For many of us, room can seem all too limiting in our apartments. After years of collecting furniture, decorations, clothes and knick knacks, we are left with more stuff than space to put it all.  Having a roommate or living in a studio to save money, can pose even a greater challenge in the quest of creating a functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing living environment. See some of the tips below to help you keep organized and spacious!

Walls Can Talk

When you lack floor space, move to the walls! The decorations on your walls will draw the eye to that area, so move your posters and paintings slightly upward. Choose bookcases, dressers and shoe racks that are long and tall so to keep your floor free. If you have the option of utilizing your ceiling, find conventional hooks and racks to hang dishes and lights.

Tight Fit

While you do not want to be short of seating for your family and friends, try to stick with one central piece of furniture in every room. Too many pieces will make the room feel cramped, so stick with the less is more rule. Measure your furniture, your space and the doorway before you attempt to squeeze in any large item.

Separation Anxiety

Whether it’s outdated clothing, a disheveled stuffed animal from your childhood, or a collection of coffee tables, some things need to be left behind. It may seem like a strange concept, but even the smallest items can give us separation anxiety. Try to overcome your desire to outfit your apartment with every accessory you fall in love with, or make a promise to get rid of something old in place of your new treasure. A great tip for those pieces with lots of sentimental value, take a picture and you will always be able to look back on the memory!

Make It Count

Learn to disguise and multiuse your furniture. Use an ottoman as a storage trunk, coffee table, and foot rest. Use rolling bins to store your seasonal clothing, shoes, and bags under your bed. Put shelves into your bookcase to store remotes, photos and your mail. Make every square inch count!

Less Is More

Sometimes simplicity can create the most contemporary design. Clean lines, basic colors and patterns shape a really comfortable and cozy environment for small spaces. Try choosing one color scheme to carry throughout your apartment for unity. Use screens or curtains to divide studio apartments into different rooms and use different shades and textures to create some versatility! Adding a well placed mirror can do wonders to any room, giving the illusion it is bigger than it actually is.

Electronic Madness

Your smaller apartment will do well with electronics and appliances that fit the space. Instead of your monster television, stereo systems, and mess of cables, choose something a little more conservative. When you have limited kitchen counter space, go with the smaller microwave and blender to keep the clutter from taking over your kitchen. You don’t have to give up the luxury of electronics, just don’t go overboard!

Organize Your Mind

Last but not least, stay organized yourself. Find a place for everything and keep it there. Making a point to tidy up your space once a day, once a week or even once a month will make a difference in keeping your apartment and your mind structured, spacious, and comfortable to live!

*****

Good luck in your search for apartment space! Please share any tips or tricks you may have come across in your journey towards an apartment free of clutter!

The objective of Valentine’s Day, to celebrate love, often gets muddled with the trivial routine of exchanging flowers, candy, and jewelry. In reflection, maybe we could all take a step back and consider the love that surrounds our lives. Same goes true with your apartment home! Instead of being frustrated with the troubling economy and life’s hardships, let’s take a minute to consider how you can rekindle your love affair with apartment living!

Signing Freedom

Love the place you live because of the freedom you have in living there. You get to sign a lease, period to period, deciding if and for how long you want to stay.  At the end of your lease, you will have no worries about going through the selling process as you would a home, you get to move on without regard.

Professional Landscaping

Love the place you live because you don’t have to skim the pool, mow the lawn and pull weeds out of the flower beds. You get to enjoy the fresh, clean beauty without putting any time or labor in yourself. So appreciate those crystal clear waters and blooming flowers, especially because you get to sit back while others toil away.

Amenities Galore

Love the place you live because you have a pool, balcony, a fitness center, laundry facility, and parking garage! Consider all the perks that your property offers that you may not necessarily have if you owned a home. Take advantage of your apartment complex’s benefits, because you may not afford such advantages otherwise.

Dirty Jobs

Love the place you live because you don’t carry the responsibility of fixing your own maintenance issues. It does not directly cost you money when your pipes freeze or your heater breaks; your landlord is held accountable for taking care of all property troubles, even the filthy ones!

Community Socials

Love the place you live because you are a part of a community! Take advantage of having neighbors and friends who live in your building and even down the hall. No need to get a house sitter while you are on vacation!

*****

Good luck finding out what it is about your apartment that you love! Please share your thoughts and stories about how apartment living has made your life just a little bit better!

Obama vs. McCain * Liberal vs. Conservative

Eagles vs. Cowboys * Yankees vs. Red Sox

Not all of us share the same social, political or personal views, but that does not mean people with opposing opinions cannot live together peacefully. There is no need to tone down your passions, however trivial the subject matter may seem, just learn to respectfully co-exist. And you can ward off conflict and rivalry between you and your roommate(s) by following some of the tips below:

Agree to Disagree

First things first, you need to understand and respect that your roommate’s view is not wrong, just different. Your roommate probably feels the same aggravation you do, so agree to disagree! Do not let differences in opinion get in the way of your relationship by belittling their convictions.

Convert Control

When you believe something with strong conviction, it is often your tendency to urge others to feel the same. Do not try and convert your roommate into believing the same as you do, which will often trigger hurtful arguments and defensive reactions.

Going Mad

Do not let your roommate’s convictions drive you crazy either. Although you are making an effort to be respectful about your own beliefs, your outspoken roommate may not be so privy. Try to openly discuss your feelings of aggravation or defensiveness when such interactions take place.

Victory Dance

Make mindful decisions of when and where you celebrate the success of your political party, sports team, etc. Resist the urge to be boastful of your team’s victories when it will undoubtedly cause strife; there is a fine line between being playful and hurtful.

Home Advertising

Keep your campaign magnets, flyers, banners and posters displayed in your own bedroom. Be aware of shared space being neutral territory. Neither you nor your roommate should have to be bothered or anxious by looking at opposing advertising while in the comfort of home.

*****

Whether you are married, dating, friends, family or just acquaintances, respecting the opinions of your roommates will allow your relationships to grow and your home to be at peace. Please share any tips you have on living with someone who you have trouble agreeing with!

No one should go to bed worried about their apartment being broken into. While it’s often easy to think “that will never happen to me,” it is important to still be mindful of everyday safety. Full alarm systems can be pricey, but check out the inexpensive ways to promote your own safety below!

• Keep your telephone ringer on the quiet side. When your phone rings and rings loud enough for the apartment complex to hear, everyone is sure to know your home is empty.

• Install a motion sensor light in your front or back yard. The beaming light is helpful in discouraging a night time break in.

• See if there is a neighborhood watch group in your town. It is free to join and obliging to be a part of a community of members who are dedicated to the safety of their fellow neighbors.

• Add timer switches to a few lamps in your home. They will come on for a specific amount of time when you are away for the night or even the week, in order to give the perception that someone is home.

• Make friends with your groundskeeper and/or janitor. It never hurts to have a friendly eye watching your home- while you are home and away.

• Replace the old locks on all of your doors and windows. If you in the leasing process, discuss this with your landlord before move in.

• Make surprise visits to your own home. Try to come home on your lunch break once every week or so; you will break any pattern intruders may be scoping out.

• If you leave your home for an extended period of time, whether for a holiday or vacation, put your mail and newspaper delivery on hold or ask a neighbor to pick it up for you.

• Sometimes it is the simplest things we forget, such as closing and locking your windows and locking all doors behind you. Before you rush out of your apartment, make sure your home’s safety is still a priority.

• As discussed again and again, renter’s insurance is so important. If something were to ever happen, you want to know that you will be able to rightfully replace all of your belongings.

*****

Following these basic tips can really make a difference in you and your family’s safety at home. We all have been in living situations that we have learned from; please share your own stories and tips regarding apartment safety!

The holidays are over! Although the stress of gift giving, money spending and long travel decreases, this seems to be the time the winter blues start creeping in.

The let down of the holidays can be gloomy; for those of us with 9:00 to 5:00 jobs, daylight often ceases to exist. Depending on where you live, the frigid cold can be very discouraging. Less sunlight, less exercise and more couch time often leads to seasonal depression… the attack of the winter blues.

Feeling crammed in your apartment? Sleeping more, bored, restless, endlessly daydreaming and impatient? Try to fight the symptoms of the winter blues proactively. Be aware of the symptoms and don’t let yourself fall into the trap. Below are a few tips to help you stay lively and upbeat through the next few months!

Going Green

Even the darkest room can be brought to life with a little green! Add a few plants that grow well in little sunlight. Bamboo is a great plant which grows quickly and involves very simple care. A Lucky Bamboo plant would make a great surprise gift for a friend fighting the winter blues, and brightening another’s day is always a feel good deed.

Relaxation Routine

After a long day, television and takeout seem to go hand in hand. Try making a habit of turning on some light music, burning some incense, going to the gym, reading a book or any other activity which makes you feel good. By engaging your senses, body and mind, you will feel energized after a long day rather than lethargic.

Veggies & Vitamins

Healthy eating isn’t always the easiest decision to make. It takes a little extra preparation and self-control, but fueling your body with proper nutrients and minerals will undoubtedly make you feel better about yourself and give you natural energy.

Outdoor Owl

So it might be dark outside, but it will still be beneficial for you to get some fresh air and exercise. Even a short walk around your apartment complex will help boost your endorphins and take you out of those winter blues. Hook up with a walking buddy or borrow your neighbor’s dog to hold yourself accountable and create a routine.

Vegas Vacation

There is nothing like a weekend away to boost your mood. Even if you don’t have the cash to spend in Vegas or Hawaii, a few days at a good friend or relative’s home can help break the monotony of the winter slump. Even if you aren’t wearing shorts, a place that gets some sunshine is always a nice retreat. No time off? Plan a day or even just an evening where you do something out of the ordinary: bowling, ice skating, yoga, cooking class… Any adventure out of the ordinary is sure to lift your spirits!

Margarita Mixer

Hold a “Winter Blues” party! Decorate your apartment in an island theme, hand out flower leis and ask your guests to wear outrageous Hawaiian shirts. Good music, good drinks and good company doesn’t have to be expensive, and can really lighten everyone’s spirits and give you all something to look forward to.

*****

Good luck fighting the winter blues this season. I wish you cheer and energy in finding new hobbies, activities and goals to brighten your day and everyone around you!

With less than a month away from making your New Years resolutions, why not promise to find an apartment that you love this year! Whether you are moving on to apartment living for the very first time, you are unhappy with your current apartment situation, or you are downsizing from a house – there are some basic tips we can all keep in mind when renting. Below are the “7 Sins of First Time Renters” compliments of MSN Real Estate:

1. Underestimating the cost
A few keys things to remember is that your rent should typically equal 33% of your total income. To figure out how much you can afford on housing, add up all of your income and subtract your expenses. Do not forget to add “start-up” expenses to your rental budget which include deposits, down payments, turn-on fees and furnishings for your space. Now that you are moving to a new place, do not forget to add in the monthly extras that you will be responsible to pay for (i.e. electric, water, cable, internet, trash removal, etc.).

2. Not getting your priorities straight
The apartment features that you need and those that you want are very different. Figure out which things are necessities and which are not. Be reasonable with your expectations as you will need to make some compromises. At the same time, make sure you are not settling for an apartment that will lead you to feel  renter’s remorse in the matter of months.

3. Not seeing the apartment before moving in
Visiting the location and actual unit before moving in is very important. Will your furniture fit? Are the leasing staff friendly? How much closet space do you have? Can you hear the outside traffic in your apartment? Where is the laundry room? Does your cell phone get reception in the apartment? Bring a tape measure so you have the dimensions of each room. Take note of the number of electrical outlets and cable jacks that are available. Turn on the faucets and flush the toilet to make sure the water is running properly. Turn on all the lights and appliances. It is best to know what you are getting before you move in!

4. Failing to read the lease
A legally binding contract should always be taken seriously. The technical lingo may make it difficult to focus, but take your time and mark anything you have questions about. Pay close attention to policies regarding late fees, pets, utilities, painting your unit, roommates, noise and other small issues. Make sure you take note of when your lease is up and any automatic renewal policies.

5. Not asking about utilities — or forgetting to turn them on
You want to be able to take a hot shower, turn on your lights, use your stove and make phone calls. From trash removal to cable, there are many utilities you may be responsible to turn on and pay for each month; be sure you get a list of all of them and who you need to contact to have them turned on.

6. Going without renter’s insurance
Your landlord probably has insurance, but it only covers the building and its infrastructure. Renter’s Insurance will protect you and your belongings from mishaps involving you and your apartment such as:

-         Fire, Smoke & Lightning

-         Theft & Vandalism

-         Broken Glass

-         Water, Ice & Snow Damage

On average, basic policies run from $100 to $300 annually. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a mishap will never happen to you. The cost to replace all of your belongings far outweighs the small upfront cost!  Check with your auto insurer first for discounted policies or ask your landlord for any discount insurers they may have relationships with.

7. Forgetting basic items to make a home
Don’t forget about the little details and the big pieces which really make a space feel like home. From a can opener to a computer chair, make sure you have your essentials covered. It may be helpful to write out a list of all the things you have and what you still need to stay organized and cover each room.

*****

Good luck finding the apartment of your dreams in 2009. Beware of the 7 deadly sins, and the process will be smoother than you expected!

When you step into your home after a long day, your utmost desire is to feel a wave of relaxation. While you may not be able to control the stress that invades your life, the colors you choose to decorate your apartment highly influence the mood and feeling of your space. Whether you choose to build a color palette which is inspiring, comfortable, bold or calming, use the color tips below to guide your strategic choices!

Raging Red

The color red is associated with danger, passion, warmth and optimism. Red stimulates the appetite and arouses your senses, so a good place for the color is in your dining area. The color is fiery and bold, therefore in the wrong setting it can often be detrimental, leading to headaches and overwhelming a calm setting.

Pretty in Pink

Baby girls are wrapped in pink blankets as soon as they are born for a reason! Pink is associated with freshness, flirtatiousness and distinctly feminine. Pink shades range from orange to raspberry. Lighter shades create an ambiance of peace and rest, as deeper shades introduce passion and enthusiasm. Pink is a versatile color, specifically successful in bedrooms. If the color seems too innocent for the space, accenting with dark grays, brown or black can create a sophisticated look.

Slices of Orange

Some of the best sights in nature come in shades of orange, including autumn leaves and warm sunsets. Orange gives off a feeling of stability and reassurance; a rich and spicy orange work especially well in large living and dining rooms. Deep orange hues are accented well with natural light, so try the color in rooms where you have large windows and lots of sunlight streaming in.

Going Green

To no surprise, green promotes feelings of nature, well-being, harmony, security, stability and balance. Green represents the color of growth and can aid in concentration. The best rooms to use the color are study areas and bathrooms; by injecting light and dark green shades, a room comes alive with color.

Ocean Waves

Who would have thought… blue prevents nightmares! The soothing color of loyalty, authority and protection promotes intellectual thought and is believed to reduce your hunger strikes along with nightmares. The color is used well in bedrooms and bathrooms. Highlighting the space with warm blue undertones can create a serene feel; therefore limit natural light to prevent creating a cold vibe.

Bright Sunshiny Day

The sun is bright and yellow, creating a sense of energy, creativity and intellect. Shades of yellow range from creamy butter to deep amber, but it is recommended to stay away from the deeper yellows, as they can often enhance feelings of emotional anguish. Kitchens and dining rooms work best with yellow, fashioning a friendly environment.

Magic Hat

Magicians are often seen wearing a purple pointy hat for a purpose, as purple represents magical thought, creativity, joy and luxury. Try it in a bedroom to create a space of elegance! When using a deep shade like eggplant, use the vibrant color to accessorize, while light wildflower shades of purple can be used well as a feature color.

Flavors of Chocolate

Brown gives off the vibe of stability and security, a neutral color ranging in shades of dark chocolate to beige white. Used well in living rooms, brown can compliment almost any color! Matching it with a color like green or blue can create a sensation of mental stimulation.

Not Black, Not White

Grey is the color of sophistication, as it conveys a sense of order and peace. When paired with colorful accents, it can generate a creative and inspiring environment. Playing with shades ranging from charcoal to fog can be a great way to nicely balance more innocent and elementary shades of pink, yellow and blue.

*****

Whether you choose a specific color as a bold statement or a subtle accent, keep in mind the feelings and emotions each color are associated with. By strategically mapping out color in particular areas, you can control the initial mood of your apartment when you, your family, friends and guests arrive!

This Thanksgiving’s recipe for happiness: Apartment Living!

It may sound presumptuous, but experts say time is what makes us happy. Time to spend with our friends, time to enjoy our family and time to experience the sweet pleasures in life. As apartment renters, tasks like mowing the lawn, raking the leaves and cleaning the pool do not take up life’s precious minutes. So if time equals happiness, then apartment renters must have more time to smile!

Whether your Thanksgiving plans include hosting dinner at your apartment or traveling to a family or friend’s place, it’s natural for holiday stress to create tension. As this holiday season approaches, make a promise to yourself to relax and enjoy this time you have, regardless of the everyday pressures of work, school, bills and life. Here are a few tips to help you stay focused on enjoying the important things this Thanksgiving:

Get OUT!

When tensions run high, don’t make a scene! A short walk, offering to pick up a missing ingredient, insisting on fixing the broken step or playing with the kids can give you a moment to breathe and remind yourself that it’s just the stress of the holidays getting to you. This is your time to relax, don’t let stress dominate your interactions with your friends and family.

Help Me!

Don’t be stubborn and refuse help. If you are largely responsible for carrying out the holiday festivities, the anxiety of preparing a perfect day is inevitably going to run you down. Let others help you; people enjoy feeling like they have participated and a few extra pairs of working hands go a long way. And if you are the guest, offer your help!

Laugh It Off

Laugh at the mess-ups! Did you burn the turkey? Did the dog eat the pie? These imperfections make Thanksgiving day uniquely yours. Allowing yourself to laugh at the little things that didn’t go as planned is a good thing. A positive attitude is contagious, and everyone will surely appreciate a holiday of laughter and smiles!

*****

Good luck creating your recipe for happiness this holiday season!

Picture walking into your favorite restaurant… the lights are perfectly dim, soft jazz is playing in the background and the hostess escorts you to a cozy booth in the back corner. Now, imagine the restaurant suddenly turning on fluorescent beaming lights; the ambiance of romance and relaxation instantly disappears. Just like the restaurant lighting creates a certain mood and atmosphere, good lighting in your apartment can make your home feel spacious, clean and welcoming! Many people focus on pricey paint, furniture and art to decorate their homes, often neglecting proper lighting which can be relatively inexpensive. Here are some tips to help you create an even cozier apartment:

Natural Light

First consider how natural light, electric light and color work together. Try to coordinate these light sources so that you are maximizing the amount of light in each room. Find a balance between creating a spacious feel by adding light, but comfortable mood with soft light. If you have small windows, light blinds might be better instead of curtains to allow natural light to seep in. If you have large windows, curtains may add a soft touch of color as the light streams through. Another trick to maximize your natural light source is by hanging mirrors opposite windows or using light reflective surfaces, pale carpets and furnishings.

Background Light

Ambient or background lighting is often provided by a central source. Although, when you choose to light a room with a single light, it creates a cold, flat feel. By using additional light sources along with a balanced central light, you can create a visually stimulating and flexible lighting setup. One thing to remember is keep your lighting fixtures controlled separately so that you can use specific source combinations to create certain atmospheres and avoid over-illuminating.

Adding Layers

The most successful lighting is done by utilizing layers. A large room with high ceilings is coziest when you use several types of small lamps to create low pools of light. Adding various layers of lighting throughout your room allows you to suit specific needs, be it with a table lamp or ceiling fixture. Another way to add dimension is by highlighting specific areas around the room like a mirror, plant, fireplace or art piece.

*****

Just remember, that perfect ambiance is just a few light fixtures away!

You get to choose where you live and who you live with, but unfortunately you don’t always get to choose your neighbors. With the holiday spirit looming in the air, the ideals of love, peace and kindness are often brought to our attention. Don’t overlook applying your attitude of goodwill towards your noisy apartment neighbors too; you can start fresh this holiday season!

Be Friendly

Whether you are new to an apartment complex or have managed to dodge all contact with the folks next-door entirely, it is never too late to start up a friendly relationship. There are different levels of friendliness; whether you feel more comfortable introducing yourself in passing or randomly dropping by a neighbor’s apartment to say hello, initiating communication will pay off if you ever need to approach a difficult topic later on.

Be Respectful

Noise levels seem to be the number one complaint between apartment dwellers. When you live in such tight quarters, it’s inevitable some noise will travel. Total silence is unreasonable, but a thumping stereo, blaring television and barking dog will probably highly disturb your neighbors. Be courteous of creating unnecessary noise, especially at disturbing hours, and your neighbors will be more inclined to respect your quiet space too!

Be Agreeable

Here is where being friendly has paid off: keep your neighbors informed. Purchasing a treadmill? Picking up a drum set? Drop by your neighbor’s place (this may mean the unit to your right, your left and below you) and let them know about your new hobby. Ask them to let you know if the noise bothers them so that you might be able to come up with a solution together. Having a birthday party? Let your neighbors know about it, what time you expect it to be over and encourage an open door policy for them to let you know if the noise gets unbearable or out of hand. Approaching your neighbors in a respectful way will encourage them to solve problems with you first rather than calling the landlord. The apartment is home to all of you, developing mutual respect for one another will encourage peace and quiet!

*****

So just remember, a holiday wreath looks much more festive than an angry notice tacked to your front door. Good luck making friends and keeping the peace!