<p>While you don’t own your apartment, you are responsible for its care and maintenance. So why do less than 50% of tenants purchase renters insurance? There are several common misconceptions that discourage people from investing in this type of coverage.</p>
<h2>Myth #1: I Don’t Own Any Valuables</h2>
<p>Family heirlooms and diamonds aren’t the only items you should consider valuable. Take stock of your possessions, including your clothes, shoes, furniture, electronics and appliances. Those items can easily add up to thousands of dollars. So, ask yourself: do you have the funds to replace those things if they were destroyed or stolen?</p>
<h2>Myth #2: My Landlord’s Insurance Will Cover My Losses</h2>
<p>Your landlord’s insurance accounts for structural and property damages, not your personal belongings. Any possessions lost, stolen or damaged will be your responsibility to replace. And more landlords and property managers now require tenants to have renters insurance to protect themselves from personal losses.</p>
<h2>Myth #3: Renters Insurance Only Covers My Belongings</h2>
<p>That is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about renters insurance. While an insurance policy does cover the cost of replacing your items, it can also pay for several other important expenses.</p>
<p><b>Financial protection:</b> Renters insurance protects your finances from a lawsuit if someone is injured in your home or you accidentally injure someone outside your apartment. The liability coverage will pay for court and legal expenses up to your policy’s limit.</p>
<p><b>Alternative living expenses:</b> Let’s say a fire destroys your apartment. Where are you going to stay, and how will you pay for the cost of living elsewhere? Renters insurance can finance alternate accommodations until your apartment is repaired. Those expenses may include hotel stays, food and transportation.</p>
<p><b>Items outside your apartment:</b> Your insurance extends coverage to your belongings even when they’re not in your apartment. Items like jewelry, luggage and electronics are usually covered if they’ve been damaged by aircraft, vehicles, fire, smoke, water or vandalism.</p>
<h2>Myth #4: Renters Insurance is Expensive</h2>
<p>The average renters insurance policy can cost between $150 to $250 per year. At its most expensive, that’s about $21 a month.</p>
<p>The cost is determined by:</p>
<ul>
<li>The amount of coverage you require</li>
<li>Your type of coverage</li>
<li>The amount of your deductible</li>
<li>Where you live</li>
</ul>
<p>Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you bundle your renters insurance with other policies, such as automotive or motorcycle insurance.</p>
<p><a href="https://ardentdata.wpenginepowered.com/about-our-company/contact-us/">Contact Ardent Communities</a> or call <a href="tel://614-253-7368/">614-253-7368</a> to learn about our renters insurance policy and schedule a tour at one of our outstanding Columbus communities.</p>


Busting Myths About Renters Insurance

<p>Let us take you on a tour of what it would be like to live at Ardent Communities.</p>
<h2>An Apartment Chock-Full of Amenities</h2>
<p>Stepping into your one- or two-bedroom apartment, you’re first taken by the tall nine-foot ceilings and oversized floor plan. The walls are neutral, and the window and door frames are light-colored woodwork. You open the wood blinds to let in even more light and head to the kitchen.</p>
<p>The bright satin nickel finish of the lighting and hardware winks at you as you scan the brand-new black appliances, above-range microwave and kitchen island.</p>
<p>Other features catch your eye: French doors that open on the patio/balcony, spacious closets and washer and dryer connections. You breathe a sigh of relief knowing you won’t have to find a laundromat nearby.</p>
<h2>A Community Bursting with Activity</h2>
<p>You walk through the community center and notice the resident cyber stations where students work on assignments while others sit in the media screening room attending video conferences. You remember there’s free Wi-Fi, so you can always come here if you need to connect to the internet.</p>
<p>The 24-hour fitness center is currently full, so you make a mental note to get there early tomorrow morning. You grab a drink from the resident coffee bar and head outside to dip your toes in the pool.</p>
<p>The large sundeck is bordered by professional landscaping, and your neighbors have brought their pets outside for a walk. You’re impressed with the outdoor fire pit and kitchen and watch a family sit down to dinner.</p>
<h2>What’s Nearby</h2>
<p>You think about exploring your neighborhood and decide to search for local restaurants and entertainment. You’re conveniently located right by the western intersection of I-70 and I-270, so you can reach virtually any part of Columbus in a snap.</p>
<p>Luckily, your apartment is down the street from Trabue Woods, which has plenty of restaurants such as Culver’s and Piada Italian Street Food. Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Kohl’s and ALDI are in the same plaza, so you can get your shopping done as well.</p>
<p>There is an abundance of small parks and golf courses, and the Scioto River is just east of your apartment community. You also find the <a href="https://www.hollywoodcolumbus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hollywood Casino Columbus</a>, <a href="http://www.drive-inmovies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Drive-In Theatre</a> and <a href="https://www.columbusmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Columbus Museum of Art </a>within a 20-minute drive.</p>
<p>Are you interested in becoming a resident at Cornerstone Village? Call our leasing management team at <a href="tel:614-918-6762">614-918-6762</a> or send your contact information to <span id="cloak3d97943312f0290ddabdcf451ca38459"><a href="mailto:cornerstone@ardentpm.com">cornerstone@ardentpm.com</a></span>.</p>


Cornerstone Village is Coming Soon!

<h2>Give Yourself Time to Plan</h2>
<p>Budgeting your costs well in advance of the move will give you time to search for the best rates on moving companies. You’re also more likely to avoid unexpected expenses that often accompany last-minute planning. Waiting to research costs and find packing materials limits your options, so you’ll likely have to pay extra.</p>
<h2>Use It or Lose It</h2>
<p>The more stuff you have to move, the more expensive it’ll be to move it. You can donate or sell unused items like clothes, furniture and appliances. It’s also a good time to throw away junk you’ve accumulated too. Don’t forget to go through your kitchen and cook food that can be eaten or donate non-perishable items.</p>
<h2>Save Money on Packing Materials</h2>
<p>Look through your inventory before you spend big bucks on packing materials and boxes. You can use Amazon boxes, TV boxes and suitcases to pack your belongings. Towels, bedsheets and blankets are great for protecting breakable items.</p>
<p>You’ll find cheaper packing materials online. People may offer free boxes on Craigslist, Letgo and Nextdoor, so do your research to avoid buying them. You can also find reasonably priced moving boxes at stores like The Home Depot or Lowes.</p>
<h2>Get by with a Little Help From Your Friends</h2>
<p>If you want to complete your move without a moving company, consider enlisting family and friends. Not only are they great for helping the day of your move, but they can also pet sit. That way, you don’t have to spend money on boarding.</p>
<p>And depending on your moving schedule, you may also need a place to stay. Spending a few nights with loved ones will save you money on a hotel room and meals. Just don’t forget to say thank you!</p>
<h2>Research Moving Company Rates</h2>
<p>It’s essential to do your homework if you plan to use a moving company. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better, so check a company’s reviews and compare their rates to their timeliness. A less expensive moving company won’t save you any money if they’re slow-going.</p>
<p>Avoid peak moving months, which are usually May through August, if you want to find more cost-effective moving rates. Ask your moving company if they have different rates during the week versus the weekend as well.</p>
<p>Some movers offer a fixed total instead of hourly rates if you’re moving locally. Don’t forget to check for extra fees like fuel costs, packing materials and long carry expenses.</p>
<p>Are you looking for an <a href="/apartments/">apartment</a> or <a href="https://www.ardenthomeandcondorentals.com/">condo</a> in Columbus, Ohio? Ardent Communities has several excellent living communities around the Columbus metropolitan area. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Connect with us</a> online to schedule a tour.</p>


Five Tips to Save on Moving Expenses

<h2>Check Out the Rules</h2>
<p>It may seem obvious, but it’s important to review your fitness center’s rules, so you’re aware of any location-specific guidelines. Check for specifics regarding dress code, conduct, maximum capacity and phone use.</p>
<p>Ardent Communities guidelines:</p>
<ul>
<li>The use of fitness centers is reserved for residents only.</li>
<li>An adult must accompany children under the age of 16.</li>
<li>No food, alcohol, glass containers, smoking or horseplay is permitted.</li>
<li>No bathing suits, wet clothing or bare feet.</li>
<li>Fitness centers are to be used for working out, no loitering.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Avoid Making Calls</h2>
<p>Speaking of cell phones, it’s good manners to save phone conversations for the lobby or outside the fitness center. Wear headphones if you must take a call in the fitness center but be mindful of the people around you. Gyms are usually noisy places, and loud phone conversations can be even more disruptive.</p>
<p>It’s also a good idea to wear headphones if you’re listening to music, podcasts or streaming shows. Other gym-goers may not appreciate blaring music while they’re concentrating on their workout.</p>
<h2>Give People Space</h2>
<p>Leaving room between yourself and others is important for everyone’s health and safety. Be aware of your surroundings and give people space to lift weights and complete their reps. You don’t want to get hit by moving fitness equipment or dumbbells.</p>
<p>Don’t leave your belongings out. Keep water bottles, towels and other items near you to allow others plenty of space so you don’t create tripping hazards.</p>
<h2>Take Care of Equipment</h2>
<p>Maintaining facility equipment improves its longevity. Here are some tips for caring for fitness center equipment:</p>
<ul>
<li>Wipe down machines and weights with disinfectant spray after each use.</li>
<li>Clean up all personal items after you’re done using the equipment.</li>
<li>Wipe up spills and sweat to avoid slipping hazards.</li>
<li>Don’t slam or drop weights, so you don’t damage the equipment.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Practice Good Hygiene</h2>
<p>Sweat and odors accumulate quickly during your workout, and it’s important to be aware of your hygiene for yourself and others. Fitness centers may expose you to more germs, so showering after your workout will wash away bacteria.</p>
<p>At Ardent Communities, we strive to maintain our fitness centers so our residents have convenient access to exercise equipment. <a href="/about-our-company/contact-us/">Connect with us online</a> or call <a href="tel://614-253-7368/">614-253-7368</a> for more information.</p>


Practice Proper Fitness Center Etiquette

<p style="font-weight: 400;">Our partnership has provided added value and appreciation to Ardent Communities residents’ living experience and employee appreciation. Our communities were founded in Columbus, so we strive to partner with other local businesses and organizations aligned with our family-centered business model.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">We consider it a privilege to host Columbus Crew SC players and staff and hope they view our communities as their home away from home.  Their organization provides us with the opportunity to be front and center with their incredible fan base at home matches. They’ve also been generous enough to provide ticket opportunities for our residents and employees!</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">We express our sincerest gratitude to the team’s players, staff and administrators for their continued partnership.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Columbus Crew SC’s opening match is scheduled for July 3 at the new Lower.com Field. Attend a match and support our beloved Columbus Crew SC.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">You can also check out the team’s impressive <a href="https://www.lowerfieldcbus.com/">new stadium</a> online.</p>


Our Blog

Busting Myths About Renters Insurance

Cornerstone Village is Coming Soon!

Five Tips to Save on Moving Expenses

Practice Proper Fitness Center Etiquette

Ardent Communities: Home to Columbus Crew SC

The Comfort of Home is Here. Find Your Fit!