Moving Out of an Apartment: Ways to Manage the Dreaded Task

Moving: typically a term that that is said before or after a long sigh. We get it, taking hours to search for the perfect complex and moving into a new apartment can be stressful. Packing only to unpack, organizing only to remember you need the one thing at the bottom of the box – and the worst of all, having to clean your living space before turning in your apartment keys. 

While moving into a new apartment is a chaotic process, you certainly are not alone. According to moving.com, 32 million people in the US move to a new residence throughout the year. To put that into perspective, that is over 10% of the population that are packing up and relocating each year. Even more so, those in the millennial generation are reported to be on the move to a new living space once every two years on average

 young man moving in to new apartment with boxes

Why are people moving so much, you ask? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are various reasons why Americans tend to relocate, a few being:  

  • Wanting a new or better home/ apartment (17.4%) 
  • Establishing own household (12.2%) 
  • New job or transfer (10.8%) 
  • Cheaper housing options (8.2%) 
  • To be closer to work/easier commute (6%) 

Knowing these statistics, it is clear that the moving process is not going away anytime soon. What can be alleviated, however are the headaches that come along with moving into and out of a new apartment community.  The sections below will outline ways that you can make your relocation the easiest one yet!  

Find the right time to move 

Different times of the year call for changing rates, availabilities and moving benefits within apartment management companies – and ultimately the decision you make on timing will depend on what you value as important. For instance, are you more interested in saving money on monthly rental rates and moving company costs, or would you rather have the option to choose from a wide range of available floorplans? While it may sound silly, going through the exercise of asking yourself questions like these can point you in the direction of the values you want to prioritize.  

After determining your top priorities, visit apartments.com, which has created an entire outline of the drawbacks and benefits that fall, winter, spring and summer moves offer so that you can make an informed decision to move in and out at a time that best fits your specific needs.    

Outline your moving timeline 

After you’ve weighed the options, and made the decision on what time of the year you want to move into a new apartment complex, you may start to feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to “get done” before your move out date: think changing your address and decluttering the items in your closet. To stay on track during this chaotic time, it may be useful to create your own moving timeline with an itemized checklist to help you save valuable time when it comes to managing your productivity, while keeping you organized so you don’t miss any important tasks when the big day comes.  

Research moving companies 

If you choose to go the route of using a moving company, the options can seem endless – and with good reason, as the American Moving and Storage Association counts around 7,000 companies just in the U.S alone. Instead of spending hours on Yelp, Google and other platforms to compare pricing, check out and download the MoveAdvisor: Moving App. By using the app, you will have access to thousands of reputable moving reviews and performance ratings based on real customer experience at your fingertips.  

Move out efficiently  

If you’ve followed your timeline and checklist, one of the last remaining items will be to clean the apartment after everything is packed up and moved out. At Venterra, we know this is one of the most dreaded tasks – getting on your hands and knees to clean small crevices after a long day of packing or, even worse, taking the time-consuming task of calling to get quotes for an affordable maid service to clean your residence. 

cleanmove logo

Luckily, if you have chosen to reside within a Venterra property,
 our CLEANMOVE initiative allows you to sit back and relax once everything is all packed up and ready to go! CLEANMOVEa new addition to our move-out process, guarantees that our team handles the following*: 

  • wiping down of surfaces and appliances 
  • cleaning fans, vents or baseboards 
  • vacuuming carpets or mopping  

Not only will CLEANMOVE save you the energy of cleaning, according to the average price of a maid service plus added gratuity, you can save upwards of 22% through CLEANMOVE.

couple dancing and cleaning

“I love CLEAN
MOVE!  I’m a single mom, and my recent move was very stressful for me. Going back to clean was the last thing I wanted to do. I love knowing that my Apartment at Ventana will be just as clean as when I moved in 4 years ago with little effort required.” Johnna, Ventana San Antonio Resident 2016 – 2020 

At the end of a long moving day, the CLEANMOVE process helps you save time so that you can focus on the next phase of your life… and clean less! 

*CLEANMOVE does not cover: apartment damages, furniture or trash left behind, odor or pet treatment, paint pro-rate charges or sheetrock repair, or any heavy cleaning. 

Consider a Venterra property for your next home 

It is clear that the moving in and moving out processes are not something that can necessarily be avoided; however, they can always be improved. Venterra Realty is dedicated to making the process as seamless as possible, and even provides a 30-Day Live It. Love It. Guarantee™ which provides new residents the option to move out if they aren’t completely satisfied with their apartment for any reason.  

If you’re in the midst of looking for a new apartment property, consider browsing through one of Venterra’s communities located in 15 cities across the U.S. and contact us if you have any questions on the move-in or move-out process.    

How to use Venterra’s Touchless Package Management

It’s no surprise that package deliveries have increased with more people working remotely and children attending school from home. Managing online shopping and package deliveries efficiently has resulted in the need of a more seamless and safe experience.

As the pandemic shifts the multifamily industry and how we offer amenities, there have been some unique opportunities to provide innovative and seamless ways to provide package management services. Venterra’s SMARTPACKAGE lockers now offer a safer and easier way for residents to retrieve their packages with a touch-less experience.

Using Touchless Package Lockers at Venterra

 

There are two contact-free package pick-up methods available to properties with our SMARTPACKAGE lockers:

  • Barcode: Scan the barcode included in your delivery notification (email or text) to open the locker door without having to use the touchscreen.
  • Mobile App: Download the Parcel Pending mobile app (available for download on the App Store or Google Play Store). By scanning the barcode or pushing the button in the app notification, the locker door will open without having to use the touchscreen.

 

 

 

Celebrating Venterra’s Healthcare Heroes

healthcare heroes giftcard

Venterra Realty, a property management company that owns and operates 60 apartment communities in the US, is home to over 5,000 Healthcare Heroes.  Whether a doctor, nurse, EMT or pharmacist, medical professionals have risen to the challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their contributions to keeping us safe have not gone unnoticed.  As we navigate the difficulties and stressors the pandemic has plunged upon us all, we are so grateful for the sacrifices Healthcare Heroes are making and, as an organization, we want to say Thank You!

To support medical professionals needing to move, we waived deposits for new leases with approved credit in June. Now, we are celebrating our current Venterra residents in the medical field by sharing their stories, providing residents with honorary “Health Care Hero” t-shirts, and offering over $50,000 in gift cards as our way of simply saying, Thank You.

photo of employee JoannaOnline Reputation Specialist, Johnna Bacak said, “When we asked our residents to nominate a Healthcare Hero within their community, I never expected we would get over 500 submissions. Each nomination was full of intimate details about the Healthcare Hero, and I was humbled after reading each submission. I felt such a connection with them!”

According to Johnna, “Some of my favorite nominations were spouses nominating each other, expressing their love and gratitude.  One of my favorites is Juan, from Northbridge in Orlando, Florida, nominating his wife, Nicole.  He said, ‘Nicole an amazing and caring human being. She started her career as a medical assistant, and now she is pursuing her physician assistant masters. She is devoted to helping others and I am proud of her for that. She is passionate about her job, and it reflects in her personal life. I am proud to call her my wife.   She looks just as good in her scrubs as she did in her wedding dress.’”

Here are some of our other favorite stories.


Honoring Healthcare Hero Maria- blue square with text
Healthcare Hero Alex- blue box with text
Blue box with text- Gizelle, a healthcare hero
Kelsey, a healthcare hero in St. Joseph's- blue box with text

Paramedics, nurses, respiratory therapists, doctors, hospice caretakers: we are so privileged that these Healthcare Heroes call our communities home and we are honored to surprise them with special Healthcare Hero t-shirts and gift cards!  Check out some of their pictures below.

 

Looking for a way to thank the medical professionals in your community? Here are some great ideas to consider! 

Looking for a great place to live amongst heroes? Visit us at Venterraliving.com. 

Convenient Self-Guided Apartment Tours and Contactless Move-In Experience

Self-guided apartment tours available at Venterra communities.

While some restrictions are being lifted as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we understand it can still be unsettling to be in public, while being respectful of social distancing orders. This fear may cause people to postpone major life decisions, including moving into a new apartment home. Now more than ever, it’s imperative to embrace technology in order to offer a wider variety of convenient touring options, including self-guided apartment tours.  

At Venterra, we have you covered. We’re excited to now offer a no-contact, self-guided apartment tour option at many of our communities. Future residents can now use their smart devices to schedule and perform tours of our available apartment homes.  

We are also taking extra steps to ensure your safety and the safety of our employees and residents at our apartment communities. Aside from implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, we are using LAST™, a hospital grade disinfectant and antimicrobial coating on our hard surfaces, providing an extra layer of protection for up to 30 days.  

If you aren’t interested in selfguided tour, we are also offering in-person tours with our award-winning customer experience leaders by appointment. 

Here’s How to Schedule Your Self-Guided Tour 

  • Visit Venterraliving.com & select a property  
  • Select the apartment that you are interested in, and click on Schedule a Tour
    self guided tours venterra
  • Choose your Guided-Tour option
    self guided tours venterra
  • You’ll receive a link to complete verification and confirm scheduling details 

SmartMove Logo

Once you take a tour and choose an apartment that you have fallen in love with, don’t forget to take advantage of SMARTMOVE, our contact-free way to gain access to and move into your new apartment. Ask your Better Living Consultant for details.  

Venterra Realty applies LAST™ advanced disinfectant at communities

LAST disinfectant at Venterra Realty

As apartment community managers reassess cleaning protocols to ensure the health and safety of our residents, the adaptation of intensive disinfecting and cleaning methods remains a high priority. With a strong focus on high-touch surfaces in common areas, such as door handles, mailboxes, desks, vending machines, and more, anything that gets touched frequently in common areas is a prime candidate for disinfecting.

Venterra Realty uses LAST™ from Dis.In.Fx. LAST™ to aid in protection from COVID-19 in common areas and apartment amenities. Going beyond our gold standard of cleanliness, applying LAST™ disinfects hard surfaces and provides protection for up to 90 days. 

Venterra is now offering LAST™ treatments to our residents at specific communities. Sign up for your LAST™ treatment on the Venterra SMARTHUB. 

Sign Up for LAST™

 

See our teams in action!

 

“93% of residents would prefer their new unit to be sanitized when they move in.”  “90% of residents would feel safer knowing that common areas and amenities are regularly sanitized by a certified company with approved equipment and chemicals.”   

– RentReady.com 

At Venterra, we have applied LAST™ disinfectant at our properties in the following cities:  

Georgia – AlpharettaAtlanta, Newnan, Peachtree CityCanton

Kentucky – Louisville

Florida – ClearwaterFleming IslandJacksonvilleOrlandoOrange Park, TampaWinter Garden 

Texas – AustinSan AntonioCypressRichmondStaffordHouston, The WoodlandsHumbleKingwoodKaty, La PorteLeague City, PearlandPasadenaFort WorthDallasNorth Richmond HillsThe Colony 

Tennessee – Nashville

North Carolina – Cary

Dis.In.Fxhave served the following clients: San Antonio Spurs; Dallas Cowboys; Houston Texans; various Day Care Services; Various Schools Districts; Various Fitness Centers; Various Medical Facilities and US Military Training Centers. To learn more about Dis.In.Fx. and their disinfectant visit their website or see the below testimonials on how LAST™ works. 

Testimonials: 

Residents Cash Out on Venterra’s $10K Giveaway

Venterra's 10K GiveawayAlmost 4,000 residents recently participated in Venterra’s $10K Giveaway, earning them a spot in the drawing for $1,000 in rent credit. Ten lucky residents were selected and thrilled by the news that rent would be one less thing to worry about in the month ahead.  

To be eligible, residents were to set up Auto-Pay via the resident portal and successfully pay their rent by June 3The resident portalknown as the Venterra SMARTHUBputs everything residents need at their fingertips. Residents can pay rent, submit maintenance requests, voice concerns, and stay updated all in one central location. It’s free and easy for residents to join and set up a recurring or one-time payment. 

With Venterra’s leasing offices temporarily closed or on reduced staff due to the Coronavirus pandemic, paying online provides residents a safe, contact-free way to pay rent.  Although many of our leasing offices have since openedThe Venterra SMARTHUB remains the fastest and most convenient way to pay. 

The giveaway contest began June 1, 2020 and ran through midnight June 3, 2020.  Residents who were already set up on AutoPay through The Venterra SMARTHUB were automatically entered into the contest.  Our Regional Managers were also on standby to assist residents with signing up for Auto-Pay. 


Stephanie Burns, an eight-year veteran at Venterra, has a reputation for
WOWing residents through Venterra’s WOW Matters program where “We care more. We listen better.” is a way of life.  With Venterra’s WOW Matters program, Experience Leaders know how to listen for even the unspoken needs of residents and will go out of their way to personalize their experiences at Venterra.  

I’m so surprised and shocked but happy. Jonathan at Cobblestone (Fleming Island, FL)  

“WOW! That is such great news!”  Siva at Estancia at Morningstar (The Colony, TX)  

The drawing for the winners of the giveaway took place on Friday, June 3. Winners were publicly announced on Venterra’s Facebook page as well as all 60 community pages on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. 

Venterra's 10K Giveaway Winners

 

Venterra continues to look for ways to support and encourage residents and looks forward to coming up with more creative ideas for future resident contests soon!

AlpharettaAtlantaAustinCantonCaryClearwaterCypressDallasFleming IslandFlowery BranchFort WorthHoustonHumbleJacksonvilleKatyKingwoodLa PorteLeague CityLouisvilleNashvilleNewnan, Orange ParkOrlandoPasadenaPeachtree CityPearlandRichmondSan AntonioStaffordTampaThe ColonyThe WoodlandsWebsterWinter Garden 

 

Hey Dallas, Need Movers?

Find a local Dallas moving services

As many companies close or shift to remote environments amid the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many businesses who continue to operate and provide essential local Dallas moving services to customers. Housing is very much an essential need, and we understand that moving during this time can be stressful. No need to worry! Here are a few of the most trusted local moving companies, available to help those looking to relocate. 

moving-day-circled-on-calendar

1. 3 Men Movers is professional moving company servicing the Dallas, Texas area. They are a onestop shop for apartment and home moving. In 2019, 3 Men Movers created happy moves for over 30,000 Texas families, and have a review rating of 4.79 out of 5 

3 Men Movers offer the following Dallas moving services: 

  • Apartment/House Relocation 
  • Storage
  • Packing/Unpacking 
  • And More!
Get Your FREE Moving Quote Today!


2. Square Cow Movers
proudly serves and provides moving services to Dallas and surrounding areas, including McKinney, Frisco, Allen and Grapevine. They have the knowledge and skills to safely move you whilalso providing a mooving customer service experience.

Square Cow Moovers offer the following Dallas moving services: 

  • Apartment/House Relocation 
  • Packing 
  • Local and long distance moving
  • And More!

Get Your FREE Mooving Quote Today!
 

3. Bellhops offer friendly, hardworking bellhops to move your belongings into your new home. Bellhops will provide a truck, professional driver, dollies, blankets and all necessary tools to safely move your items to your desired destination. 

Bellhops offer the following local Dallas moving services: 

  • Apartment/House Relocation 
  • Long Distance / Short Distance
  • Labor Only
  • And More!

Start Your Estimate Today!
 

Dallas-City-Skyline

 

About Dallas: 

Dallas is  a large city in North Texas. With the arrival of the railroad, Dallas became a thriving business and market center. An influx of highly skilled and cultured immigrants gave Dallas a cosmopolitan air unmatched on the frontier. Neiman Marcus was founded there, followed by a Federal Reserve Bank, Southern Methodist University and Dallas Love Field Airport. 

See Our Available Apartments!
 

 Some Tips for moving to Dallas: 

  • Check with the CDC or local health department to learn about any restrictions, curfews or guidelines during Coronavirus COVID-19. 
  • Dallas is a diverse city that is growing quickly .
  • You will need a car and commutes can be long.
  • There is an abundance of restaurants and food choices. 
  • Summers are hot, but there are plenty of water attractions to cool you down. 
  • Learn more about Dallas’s growing economy and living stats here. 

Favorite Things to Do Near 4123 Cedar Springs

 

Dallas, Texas is a large metropolitan city with so many great neighborhoods, eateries, activities, and clubs. Whether you live here or you’re looking to move here, It can be a bit overwhelming. How do you even begin to choose which neighborhood to visit or hang out?

dallas texas skyline view

 

With most cities, you’ll want to take some time to explore the downtown area. This is where you’ll find an exuberant amount of restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, sightseeing and more. You’ll be among some of the tallest buildings in the area boasting stunning views of the city. Dallas is a unique city. While some refer to it as a concrete jungle, it offers modern architecture and big expansive skies. And you can reach almost any neighborhood or area within 20-30 minutes thanks to having numerous tollways and highways that lead to your desired destination. 

When you’re visiting downtown or looking for a new home, you’ll for sure want to visit the Oak Lawn neighborhood. Located near Uptown and Downtown, this area puts you equidistant to both areas. Dubbed as the gayborhood of Dallas, Texas (boasting some of the hottest gay clubs in the country), all are welcome to explore, visit, and call Oak Lawn your home. 

Venterra is lucky to have 3 apartment communities near downtown Dallas, Texas. Recently renovated and renamed is our luxury apartment community, 4123 Cedar Springs. 4123 Cedar Springs is a mixed-use community located off of the ever popular Cedar Springs Road. Just below the apartment community, you’ll find Cedar Springs Tap House, Tacos Y Mas, Ai Sushi Sake Grill, and Onyx Nail Bar. If you fancy walking or are into the electric scooter craze, you can easily get to Kroger and Whole Foods with little effort. 

 

4123 Cedar Springs building and retail shops in Dallas Texas

 

Restaurants

If you’re looking for more upscale or eclectic dining, the Oak Lawn neighborhood hosts some of the best Dallas, Texas has to offer. Here are some of our favorite dining options. 

  1. If you’re looking for a more casual night out, head over to Eatzi’s where you’ll find a fresh salad bar and hot bar with a nice selection of home cooking. Grab a bottle of wine and find a seat on the patio. 
  2. If you’re in the mood for seafood, be sure to check out TJ’s Seafood Market and Grill. Tucked inside of a seafood market, TJ’s offers fresh seafood from all over the world. It’s a unique and worthwhile experience. 
  3. Perhaps you want to have a meal loaded with spices from the likes of India and the Middle East. Grab a seat at Cosmic Cafe and be sure to grab a glass of freshly made spiced chai. 
  4. For a neighborhood staple that’s been around for 30+ years, check out Parigi. Described as a Paris bistro meets New York (with its outdoor patio), this little upscale bistro has made its name and reputation in Dallas. Enjoy the likes of American, French, and Italian inspired cuisine. 
  5. If you love meat and the occasional celebrity sighting, make your way over to the infamous Al Biernat’s. Known for its high quality steak, gourmet desserts, and extensive wine list (650 and counting), this is the perfect place for a celebration big or small. 
  6. For the sushi lover out there, Uchi is not to miss. Started by James Beard award-winning chef Tyson Cole in Austin, Uchi made its way to Dallas and has continued with its reputation and popularity. The rolls and seafood selection are fresh and the fried milk dessert is not to be missed. 

Coffee Shops

4123 Cedar Springs has so many of the best coffee shops in Dallas within 10 minutes. Here are some of our favorites. 

  1. Ascension Coffee – whether you’re wanting single origin coffee from places like Ethiopia, Colombia, or Kenya, or wish to grab a glass of wine along with some brunch and bar bites, Ascension is a great place to be. 
  2. Sip | Stir Coffeehouse – located near West Village, Sip | Stir offers gourmet lattes (s’mores anyone?), light eats, and fresh juice from local suppliers.
  3. Mudsmith – this edgy hipster vibed coffee shop opened its second location just minutes from 4123 Cedar Springs. Try their signature cortado for a nice boost. 
  4. LDU Coffee – This little coffee shop of Fitzhugh is not one to be missed. LDU which stands for Land Down Under is owned by two Australian brothers. Enjoy a proper flat white along with a piece of their homemade banana bread with butter. Their quirky wifi passwords are not to be missed and change regularly. 
  5. Brewed + Pressed – if you’re looking for a healthy option, Brewed + Press is the place to be. With homemade raw smoothies, juices, truffles, and a coffee bar, you’ll find what you need here. Try a golden milk latte (with a shot of espresso for an extra jolt) and a slice of their raw vegan cheesecake. 

Night Clubs

If you’re looking for a fun night of dancing, check out some of the hottest clubs in the area. 

  1. Station 4 – recognized as one of the top gay clubs in Dallas, Station 4 offers lots of activities, dancing, and some of the best drag shows in the area. 
  2. Round-Up Saloon – if you love dance lessons and singing competitions, look no further than the Round-Up Saloon
  3. Lizard Lounge – if you’re into top DJs and EDM, check out the Lizard Lounge. With themed nights and unlimited dancing, this is a fun place to be. 

Activities

4123 Cedar Springs puts you close to downtown Dallas, Texas where you’ll find some of the best museums and venues in the area. 

  1. Klyde Warren Park – this 5.2 acre park is built over the highway. Yet when you’re in it, you feel like you’re standing on solid ground. It has everything from an amphitheater with live events and concerts to a long line of food trucks to feed your appetite. Grab a book and sit along the side or take your dog to the dog park. There’s also a large playground for children to adventure around. 
  2. Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) – If you’re look for a free and cultural experience, check out the DMA. Enjoy free admission to its permanent exhibits or pay a small fee to visit seasonal and special exhibits. 
  3. Perot Science Museum – If this building itself (with its slanted architecture) doesn’t grab your attention, then perhaps the enormous dinosaur inside will. The Perot Museum is a fun place for all to enjoy, learn, and explore. 
  4. Highland Park – if you wish to see some of the largest mansions and best high-end shopping (Chanel anyone?), take a drive through Highland Park. Not to be missed during the holiday season when houses are covered in incredible light displays. 
  5. West Village – one of the top outdoor shopping areas in Dallas, West Village will suit your entertainment needs with the Magnolia Theater, numerous shopping options, and dining galore.