After months of frigid temperatures, warmer weather is around the corner! Every big apple resident knows the struggles associated with a weekend getaway during the warm weather holidays. Plan early and save money by renting a furnished sublet for the summer!

Not sure where to start? Long Island or New Jersey?

You can hop on the jitney, take the LIRR, or carpool your way to The Hamptons for a classic New York style summer! You will find both family friendly beaches AND parties that last all night long! Seen above, a private beach in Southampton, Long Island.

Beach lovers west of the Hudson typically shoot for Atlantic City or Seaside Heights, but the highly priced hotels and rentals (thank you Snooki & the producers of Jersey Shore) are making other NJ shore neighborhoods more attractive! The Jersey shore in general boasts an abundance of residential neighborhoods within walking distance to the beach. You are sure to stumble upon a fireside soiree in places like Belmar and Point Pleasant.

If you have a vacation home for rent in New York or New Jersey, find qualified tenants by listing with Ditch The Space. Start by creating an account here!

Ditch The Space loves helping people find great rentals, but like anyone in New York City, we dread the “will you help me move” phone call. Whether in your 2 door pick up truck or a 16′ box truck (which you paid $240 dollars to borrow for 4 hours), moving furniture can be exhausting, time consuming, and expensive!

NYC is notorious for convenient perks not found anywhere else. Consider Ditch The Space an added perk. We exclusively encourage furnished listings. If you have ever helped a friend move, you understand the convenience of renting a furnished space.

Finding & renting a place in general can be time consuming but nothing tops the stress of MOVE IN DAY! The movers scratched your favorite painting, your mom dropped the box with your favorite wine glasses, you may have even forgotten to take your flat screen off the wall in the midst of all the excitement! To avoid the intensity of moving all your belongings, why not consider renting a furnished space?

Midtown South

Upper West Side

Ten years ago you might have noted Harlem for abandoned properties and minimal recreation. While remaining a cultural melting pot, Harlem is now being recognized for it’s complete revival. Starting out with many new luxury buildings being rented at affordable prices. The gentrification of such a lovable neighborhood is very exciting for everyone involved. Local restaurants and shops are adapting to the massive influx of middle to upper class neighbors. There are also rumors of a Hudson River ferry terminal project to be completed within the next three years! Major construction and new development has impacted Harlem’s reputation for the better.

Harlem is a true neighborhood; equipped with many parks, easy access to public transportation, and multiple housing options that offer something for everyone. Abundant retail space and empty store fronts are beginning to fill. The Second Avenue Subway construction will only add to the allure of East Harlem with travel times to and from midtown anticipated to be less than 20 minutes during rush hour.

If you are considering any neighborhood in the Harlem area, whether The Heights or southeast Harlem (AKA Yorkville AKA Carnegie Hill AKA Above The Park), be realistic! What is most important to you? Transportation, grocery stores, parks? Or do you frequent bars and restaurants? However lacking nightlife and parking garages, Harlem is a sound choice. Especially if you need more square footage than midtown!

Renovated Yorkville One Bedroom // Large Hudson Heights Studio

Industry events in New York City often last for only a few weeks, or a short period of time. For example, this week in New York we are hosting Fashion Week. Flights coming in from Paris and Italy actually cause “air traffic” every year during NYFW. Regardless of industry, special projects and events bring business to New York City every single day. Commercial real estate professionals have noticed the need for short term space, and opposite a traditional lease, the idea of a sublease is going viral and becoming a very likable, convenient arrangement. For many retailers this is a smart business choice. To prepare for an event such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, or a globally recognized expo at the Hyatt, retailers need creative space. Ditch The Space holds listings for commercial spaces, encourages postings for sublets, and acknowledges the urgency of business in New York City. If you are looking to list a retail space, ditchthespace.com has designed DitchPro specifically for you. Our monthly subscription option includes premium features; giving you the freedom to list without limits or contracts. Qualified renters have the ability to contact you directly when you list with DTS.

Retailers and Artists – search Ditch The Space’s commercial listings for your next work space!

Real Estate professionals – list executive suites, offices, restaurants, retail space, commercial properties, store fronts, show rooms, galleries, and lofts. Ditch The Space is working to connect you to serious inquirers. Our services are user friendly and amazingly affordable.

For questions, concerns or comments, contact [email protected]

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. New to New York? This might disturb you at first, especially when your friends move to Atlanta and give you the details on their monthly budget, which somehow allows them to spend less than $1500 per month in rent. No joke! This really happens in the South. Alas, there is no place on Earth like this concrete jungle, perfectly nestled along the Hudson River. To call New York City your home is an honor, privilege, and quite the soft spot of many Generation X professionals moving around the East Coast in search of affordable housing.

In Manhattan right now, rental prices are at all time highs, and some sources say they have hit a ceiling. Prices to buy are also at all time highs but are expected to continue to climb due to foreign demand. So what’s so great about buying a home? The benefit to home ownership is clearly financial security. However, if one can obtain financial security through other means; such as growing one’s business, then that individual might not be so foolish after all for renting! Let’s explore the benefits of renting an apartment in New York City!

• Simple transactions; a security deposit equal to one months rent is a small sum of money compared to a 20% down payment on a house for sale.
• Help! There is usually a maintenance man or building “super” on call 24/7 for emergencies. This man is not your husband or father, and he will gladly come and fix your heat at 1AM during a devilish East coast polar vortex.
• You are almost never responsible for repairing or replacing appliances as needed.
• Many private homes allow subletting, perfect for someone that hasn’t planted roots just yet. Ditch The Space has a slew of available and affordable spaces you can rent short and long term.
• There is no lawn to mow, or driveway to plow in NYC! Which is a beautiful thing, especially if you’re coming from the suburbs.
• At Ditch The Space, we encourage listing rentals with incentives. Incentives can be anything from nice furniture and flat screen TV’s, to actual discounts on the rent payment or security deposit!
• Getting in and out of lease agreements is easier than selling a house. If you are not concrete on a location to spend the next 30 years, don’t waste your time and money.

What’s interesting is that the annual price to rent an apartment in Manhattan in many cases equals the landlord’s annual cost just to maintain the taxes and common charges on the apartment.

If you are a smart shopper, you should absolutely consider renting a sublet!

“Unique New York, you need New York!”

This recently renovated one bedroom, one bathroom boasts stainless steel appliances, an oven, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, AND a washer and dryer IN THE UNIT!? Very hard to find in NYC! New wood cabinets, recessed lighting in living room, red brick wall on one side of the living room, new hardwood floors across entire apartment, newly tiled floor in the bathroom, the perfect balcony, window AC unit, and conveniently cable/internet ready!

Neighborhood: Gramercy Park, Monthly Rent: $2850.00

Property Type: Apartment

Listing Type: Assignment

Months Left: 5

Pets Allowed: Yes

This apartment is 3 blocks from the 6 train, 1/2 a block from the grocery store and has New York City’s most quiet neighbors! Located on 4th floor.

CLICK THE PICTURE FOR DETAILS

Bill Murray, Madonna, Tyra Banks, David Bowie, Mary J. Blige, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Drew Barrymore reside in the big apple. Why? Well for one, you can travel to any city in the world from our international airports. Not to mention the always “unimpressed” demeanor New Yorkers have built a reputation for. President Obama lived here in the 1980′s. As a city, we are famous too! NYC welcomes the A-list, sans asking for autographs.

Curbed NY published a story about four weeks ago quoting the median monthly rent in Manhattan at $3,100. As vacancy rates climb to historical statistics, it is no surprise that at the same time, celebrities are not affected or leaving their million dollar flats. We are almost into February and Manhattan rent is now reported to be stable. Brooklyn on the other hand continues to report rising prices on both commercial, and residential properties. Is the high price tag the only allure for stars?

Aside from five star entertainment, restaurants, and shopping; many stars live and work in our favorite neighborhoods!

On the East Side you might see; Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Martin, and Uma Thurman

The West; Tiny Fey, Matt Damon, Carmelo Anthony and Calvin Klein

Celebrity spotting is a bit of sport on the streets of New York. While I do not suggest studying the face of every 5’10″ blonde hoping that she is Kate Moss, look around! Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn are notorious for catching superstars acting like everyday people. Anne Hathaway was recently spotted buying her vitamins at Bridge Apothecary on Jay Street in Brooklyn. Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys & Swizz Beats, Beyonce & Jay Z, Tommy Hilfiger, and Lady Gaga are all proud homeowners in the most sought after neighborhoods of TriBeCa and Chelsea. Brooklyn gets an honorable mention, Boardwalk Empire’s Steve Buscemi lives in Park Slope.

Ditch The Space recommends, My City, My New York written by Jeryl Brunner, she is a lifelong New Yorker and a journalist who specializes in celebrities and lifestyle. A great read for less than $20 on Amazon.

A hand picked list of the best neighborhoods for new New Yorkers!

1. Brooklyn’s lovely Park Slope
-Ranked “Most Livable” neighborhood by New York Magazine.
-Affordable & diverse, whether you are a family man or a single gal in the city. Park Slope has become a favorite for new New Yorkers.

2. The East Village
-If you don’t mind living where you play, this is the neighborhood for you. Relish the fact that you can live within walking distance to your favorite bars and restaurants.
-Fun Ditch The Space fact; The village has the highest concentration of bars in the city. And happens to be near NYU, the perfect place for college students and young professionals.

3. TriBeCa
-Boasting one of the lowest crime rates in the city!
-Easy access to public transportation. This neighborhood is perfect if you frequent the subway or are “out in the field” for work.

4. Riverdale, The Bronx
-Avoid the hustle and bustle of midtown and escape just a few miles north!
-Proud owner of the most beautiful Victorian style homes.
-Surprisingly not as far as you think! 30 minutes to midtown Manhattan, sold!

5. Long Island City, Queens
-Queens has a bad reputation for giving hell to commuters, Ditch The Space is bringing the truth to light! This neighborhood is truly up and coming. The crime rates are lowering more every year which makes LIC an easy recommendation from any real estate agent. Basically, an extension of Manhattan, prices comparable.

6. DUMBO, Brooklyn wins!
-With Manhattan rent prices at an all time high, many are crossing the bridge for relief! Dumbo is up & coming, the rent may not always be cheaper, but the view? AMAZING. Known for its waterfront strip, this incredibly creative neighborhood holds some of the best art galleries!

Who almost made the cut?
-Chelsea, filled with celebrities and retail stores.
-Doorman central, the West Village. Greenwich street, between Christopher & Barrow is one of my favorite picturesque blocks in NYC. Have a look if you can while apartment hunting!

Ditch The Space’s top six apps to make life easier.

HGTV Shelf – Download this app for organizing DIY projects, decorating ideas, and home & garden tips. Shelf offers articles and videos for support. This app is great for families, artists, and absolutely essential for do-it-yourself lovers.

Bill Minder – Keep track of your spending habits. Organize your bills and never miss a due date. This app is key for all busy bodies, people that never check their email, and anyone on a strict budget. Instead of receiving alerts from 20 different companies, Bill Minder keeps track of all your bills, in one place. Never pay a late fee again!

Remember The Milk – Created by a mother of four. If an agenda just isn’t enough, Remember The Milk is. Organize your entire schedule with this itinerary style application. Easy to read color coding is the feature that won me over. Effortlessly make it to all your appointments, never miss a game, meeting or bake sale! iPhone and Android compatible so no matter what platform you’re on, you can finally be your own personal assistant.

Amazon Fresh – Grocery shop on the go with your Android! Shop Amazon’s grocery and exclusive aisles, choose home delivery times, view past purchases, and place orders quickly with no hassle. Enjoy convenient new ways to shop, including bar code scanning.

Sonos Controller – For your iPhone, compatible with Sonos HiFi wireless speakers and audio components. Holding your music collection in one app that you can control from any device. Play what you want in every room over a wireless network. The Sonos Wireless System delivers music with sound that is crystal clear at any volume. This intense smart system is great for music enthusiasts and is easy to set-up and control. Highly recommended!

Last but not least, my favorite of the six,

Home Smarts – Anyone who knows the hassle of organizing projects at home; whether a landlord, homeowner, or renter, you will appreciate this one! Keep track of what has been done and what needs to be done. Basically, an in-your-pocket contractor. Record maintenance on your pool, pipes, fireplace, appliances, lawn, etc. This 5 star app offers tips and tricks to keep you sane during renovations and unexpected issues! Home Smarts has everything you need to maintain your home daily & long term.

A quick “how to” on creating an attractive listing!

A detailed and honest description is most important when advertising your space. Mention which utilities are included in the monthly rent, and be specific regarding appliances & amenities. Do you have a doorman, elevator, terrace, patio, laundry facility, or quick access to public transportation? Even mentioning the great bar downstairs could be the selling point for an interested renter.

Take pictures, the more the better! Ditch The Space gives you the tools to upload multiple high quality photographs and videos of your space! These pictures are your “WOW” factor.

Make your bed, clean the kitchen, organize your bathroom, and fix the drapes. Your pictures are the face of your advertisement. Try to stand back and play around with different angels to capture the best and most accurate view of your space. Holding the camera over your head to get a full frame also helps. You should snap a shot of the windows, floors, ceilings, corridors, entry way and lobby to make for a quality listing.

Not much of a photographer?

Check out these beautiful examples for inspiration!

For additional support send questions, comments, and concerns to [email protected]