Tag: apartment

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.

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.
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.

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.

Appeal

How To Make A Cheap Apartment Look Nice

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

To have someplace to live is a great accomplishment on its own. Sure, it is a need, but it would be something you gained no matter what. It also does not matter if it is big or small or even just rented, you can still have it as your own.

When you are living in an inexpensive apartment, one of the things on your mind is that it is temporary and would leave as soon as you can move to a better one or even bought one. But that does not mean it will stop you in making it look nice. It is still a place you will live in, and you can make it so.

1. Add Color

If it is allowed, the first thing you will need to do is to repaint your apartment in something you like. Then, you could also add color through the decors. You can place some rugs and artworks. Another way to add color is by adding plants which are also a great way to add life in your home and also bring in nature that will be lacking if you are in a city.

2. Add Comfort

To have your place feel like home is for it to be cozy. And to be cozy, it should be comfortable. Pieces of furniture such as couches and beds will do that. Having a rug is not only good for adding color but can also put in some comfort. But of course, coziness is all about what makes you feel good and relaxed and nothing beats heating up by a fireplace in cool nights. Lighting can also make a difference because of the ambiance it gives. Natural light will be the best, but you can also add different kinds of fixtures around your apartment.

3. Add Personality

To make the apartment looks like it is really yours is by adding your personality and interests. If you love to read, you can add on shelves with your favorite books in it. That is also the same if you are into movies with your DVD collections or TV. If you are into art or crafting, you can have your creations displayed all around. It is not only with your interests. You can also add in some framed photos around or can also be trendy by having polaroids on a string then displayed as a banner. It can also be themed like musical or travel. Just let your imagination flow with this, and it will be your own.

4. Add Function

Adding function in your apartment means it is used and lived in. This can be done by adding some appliances in your kitchen and really use it. Even if you are not much of a cook, you can still make toasts or microwave or even just fry something. You can even set up a coffee machine which will be great if you love coffee instead of buying one in shops. Then, you can also have things that are double in purposes such as ottomans for extra storage or daybeds and futons for your naps and sleeping area for your visitors.

Appeal

How To Get Rid Of Roaches In An Apartment Permanently

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

One of the biggest problems in your home is pests. It does not matter where you live, but it is especially a big problem in a city and in a building where you are not the only one who is living.

The most common pest would be roaches. It is a menace and seems really hard to get rid of. Add to that, they are really sickening not only on what they look like but with their nature overall. If these pests will not get rid of, it will truly contaminate everything in your home that will affect health and living.

So, what will be the best way to get rid of them?

1. Maintain Cleanliness

What roaches love are leftovers of everything, so one of the solutions you could do is to clean your apartment regularly as you can. It would be wise to clean up right after you have eaten something that way the roaches will not go for it. This also includes taking out your trash regularly. Also, roaches would also live off with any kind of debris, so you will also need to vacuum and dust your place regularly. You should also check and clean up your refrigerator and cabinets. 

Aside from food sources, the reason why you need to clean up is to eliminate their hiding spots. These spots, where they also nest, are usually dark places including some clutters such as cardboard boxes or papers then in your cabinets. Because of that, you will either have to throw away or recycle that unnecessary clutter and trash lying around your house. This also means that you will have to schedule a general cleaning in your home at least once a month if you are busy.

2. Use Baits and Sprays

After cleaning up, you would not get rid of them that easily. Because of that, you will have to set up products to get rid of them completely. You can use baits that come in many forms such as gels, chalks, or powders. There are also traps, and you can make one your own using the mentioned forms of baits.

You can also use sprays which are a popular form of insecticide and are usually seen used by professionals. The problem with it is that it is risky for contamination that will have an effect on your health. In addition to that, it is usually foul-smelling that is hard to get rid of.

3. Ask for Professional Help

If it is a really big problem, you can ask for help. You can suggest it with your landlord, so other units can also be checked if they have the same problem and be eliminated. It would still be a big risk for roaches to get back if other places are contaminated because they still have that entry point. With professional help, they can also help you identify the main source of your problem. Because of that, you can also learn about prevention, and they may also give you products for it.

Upgrading

How To Set Up Internet In An Apartment

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

Nowadays, it seems like everyone has a gadget on hand. Whether it be a smartphone or a tablet, it is what keeps them entertained. All you need is an internet connection, and you can do anything with it. You can watch movies or listen to music or play games. You can even stream and download on the go. You can even shop with just your fingertips.

It seems to be having internet in your own home is a must-have. It might sound like it takes a lot to have but, it is not really. Especially if you are in a city, it is not that hard if you have the right equipment and materials to set up.

1. Buy a Router

In a city, the internet is usually not a problem. The plan is usually set up and all you need to do is to have something that will connect with it. Some would offer for rent, but it will be better to buy your own. Why? Because it is faster and more reliable. It will be more expensive, but if you are planning to have it for years, it will be worth it than paying for it monthly which will not be a problem if you will get your own.

2. Change Name

After connecting, there will surely be a default name and password that comes along with it. The first thing you will need to do is change the name. Why would that be important and needed? That is because having a default name will make it easier for others such as your neighbors to be able to connect to your internet. Because of that, it will be the cause of your internet being slower and also even make you pay more. It will also be a problem with your security because this will be easier for hackers to access.

3. Make a Creative Password

With the changed name, you will also need to change your password because having a default one will be a great risk for your security. It is easy to guess especially for those who are experts about it. Because of that, you will need to have a password that is difficult to guess. It is recommended for all to make a strong one which contains numbers, letters, and other characters and not something predictable such as birthdays. It might be hard to come up with one, but it will be worth it to your end. 

4. Know About the Security and Speed

Of course, if you want to have your internet to be really secured, you will have to know and set up protocols about it. You will have to upgrade your firmware, and this will be great for your security because it will be updated. If you are scratching your head because you have no idea how this will all work, you can always call a tech about this that will help you with setting up and will also teach about the needs. They will also help you how to speed up your internet, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Design

How To Keep A Top Floor Apartment Cool In The Summer

Posted on by Mervin McGrafan

As much it is really cool to be living in an apartment top floor because of the view, you will not be saying that much once the hot season starts. It is not easy and at times, you might just want to go somewhere else and not to stay at your home. Add to that when you have guests over, and it will be a lot harder.

There are a lot of solutions you can do though, so you can still have that time to relax at your own home and here are some:

1. Keep the Heat Out and the Cool In

If you manage to have that cool air, you will need to have it kept in your home. The first thing you will need to do is close the doors of rooms not in use, but keep those that you use frequently such as bedroom, bathroom, etc. 

With the cool air in your home, you will also need to block out any sources of heat, and one of these is the sunlight especially during midday when it is the hottest. Because of that, you should keep your curtains or blinds closed during this time. You should also avoid doing something that will add extra heat to your home. So if possible, do not do so much cooking in your home because ovens and stoves just add temperature. You can do it once in a week or times when it is less hot or have it done outside. 

2. Take Advantage of Nighttime

During the night, it will be much cooler unlike in the day. You would want to take advantage of that and have that cool air store in your home. You could do that by opening the windows during the night. You can also use some devices that will help the air circulate in your home even during the day.

3. Fans

There are a lot of fans you can use during the heat. First is the one you will use for yourself. If you do not want to consume much energy or pay big for electricity, you will opt for an electric fan or ceiling fan. For an electric fan, put on some ice to make it cooler. It is really nice to have it directly on you but if you want the cool air to circulate, you can have it rotate around your room. This is also what a ceiling fan does.

Another kind of fan is exhaust fans. What it does is it takes out the smell and odors from your kitchen and bathroom. But it is not the only thing it can do, it can also take out the heat from your home. Open them during the hottest time of the day, so the cool air from fans or air conditioners can circulate faster.

Things you can do for yourself:

Aside from cooling your home, you should also help yourself.

  1. Take a bath or shower.
  2. Stay hydrated and eat cool food.
  3. Wear light clothing.