When you live by the beach, every day is like a vacation. You can view beautiful blue waters from your window and walk out the door to enjoy soft sand and ocean breezes any time you want! Sure, it’s great to have so much access to the beach, but that also means you need to plan ahead for beach-friendly living. Whether you’re just visiting or ready to settle in by the sea long term, here are seven tips for living at Citizen Apartments by the Beach.
Research the area before you move in.
When you’re living by the beach, you need to be prepared for a few special circumstances. First, you’ll want to make sure you’re in an area that’s well-connected to public transit. Most people visit the beach by car or rental car, but if you want to do more day-to-day activities without a car, you’ll want to make sure you’re close to transit and maybe even a grocery store.
You’ll also want to plan for higher than average utility bills. The weather at the beach is inherently less efficient than in other parts of the country, and you’ll likely find yourself running the AC more frequently. Make sure you’re comfortable with your price range and read reviews from other residents to get an idea of how different neighbourhoods compare.
Pack light and stay organised.
If you’re visiting the beach, you’ll have many more opportunities to tote around heavy, bulky items. However, if you’re living there, you’ll have to make sure to keep your belongings as light and organised as possible. For example, if you have a large wardrobe, you can take advantage of vertical space by installing a wall-mounted shelving system in your bedroom. This allows you to maximise floor space while keeping your things organised and close at hand.
Keep your home safe and secure.
You don’t want to live in constant fear, but you also don’t want to ignore possible threats. As you’re settling into your new neighbourhood, make a point of getting to know your neighbours and keeping your home safe. That may mean installing a home security system, keeping your doors and windows locked at all times, or even installing a safe. If you see anything or anyone suspicious in or around your apartment building, don’t be afraid to report it to the authorities. You can do this anonymously, if that makes you more comfortable. No matter what, remember that you are part of a community, and you have a responsibility to keep it safe and secure.
Learn how to navigate during low tide.
You’re bound to visit the beach during low tide, but you don’t have to be trapped there. Be sure to do your research before you visit and learn about the tides. That way, you can avoid getting stuck in water that’s too shallow to walk through. If you’re visiting with kids, it’s especially important to know that the tide times. That way, you’ll be able to get back to your car without getting stuck in water. And if you do get stuck, you can call the authorities for help. There are also apps, like Tide Tracker, that can give you tide information on the go.
Protect yourself from UV rays.
Living near the beach also means you’ll be exposed to more UV rays on a daily basis. That’s why it’s important to be prepared with sunblock and other UV-blocking garments and accessories. If you’re visiting the beach, you can find shade by renting a nearby cabana or parasol. If you’re living near the beach, you can always use nearby trees for shade. You can also use a sunshade with an SPF rating to shield yourself from the rays no matter where you are. If you’re visiting the beach regularly, you may want to consider investing in a parasol or shade canopy. You can easily find these accessories at most nearby beach shops.
Have a plan for bad weather days.
Living by the beach means you’ll probably have a few rainy days each month. On those days, don’t be afraid to stay home and enjoy your indoor activities. If you live close to tourist attractions, you can also visit them on bad-weather days. When you do venture out, be sure to carry an umbrella or rain jacket to keep dry. You’ll also want to consider footwear appropriate for rain. If you like to spend time outdoors, you can always explore nearby trails or even indoor gyms in your area.
The Bottom Line
If you’re visiting the beach, be sure to protect yourself from UV rays with the appropriate clothing and accessories. If you’re living by the beach, be sure to research the area before you move in to find the best neighbourhood for you and your lifestyle. Finally, don’t be afraid to embrace bad-weather days and stay indoors with fun indoor activities. Finally, don’t be afraid to embrace bad-weather days and stay indoors with fun indoor activities.