Many of us don't need a substantial push to swap harmful cleaning chemicals for less intrusive alternatives. Who likes dry, bleach-stained calloused hands anyway? As the dangers of indoor dust are well known, it's becoming apparent the invisible, long term effects of our daily cleaning habits, and lack thereof, can amount to terrifying heights of harm. A recent study that “…analysed 26 peer-reviewed papers, as well as one unpublished dataset, from 1999 onwards to examine the chemical make-up of indoor dust…” found nearly 90% of dust samples contained particles linked to cancer and infertility, as reported by The Guardian. These findings were due in no part to small sample size: “The studies covered a wide range of indoor environments, from homes to schools and gymnasiums across 14 states.” With the satisfactory appearance of Clorox's clean glaze over countertops and the refreshing scent of Febreze floating like a lazy cloud from … Read More »

If this is your first time storing books, you might think the process will be as easy as storing anything else: pack them up in boxes and throw them on a shelf. But that's not exactly the case here. Books are delicate, sensitive to changes in their environments. Store your books with the confidence that they won't diminish in value. Preparation Clean. You might not think dust is a big problem, but it can cause covers to fade, lose texture, and damage their surfaces after books set for too long. Inspect all your books for dust and dirt. After you clean, you may want to wrap any books with dust jackets in Mylar book covers. This thin, plastic material is actually sturdy enough to prevent most damages to book covers. Plus, in the future, if you spill something in the vicinity of your book, it won't necessarily ruin its cover. … Read More »

Don't let your stuff own you It's easier said than done. Some people collect so much stuff throughout their lives, they have no idea what to do with it. So they keep it. Then have to pay for space to store it. And the problem just perpetuates itself. When you make financial decisions about where to live, because you have a bunch of stuff that you don't use but need to bring with you, then your stuff owns you. Don't let that happen. When it's not fun, you're done Two questions to ask yourself about the things you own: Are you using it and is it fun? If the objects sitting around your home are never used, why do you keep them? Consider this: clutter in your home contributes to, or may reflect, mental clutter. It may both cause and reflect anxiety. Clear up the things you don't use, the … Read More »

If you're living independently for the first time, with a roommate or significant other, you'll encounter a universal problem: people organize their lives differently. What seems to be clutter to one person will be organized chaos to another. This problem may appear irresolvable to some. If your roommate or significant other doesn't think about what counts as clutter in the same way you do, how can you change their mind? Luckily, you don't have to. Organizing a shared space isn't about changing anybody's idea of what is a mess and what isn't. Actually, it's just a matter of communication, like most other things, and respect. You live in a common space: you have common goals. Talk about them. Shared Interests If you talk about clutter only when you're annoyed about it, the way you communicate with your roommate or significant other may take the form of blame. You might say, … Read More »

The best deals are those that involve getting the same product or service for a lower price. This is why exercising at home is best. No more gym rats. No more sweat-infused-axe-spray nausea. No more machine hogs. Think about how much less effort you'll have to put into preparation for the gym. Let's talk about getting your apartment ready for exercising. Goals Obviously, if your goals aren't similar to the outcomes desired by body builders, then you won't need as much equipment as a typical gym. You just want to do cardio? Maybe, then, all you'll need is a space for a yoga mat. Want to get really buff? The nice thing is, your apartment most likely has a fitness center that already includes some equipment. You'll only have to make space for what the fitness center doesn't have. And don't just brush off using the fitness center all at … Read More »

You've probably heard: student debt is over $1.3 trillion. And, according to a report by CNBC, it's “growing faster than the average salaries for recent graduates.” For a borrower aged 20-30, the average monthly student loan payment is $351. That's quite a bit, especially when the median income for millennials remains relatively low. As reported by BusinessInsider.com, “In 2013, the median annual earnings for millennial women working full-time, year-round were $30,000,” states the report, “compared with $35,000 for their male counterparts.” A $351 payment can seem steep, since it accounts for about 12% of income for males and 14% of income for women. Coupled with other expenses, from car loans to credit card debt, from housing costs to food, student loans are a heavy burden for many millennials trying to scrape by. So, if you're a millennial with a lot of debt, listen up. The following are things to consider … Read More »

“67% of millennials are likely to share personal details [at work]…while only one-third of baby boomers do the same,” found a 2014 study by LinkedIn. The work/life balance is an unspoken rule among working people. What happens at home shouldn't be brought to work, and vice versa. This has long been the idea undergirding “professionalism.” But millennials have challenged this distinction in a very simple but powerful way. It goes without saying: there are many reasons to keep the work/life distinction afloat. The workplace is not home. And a certain level of professionalism is required to maintain an efficient organization. This is true without qualification. But what millennials have done, writes Sarah Landrum of Forbes, is widened their investment in the workplace. Work isn't just an investment of time for them; it's also an emotional investment. And this isn't a bad thing. The attempt to roadblock the emotional aspect is … Read More »

Now the holidays are over, and the New Year's resolutions are kicking in, it's time to think about sustainability. Whether you are resolved to eat healthier this year, exercise, or even learn a new instrument, you'll have to think long and hard about how you'll accomplish your by-the-end-of-the-year goals. The good thing is you're not alone. Gaining traction on your New Year's resolution is a matter of forming a new habit. So it's important to understand how habits work. Habits are like Cycles In an interview with NPR, Charles Duhigg discusses his book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business. Everything we've made into a routine, from exercising to cooking, from brushing teeth to cleaning laundry, begins with the same “psychological pattern.” This is called a “habit loop.” It's really simple, actually: every habit begins with a cue, proceeds by routine, and ends … Read More »

It's time to put those summer clothes away for the season. Here are some tips to help prepare your clothes for storage. Clean You probably don't want to pack away clothes with bad odors. But don't forget your clothes might be stained too. And those stains will become permanent if you let them sit for half a year. Just be sure, wash all the clothes you plan to put in storage. Pack Everyone has boxes of some sort lying around. You'll be tempted to use them. But purchase some plastic containers to store your clothes in. These containers secure your clothes from insects and rodents. And if you have clothes from the drycleaner, don't just leave them in the drycleaner plastic. They could get water damaged. If you use a storage facility, like Infinite Self Storage, you can purchase wardrobe boxes to hang up your clothes while they're in storage. … Read More »

If this is the first year you've lived in your apartment, you don't yet know how winter conditions might change your electricity bills or room temperature levels. Maybe things won't change at all. Here are some tips in case they do. Windows The very first thing you'll want to do is seal your windows. Even if they are new, it can only help. Purchase some plastic to put over the glass, buy insulating curtains, and get a door sweep. Even if your windows are old, the plastic and curtains together will reduce winter's effects on your apartment significantly. But don't become a hermit. When the sun is out, make sure your curtains are open. It's not only good for your skin to get some sunlight, but it's a free source of heat. Vent Filter You'll want to replace your vent filter as well. Ever wonder why spring cleaning is a … Read More »

We all know this experience. You go to the car wash. You pay for a nice shine. You vacuum the seats and floors. And after a month, not only has the shine faded, but it looks like a dump on the inside. Follow these tips to maintain a clean interior throughout the winter. Trash Cans This idea might seem unappealing at first. Who wants a trash container to take up legroom in the car? And won't it smell? But, especially if you don't want to clean out your car every time you drive it, a secondary benefit of a trash can is to get you in the habit of cleaning out your car. Even if it means just taking out the trash once a month. But obviously the primary benefit of having a trash can in your car is it eliminates the garbage. And it won't take up too much … Read More »

The holidays are just around the corner. What, with all the food temptations, warm, chocolate drinks, and electric blankets, how can you blame anyone for lounging around? The snow is great—when you're not covered in it. And besides, the best time for a nap is when it's cold outside, and the fireplace is going, right? But some habits are developed during the winter months that are best left undeveloped. Here are some habits to avoid this winter season. Hot Shower After you've built a snowman and won a snowball fight, what can be better than taking a long, hot shower? Well, in terms of your skin, one thing better than taking a hot shower is not taking a hot shower. A hot shower can dry out your skin. And in the winter months, you don't want to look like a snowman, do you? Prevent skin irritation and flaking by taking … Read More »

Not much is more frustrating than trying to talk on the phone when your cellular reception is low. From broken sentences to incomplete words, the conversation is pretty much incomprehensible. The most obvious thing to do is keep your phone charged. A full battery guarantees the best hardware performance. But aside from finding the sweet spot in your apartment, there are a few things you can do to improve your cell phone service. Wi-Fi Calling Most phones now have a Wi-Fi assistance option. This is certainly the future of voice calling, and it's free. All you need is an internet connection. And if your phone doesn't have a Wi-Fi assisted option, you can simply forego your phone's default voice calling by downloading any of the number of free Wi-Fi calling apps available on app stores. You can also get free texts through these apps also. Purchase a Femtocell A femtocell … Read More »

Sometimes breaking down in the summer and spring months isn't too much of a hassle: especially if the weather is nice. But breaking down in sub-zero temperatures is another story. Prepare your car this winter by following these tips. Check Your Battery According to TheAA, the most common cause of breakdown is battery related. And battery related issues are exacerbated in winter months. Because of the cold weather, batteries have lower outputs levels, accept charges at lesser levels, and carry increased loads (lights, heat, wipers, etc.). To avoid issues in the winter months, TheAA recommends replacing your battery if it is five years or older, especially if your car has trouble starting up. An easy preventative maintenance step you can take to decrease the load on your battery at startup is to turn everything electrical off for the first few seconds when you start your car. Avoid a breakdown this … Read More »

Working from home can be a huge blessing for some people: you can drink as much coffee as you want! For others, it can be a death sentence. From childcare and errands to cleaning the house and Sportscenter, some distractions you'll find at home don't exist at the workplace. But distractions don't have to ruin the experience for you. These tips will help you make the most of working from home. Create a Workspace This is one of the easiest ways to remove distractions. Create a workspace you'll enjoy seeing and working in. Make it extremely personal. You can do this: you have the freedom of your home. But whatever you do, leave that television in the living room. And never bring your phone or phone charger to the workspace. You'll probably want a coffee pot though, right? Dress like You're Working I know, it's very tempting to stay in … Read More »

Ever notice how densely populated areas have tall buildings? It's because when you run out of horizontal space, you have to think vertically. If you lived in a dorm room during college, you'll understand this principle. Most dorm room roommates position their beds over their desks and dressers. It's efficient, and it opens the rest of the room for other things (like a table tennis table). This means lack of closet and storage space doesn't have to be the last word on your storage capabilities. Here are some hacks for making the most of your apartment space. Use the Walls Get some command strips. Hang everything. From your hats and hair ties to your shoes (the trick is to tie them together) and backpacks. You can probably think of more things to hang. You can also buy bags just for the purpose of placing things in them to hang on … Read More »

Remember the food pyramid? That's out. The United States Department of Agriculture created a new visualization for the healthiest way to eat. It's called MyPlate. Many reasons are cited for this change. One is the pyramid itself doesn't exactly tell you what a typical plate conducive to a healthy lifestyle might look like. That's really where MyPlate comes from. It shows you healthy portions in relation to a plate: thus the name. Offered, also, are suggestions for a healthier lifestyle. We've listed some highlights for you. All Choices Are Important Your focus, when selecting foods and making dinner, should be to select healthy choices within each food category: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. This means, first of all, to include each group in your food choices. Next, it means to be selective about choosing what to get from each group. For instance, whole grain bread is better for … Read More »

Think about What You Can't Change The most important thing to remember before signing a lease is you can't change some things. This just means that some things you should be certain that you'll be okay with before you sign the lease. If not, you may end up upset, with eight months left on your lease. Put yourself in the best situation by remembering the following things when exploring your rental options. Property Manager You cannot change your property manager. Of course, your property manager might change while you're a resident, especially if you are a long-term resident. But you need be sure that your personality will mesh with your property manager's personality and communication style. That's not to say you'll have to be the same person or you'll need to be friends, but just that you can understand where they're coming from. Neighbors Your neighbors will change. But some … Read More »

Property managers are like community organizers. They plan visits, fill vacancies, submit and follow-up on maintenance issues, resolve tenant complaints, and much more. They work to ensure their apartment community works like it should. Contacting your property manager shouldn't be your number one option for settling certain issues. On the other hand, you definitely shouldn't hesitate if one of the following occurs. Emergency If your air conditioning goes out in the middle of summer, it's reason to contact your property manager. Do so quickly, so maintenance can put you on their task list (because they probably have a list of jobs to do). Priority is obviously given to emergencies, so the sooner you report your issue to the property manager the sooner your home will be back to normal. But if you contact your manager for an emergency, make sure it's an emergency. For instance, an inoperative cabinet door may … Read More »

When you think about it, the average apartment unit size per family size is probably smaller than the average house size per family size. This, at the outset, gives an advantage to renters: with a smaller area, you'll use less energy to provide heating or cooling to satisfy the same amount of people. But some statistics, provided by the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario in 2012, may surprise you. It turns out that renting is significantly greener than owning. Statistics[i] APARTMENTS ARE GREENER THAN SINGLE FAMILY HOMES 65% less energy use per household 40% less water per capita 60% less waste 10 km shorter commute distance to work RENTERS ARE GREENER THAN OWNERS 50% less energy used per household 8.4 km shorter commute each day 32% less likely to use a car 150% more likely to take transit 175% more likely to walk This is good news. Not only … Read More »

The summer is the perfect time to get in shape. Trips to the beach, vacations, and yard work in the hot sun call for sleeveless tees and beach attire. If you live in an apartment community, now you won't have to leave your home, or break your budget, to get in shape. Gym Want to run in air conditioning? Most apartments with gyms have treadmills if nothing else. And for casual strength trainers, do a few cable-based exercises to compliment the run. Apartments with gyms are fantastic for procrastinators because all the excuses for skipping—the drive, the cost—are eliminated. And you most likely won't need a spotter for your lifts, because most apartments will have cable-based equipment only. Pool Swimming in the pool is a great way to burn calories and relax at the same time. When you run, you'll sweat. Do you ever remember sweating while swimming? Also, who … Read More »

Labor Day is here. For most of us, that means a day off work, the beginning of school, or a bid adieu to summer. But how did the first Monday of every September become a holiday? From its murky origins to its present day vacation placeholder, the history of Labor Day is a long one. George Pullman and the Railroad Sleeping Car Company Outside the melting pot of 1880s urban Chicago, businessman George Pullman founded a “worker's paradise.” Visionary in its ideals, the company town of Pullman, Illinois, was the largest and earliest of its kind. Some 6,000 company employees bought from company-owned markets, lived in company-owned rentals, and learned and dined at company-owned churches, libraries, and entertainment venues.[i] This idea of a company town was not new. It was a common practice among mining companies to establish these towns to minimize payout to employees. With upcharges for everything, a … Read More »

Money in the future isn't a matter of relying on every paycheck coming in exactly as expected. If you save up, the future looks a lot different. You can plan trips and large purchases ahead of time. It'll take all the stress out of spending, and it'll take a lot of stress out of living. Here are some tips to get you started. Establish Goals Why do you make money? To pay bills? What else? Do you want to fund a hobby, go on a trip, plan for a future child's schooling? If you create goals, you'll be able to reach them with financial plans—estimate how much you need, how much you make, and how much time you'll have, then the rest is easy. These considerations are the foundations for any budget. Basic Budgeting Some people hate this word. But budgeting is the only way to get your money to … Read More »

It's a renter's worst nightmare. Loud, thumping noises from the ceiling at night. Booming music from across the hall. What can be done? Chances are, you'll be seeing your neighbors for a while, especially if you just signed a lease. Here are some tips for resolving noise issues with your neighbor in a courteous way. The Right Place The easiest way to deal with a loud neighbor is to avoid one altogether. When you visit your next apartment community, talk with the office staff about your schedule to determine with them the best place for you to stay. Are there sections of the apartment community that stay home all day? That leave for work early? Come up with some questions that'll help you determine an area perfect for your own routine. Securing an upper floor apartment is also an easy way to eliminate a possible source of noise: the ceiling. … Read More »

Mosquito bites shouldn't ruin the summer for you. Open the windows and curtains and enjoy the weather from the inside of your home. Keep the mosquitoes away from your apartment this summer with these tips. Screens Most modern windows come with screens. But some don't. You can purchase a low-cost screen to fit any window size at most hardware stores. Lighten things up with some sunshine. Enjoy the breeze and air out your apartment with a window screen. Seal Windows and Doors As time goes by, wood splits and houses settle. Basically what this means is sometimes your windows and doors allow a bit of air (and therefore bugs) to get by. Insects crawl through the smallest cracks. You can prevent most bugs from entering your home by purchasing door sweeps and weather strips. Either will take about five minutes or less to apply. It's worth the peace of mind. … Read More »

Everyone knows the slogan: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” But not everywhere you go or everywhere you live will have established recycling practices. This can be tough for environmentally conscious people. But, in our day, it's not the final word on whether you recycle. If you find yourself in an apartment community that doesn't recycle, here are some tips for getting on track. Website for Locating Recycling Centers Near You The first step to recycling is finding a place to recycle. Earth911.Com lists recycling centers near you. You can even search for centers by material type. It's one of North America's largest recycling databases, containing over 350 materials and 100,000+ listings. You're bound to find a recycling center near you. Establish a Recycling System It's easiest to recycle when you purchase separate bins or trash cans for different material types. Unless you can find a recycling center that will take most, if … Read More »

Maybe you need to do simple maintenance. Maybe you want to tackle a small home project, like hanging a series of shelves. Whatever it is, you'll probably need some tools. Here are the tools you'll need to complete common projects and simple maintenance tasks at your apartment. Screwdrivers and Hammer Need to take something apart? Remove it from the wall? You'll probably need a screwdriver or hammer. Whether electronic or manual, screwdrivers are a basic requirement for almost any project. Screws are used to hold most things together. Hammers are good for the same reasons: nails are everywhere. Extras: For those shelves you'll be hanging, you'll probably also need a drill. To hang on drywall you'll need anchors. But if you'll be hanging directly on wood, you'll need a drill so the wood doesn't split when you put screws in it. Vise Grips Vise grips are your all-in-one tool. They … Read More »

Summer is a great time to plan vacations, socialize with friends, and, most of all, go outside. Days are prolonged and hot. And, as a result, electricity and utility bills increase. The following are tips to save money this summer. Fans A/C units can drive up electricity bills significantly. Fans are an easy way to counteract that. If you must use an A/C, have a fan on at the same time to spread the cool air quickly. Then turn off the A/C unit when the house is cool. Even if you leave the fan on at this point, you'll be using much less electricity with the A/C off. Electricity Spikes When you are using electricity—by running your A/C or dishwasher—think about what time of day it is. At peak use times, the cost of electricity is more than at low use times. Try running that dishwasher as you sleep, for … Read More »

You know the type of situation. Your roommate's garbage lines the countertop. The follow-up awkward conversation. Or your sister uses all the clean glasses in the house to drink the gallon of chocolate milk before you can get to it. And they sit in the sink. You don't want to be mean, although you might be annoyed. The best way tackle this type of situation is to plan for it. Of course, everyone is responsible for their own personal messes: laundry, bathroom, etc. But the problem comes when a public space needs cleaning. Who should clean it? You both use it. And you both, probably, don't clean up after yourselves as much as you should. A Chore Wheel ApartmentGuide.com has a very good suggestion. Create a chore wheel. Add all the tasks you'll need to complete to clean common areas. Have a vote to determine the two worst areas. Place … Read More »

Budgeting allows you to buy the things you need now while saving for the future. It's important that the habits you develop on the go don't break your budget. Identifying whether you have these habits may save your money and your budget. Savings If there is a single reason to budget, it's probably to save for the future. Having a savings account is a crucial step in this process. And, with some banks, you can link your savings to your debit card to protect you from overdraft fees and charges. But more importantly, the purpose of savings is to save your money. So transferring money from your savings too often is a budget breaking habit. One way to ditch this habit is to exclude the money in your savings from your monthly planning. Don't even consider it as a backup, in case you need more money for the month. Just … Read More »

A pool at the apartment complex is a huge luxury during hot summer days. But when the poolside is packed with people, after hour cleaning and maintenance can be difficult to keep up with. Do your part to keep the poolside as good as you found it by practicing good pool etiquette. No Glass Breakables, especially glass, should not be brought to the poolside. The poolside is one of the only public places people walk around without shoes. Broken glass at the poolside can close the pool for a few days for cleanup, and, worse, someone could get injured. Keep your fancy glassware inside when you go for a swim. Clean Up Sure, it's nice to relax in the sun, eat some Cheetos, and take a quick swim. But you wouldn't want to swim with that Cheetos bag floating in the water, would you? What about a somewhat empty McDonald's … Read More »

Many apartments require tenants to use the property Wi-Fi provided service. Others let tenants choose their own service. Either way, many people have the capability of creating Wi-Fi hotspots with their mobile devices. Wi-Fi networks are virtually everywhere. A good Wi-Fi network name is an easy way to protect your network without spending money. Many people will just connect to any Wi-Fi network that's not password protected. Obviously, the first step in securing your network is requiring password authentication. This is standard on many routers already. But one important step to deterring likely unwanted connections is to name your network something unappealing, intimidating, or unfamiliar. Variations of “Malware” and “Virus” are good choices, as they resemble the names of unwanted software typically used to hack computers. Another way to go at this is to type a random string of characters as if the name is computer generated as in, “13d;j43fadoi.” … Read More »

You don't really know people until you live with them. These five topics will help you determine, beforehand, whether a potential roommate will be a good fit for you. Cleaning Many people are okay, and sometimes don't even notice, living in a mess they've made themselves. Dishes could be stacked to the ceiling, the floors unswept for days. But you won't notice at all if you're never home or if you play video games constantly. Living with another person can really open your eyes to some of your messiest habits. Ask your potential roommate what he/she thinks a clean home looks like. Allergies Do you spread peanut butter all over your countertop by using it as a plate for your peanut butter sandwich? Do you have cats? Now is the time to understand if your potential roommate has allergies and what kinds of changes in lifestyle it might entail for … Read More »

When you're apartment searching, don't schedule visits without preparing some questions first. Here are five general questions to get you ready for your next visit. Fees Ask what costs are included in rent and what aren't. Are utilities included? Water? What about a recycling option? It's also useful to know how often rent increases and by what percentage. Some apartment complexes increase rent by a certain percentage every year. How will you access the internet? Does the property provide it or are there local options? Guests Is there a limitation to the amount of guests that can visit at once? Where can they park? Will they need parking permits? Friends and family are important. Get to know the policies so you won't be in the dark when they visit. Pets What kind of pets are allowed? Are there limitations on breed or restrictions on weight? Must they be house trained … Read More »

Everyone wants to get the most back from their deposit. That's what making the most of Move-out Day means. It means cleaning those areas you usually wouldn't and doing maintenance on spots you'd usually let go. The following will help you get the most back from your deposit. Carpet This is a huge part of preparing your apartment for move-out. If you've ever lived on a laminate or hardwood floor, you know how much dirt you can track around your house. But when you have carpets, sometimes the dirt is hidden, especially if the carpet is thick. If you haven't used a carpet cleaner on your carpet yet, now is the time. You might be surprised how much dirt your carpet hides. Damage Light switch covers, doors knobs, drawer handles, door stops, blinds: all are commonly used or commonly damaged items in your apartment. If you wouldn't like the state … Read More »

Preparing your apartment for a new dog is a lot like preparing it for a child. You'll have to rethink how you organize, store, and use everyday products. Here are common ways people adjust their lifestyle for the new furry family member. Locks Lock all base cabinet doors: in the bathroom and the kitchen. Dogs are notorious for learning how to open cabinets. Everything you'd be horrified to see the new dog eat, expect it. It's a good idea to put your trash in a closet or large pantry, according to the same reasoning. As long as it's locked, you'll have no need to worry. Cords Don't be afraid to rearrange your furniture for the new family member. Placing couches and tables in front of outlets, at this point, isn't a terrible idea. Although it's less practical, it's only temporary. Dogs can be anxious in new environments, causing them to … Read More »

Who doesn't like seeing old and new friends gathered in the same place? Sometimes, this gathering may seem impossible because your lawn isn't large enough, or your living room seems fit only for three or four people: not seven or eight. But there are ways to get around this mental, and sometimes physical, barrier. Here are some tips for having a get-together without leaving your small space. Arrangement We place couches, televisions, and tables around the living room based on how we usually want to live. For instance, the couch might be placed in front and center of the TV, because we want all attention on that new Netflix series. And the coffee table is placed directly in front of the couch, to hold our food and phones. That pretty much fills most of the open area in the average living room. But think of a get-together as operating by … Read More »

When you think of the 4th, you think of fireworks. Firework explosions in the sky. A ridiculous amount of different colors. But you also think of the people you experience it with. Here are some ideas for having all the colors and lights, without the explosions. Holiday Lights Replace your sparklers and fireworks with holiday lights! This way, you'll have all the colors without any of the noise. It also makes for a good setting to host people. And you won't have to shout to talk. Color-Coded Food A fun way to bring in the red, white, and blue is to separate food offerings according to color. For instance, cut-up watermelons and strawberries are great for summer parties. And they look reddish. Marshmallows, sour cream and onion dip are white colored foods. Use blue tortilla chips and blueberries to represent blue. But there are plenty of other foods to use, … Read More »

Renters insurance may seem like another unneeded expense. But it actually covers more than many people realize. And its benefits far outweigh its cost. Cost The average renter's insurance is about $15-$30 a month. That's as much as buying a Starbucks coffee four times a month. That's it. It's about a dollar per day or less. Coverage Your landlord's insurance doesn't cover everything, like your own possessions. Renter's insurance typically covers your property when it's stolen by thieves or damaged by disasters. Be sure to photograph your possessions and take inventory of everything you'd want replaced if the unexpected happened. This will speed up the process should anything occur. Plus it'll give you peace of mind. In a time of misfortune, the last thing you'll want to do is count up all the things you lost. Protection It may protect you if somebody gets hurt at your property. Accidents happen, … Read More »

Not much is worse than living next to a neighbor you don't want to socialize with. The typical neighborly gift is food. But many people have food allergies. Get off on the right foot with these gift ideas for new neighbors. Introduce to Local Places Your new neighbor may also be new to the community. Gift cards to local restaurants and coupons to local stores should warm them up. Sharing your favorite places in the community, and giving tips on where to shop for the best deals, is a good way to start the conversation on your interests. Cleaning Supplies Cleaning is a universal activity for renters and homeowners. Who doesn't need more cleaning supplies? Gift your favorite brands, or create your favorite home-made cleaners, and put them in a ribbon-tied basket. It'll save your new neighbor money and it's a gift they can use. Show how pragmatic you are … Read More »

It doesn't happen often, but when it does, you want to be prepared. Yes, even today, with all the gadgets you could ever want, you can still get locked out of your apartment. Here are 3 ideas for having your spare key handy when you need it most. Car floor mat A great place to store your spare apartment key is right in your car. Just place it under your floor mat and forget about it. And when that faithful day comes, you won't have to worry about paying a locksmith or contacting your property manager. Simply open the door of your car. And it'll go anywhere you go. That means you won't have to worry about thieves finding it. Phone case Cell phones are a basic part of modern life. They are everywhere. What better place to store your spare key than with the phone you have in your … Read More »

Moving is always an exciting experience. It can be stressful, however, if you don't prepare. These three tips will help you put your best foot forward on move day. Packing Begin packing for your move a few weeks in advance. Pack clothes you won't wear soon first, a few weeks ahead of the move. Then follow up with rare-use items. Those candles you haven't lit since last year? Wrap them in your extra towels. Leave day-to-day stuff for the final week before the move. Preparing for your move early ensures a less stressful move-day experience. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items When you begin packing, you'll notice some things you would rather leave behind. This is why it's important to get a head start. Take all the unwanted stuff to Goodwill or make a few bucks hosting a yard sale. Whatever you do, it's a good idea to lighten your load. … Read More »

Saving energy can translate into big savings in your wallet. Here are 4 easy, cost-effective ways to save energy and money. Use Power Strips Yes, your phone charger does consume electricity, even if you aren't using it. And your television. And your lamp. This “phantom load,” according to the EPA, can cost the average home about $100. Try to plug all these objects into the same power strip. Then you can just switch it on and off without unplugging any cords. Change Lightbulbs Lighting represents about 11% of your home's energy bill. By replacing incandescent, old lightbulbs with CFLs or LEDs, you can save up to 75% on your annual lighting bill. You could save that money up for a new fuel efficient car. Change Shower head The typical shower head flow rate is about 4 gallons per minute (if your home is older than 1980, it could be above … Read More »

Moving can be tedious. It can also be fun: when someone else does all the work. If you're considering hiring movers, it is important to stay informed on their moving policies and practices. Are they liable if your box of fragile glassware arrives in pieces? It's also important to know about the business itself. ApartmentHomeLiving.Com provides helpful questions that ensure you or your stuff won't be left in the dark. Staying informed can be a chore. An estimate from a professional moving business requires, at times, complicated variables. What must be considered, and what you should ask about, is how long it will take to move your possessions and how they will be handled. Ask about previous experience, and what sort of challenges come with each move. Before you pack up your stuff, you may want to visualize how you will arrange your things before you arrive. Don't set unrealistic … Read More »

The decision to search for a new apartment brings feelings of hope and, sometimes, stress. Of course, there are many factors that determine where you will end up. For example, an apartment's website rank on Google could rule out otherwise viable options. Most people don't search more than two or three-page results. But an otherwise important element to apartment searching, yet often ignored, is timing. ApartmentHomeLiving.Com recommends that if you are looking for a new apartment, be aware of special deals for rental prices. Most deals are time-sensitive. It might not be such a bad idea to move in the winter, in the off-season of the apartment hunt. Some complexes may just need to fill one more vacancy to meet their goals. Alternatively, the summer may provide more apartments to choose from, as more people apartment search. According to Rent.com, the best time to search for apartments, if you want … Read More »

Deciding between renting an apartment and buying a house? Of course, buying a home gives the stability of a mortgage. And renting a house or apartment allows for tremendous flexibility of location and residency duration. But there must be more, right? Is flexibility the only reason to rent? Many pro-and-con lists are created for this type of decision. Realtor.Com has a convincing video for the pros of renting. For example, if you rent, you may have access to amenities that, as a homeowner, would not typically be in your reach. Similarly, renters often do not make home repairs. Rather, property managers and landlords take care of them. What renters lack in ownership they gain in freedom. If you don't like your neighborhood, feel an itch to move, or want to explore the world, renting is a good option for flexible people. Leases aren't mortgages. With renting, you aren't locked in … Read More »

Not everything is black and white. Take newspapers for example. They get such a bad rap. Renters, though, are of a more defined class. There are those that know what they want, know what they will miss if they don't have it, and know what they can live without. And then there are those that don't know a deductible from a deposit, let-alone the amount of stress added by a rental without dishwashers and in-unit laundry attachments. The first class of renter is the Grandmaster, whereas the second class is the Novice. The Novice's problem is simple. It is a problem of noticing how living arrangements determine the way you live. In every apartment visited, the Novice envisions ways of utilizing space and coming to terms with no-too-obvious flaws without much effort. It's not until after move-in the Novice realizes that ways of living are determined by the tools one … Read More »

Cat-lovers have taken over the Internet—aren't they just toxoplasma zombies anyway? And many apartment units are feeling the love, allowing cats only: no dogs. A common misconception is that cats keep to themselves, are generally low-maintenance. But many have found even cats can be destructive to property. When it comes to cats, let's just say property destruction is inversely related to physical activity. When the yarn ball isn't around, or the toy mouse doesn't squirm around the floor, your cat is going to need some attention. Whether you play with your cat or not, it needs to burn energy somehow. That may translate into plucked couches or torn curtains. This is an easy issue to fix. Consider purchasing a laser for it to chase. If your cat has claws, get a scratch post for them to use. Sometimes it is best to have a scratch post for each room. You … Read More »

Below is a checklist provided by the American Apartment Owners Association called the “Move-Out Checklist.” Read More »