Clean Less Often with These Simple Solutions!

A fresh, clean apartment feels more comfortable and welcoming, keeping your home’s finishes and your belongings looking their best. If cleaning isn’t your favorite activity, never fear—there are a few simple solutions you can implement to keep your apartment cleaner and reduce the amount of time you spend sweeping, dusting, and washing.

Use Ventilation

Your bathroom fan and kitchen range hood can play an important role in cutting down on the amount of time you spend cleaning. Running your bathroom fan while bathing helps to vent moisture from the area, which will prevent mildew growth and help your bathroom dry out more quickly, keeping tiled, mirrored, and glass surfaces much cleaner. Your range hood is designed to remove oils and smoke particles produced during cooking, which can cling to your kitchen’s appliances and surfaces, forming grime that is difficult to remove. Preventing these particles from settling in the first place will keep your kitchen looking cleaner and cut the amount of time it takes to get your surfaces looking spotless in half.

Declutter Your Apartment

Clutter is not only unsightly, it can be a magnet for dust as well. While it’s a great idea to display personal mementos and meaningful knickknacks as part of your apartment’s décor, try to cut down on the amount of unnecessary clutter. Flat, uncluttered surfaces not only gather less dust, they are easier to clean, making your daily or weekly routine go much faster. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to dust your knickknacks regularly; thus, reducing the number of items you have to dust will also make cleaning easier. If you have a large number of knickknacks you want to show off, consider rotating your collection, rather than leaving every item out on display all the time. By storing items that are not currently on display, you’ll keep them cleaner and in better shape as well.

Use Cleaning Products Properly

Cleaning products are designed to make your chores easier and more convenient—but over-using some products can actually be counterproductive. Avoid overusing dusting sprays, as too much product can leave a waxy buildup on surfaces that attracts dust and makes it harder to remove. Make sure any cleaning products you do use are suitable for use with the surfaces you’re treating to avoid damaging finishes and fixtures. The right tools for the job will also reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning—items you should make sure to keep in your cleaning arsenal include microfiber cloths, a soft rubber squeegee, and a cleaning toothbrush. Wash your cleaning cloths regularly but avoid using dryer sheets when drying them, as the chemicals contained in dryer sheets can reduce the ability of microfiber to pick up dust. When using your vacuum on hard flooring, turn off the beater brush for more efficient suction, as well as to protect your floor’s surface.

BLVD63 invites you to experience the So-Cal lifestyle you love in one of our SDSU-area apartments! You can choose from unfurnished or fully-furnished options in our apartment community full of amenities you’ll love, including our two pools and spa, private cabanas, high-speed Wi-Fi, and all-new state-of-the-art fitness center. We are leasing now, so check out our website to read through our full list of features and amenities or explore our local neighborhood hotspots today!

Things You Should Know About Your Apartment

As a renter, it can be easy to overlook certain things about your apartment because you are not a homeowner. However, knowing how to handle even minor home emergencies can reduce stress and protect your belongings in case of a leak or kitchen fire. Keep reading to find out a few essential things you should know about your Mountain View apartment for improved safety and comfort at home.

Where to Shut Off Your Water

Leaks and clogs can occur even in new construction due to a variety of reasons. Knowing where and how to shut off the water to a problematic faucet or appliance will prevent water damage from affecting your apartment or your belongings. Most appliances, such as sinks and toilets, have individual water shutoff valves located in the wall behind and beneath them. Washing machines often have shutoff valves higher up in the wall behind the appliance, where you can reach the valve without moving the washer itself. Taking the time now to check behind your appliances and find the shutoff valves will tell you exactly where to go in the event of a plumbing issue.

How to Put Out a Fire

Ideally, you will never have a fire in your apartment. However, small cooking fires are more common than you might think; acting quickly can prevent any damage from occurring at all. Ask your apartment community manager whether there are individual fire extinguishers in each apartment (and if so, where they are located) or whether there are communal extinguishers in public locations. Even if your apartment is equipped with its own fire extinguisher, purchasing more on your own is never a bad idea. Keeping an extinguisher on hand in your kitchen will ensure fires are brought under control quickly and safely. If you don’t have an extinguisher, you can also put out a grease fire using baking soda.

Who to Call for Repairs

One of the biggest perks of renting an apartment is the fact that you don’t need to make or arrange for repairs on your own. However, it’s still important to know who to call in case of an issue, such as a major power outage, plumbing leak, or any other situation you can’t handle. Rather than relying on the ability to call your apartment community’s office, ask your property manager for their dedicated maintenance number and program it into your phone for safekeeping. It’s also important to ask if this number will be answered at any time or only during business hours, as some communities feature a different after-hours maintenance number. Knowing who to call in case of a problem in the middle of the night can offer significant peace of mind and minimize stress during any situation.

Your apartment at Carmel the Village features top-of-the-line appliances, finishes, and amenities. We invite you take a look through our website and discover all of the benefits you can enjoy when you rent a studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartment with us in Mountain View. Don’t forget to click through our gallery or explore our local neighborhood online as well!

Easy Steps for a More Organized Closet

Your one-, two-, or three-bedroom Broomfield apartment at Alta Harvest Station features a variety of luxury amenities, including large walk-in closets. Maintaining an organized closet will make the most use of this amazing space, reducing tripping hazards, keeping your clothing in better shape, and making getting dressed and out the door on time in the mornings much easier.

Pre-Sort Your Laundry

Laundry sorters are a great tool that will save you time on laundry day. You can make trips down the hall to your personal full-size washer and dryer even easier by tossing your laundry into a sorter, rather than piling it into one huge basket or bin. Laundry sorters are typically taller and narrower than traditional laundry baskets, meaning they’ll take up less space in your closet as well. Some even come with a lid or covering, allowing you to keep them in another area of your bedroom without affecting the look of the room.

Rotate Your Clothes

You don’t need to keep your summertime shorts and tank tops in your closet during the winter any more than you’ll need that heavy wool sweater in July. Rotating your clothes into and out of your closet by season is by far one of the best ways to reduce clutter and make it easier to find the clothes you want each morning. Use your computer, smartphone, or wall calendar to mark dates each year when you will plan to rotate your wardrobe, or just follow the weather and rotate when the time seems right. Store your out-of-season clothes in plastic bins or vacuum bags to keep them dirt- and dust-free; many bins can be stored under your bed to keep them close by but out of sight.

Pare Down Your Wardrobe

Most people own far more clothes than they wear. You can reduce clutter in your closet—and make room for new clothes—by paring down your wardrobe once or twice a year. Start by hanging all your hangers the “wrong” way in your closet, with the curve of the hanger on the back side of the pole, rather than the front. Every time you wear a piece of clothing, turn its hanger around so you’ll know it’s been worn. At the end of the season when it’s time to rotate your clothes, take a look at the items still hanging the wrong way. These should be the first items you consider for donation. Additionally, avoid keeping any clothing that doesn’t fit, whether it is too large or too small. Even if you are working toward a weight loss goal, consider rewarding yourself with new clothing and donating the old to keep your closet cleaner in the meantime.

Are you ready to experience expansive closets, fine finishes, and amazing community amenities that you can’t find anywhere else? Alta Harvest Station of Broomfield has everything you’re looking for in a luxury apartment community and more—click through our website to discover your new home today!

Moving with Your Pet

Moving to a new apartment home is an exciting time. If you have a pet, however, there are some additional factors you’ll need to take into consideration before and during your move. Making sure your pet is safe, secure, and comfortable every step of the way will make the transition to your new Wahiawa home much easier for you both.

Update Pet Health and Identification

Before your move, it’s a great idea to update your pet’s health information and address any medical needs. Take him in for his annual vet checkup and make sure he is up to date on vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and any other health concerns he may have. If you are moving to Hawaii from the mainland, keep in mind that certain pet medical restrictions may apply—you may need to have your pet vaccinated or monitored well in advance of your move. Additionally, check that your pet’s ID is current as well; if his tag still contains your previous address, let your old landlord know how to reach you and make sure the phone number on the tag is correct. Have a new ID made with your new address so you’ll be ready to replace the old one as soon as you move.

Plan Moving Day

It’s important to plan for your pet on moving day. If possible, have your pet stay with a friend or at a boarding facility during the actual move itself, as movers and the commotion associated with moving can be frightening for pets. Alternatively, you can keep your pet confined in a bedroom or bathroom on moving day—place a sign on the door so movers or well-meaning friends don’t accidentally frighten your pet or let him out. Only move your pet once it is calm and quiet; he will feel safer and act more cooperative. If at all possible, try to maintain your normal feeding and walking routine on moving day, as this will also help to keep your pet calm and comfortable.

Provide a Safe Spot

Your pet will need time to acclimate to his new apartment home after your move. Make sure he has a spot where he can feel safe and comfortable, such as a crate, carrier, or bed surrounded by some of his favorite toys. Avoid giving your pet new items immediately after a move—if you want to replace his bed, carrier, or toys, do so well before or well after your move so these items will be familiar during the move itself. Furthermore, try to limit the amount of space your pet has in his new home at first, which will let him get accustomed to each new area before exploring more. Keep bedroom and bathroom doors closed for a few days and allow your pet into one new room each day until he’s seen the entirety of his new apartment home.

You and your pet will both love your new apartment home at Palms of Kilani. Our spacious apartments near Ewa Beach offer convenient access to Oahu and Pearl Harbor, while you can also enjoy some amazing amenities right outside your front door. You can find out more about our Wahiawa apartments on the web, where you can explore our floor plans, gallery, and local neighborhood map.

Fall Festivals in Phoenix

The city of Phoenix is home to a number of fall festivals and events, featuring everything from food and music to history and world culture. Whether you love to eat, dance, or take part in activities and crafts you’ve never tried before, you’re sure to find something to catch your interest and create a memorable experience. Take a look below to discover just a few of the amazing fall festivals you can explore this year in Phoenix, just minutes from your luxury apartment’s front door.

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party

Are you looking for a way to experience traditional fall fun in the desert? On select Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the month of October, you and your family can enjoy fall activities at Schnepf Farms. Take a hayride, make your way through the corn maze, visit the petting zoo, or try your hand at the climbing wall. Other attractions include a dog show, pig races, amusement rides, train and pony rides, and marshmallow roasting as the sun goes down. On Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 pm, stick around to enjoy the fireworks before heading home with a pumpkin for your penthouse apartment’s balcony.

MAC Fest

Mesa's Arts & Crafts Festival, also called MAC Fest, takes place along the streets of downtown Mesa this fall. The festival begins October 4th and will be held on the first and third Saturdays of each month through April, 2015; shopping hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This family-friendly festival includes live music, plenty of food, and unique arts and crafts from both local and national artists. Whether you are looking for the perfect artistic photo for your downtown apartment or are searching for unique and dazzling jewelry, MAC Fest has something for you.

Front Porch Festival and Old Towne Marketplace

You can get a head start on your holiday shopping on Saturday, October 18, when you stop by the Front Porch Festival and Old Towne Marketplace in nearby Glendale. This festival features craft and holiday items for sale, local food and drink, live music, and plenty of make-and-take craft demonstrations. As you stroll through Caitlin Court and the Old Towne Marketplace, keep track of your favorite decorated scarecrows and vote for your favorite at the end of the day. The event runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; start your day by stopping by the Visitor Center for a walking map and list of event activities.

Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular

Start trick-or-treating a few days early at the Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular. Take a quick jaunt out to the Salt River Reservation to see 20 hot air balloons up close during this “evening glow” event—you can even take a ride in a tethered hot air balloon. Halloween-themed events include a costume contest and a haunted house. Make sure to stick around after dark for the fireworks show, and don’t forget to collect your share of the candy. The Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular runs October 24th and 25th from 5:00 to 10:00 pm.

Your luxury apartment at 44 Monroe puts you at home right in the middle of downtown Phoenix, with convenient access to Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, and more. Our penthouse apartments are located just off the Lightrail route, offering you the opportunity to experience events both near and far. Click through our website to discover the benefits of choosing 44 Monroe as your Phoenix apartment home, or apply now to lease a luxurious one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment with us!

The Principles of Bookshelf Design

Bookshelves are a versatile and functional aspect of apartment décor that are often overlooked in terms of design. Shelving and bookcases are made to hold books, but they are also great storage solutions for pots, pans, photos, and other functional or decorative items. Even if you plan to use your bookshelves purely for storage purposes, arranging books and other items in an aesthetically-pleasing manner will turn your bookcase into a hardworking piece of art.

Arranging Books

When it comes to arranging books on your bookshelf, there are as many methods as there are stylistic preferences. For an ordered and organized look, start by placing the tallest volumes against one side of your bookshelf and work your way down the shelf in descending size. You can add a little style by starting at opposite ends of the bookcase on alternating shelves. If you prefer a mismatched look, intersperse books of varying sizes, styles, and colors for a more playful and whimsical bookshelf design. You can also mix up your shelving style by laying some books horizontally or leaning books at an angle to fill up extra space. Other arrangements include grouping books by color, title, subject, or style.

Adding Other Items

Bookshelves can be used to store items other than books for organizational and decorative purposes. Placing these items at the ends of your shelves can help to keep books in check while breaking up the visual monotony of your bookcase. Bookshelves provide a great setting for you to store items you want readily visible or accessible, as objects will be easily seen on open shelving. They are extremely popular in the kitchen, where you can store pots, pans, and other cooking implements that don’t stack easily inside your cabinets. You can also use bookshelves as a place to create small—or large—visual vignettes for solely decorative purposes, setting out knickknacks, photos, and other souvenirs. Small baskets or jars placed on the shelves can contain and organize loose items such as change, keys, and other small household goods.

Extra Flair

If you’re looking for a way to really make your bookshelves pop, consider adding color or lighting to create a visual display that immediately catches the eye. Paint the back of your bookcase a contrasting color to highlight this piece and make it stand out against your wall. Alternatively, you can paint the shelves themselves a bright, eye-catching color for a similar but more muted effect. Rope lighting is an excellent way to improve the look of your bookshelf and the area in which it sits—run lighting along the top edge of your bookshelf for a dazzling effect. Small spot lighting can also be placed on or above your bookshelf for a visual accent that brightens your room.

Vida Hollywood encourages you to get creative and completely personalize your studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartment in Hollywood, CA. Our floor plans are designed to give you plenty of space, while the wide variety of features and amenities will make you feel like a star. Click through our website for additional information on square footage, lease rates, amenities, and local hotspots near our Los Angeles apartments for rent.

Expanding the Feeling of Space in Your Apartment

Smart apartment design focuses on making the space you do have feel even larger. Regardless of your apartment’s size, an open and welcoming space is more relaxing and comfortable to live in. Using a few smart tips to expand the feeling of space in your apartment can make your Mountain View home more inviting than ever before.

Declutter

A cluttered space will inevitably feel smaller and less welcoming, even if that space is large. Decluttering your apartment will cut down on unnecessary papers, items, and clothing to keep the space feeling open and organized. The process of decluttering involves both eliminating items you don’t want or need, and keeping the items you do have organized. One of the easiest ways to declutter is to store items inside cabinets, bookcases, closets, and other storage options, rather than scattering them about on the surfaces of your apartment. Even if you never remove a single item, simply clearing out the living spaces in your home can make a big difference. Furthermore, the key to successful decluttering is not to just do it once, but to do it often. Going through your wardrobe and your belongings once or twice a year will help you keep clutter and unnecessary items to a minimum as your needs and preferences change. While it’s okay to keep some items you may want to use in the future, evaluating your belongings periodically can ensure those items you do keep are the ones you truly want.

Add Light

Your perception of a room can change drastically based upon the amount of light present—this is why well-lit rooms feel much larger and more inviting than rooms that are dark. Making sure your apartment has ample light during both daylight and nighttime hours can transform its feel into that of a larger, open, and more relaxing space. You can maximize sunlight by choosing lightweight window treatments or blinds and shades that can be easily drawn back to allow sunlight inside. Space lamps evenly throughout your rooms to avoid dark areas at night; placing lamps near walls and corners can help to reflect their light back into the room for an even greater effect. Also, don’t skimp on your light bulbs—today, there are a variety of energy-saving bulbs that offer excellent light output at very low cost, making it easy to reduce your electric bill and maintain good lighting.

Use Mirrors

Mirrors are a wonderful tool that also serve as a decorative element. Adding mirrors around your apartment will reflect light and imagery to make the space feel much larger. Small (and even larger) mirrors can be hung just like artwork, while full-length mirrors can be leaned against walls and in corners for an appealing look. Tailor your mirrors to match your apartment’s style by choosing those with a shape or frame that fits in with your existing décor. If you do use mirrors in your apartment, keep in mind that cleaning your mirrors regularly will maximize their effect—a dusty mirror won’t reflect as much light as a clean one!

Carmel the Village offers spacious contemporary-styled apartment floor plans in central Mountain View. You’ll love your apartment’s upscale finishes, luxurious amenities, and accessible location—visit our website to find out more about our luxury apartment community or stop by in person for a tour of your future apartment home.