Dealing with a messy roommate

Whether you’re a neat freak, or just like to keep your Des Moines apartment looking presentable for guests, it has a potential to cause conflict between you and your roommate if he or she doesn’t feel the same way. This is perhaps one of the most common sources of conflict between two people living together. However, ending your relationship over housekeeping is probably unnecessary, as there are many things you can do to help remedy the situation:

Understand the Issue

Sit down and talk with your roommate about why the lack of apartment cleaning is happening. Chances are, it’s not to annoy you. It could be a variety of things like your roommate’s nature, their current emotional situation, or something else entirely. If you know why it’s happening, you’re more likely to avoid future arguments between the two of you.

Divide your apartment into spaces

It’s unlikely that your Johnston apartment will stay is clean as you’d like it. Instead of getting frustrated, try dividing your space into areas – individual and shared. Your bedroom, for example, would be a great individual space that you can keep clean at all times. In turn, you roommate will have a personal space that’s just his or hers – so they can keep it as messy as they’d like. The shared areas are something that you and your roommate are mutually responsible for, so you should both work to ensure it stays presentable. Shared areas might include things like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.

Find a cleaning service

If you can’t seem to keep the apartment clean, consider hiring a cleaning service. This doesn’t have to be expensive; sometimes, you can find an individual to come in and clean that only charges about $20/hour. Ask you roommate if he or she would be willing to chip in for the costs – you could do it weekly or monthly. Also, knowing the alternative is paying money, your roommate may be more willing to help out around the house.

Offer chores in exchange for cleaning

If your roommate doesn’t care about keeping the place clean, you may be able to “exchange” chores. For example, you could offer to do more cleaning if you roommate does the grocery shopping, takes care of monthly bills, or scoops the sidewalk when it snows.

Considering the above solutions may help you and your roommate avoid problems and arguments in the future. Be sure to take them into consideration before talking with your roommate so you can come to a calm solution.

Moving into your first apartment

Moving into your first apartment can be an exciting – and scary – adventure. Before you go crazy with shopping and creating your dream apartment, make sure you take the necessary steps to prepare, without breaking your budget. Here are a few pieces of advice that you should consider before moving into your Johnston, Iowa, apartment:

Utilities – Find out which utilities, if any, are included in your monthly rent. Many times, the apartment community will pay for a portion of utilities and you’ll be responsible for the rest. Basic expenses include things like electricity, water, heat, garbage removal, cable, and Internet. For the ones you’ll be responsible for, do some research to figure out how much it will be each month. If you need to cut down on certain costs, consider choosing the minimum cable package and an Internet connection that offers a good connection; without all the extras.

Appliances – Most apartments come with all the major appliances you’ll need, but one of the most common people miss are microwaves. If your apartment doesn’t come with one, search the online classifieds or Craigslist to find one.

Create a budget – Consider your monthly income and expenses. Will you earn enough money to pay the rent, cover your bills, and have money for entertainment? There are plenty of good websites that will help you track your expenses – one of the best is Mint.com. The website allows you to estimate how much you’ll spend on things like groceries, entertainment, cell phone bills, etc. Then, it will track it throughout the month and let you know if you’re getting close to your limit.

Save energy (and money!) – There are many small things you can do to conserve energy in your apartment like turning the lights off every time you leave a room. You should also consider turning off any unneeded appliances and things like cell phone and iPod chargers.

Watch the temperature – If you work outside of the home, consider turning down your heat or air conditioning during the day. Then, set it to automatically go back to normal about an hour before you return home. This will help keep the atmosphere comfortable while saving you money.

Buy in bulk – Many of your monthly supplies can be purchased in bulk to save you money. Consider buying everyday things like paper towels, toilet paper, and napkins in bulk. You can also purchase certain food items, like beef and chicken, then freeze them until you’re ready to use them.

It’s very important you keep in mind the above tips before you move into your first Des Moines, Iowa apartment. By being properly prepared, you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the long run. 

Choosing a pet for your apartment

When living in an apartment, choosing a pet can be a daunting task – especially because you have to consider not only your own needs but your neighbors’ as well. Pets are a great way to bring happiness into your life, through companionship and unconditional love. It’s also a good way for children to learn responsibility and, if it’s an active pet, a great way for other family members to get exercise by playing outside.

When choosing a pet for your Des Moines, Iowa apartment, there are several factors you should consider:

Pet fees or deposit – Does your apartment community require you to pay a monthly fee or one-time deposit to keep certain types of pets, like a cat or dog? This can sometimes be a large investment that you’ll need to save up for. Also check with your property management company to review their policy on damages caused by pets. Some apartment communities have a weight limit on the size of dog you can have – you’ll want to check into this as well.

Roommate – If you have a roommate, make sure he or she is okay with the idea of a pet. Not only does a pet take patience and responsibility, but it may also cause allergies for others, which can be a great inconvenience.

Commitment – How much time do you have to devote to a pet? If you’re a student or working a full-time job, it’s not likely you’ll be able to spend time with him during the day. If this is the case, then a puppy probably the best option for you. Also keep in mind that most dogs will need to be let out during the day, so you’ll need to spend time over your lunch break doing so.

Living space – How much room do you have in your apartment? If you live in a small space, a large or hyper pet wouldn’t be the best choice because they’ll want to run around and won’t have the space to do so.

Exercise needs - Does your apartment community have a lot of outdoor space, or is it nearby a park? If not, you may want to consider a pet other than a dog, which many times need plenty of room to run around and get exercise.

Neighbors – Although it will be your pet, you should consider your neighbors as well – some dog breeds can be very vocal and may disturb your neighbors through barking, thus causing complaints. 

After considering these factors, if you decide a cat or dog isn’t right for you, there are plenty of other options. You may consider a rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, or bird for your Des Moines apartment, as they require much less time and attention. 

Cleaning Your Apartment Before Move Out

As moving day approaches, one of the most dreaded things is cleaning the apartment. For some, it's the first time it's gotten a complete cleaning since the day they moved in. Giving it a detailed cleaning is especially important in college towns - when so many people move in and out each year, it's much more likely that damage has been done. Let's use Ames, Iowa, as an example - it's home of Iowa State University and has thousands of students moving in and out of apartments each year.

Normally, your Ames property management company will provide you with a move-out inspection, which is a checklist of things you should clean before move out. At the least, they'll let you know exactly what you're responsible for cleaning and what they'll take care of. If they haven't given you a list within a few weeks of moving, check with the office and see if they have something you could use as a reference. Some apartment communities will even walk through the rooms with you and point out things that need to be taken care of - but, many times you won't be that lucky.

Nearly all apartment communities will give you a check list to fill out when you move in to your Ames apartment. This is a great advantage to you because they'll know the exact condition of the apartment before you moved.

Aside from wiping cabinets, cleaning counter surfaces, and vacuuming and mopping the floors, there are several other things that shouldn't be overlooked. Here is a list of some you should take a closer look at before moving out of your apartment:

Repair the walls - After removing your posters, frames, and photos, make sure you take all nails and push-pins out of the wall. Then, fill the holes with hole filler (drywall or wood filler both work great, depending on the surface.) Let it dry, then lightly sand over the top of it. If you don't have these supplies lying around, white toothpaste can work too. Simply brush some over the hole and let it dry. Next, remove all of the black or scuff marks. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a good product to use - or, combine water and baking soda on a washcloth and rub it lightly over the marking.

Clean the oven - Some ovens have a self-clean option. If not, buy an oven cleaner at a local department store. Beware, the warnings about cleaner damaging other surfaces is true, so it's important to follow the directions. For the spill pans, it's usually best to purchase new ones for around $10.

Clean the refrigerator and freezer - This might be one of the most dreaded parts of cleaning an apartment. First, remove all the shelves and drawers, and clean them with warm water and dish detergent or a cleaning product like 409. Next, clean the inside of the refrigerator with a rough sponge. Accidental spills can be quite hard to clean, especially if they've been there for awhile. That's why it's important to have a sponge that will scrub well.

Wipe down the windows and blinds - The window area is one that's commonly overlooked. Make sure you clean all windows and window frames in the apartment, as well as wiping down the blinds. Some apartments charge you a premium for brand-new blinds if yours are left dirty and grimy.

Check your light fixtures - Double check all lights throughout the apartment. If the outside of them are dirty, wipe them down with a cleaning solution. Be sure to replace all broken bulbs as well.

Vents - Run a feather duster along all vents in the area, then wipe them down with a cloth and simple cleaner. This is another one that's commonly overlooked and could end up costing you money if you don't catch it.

Finally, take photos of the apartment after you've cleaned it. This is a safety measure for you - if the landlord would come back and accuse you of damage, you can show them the photo and a written description so they'll know how clean it was upon move-out.

Des Moines, Iowa Entertainment

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is also the most populous city in the state. Whether you're just visiting or looking to move to Des Moines, you'll be amazed at what the city has to offer:

Nightlife in Des Moines has wide variety of food, pleasure and entertainment. Enjoy clubs and restaurants scattered around the metropolis. 

If your craving for hot Mexican food and ambiance, visit Dos Rios Cantina and Tequila Lounge. Located conveniently in the entertainment district across from the skywalk on Court Avenue, they serve authentic Mexican food and brews.  They have private party rooms and extensive collection of tequila to form the soul of Dos Rios.  So if you're planning to party with a Mexican twist, come to Dos Rios.

Located in downtown Des Moines just south of Court Avenue on Fourth Street, is the Hessen Haus. Home of authentic German Ale, the Haus' atmosphere is an old-world German bier hall.  Filled with traditional German polka music with sounds from the local bands, Hessen Haus has a lively yet cozy ambiance.  The food is all German, from appetizers to soups, to salads and sandwiches. 

Food tripping with live music happens on the home of Pianopalooza, the Grand Piano Bistro.  Musical events happens here while you can enjoy fascinating good food and drinks. Pianopalooza performs with local and celebrity musicians every week, making the Grand Piano Bistro one of the cool place to dine and relax.

If you happen to bring the kids with you and you want to surprise them with toys and gifts, Simply for Giggles is the place.  Simply for Giggles is a children’s boutique unlike any other. They are dedicated to providing the best products and services for infants, kids and their families.  Their professional design can also be utilized if you wish to makeover a child's room.

During summer, the Simon Estes Amphitheate located on the east bank of the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines held a popular long-running summer concert called Nitefall on the River.  They play to crowds every 7:00 pm in June and July.  All you need is blanket, a lawn chair and the family to sit back and enjoy a relaxing evening. 

These are the events and places you can enjoy and experience in Des Moines, Iowa.  Come visit the place, you won't regret it. 

How to find a roommate

The cost of living can sometimes be a burden, especially as rent continues to increase. To offset the cost, one option is to find a good roommate - a roommate that will share the rent, provide companionship, and if you are a student, it will have an impact on your friendship, grades and experience.

There are plenty of websites available today that offer roommate finder services and depending on your requirements, you can easily find someone who would be a good fit - instead of an obstacle to your lifestyle. 

Here are some tips to help you find a roommate: 

Advertise your roommate preference - list down all want in a roommate.  Start by determining the gender. Some people are quite comfortable with sharing their accommodation with either gender, but you shouldn't be too quick to accept anyone. To avoid gender related issues, think about how someone from the opposite gender could affect your current household, in terms of existing roommates, varied lifestyles, personalities, certain gender-oriented characteristics.  The age of your roommate will be another point of consideration. People of different ages hold different viewpoints, interests and living patterns. 

Take pet keeping consideration. You might have a pet dog, but certain people have allergies to dogs.  Same goes to smoking and drinking habits.  You don't want any arguments after all the living arrangements are made.

Discuss sleeping habits, study habits, work schedules and payment of rent and bills. You will be living with that person for a period of time. For instance, if you love to sleep until late morning, a roommate with a penchant for waking up at the crack of dawn is not a person you will like to live with.  Be clear about the roommate's expected length of stay. Some rentals are provided on an annual basis, while others are just monthly or weekly. Clarifying such issues and binding the agreement on paper are essential if you are to have a good relationship with your roommates. Make sure he or she is trustworthy; you don’t want to argue later due to lost or missing belongings. You can also perform credit checks and request references from friends, employers or family, and previous landlords.

The visiting hours and number of guests should also be discussed.  Decide if you prefer roommates which have a lot of friends visiting or living with people who meet their friends elsewhere? It's a matter of deciding whether you prefer a busy home where people are continuously walking in and out or a quieter living environment.

Do your roommate search by using all of this as practical guidelines. Visit the web and utilize a free roommate search facility or roommate finder service to ensure you find just the right roommate.

Use the following sites to find a roommate for Grimes Iowa Apartments and Johnston Iowa Apartments:  

Roommate Click is a good site if you're looking for a room to rent, or already have an apartment and need someone to live with. You can search by zipcode and pull up classified ads that give details about the roommate and apartment community.

Craigslist is another popular spot. Many young professionals and recent graduates use the service to let people know they're looking for a roommate, or to rent out their space. Craigslist masks your email address so you can chat with the person a few times before meeting them in person.

The above factors can be great to consider before choosing your roommate - hopefully, you'll find someone who you can live with for years to come. 

Explore Ankeny, Iowa

Ankeny, Iowa is located just north of Des Moines and is considered Iowa's wealthiest city. The affluent suburb has a population of more than 40,000 residents and is a quick, 10 to 15-minute drive from downtown Des Moines. It's been nationally acclaimed with many awards and was recognized as one of the Top 10 Towns for Families by Family Circle Magazine. It's also earned recognition as one of Money Magazine's Top 100 Places to Live.

The city draws several recent Iowa State University graduates as well as young families due to its many well-known employers and proximity to Iowa's capitol city. Deere and Company, Tone's Spices, Casey's General Store, and Mrs. Clark's Foods are all headquartered here.

Ankeny residents will find plenty of entertainment and shopping opportunities within the suburb, as it's filled with many popular stores. The busy Delaware Avenue is home to several well-known retail locations including Home Depot, Kohl's and Super Target. There are also several car dealerships that sit along the same street.

The city's many schools are ranked among the best in the state. Ankeny boasts seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one large high school. There are also plans to build an additional elementary and high school to meet the needs of the fast-growing population. A branch of Des Moines Area Community College also makes its home here.

For those looking to move to Ankeny, there are several housing options whether you wish to rent or buy. New homes and subdivisions are constantly being built, giving prospective home buyers a wide range of options. As of January 2010, the city's average home value was $213,306.

Ankeny apartments and condos are quite popular as well, especially for recent graduates or those students attending DMACC. Many of these communities are located just off of I-35 and near the college campus.

To learn more about this vibrant Iowa city, visit the City of Ankeny.