting in line outside, using a delivery service is not a bad idea. The downside is trying to secure a delivery or pick-up time. One tip I found helpful is searching the delivery app in the wee hours of the morning to schedule. After two years, I went back to Instacart.
  2. If you are searching for cleaning supplies, try to get to retailers as soon as they open. My local drug stores gave me the days for deliveries to grab inventory. A larger Target has more inventory each week than a mini Target. The best time to get items off the shelf is as soon as they open at 8 AM. Mid-morning, afternoon, and evening shopping is disappointing with very little left on the shelves of high demand items. I rediscovered Walgreens so check in stores that are not usually on the list. If you have the cartwheel app, you can order items available for pick-up. This makes a Target run quicker.
  3. If you see toilet paper, paper towels, Lysol, gloves, sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes on the shelves grab it. Do not wait until you need it.
  4. If you need baking staples, grab it when you see it. Flour, sugar, and YEAST are in huge demand. Also, chocolate chips. I guess there is a lot of baking. We have done our share.
  5. Keep gloves in the car for pumping gas, my local gas station is now providing but this may be the case at each station.
  6. If you order masks from Amazon expect a two to three-week delivery. Just make sure you have other ways to cover nose and face when going to places for errands.

Working from Home During Quarantine

This is not my first time working remotely. It is an adjustment in terms of finding a space to work, organizing files, communicating more via email internally, and taking a break during the workday, I realized how much time a commute takes from the workday. Technology makes it easier to communicate remotely with a wifi account. Telecommuting allows more time after the day ends to plan for family time. I love hearing how the Zoom app keeps the workplace connected for both work activities and after-work meetings for colleagues.

What is Online Learning for My Teens During Quarantine

College Freshman

Quarantine Online Learning

My oldest teen started his freshman year in January. He was extremely excited to start his first college semester. My son’s two-week extension quickly moved to the end of the semester on campus. The real impact of the quarantine was obvious, I think. It is challenging for my son. One thing the school implemented was a pass/fail grading system. While it sounds like a clear solution to imposing restrictions it took a toll on his academic experience.

Middle School

Quarantine Middle School

The quarantine means my youngest teen is doing online learning for middle school. I think the transition to a new learning format is a challenge for the teachers and students. I realized it is a weekly test of endurance as we are adjusting to it all. The communication between school and parents is excellent. I am so glad parents’ feedback is important to make this process works for all students.

MY THOUGHTS….

Quarantine My Thoughts

What has the quarantine changed for us? There are more groceries and lots of dishes. I am trying to stick to grocery shopping every two weeks. We are planning meals together or at least agreeing on meals. Baking has become a past time from making zucchini bread, 4 ingredient peanut butter cookies to banana bread. Since the quarantine, my son has an interest in eating healthier and cooking. We are actually talking more and sharing feelings good, bad, or indifferent. I am conscious that teens need a mental break during this time as well as adults. My youngest is using screen time to decompress and my oldest likes to take walks on the local trail.

My Time

For me, the time means spending more time binge-watching what I find on Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. Also, packing, purging, and donating unused stuff we have accumulated over the last six years. This time is giving me time to organize. Adulting during this quarantine is a reminder to set aside time for physical and mental wellness. My hope is that we come through this healthier physically and mentally

Save up to 25% on furniture plus an extra 15% off select furniture with code HOME. Valid 05/17 – 05/25.

Filed Under: Inspiration, Wellness Tagged With: family time, new normal, online learning, quarantine, working from home

Giving: The Power of Giving -Social Good

Sep 26, 2016


Power of Giving (4)

Power of Giving

Everyone has a cause they are passionate about and each month I make an effort to donate to NO KID HUNGRY.

INSPIRATION for me is supporting a great cause that makes a difference in the lives of others.   I believe to be inspired you must be passionate about what you do in all capacities of your life!  There are so many causes to support but I feel  the reason NO KID HUNGRY moved me to donate was because it serves children in the United States.   I also wanted to use my influence as a blogger to spread awareness so I joined their blogger program.   The money donated has such a significant impact in helping to provide meals to children in various communities.   As a single mother,  I am challenged with instilling in my children the importance of being grateful.  It is troubling to see the amount of food we waste as a family knowing other children are going without food on a daily basis.  When I researched NO KID HUNGRY I decided to donate on a periodic basis and then I was inspired to share the awareness through my blog.   Hopefully my blog can act as a platform to encourage others to donate and influence fellow bloggers to take action through the NO KID HUNGRY blogger program.  I will be the first to admit my kids take eating three meals a day plus snacks for granted.

COTOPAXI

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Cotopaxi.an outdoor gear company that believes in the POWER of GIVING.    I love the company’s principles of  “Gear for Good” and Change the World “Do Good”.    Do you support a special cause?  How are you giving back?   How many times have you spent countless time on buying a gift for those who have everything?     Another great way to give back is to make a donation in their honor to support your charity or a cause they support.    Just another example of GIVING!

You can check out more on Cotopaxi  here.

The POWER of GIVING has a profound impact on the lives of others across the GLOBE!

In this new year, MAKE YOUR COMMITMENT TO GIVE!  Cotopaxi’s GIVING GUIDE explains how your monetary donation and volunteerism will impact the areas of  Education, Livelihoods and Health.

Cotopaxi_giving_guide_v07

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: #change, #cotopaxi, #donate, #giving, #socialgood, #volunteer

Motivation Monday: Are We Spending Enough Time Living?

Jun 24, 2016

*this page contains affiliate link which means I will receive a commission if you click the and make a purchase*

REWIND- LOVE THE MESSAGE:

motivationmonday

MOTIVATION

Each day presents itself with a new set of triumphs and challenges.   One key factor is the ability to sustain the motivation to stay on course.  I sit and think all the time what is my purpose? and what will be my legacy? Time has a way of getting away from you and it makes me wonder if I spend enough time really living? I discovered Prince Ea when one of his videos was shared on Facebook. It definitely made me realize the need to spend more time “working to live and not living to work”. Who is Prince Ea? Prince Ea is a rapper, spoken word artist, music director, and activist.

I viewed his new video last week, and as usual, he provides thought-provoking questions on life.

 

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: #motivation, #purpose, legacy, princeea

Why Father’s Day is Bittersweet?

Jun 21, 2016

happyfathersday

Father’s Day Every Year

While I look forward to the beginning of summer, the month of June also brings Father’s Day.    If you’re plugged into social media on this day,  your timeline  is filled with pictures and posts celebrating  dads.   The day is bittersweet because I  feel robbed of only having my dad for 19 years.   When my dad passed away I was at the end of the first semester of my sophomore year of college.    I remember how proud my dad was during my high school graduation and I know we were  looking forward to my college graduation.     From this point on,  there was no excitement in celebrating milestones.    I skipped my real college graduation and participated the year before I officially graduated.     As I look back now  this was totally ridiculous.    My dad would have asked if I had I lost my mind?   Again having that reality check with a dose of wisdom and perspective would have made all the difference in the world.    I clearly see milestones are not the same without your biggest cheerleader.

Time and Adulthood

I wish I could wholeheartedly say that time heals a loss even with my dad’s wisdom stuck in my mind.   I can remember things my dad said that still hold true to this day.   How is this even possible after 28 years?    Clearly, an example of my dad’s impact in my life.   One thing is true about parenting and that is the importance of being  involved and engaged.    Adulthood is challenging with trying to make the best decisions as I chartered my course.  I feel the loss of my dad during this time in my life made the challenges greater.   It left me with so many unanswered questions.   Just when I felt a sense of coming into my own.   I really struggled with the why? how?   How do you plan life events, without this wisdom?   This year I realized the anxiety the day brings for me because I feel so disconnected from celebrating.   Yes, I have lots of memories but there will always be a wish to have more time. 

Filed Under: Inspiration

Reading: My First Book of the New Year-Growth & Development

Apr 19, 2016

ReadingBookReviewPPP

Reading: Personal Professional and Positive The 30 Day Challenge by Danyelle Little & Telie Woods

One of my goals for the new year is to read more books that are focused on personal growth and development.   This is my first book and I wanted to share some of the key points I learned after reading.   The best part of the book are the key areas and how they are divided into specific areas of focus.  Each chapter provides real-life examples, key action items, and motivational quotes.   I plan to incorporate the valuable action items to assist me with living a more positive and fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

Personal

  1. Take time for you
  2. Make unplugging a necessity
  3. Remove things from your life that stunt your growth
  4. Find ways to destress
  5. Sleep is essential, develop a routine each night
  6. Stay focused
  7. Writing is good for the soul and a visually way to capture thoughts
  8. A positive perspective is everything
  9. Capture moments with those you love
  10. Find your passion

 

Professional

  1. Give 110% in everything you do in your professional environment
  2. Be a positive model for others to emulate
  3. Always let your actions proceed you
  4. Do not get caught up in anything that is counterproductive to your progress
  5. Find effective ways to improve and deliver solutions
  6. Develop your skills to position yourself to train and mentor
  7. Organize a support group with varying levels of expertise for success

Positive

  1. Acknowledge positivity in your daily walk
  2. Organize, Organize and Organize to minimize stress; make it a monthly ritual
  3. Be an active listener
  4. Take time to relax, release and let go
  5. All good things come in time
  6. Do not let your past define your goals and objectives
  7. Always make it point to extend yourself to others

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: #life, #reading, book, lesson

Primary Sidebar

Get To Know AJ

Interests include fitness, nutrition, yummy food and dessert recipes, wellness, and innovative technology. Read More…

Connect with CocoaMommy

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube






Don’t Miss CocoaMommy Updates

Blogging Networks

The Network Niche
SoFab Badge
influnenster-Alanda Find the lowest prices Everywhere
Alanda Josey
Let's collaborate
Dealspotr.com
February 2023
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728  
« Jan    
Copyright © 2009-2016 | All Rights Reserved | Design by JenOni