If you are moving out to your own apartment with your fists in your pocket and nothing but lint, you probably need to know how to furnish it inexpensively.

Here are 10 Steps that will help you furnish your apartment inexpensively

Steps:

1. Decide on what your basics are- they should include a bed and a dresser (if there isn’t enough closet space). A kitchen table with at least 2 chairs (4 if you like entertaining). A couch, a TV and something to put it on, (unless you want to mount it to the wall).

2. Set a spending budget and allocate what needs to be purchased first and what can wait till later.  

3. Check out all the furniture stores in your area, then go outside of your district and see how the prices compare. The products downtown may be the same as in urban neighborhoods, but they usually come with a heftier price tag.  

4.  Surf the web, look up all your local department or furniture stores and see what they are offering. You may be able to find places that carry the same merchandise in stores as online. If you walk into a store, ask if they price match.

5.  Shop at IKEA, but be selective. You can find very practical furniture at affordable prices here; however, not everything is appropriate. Pick items that are sturdy and put back substandard stuff. This is also a great place for décor, knick-knacks, candles, pillows, and even bedspreads can be acquired here for less.

6.  Browse bargain shops or outlet stores, they are usually filled with discontinued well priced items, including flatware and cutlery. The furniture may have minor markings or dents, but are usually discounted heavily. The savings outweigh the imperfections.

7.  Try checking out the FREE section on Craigslist, people get rid of things all the time. You might be lucky enough to find something nearly brand new.

8.   Thrift stores that are located in or around expensive neighborhoods often carry gently used decent rate furniture at good prices. Look for solid wood pieces, or even small things like picture frames, or silver that can be polished.

9.  Garage sales may gross you out, but if you spot one, go for a look-see. You never know what you might find, only consider clean and maintained product.

10.   Reuse, repurpose, and recycle. Got a postcard with an image you love? Get a frame for it from the dollar store and display it as art.  

 If you haven’t found an apartment yet and need a place to stay, SkyViewSuites can help. www.torontofurnishedrentals.com offer comfortable units that you can rent while you search for your own apartment to furnish.

Furnished apartments are just that, apartments that come furnished. Everything you need to know about them is right below:

Features

Typical units contain the essentials needed, closets, bed, dresser, a TV and sometimes a parking spot. Sophisticated units come equipped with appliances, cutlery, pans, pots, plates, you name it. Renters of furnished apartments are only required to bring their clothing and personal belongings with. Depending on the apartment you find, cost for utilities may or may not be covered in the rental fees, so be sure to check on that.

Appeal

Furnished apartments are convenient for renters, and therefore owners are frequently filling them. Property managers reserve rooms for people regularly because there is demand.

Types

Furnished apartments come in various sizes ranging from studio, 1 or more bedrooms, maybe a den, to complete condos or whole houses.

-Studio sized are perfect for bachelor(ettes), or single people. They are usually tiny though, with the bed exposed to what may appear to be a kitchen. The only thing that’s secluded is the bathroom. These cute little units are admired in metropolises like Toronto.

-Couples can occupy a furnished condo like the ones at SkyViewSuites www.torontofurnishedrentals.com, and get their sheets and towels washed for them. Biweekly cleaning is also provided.   

-For travelling families, complete houses can accommodate their furnished rental needs.

-In certain cases, such as for students, one property can house multiple students depending on the way it is divided up. Typically there will be areas that are communal, such as the kitchen, bathroom or backyard. Each renter living there will have their own furnished bedroom, but have to live with roommates. This allows each person to pay less for living and have the possibility to save more.

Settlement

Furnished apartments can be compared to hotels, since you have to pay to stay. However, its best to consider exactly what your paying for, with furnished apartments you get more. There’s a kitchen so you can cook instead of going to the store, or out to eat. A hotel may be a good place to dwell for a few days, but an extended stay might leave you in a cramped mood. For lengthy visits and to feel at home, a furnished apartment might take the score.

Terms

Every furnished apartment rental is due to come with terms. It is wise to know of the rules and ask questions regarding anything you can think of. For example, what happens when the faucets stop working, who is to be contacted? Make sure you and the owner or property manager is aware of the duration of your stay, and the prices should reflect that. Finally, read the fine print.

You need a furnished apartment but have no plan on where to begin. Before you do anything you must have a basic idea of what you need. Ask yourself some questions: How big does it have to be? What locations are you looking at? When were you planning on moving in, and how long will you be staying? How much money are you prepared to spend?

Gather all your thoughts and follow these 10 Steps to successfully rent a furnished apartment:

Steps

1.     Think of everything you want in a furnished apartment and write a wish-list. Furnished rentals vary; you can find lofts with exposed piping, or contemporary condos with killer kitchens.

2.     Google some of your specifics, for example, search for long term, or short term furnished apartments and see what’s out there. Most of the time there is a one month minimum.

3.     Check out different competitors’ websites and compare prices and sizes of the furnished apartments. SkyViewSuites www.torontofurnishedrentals.com offers unbeatable value.

4.     Another alternative would be to read your local newspaper. This is, if you are searching locally.

5.     If you are travelling, you can also try Craigslist to see what’s available in other districts. If you do find something there, be cautious and make sure to have all the arrangements documented.

6.     If you’re pressed for time, or would rather not research your options, ask a real estate agent. They may be able to refer you to someone who can help, or someplace to check out.

7.     Set up appointments to view rental units, schedule multiples in the same day. Take the person you will be staying with if any, or a friend.

8.     Ask questions about the ones you may be interested in, you want to know what is included with the rental. Utilities, house ware, and linens may or may not be incorporated.

9.     Decide if you need parking or storage and inform the owner or property manager. Find out if there are any extra fees, or security deposits. The last thing you need is to be surprised and shocked upon leaving and having to pay added costs.

10.  Look over the rental agreement and make sure there is nothing harmless in the fine print prior to signing. Confirm if there is a grace period just in case you need to cancel.

Once these 10 Steps are completed, you are sure to have yourself a furnished apartment!

Toronto is a melting pot of cultures. Turn this way, see Greeks, Italians, French, that way, Chinese, Portuguese, Taiwanese, you name it. Through the diversity of this municipality comes culturally crafted cuisine. Cravings can easily be catered to in this city, though; the copiousness of choices might complicate choosing a place to feast. There are countless fine dining establishments scattered throughout this town. However, they may not always be accessible to the economically conscious, which is why Summerlicious exists. 

This annual food festival is celebrating its 10^th year this July from the 6th-22nd and over 100 restaurants will be participating. During Summerlicious, Toronto’s Top restaurants offer prix fixe menus with starters, entrées and desserts. Vegetarian menus are also available. The prices during the food festival range from $15, $20 or $30 for lunch and $25, $35 or $45 for dinner (drinks and tip are extra). *Fair warning: portion sizes reflect the reduced prices; don’t expect to get a 40 oz. steak dinner for $20. 

Initially, the promotion began with 35 participating restaurants in 2003. Constructed on comparable events in other cities, it was intended to increase the restaurant business at a slow stage of the year. The festival is managed by the special events department of the city; they elect which establishments are permitted to partake. Numerous rubrics for suitable restaurants include firm price standards, a clean health inspection record, and good reviews from prominent Toronto restaurant review guides. Substandard eating places or franchised chains do not contribute to this event. 

The hottest season of the year has become synonymous with Summerlicious. Once the shorts, tank tops and flip flops come out, everyone knows the event is on its way.  This two week festival of food floods the city, carrying people who wouldn’t otherwise visit most eateries, straight to the doorstep of these establishments. Summerlicious is their chance to experience the chefs’ cleverness, while absorbing the ambiance of these restaurants.  

So, whether you enjoy sampling new foods, or are afraid of taking risks with restaurants, Summerlicious is suitable for all. $15 isn’t a steep price to pay for lunch, so why not be part of a Toronto tradition? Residents and visitors alike adore the opportunity to awaken their appetite with an inexpensive amount of cash.  

Foodies flying out for this feast find furnished condo rentals in Toronto comfortable and affordable. Toronto accommodations can be made by calling 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829).

Beer, Biere, Biiro, Bira, Cervesa, Piwo, however you say it, is the most widely consumed alcoholic drink in the world. It is one of the world's oldest prepared beverages, possibly dating back to the early Neolithic or 9500 BC, and is recorded in the written history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. 

Canada also has a rich brewing history, which is why there’s an annual festival held to celebrate this fermented drink. Toronto's Festival of Beer, also known as Beerlicious or Beerfest, commemorates its 18th year this July from the 27-29th. 

The first Beerfest was held in 1995, and since then its popularity has grown considerably. Hosting major and microbreweries from Canada and abroad featuring more than 200 brands of beer on-site. Approximately 35,000 beer enthusiasts attend the Festival yearly, and close to 100 vendors participate. This includes beer, alcohol, food and beer by-products. 

Besides imbibing beer, the fest also hosts several music bands, and other activities. Chef Ted Reader & Friends give tips on grilling in the grilling tent. Patrons will be able to learn about the countless distinct varieties of beer that both Ontario and the rest of the country have to offer.

From lagers to stouts, fruit beers to ales, they have something for everyone. There are plenty non-malt based brew available including ciders and ready-to-drink beverages. In addition, there are food vendors serving up oysters, poutine, and burgers to combat your hunger.

For those interested in learning more about beer, there will be a Girls Guided Beer Tour, the Brewmasters Series, World of Beer Pavilion, and Owner's Lounge, three of which are new this year.

Hours of Operation for the Festival are as follows:

•Friday, July 27 - 4:30-11pm

 •Saturday, July 28 - 1:30-8pm

 •Sunday, July 29 - 1:30-8pm

The fest is located at the Exhibition grounds in Bandshell Park.
 

*This is a 19+ event, no children, no pets, no exceptions!

*Tickets can be purchased online, and are $38.50 and include 5 sample tokens, a new commemorative Toronto's Festival of Beer glass stein and a Pocket Guide.

*Discounts are available for Libation Nation members. LN members receive $5 off the price of their first ticket.

*“Hoptimize” your General Admission ticket for express entry, an extra hour and a half in the Festival, and 5 extra sample tokens for an additional $10.

Please, don’t drink and drive. 

Furnished apartments in Toronto, or Toronto furnished condos are close to the festival site. Toronto accommodations can be made by calling 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829).

For those of us old enough to remember, the late 1980s to early 1990s was a bleak period for real estate in Toronto. 

Back in the mid-1980s, baby boomers worked themselves into a home buying frenzy. They were spending an average of about 55% of their household income on mortgage payments. Home and condo prices were at an all-time high. Then, in 1989, the Bank of Canada raised interest rates by 1% over the course of 1 week. That may not sound like a lot, but some people with variable rate mortgages (or those with upcoming renewals on their fixed rate mortgages) could no longer afford their mortgage payments and were forced to sell, starting a 6 year long slide in real estate prices. 

Currently, with downtown Toronto condo prices at an all-time high and mortgage interest rates at relative lows, some people fear that history is repeating itself, and that we’re heading for big dip in downtown Toronto condo prices. However, there are many important differences between then and now.

First, affordability - today, while it may seem that prices are out of whack and people are over-extending their buying power, the numbers show that the average amount of household income going towards mortgage payments is closer to 30% (as opposed to the 55% back in the 1980s). Interestingly enough, 30% also happens to be quite close to the threshold that most Canadian banks now use in order to determine whether they're willing to give you a mortgage. 

Which leads me to another important difference between then and now: the increased stringency with which our banks are giving out mortgage loans today – the details are beyond the scope of this article, but suffice it to say that Canadian banks are being hailed globally as a model for financial stability and responsible lending criteria by economists and financial experts around the world.

Third – a different breed of investor. In the late '80s (much like now), investors held a significant proportion all condos. The difference is that those investors were flipping them quickly for short-term profit, which of course meant they were not prepared to carry them for a long period. Today's investors have a longer-term outlook and are prepared to carry the condo outright, or rent it out if need be (sometimes overseas investors will rent out their condos to their local friends and relatives). Also, some investors are renting out their condos as short-term fully furnished rentals (with companies like ours www.toroontofurnishedrentals.com) in order to try to generate higher cash flows. 

More importantly, a lot of the foreign investors are purchasing properties outright (with cash) – as such, they don't have to worry about a mortgage, so an increase in interest rates is not going to force them to sell. This is not to say that interest rates are not an important factor in real estate prices, they certainly are, but for certain market segments (like downtown Toronto condos), they're not nearly as important as they once were. 

The other thing to consider is that fiscal policy is very different today than it was 25 years ago. The Bank of Canada raising interest rates by a full 1% over so such a short period as they did in 1989 would be unheard of today. Furthermore, there are many indications that demographic pressures in developed nations combined with more gradual global economic growth will continue warranting a low interest rate environment for many years to come. Scenarios similar to what’s been happening with interest rates in Japan over the last 20 years may become the norm rather than the exception (Japan has had low and sometimes zero interest rates for about two decades).

Having said all that, of course there's no guarantee that the real estate market won't fluctuate, like anything else. Also just like anything else, the short term fluctuations can be much more volatile than the long-term trends. Trying to flip a property in a short amount of time can be quite profitable, but it can also be quite painful. The key to minimizing risk with real estate is to treat it as a long-term investment - if you're able to do that, you'll be able to ride out any temporary dips in the value. For example, ask a baby boomer that bought a house or condo in the 416 area code at the peak of the market in the late 80s and managed to hold onto it until now ... ask them how much their investment is worth today and if they regret buying it and you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that despite all the short-term fluctuations, it’s performed quite nicely over the long run.

If your idea of Chinese is the fast food joint that delivers noodles in cartons, then you, my friend, have a lot to learn. 

Toronto has a colossal Chinese population, and a hub, also known as, Chinatown. Toronto's Chinatown first appeared during the 1870s, the earliest record of the community is traced to Sam Ching, who owned a hand laundry business on Adelaide Street in 1878. The original Chinatown was centered near present-day Elizabeth and Hagerman Street, but the present downtown Chinatown is centered at Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street. 

Toronto's Chinatown is one of the leading in North America. With the population changes of recent decades, it has come to reflect a diverse set of East Asian cultures through its shops and restaurants, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. The major Chinese malls in the area are Dragon City and Chinatown Centre.

 Historically, Toronto's Chinatown has been characterized by immigrants and families from southern China and Hong Kong. Since the transfer of Hong Kong's sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997, immigrants from mainland China have significantly surpassed those from Hong Kong. However, currently, Cantonese remains the chief language used by businesses and restaurants in Chinatown. 

The Chinese immigrant populace now contains diverse subgroups: while some Vietnamese Chinese, who normally arrived as underprivileged refugees, continue to reside in old Chinatown, others now live in suburban Mississauga; the wealthy Hong Kong Chinese now tend to settle in Markham and Richmond Hill. Among new immigrants, those who settle in the historic Chinatown tend to be Mainland Chinese.

To the east of Spadina Avenue, numerous university students attending the University of Toronto, the Ontario College of Art and Design, and Ryerson University live in many of the small houses built as workers' housing. Toronto serviced apartments are a larger and more comfortable alternative to those old homes. 

The area to the west has seen a surge in Latin American immigrants. The diversity brings a more multicultural flavour to the district, but may gradually reduce or eliminate its identity as Chinatown. For those who wish to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, without actually going to China, Toronto short term apartments are the right choice. 

There are many attractions that take place in Chinatown, such as the guided interactive tour called A Taste of the World. Many restaurants are available to serve up authentic Chinese cuisine like, Bright Pearl Seafood Restaurant, Kwangtung Dim Sum, or New Ho King Restaurant. 

Festivals also taking place in this neighbourhood are the Toronto Chinatown Festival and the Chinese New Year celebration.  

If you’re visiting, staying in Toronto furnished suites, or planning a trip, make your way over to Chinatown and see for yourself. Toronto accommodations can be made from anywhere by calling: 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829).

Are you gay and proud?  Its 2012 and society has changed so much, taboos that once were have turned into approval, especially in regards to the LGBT community. Church and Wellesley is an LGBT-oriented community located in Toronto that is central to the annual Pride Week celebrations. Hundreds of thousands of people gather at the largest event of its kind in Canada for Pride Week. 

The ten-day event takes place yearly during the end of June; this year’s dates are Friday June 22^nd to Sunday July 1^st. The celebration of the diversity of the LGBT community in the Greater Toronto Area is happening again for the 32^nd year!

What you don’t know about Pride Week:

• It’s the third biggest Pride celebration in the world and the largest festival in Canada
• It takes place over 22 city blocks on 7 stages with hundreds of artists, 3 parades and hundreds of events at venues throughout downtown Toronto
• The 2011 festival saw approximately a million people celebrating and supporting the lives and stories of Toronto's queer communities

Here’s a little Pride history:

• The first Pride march happened in July of 1972, and Toronto's Pride Week developed out of the mass protests that followed the 1981 bathhouse raids.
• In 1996 the first ever Dyke March is held, with a turnout on Saturday of 5,000. 
• In 2009 the first ever Trans March is held on Church Street.

A theme is selected for each Pride Week that reflects the current context of the queer community and helps shape the festivities. Previous themes included "Fearless" (2006), "Unstoppable!" (2007), "Unified" (2008), and "Can't Stop. Won't Stop." (2009).

Pride Week is produced by Pride Toronto, a not-for-profit, community organization. It’s a FREE event supported and made possible by a large base of volunteers, corporate sponsorship, public grants and Pride Toronto’s fundraising initiatives. The festival features 10 days of arts and cultural programming, community activities, one of the world’s largest street festivals, the Pride Parade, Dyke March, Trans Pride March, Family programming and much more.

Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, 2 Spirited, Allies

Family Pride is a retreat and a destination for families of all kinds. The Saturday and Sunday of Pride Week, Family Pride offers wide-ranging family-friendly activities and events. Pride Week is open for all to attend, and attracts roughly one million people throughout the entire week!

Pride Week is definitely the place to go to feel liberated from constricting social “norms.” For furnished apartments in Toronto, or to make Toronto accommodations to join in Pride Week, call: 1-888-SVS-STAY  (787-7829).

Ever been to the Caribbean islands? Did you fall in love with the relaxing landscapes? Have you seen the crystal clear waters, blue skies and felt the hot sand underneath your feet? Did you listen to the melodic music of the drums while sipping on something sweet? Wondered why you had to leave such paradise? Life, right? But it is fair, because every summer in Toronto comes Caribana Festival. 

This celebration is all about Caribbean culture and traditions. Caribana is frequented by Canadian citizens and tourists from all over the world. Approximately 1.3 million visitors come each year for the festival’s final parade, which usually coincides with the Ontario Civic holiday weekend that falls on the first Monday of August. The dates are July 10 to August 6, 2012 at the Exhibition Place. Visitors spending their summer here prefer Toronto furnished suites.  

The annual fest began in 1967, burning with the excitement of calypso, steel pan, elaborate masquerade costumes, carnival traditions and music of many Caribbean lands including in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Brazil, Barbados, Guyana and all West Indian nations. 

Caribana carries on for three weeks. The underscore is the closing weekend: everyone comes together in the street Parade of Bands. Live artists play pulsating rhythms, the sounds of Steel Pan, Brass Bands, Calypso, Soca, Chutney, Reggae, Hip Hop, and Salsa can be heard through the 1.5 km parade route all day. 

Caribana is planned months in advance since the costumes and band displays are elaborate and delicately designed for movement. Like other Caribbean carnival events, this one attracts celebrities, spectators, and musicians, from all over the world including the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. These travelers trust in Toronto serviced apartments.

This showcase event features an illuminating exhibit of colour, pageantry and many genres of music. Starting at Exhibition Place and going west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Live Caribbean music plays from large speakers on the flat-beds of 18 wheeler trucks; keeping parade participants and spectators moving. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard becomes animated with the sights and sounds of Carnival!

Expect to be wowed at Caribana, from the family events, to nightlife parties, you will feel exhilarated! 

Thinking of coming to the festival and staying for a while? Make your way over, it’s easy to find furnished apartments in Toronto. 

Contact 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829) for more information.    

Hockey fans from all over, furnished rentals in Toronto transport you closer to your true love!   

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame devoted to the history of ice hockey. It holds shrines on players, teams, National Hockey League (NHL) records, NHL Trophies and is home of the utmost hockey honour, the Stanley Cup. Ice hockey is imperative in the lives of Canadians; it’s not just a sport, but the spirit of many who enjoy playing or watching the game. It’s vital to the existence of those who breathe hockey. 

The popularity of the sport along with its rich past made way for the Hockey Hall of Fame to be established in 1943 in Kingston, Ontario. In 1958 the Hall moved to Toronto, and was given its first permanent location in 1961 at the Exhibition place and finally moved to its current site in 1993. 

It is located in the downtown core of Toronto at the corner of Yonge & Front Street in Brookfield Place in the lower concourse level.  It’s conveniently situated near other Toronto attractions, including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, and the Eaton Centre. The Hockey Hall of Fame is the ideal place for any hockey enthusiast to explore the leading collection of hockey memorabilia in the universe. Suitably, Toronto furnished suites are positioned in close proximity.  

The Hockey Hall of Fame has 15 exhibit areas spreading over 57,000 square feet (5,300 metres). Trophies, game worn equipment and other rare hockey memorabilia are displayed here. The chief attraction of the Hall is the Stanley Cup, the trophy handed out to the National Hockey League champions each year. For a fraction of the year, a replica of the Stanley Cup replaces the real award while it voyages outside the Hockey Hall of Fame for a number of charitable proceedings.

The main attractions and exhibits include: the Verizon Great Hall (Hockey’s Cathedral), The Montreal Canadiens Dressing Room, and the NHLPA Be a Player Zone. 

General admission is $17.50, Youth (ages 4-13) is $11, seniors (ages 65+) pay $13 and children under 3 are free. Toronto accommodations can be made by calling 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829). 

Hockey Hall of Fame Hours of Operation are as follows:

Winter/Spring/Fall

(Excluding Christmas & March Breaks where hours are adjusted)

Monday-Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday: 9:30am to 6:00pm

Sunday: 10:30am to 5:00pm

Summer

Monday-Saturday: 9:30am to 6:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm