Author: Mervin McGrafan

Planning

Choosing the Right Apartment

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

Choosing the right apartment can be a difficult task, but it is an important one. Whether you’re just starting out on your own for the first time or looking to move into something more spacious while downsizing, the nuances of finding the perfect place are worth considering. In this article we will cover some tips to help you find that perfect fit!

Location is key.

When looking for an apartment, think about what location is best for you. Do you need to be close to public transportation? Are you looking for a neighborhood that’s quiet and family-friendly? Consider your lifestyle needs when narrowing down your search area.

Think about size.

How much space do you need? If you are alone, a studio would be sufficient. Have kids or roommates? Consider the space needed to fit beds and couches!

Consider budget.

This is something that should always be considered before making any major purchase – no matter how small it may seem at first glance. Before setting out on your apartment search, make sure you know how much you’re comfortable spending each month on rent.

Check out the amenities.

Many apartments these days come with a wealth of amenities included in the rent price – things like pools, fitness centers, and dog parks. If there are certain features your new place must have, make sure to factor that into your budget!

Think about your parking needs.

If you have a car, you’ll need to find out if the apartment complex has an assigned lot or garage, and how much that will cost on top of your rent price.

Read the lease carefully!

This is perhaps the most important advice we can give – make sure you read through the lease agreement carefully and understand everything that is included. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your landlord or property management company before signing anything!

By following these tips, you’re on your way to finding the perfect apartment for you! Good luck in your search!

Planning

How To Potty Train A Puppy In An Apartment

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

Having your own apartment is such a fulfillment for you. But what is more, is that you now also have your own pet puppy to make you happy and relaxed. But it will be a not easy feat, because you will need to be responsible for both, and that is to maintain your home and to take care of your pet.

A challenge you need to do is to have your puppy potty trained. This is for you and your pet’s good and also of your apartment. It will save a lot of time and patience.

1. Routines

You will need to feed them by schedule so that they will also have a schedule when they need to have a potty break. This way, they will know when they are needed to be taken outside. You can also actually schedule a time for you to take them for walks, and they will easily understand when will it be.

2. Watch for Signs

You should also know if your puppy would want to relieve themselves. It can easily be seen with their behaviors such as being uneasy and also smelling every corner and furniture around your apartment.

3. Use Confinements or Spots

It will be easy if you live on a lower floor but still might not make it and what more if your unit is on the upper floor? Because of that, you might need to have them trained somewhere inside your home that will be easy for you to clean up and also will avoid some upset if you find it at random places. You can have them confined in that spot, so they will know that is where they will relieve themselves. A great place would be your balcony. If you do not have one, you can invest in a litter box or a pee pad for them. To make it easier to clean, you can have put extra sheets of paper or plastic to throw away.

4. Rewards and Treats

Whether you will decide to have your puppy potty trained inside or outside of your apartment, you will need to give them rewards if they have done it correctly. The most popular way is giving them some special treats that are not part of their regular meal. Other ways would be giving them their favorite toy. Some puppies would also want something verbal and personal touch, so you can have them cuddled or give them a belly rub. 

5. In Case of Accidents

Of course, it will not be an easy process and would not learn with just a blink, so there will be accidents that will happen. In that case, you will have to clean it up and sanitize right away to avoid smelling and bacteria in your home. This will also erase the smell your puppy has installed in it. Also, do not scold them, because they will just be afraid and will affect your relationship. What you will need to do is to take them immediately to their spot as a reminder.

Appeal · Design · Upgrading

Does Your Apartment Need an Electric Fireplace?

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

Just when you think you got everything you need in your apartment, you are going to lack some things. An electric fireplace is one of them and it even comes in many designs. In fact, you will definitely come across a design that would suit your apartment the most. Here are a few reasons why you would need an electric fireplace for your apartment:

Slowly Brings Heat

When you feel that it is cold outside, there is no need to hurry to bring heat inside your home. An electric fireplace will bring the heat to the interiors of your apartment slowly but surely. It will only be a matter of time before you don’t feel cold anymore. You know you would want to embrace your loved ones in front of the fireplace when it is cold.

Cost-Effective

It is pretty cheap compared to gas and wood fireplace. In addition, it won’t cost much to maintain it. In fact, it does not burn gas so you just need to clean every now and then. The other types of fireplaces will need you to spend money almost every month to maintain it. That is not the case with an electric fireplace as the only time you will need to spend money is when you buy it. In fact, the cheapest one is only $700 and the most expensive one is $2250. That is pretty cheap compared to other types of fireplaces and it usually already includes the installation.

Improve Appearance

There is no doubt you are going to make your interiors a lot better no matter what the design of the electric fireplace is. In fact, some visitors can just come in and check it out. It would be a different feeling when you are pretty proud of your apartment. You would not mind inviting people over for some gatherings like birthdays or other occasions. The other people living in your apartment would also feel great about the improved look.

Little Safety Risk

The first thing that would always come to mind when you buy an electric fireplace is the safety of everyone involved. There is no doubt you would not be concerned about safety since it is not real fire anyway. At first, that would take the thrill off having a real fireplace. After a few weeks, you will realize you made a great call since you won’t have to worry about the place catching on fire because there is no chance that will happen. Therefore, safety would be the last thing on your mind.

Now that you know why you would need an electric fireplace in your apartment, you should get one immediately (You can look at reviews and recommendations which This Electric Home provides). You can look forward to your bonding moments with your friends and loved ones in front of the electric fireplace. It will make for some incredible and relaxing memories. There is no doubt doing that would lessen the amount of stress you are feeling. In fact, you will immediately feel excited about doing it again in the future.

Upgrading

How To Cool An Apartment Without Air Conditioning

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

As the warm air comes, it is time for you to plan what kind of activities you can do. But it is not the only thing you should think about. When you stay at your apartment, it will surely be hot and mostly uncomfortable. The first thing that comes to mind is turning on the air conditioning. The problem would be with the electric bills, and you want to save as much electricity as possible.

Good thing there are a lot of alternatives for that. They might not cool as fast as air conditioning, but they still can be done and make it work.

  1. Fans

Aside from air conditioning, an electric fan is an easy way to gain cool air. To make it cooler, place a block of ice in front of it, and it will be like having air conditioning. Another great tip is instead of having it steady in one direction, you can have it rotate so that the air will circulate in the room.

Another kind of fan is the ceiling fan, and it is also good for air circulation. The problem would be is that not all apartment renters are allowed to install one. If your apartment is though, grab that opportunity for it is a great addition and alternative of cooling.

Exhaust fans are usually placed in kitchens and bathrooms to get rid of the smell. It can also be used for other purposes. It does not give cool air, but it does get rid of the air that is heating your apartment.

2. Curtains and Blinds

The heat from the sun is what makes the temperature in your apartment increase. Because of that, you will need to block it from entering. Have your curtains and blinds closed. This is especially needed when you leave most of the day or during midday when the heat is most apparent. If you have the capacity, you should consider investing for blackout curtains. It is great protection for your apartment. It will not only help for blocking out the heat, but it will also prevent the harmful UV rays from entering. 

3. Night Air

The heat during summer does not really last all day, and there may be some cool air at night time. This will be the time you open your windows and let the cool air in. To make it more effective, you can have a fan directly with the window to help with the circulation. 

Other Tips

It is not just about cooling your apartment but also helping yourself. The best way for you to fight off the heat is by taking care of yourself.

  1. This is the best time for you to indulge and treat yourself. You can go out and buy some ice cream or other frozen treats. You can also make some of your own milkshakes and refreshing juice. Make sure to stay hydrated in times like this and drink lots of water.
  2. At this time, avoid wearing clothes that easily absorbs heat. Instead, wear some clothing that is light in color and weight.
  3. You might not always have the time to dip in a pool, but you can have a shower or bath to cool yourself up. It is said that adding some peppermint will also help.
Planning

How To Improve Typing Speed At Home

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

Nowadays, it is all about technology. Because of that, every office and establishment have computers. It is a must now or else they will be left behind.

For this reason, it is important for people to know about technology. It is easy to obtain especially with the younger generation who live with it. There are also certain the needs to be developed that will be helpful in getting a job. One of those is typing. It is important because most jobs would require encoding and if one is a fast typer, it will be more productive.

The great thing about this is you can practice to improve your speed and also be a touch typist. You do not need anything fancy and also can do it at your own home. Just remember the following, and you are in good start:

1. Posture

You will first need the proper posture for typing. It will not only affect your speed but also your body. It will be bad if you are slouched. Always sit and have your back straight. Also, do not have your eyes too near to the screen for it is not good for your eyes. 

2. Keyboard

You should also know about your keyboard. Most keyboards have a standard setup, so you do not have to worry if you change keyboards suddenly. It would be helpful if you memorize the keys of the keyboard. It will be more helpful to the practicing of touch typing. 

3. Position

As you get to familiarize yourself with your keyboard, you should also know the proper positioning. This is a great help for you. The tip for this is to familiarize yourself with the home keys first which is the middle part. It is where your fingers should always be placed. Most often, the F and J have the feel to put your index fingers on. Even if it does not, remember to always have them there. Once you were able to master the positioning, it will be easier for you to map the keyboard.

4. Practice

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Before you go on with your speed, it will be much easier if you are accurate first. This means you will have to type without making any mistakes. Ignore the speed with this one. To have that, you will practice what was mentioned above, and that is the positioning of your fingers and also memorizing which will help with mapping. Once you are accurate and very familiar, you can now practice with your speed.

5. Relax

As you are practicing, do not be tensed. As said before, it is all about familiarizing. Do not be to hard on yourself if you are not fast enough. You will go there with practice and also experience. Most skills are easy for some because they are used to it and found their rhythm for it. You can have that as time passes by. Also, be sure to take breaks if it gets too much for you.

Design

What Is A Studio Apartment Vs. A One Bedroom

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

You are looking for an apartment. It could be your first one or just have the need to find a new one. It will be something new. It is a bit overwhelming because of the various choices and kinds.

If you are planning on living alone, you may be finding something that is smaller. While on a hunt, you might encounter the two types that are most popular for those who live alone. These types are called the studio apartment and one-bedroom apartment. What is there a difference? What will be best for you?

Studio Apartment

A studio apartment is a unit with a single room that contains a bathroom. But that is it, the unit has the kitchen, bedroom, and living room in one space. It will be up to the owner how they will divide and form their rooms.

One-Bedroom Apartment

A one-bedroom apartment, on the other hand, is your typical unit with a bedroom that is set aside from the living room and kitchen which at times are separated or together. It also has more space than a studio apartment. It also usually has more features such as a balcony and a fireplace.

What to Choose?

Now that you know the difference between the two, it is time to choose. You may have an idea what to get, but you should also keep in mind the following when choosing:

1. Budget

As a one-bedroom apartment have more space, it is also pricier than the studio apartment. In addition to that, because of the small space, you will not need additional furniture and decor for a studio apartment, so less expense for you. It is also for this reason that this type of unit is easier to set it up.

2. Lifestyle

Are you a person who loves inviting people over or hosting parties? Then you would want to choose a one-bedroom for that. For one, it is bigger, so it can fit in more people. Also, you should remember that a studio only has a single space for all, so you will also entertaining them in your own bedroom. Add to that, if you have some of them staying over, you will not have enough space for them to sleep in.

This also includes your belongings and commodities. If you have many of them, you will need to have the extra space to put them in.

But if you are a person who is just usually by yourself, a studio might be enough for you. This also includes if you are a person who is frequently out of town, so you might not need the extras.

3. Location

It will also depend the place that the apartment is located. A studio apartment will be cheaper even if it is in a part of the city. Because of that, it will be nearer to establishments and even your workplace. The will be one-bedroom available too but at a higher price. If you want to live in a cheaper one-bedroom apartment, it would outside the city. If you will not mind additional commutes and walks, this will be for you.

Design

Why Should You Hire An Interior Designer

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

Now that you have your own home, what is next will be making it look it is yours. The problem is that you have no idea how you will start or how will it be designed. The best way to start is to hire an interior designer. You might be thinking that it is not worth it. For one, you may be able to do it by yourself with the help of some research and friends. Another is it will be costly. And of course, you would not know if you will be able to like their ideas.

But it is not what it is though. It will actually be a big help to you if you hire one. There are some of the reasons:

1. To Know What’s Best

One of the questions you would ask after moving or having a new home is how will it be designed? There are many types and kinds of designs, and you have no idea how well that applies to you. With an interior designer, you will be able to achieve that. Keep in mind that they trained and studied for this, so they know better. They would be able to assess both what is needed for your space. They would also incorporate your interests because once you give it away and add some suggestions, they would know what will be the best style for you. 

2. To Save Time

You will also not spend your time thinking about what will be needed in your home. With the designer, they will be able to know that with just one look. They also surely know about the products and brands. Because of that, it will save you time from researching all of them. If you have a preference, they would know what to suggest to you. Aside from that, they will also know who will contact for other things such as architects or contractors and also for the constructions that will be needed.

3. To Save Money

Aside from time, you will also save money. You might think that it will be more expensive because of the services you have to pay, but it is not the case. Remember that they have a good eye when it comes to spaces. That means they know what is best for your home, and you do not have to buy something that does not deem fit for your home. Also, they will help you with increasing the value of your home for they know how will it be. You may even save a lot with their suggestions and budgeting.

4. To Look Great

You might think that will be able to make your home look good by yourself because you already have your own aesthetic. But nothing beats those who are trained for this. Also, many have tried it on their own but in the end, they just got frustrated. By hiring an interior designer, you will be saved for that. They will surely know every detail that needs to be added and also how they can be functional.

Appeal

How To Make Your Apartment Smell Nice

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

When visitors come to your home, it is not just the sight and decor that will be stuck to them. What they will remember would be how it smelled. If you are living long enough in your home, you might not notice it, but those who come in will do.

Apartments might have a distinctive smell. Some would be bad, some would be good, or some would be somewhere in between. The great thing is that you can have something your own, and it is not too much work and costly.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda will not give off a smell. In fact, it will do the opposite. What the baking soda will do is absorbs the smell. So if you have anything that is not so pleasant such as shoes or old carpets, you will just have to sprinkle it at your carpet and furniture and leave it overnight. The smell will be absorbed after that. What is great about this is it will make your furnishings, rugs, and carpet smell fresh even as time passes or how much people had passed by.

2. Scented-Candles

As the baking soda will not give off any smell, you will need to have something that will make your apartment smell good. The first on the list will be scented candles. It is easy to find and get. You can even make them yourself. Then what you can also do is place them somewhere the smell will be easily absorbed. 

3. Stove

When you cook something, the smell will surely spread around. It is the reason why they are needed to be exhausted at times. But you can also use the stove for the purpose of making your apartment smell good. You can use it to simmer some herbs and fruits, and you will have your own air freshener. This will be great if you are planning to have a party or expecting some visitors. 

4. Maintain Cleanliness

To maintain your home clean will be the best way to avoid the beginning of smells. Because of that, you will need to have your place cleaned up. Garbage bins especially should always be emptied for food and other things might start to decay. If you have a garbage disposal in your sink, you will need to have some citrus peels with water run through the disposal, and it will do the work. Then, you will also need to clean up your refrigerator and vacuum regularly to get rid of crumbs that might form a smell.

5. Air Freshener

Air fresheners will be the fastest way to make your apartment smell good. They are also available in many forms. You can have the spray for easy access. But then, you can also use car air fresheners and put them in your air conditioner or vents. If you are thinking of saving money for this then instead of buying, you can make one that can also be doubled for cleaning. With this, you can also have something that will kill bacteria.

Upgrading

How To Furnish An Apartment Cheaply

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

Once you have your own apartment, you will surely have responsibilities. Especially if you are renting one, you will need to pay for it monthly. Add to that, you will need to think about bills that are on due and also other necessities.

Because of that, you will have to keep in mind your priorities. Furnishing your apartment might be not on the top, but it is a must. You will live on it, so there are things that you will need to have.

The good news is that you will not need to spend too much on it. There are cheap ways for you to have your apartment looks like it is yours and to also look good.

1. Look for Sales

Instead of looking for the fresh and brand new arrivals among the shops, look for those that are out of season. These sales often come out of the arrival of the new season. So if you happen to have time to shop during these times, grab the opportunity. Another time is during the holidays though you would need to have the patience of shopping with others. You could also look out for clearance sales because you will never know that there might be something in your style and interest.

2. Thrift Shops and Yard Sales

Other ones you can watch are thrift shops and yard sales. You can go online and search for something near you. You can surely find a number of thrift shops in the city if you look around. As for yard sales, if you know someone moving then there is a possibility they will be selling some furnishings they do not need or too bulky to move around. It does not even matter if someone is moving or not, because people would have something that they just want to get rid of, and also lookout for those.

3. Use It Again

If you have old furniture that still can be used, have it around. You do not need to have something new always. Another is hand-me-downs from friends or family. You can also lookup online. There are sites that offer pre-loved or used furniture for free. You can look at something within your area and have a look for yourself.  

4. Do Some DIY

One of the similarities you would have from the things mentioned above is that you might like the style too much. Some even that are used are not of the great condition because it might have some stains or damages. If you are creative and love doing DIY, do not fret about that. You can fix some of the damages or change it up by painting or exchange the clothing of seats. You can even reuse them in an entirely different way like shelves for a shoe rack.

5. Dual-Purpose Items

There are a lot of furnishings nowadays that are of dual-use. Because of that, you will not need to buy two items at once. One example of this is seats that can also be a sleeping space such as daybeds or futons. Then there are are also ottomans that can be doubled as storage. This is especially good if you have a small space or have visitors often.

Planning

How To Improve Wifi Coverage In Your Home

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

One of the greatest things technology has developed is the internet. You can almost do anything with it. You can have research whether it is a quick one or a more in-depth. Instead of going to malls or groceries, you can order what you need online, and it will be delivered to you. Communication is also one of the best things that the internet has to offer. You can now send emails or messages in just a second. No need to wait for weeks or months. You can also easily call your friends and love ones in a video.

Through the internet, you seem can do things with just your fingertips and do not even need to leave your own home. But to make it more useable and better, greater coverage is a must. It will take a little bit of work, but it is easy to do.

1. Upgrade Router

It is not just about selecting a good router but also always keeping it updated. You may have a good one but if you do not update, it will be no use. The reason for this is because malware and viruses might take and affect your speed. Another reason is that as time goes on, gadgets and technology develop. For this reason, routers also go with them, especially with the competition.

2. Stronger Antenna

Some would think it is absurd to even have an antenna nowadays, but it is very useful. With the antenna, you would be able to obtain signals. Routers usually have one, but it is usually short and weak. Because of that, if you would want to make it stronger that will also improve your wifi, you should get a stronger antenna. There are several types, but you would like to find the one that is enough to improve your internet and boosts the signal. This will save you a lot as you will not need to buy a new router every time.

3. Extender

Another thing that will help with improving your wifi is buying an extender. There are also others such as repeaters and boosters, but they all almost do the same, and that is to have the signal broaden. Also, its job is to catch some signals from far away, so this will be helpful if you live in a place that is far range. You can use some apps to help you finding coverage or for the extender itself.

4. Right Security

One of the main problems in the slowing down of your internet is hackers and leechers. Because of that, you will have your network really secured. First is to not leave your signal open. Then you will also need a strong and great password that is hard to guess and unpredictable. If you have to change it up, do so. Also, you can install some good internet security and antivirus to help watch out for that malware. This way, it will also protect your device and will also be able to warn you about certain sites that may hack you.